Makeup for contact lens wearers

So the delight of switching from spectacles to contact lenses has quickly been replaced with irritation as you realise not all eye makeup is friendly when it comes to being a lens wearer. But just because you wear contact lenses doesn’t mean you have to avoid trying out the latest eye makeup trends or rocking a smoky eye.

Lens wearers can have just as much fun with their eye makeup as everyone else, all you need is the right information before you go beauty shopping. Take note of these tips when you’re choosing makeup for contact lenses…

Mascara

Avoid ‘false lash effect’ and ‘super volumising’ mascaras that coat your lashes with tiny nylon fibres to fatten them up. The tiny fibres can flake out of your lashes and end up on your lenses, which will lead to irritation. Instead, opt for a water-based mascara that is fragrance free, like Physicians Formula 100% Natural Origin Mascara.

Eyeliner

Opt for a water-based eyeliner such as L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Liquid Eyeliner, which is fragrance-free and has been ophthalmologist tested for use by contact lens wearers. When applying, take extreme care not to apply it on the inside of your eyes as this will lead to rubbing against your lens.

Eyeshadow

Stay away from frosted shadows and instead go for pressed powders, like Covergirl’s 4 Kit Eyeshadow. When applying eyeshadow, try to keep it light and avoid layering on multiple coats. The more powder you have sitting on top of your eyelid, the more likelihood there is that it will end up in your eyes.

Taking it all off

Ok, so you got your makeup to hold up without irritating your eyes. Phew! Now it’s time to take it off. Avoid causing yourself unnecessary irritation by removing your contacts before you start taking your makeup off. Opt for a hypoallergenic, non-perfumed eye makeup remover such as Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent and use a makeup pad rather than a cotton wool ball that has tiny fibres that could end up in your eyes.