4 Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses With Makeup
Contact lens wearers who love makeup often face unique challenges. This article offers expert-backed tips to help navigate the intersection of beauty and eye health. From choosing the right makeup to maintaining proper eye care, these insights will ensure both comfort and style for contact lens users.
- Choose Mineral-Based Makeup for Lens Comfort
- Hydrate Internally for Better Contact Lens Experience
- Avoid Fiber-Based Mascaras with Contact Lenses
- Use Gentle Products Around Eyes with Contacts
Choose Mineral-Based Makeup for Lens Comfort
In my clinical experience, one of the most common sources of irritation for contact lens wearers is makeup, especially waterproof or oil-based formulas that can clog the meibomian glands and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
I always recommend mineral-based makeup for my patients, as it tends to be gentler on the ocular surface. Brands like Bare Minerals and Mineral Fusion are great options, though there are certainly others that are equally safe.
Key tips I share with patients:
- Insert contact lenses before applying makeup to prevent contamination and smudging.
- Avoid waterproof makeup — it's harder to remove and more likely to cause gland blockages.
- Stick with hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products around the eyes.
- Remove lenses before removing makeup and use a gentle, oil-free remover, such as Ivizia eyelid wipes to prevent residue from reaching the lens.
Proper hygiene, product choice, and lens handling make a significant difference in keeping eyes comfortable and irritation-free.
Hydrate Internally for Better Contact Lens Experience
As someone who's worked hands-on with skin health and inflammation for years, I've seen how contact lens irritation often stems from compromised skin barrier function around the eyes. At my spa, I regularly treat clients whose eye area shows chronic inflammation that affects their entire contact-wearing experience.
The game-changer I've found is addressing dehydration from within using supplements with vegan hyaluronic acid - like the SkinCapsule HYDRATE+ we carry. When your skin is properly hydrated internally, it produces better quality natural oils that don't interfere with contact lens comfort. I've had clients report dramatic improvements in lens tolerance after 2-3 weeks of consistent internal hydration support.
For makeup specifically, I always recommend the "barrier rule" - never apply makeup to irritated or inflamed skin around the eyes. If you're dealing with persistent redness or sensitivity, focus on calming the inflammation first with trauma-informed skincare approaches. Your skin will tell you when it's ready for cosmetics again.
The timing matters too - I tell my clients to insert contacts before any eye makeup application, and always use preservative-free lens solutions. Your eye area needs to breathe and reset overnight, so never sleep in contacts even if they're labeled for extended wear.
Avoid Fiber-Based Mascaras with Contact Lenses
There shouldn't be any problems with wearing contacts and makeup. However, as a contact lens wearer myself, I have experienced a bit of discomfort when using mascaras that contain lengthening fibers. These mascaras are made with tiny nylon or silk fibers that adhere to the lashes and help to create the illusion of longer, thicker lashes. Some formulas may flake, which can get into the wearer's eye and irritate it. Make sure to research the reviews of different brands to see if anyone reports flaking.
Use Gentle Products Around Eyes with Contacts
In my role overseeing clinical skincare at Glow Up MedSpa, a top priority is always managing skin sensitivity, especially around delicate areas like the eyes. The personalized care principles we apply for post-treatment care, such as after laser or dermal fillers, are highly relevant when combining contact lenses with makeup.
Just as we advise clients to avoid harsh products pre-treatment, like retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids for 1-2 weeks, I recommend diligently checking ingredients in eye makeup and removers. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic formulas to minimize potential irritation around contact lenses and sensitive skin.
Protecting the skin from sun is crucial post-procedure, and similarly, daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is vital for the eye area, especially with contacts. Ensure your hands are impeccably clean before handling lenses or applying makeup, as proper hygiene is foundational to preventing eye irritation.
