Can I wear eye makeup if I wear contact lenses?

Wearing contact lenses doesn’t mean that you must stop wearing makeup. You can absolutely apply cosmetics to your eye area if you wear contact lenses, although which type of make-up you wear may contribute to how comfortable wearing lenses will be.

Most people won’t have an issue with wearing cosmetics around their eyes, but if you find you have particularly sensitive skin or eyes, there are options available for you.

Tips for wearing makeup with contact lenses

Wearing makeup whilst wearing contact lenses isn’t usually a problem. To keep your eyes healthy during lens wear, always adhere to the following tips:

Wash your hands

Washing your hands is an essential step in any lens care routine. Always ensure that you wash your hands before applying your contact lenses.

Dry your hands thoroughly

Drying your hands is just as important as washing them. This is because water should never come into contact with your lenses.

Keep your contact lenses and lens case clean

Just like washing your hands is important, your two weekly, monthly or yearly contact lenses should be cleaned and stored after every use.

Clean your makeup brushes regularly

Makeup brushes should ideally be cleaned after every use. You should also avoid using other people's eye makeup as this can cause eye infections.

Don't apply makeup while travelling

It might be tempting to do your makeup on the train, but this could be dangerous. An unsteady ride can cause you to get makeup in your eye or even poke yourself in the eye, breaking your lens and damaging the cornea.

Use water-based products

Oil-based products should be avoided around the eyes as the oil will coat your contact lenses and cloud your vision.

Replace your mascara regularly

Mascara should be replaced every few months. You should also avoid ‘pumping’ the wand as this can transfer airborne bacteria into the product.

Avoid getting makeup on your upper eyelids

Whilst it is common to apply eyeliner to the water line and underneath your eyelashes, this can cause irritated and dry eyes, especially with contact lens wearers.

What type of make-up is best for contact lens wearers?

An increasing number of cosmetics companies aim to make their products more suitable for those with sensitive eyes and skin. There are a few things you should look out for on makeup labels to see if they’re suitable for contact lens wearers. Ideally, they should be hypoallergenic, oil-free, fragrance-free and ophthalmologically tested.

Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic is a term used to describe products that claim to induce fewer or less severe allergic reactions. While it isn’t guaranteed that you won’t suffer an allergic reaction at all, the risk is much lower than with most other products.

Oil-free

Products containing oils can easily block pores and glands. This can particularly be a problem for people who suffer from sore and itchy eyelids. Blepharitis, for example, can be the result of blocked oil glands or various skin conditions. Makeup containing oils can aggravate these conditions. If you are using liquid or cream-based eye shadows for example, make sure they are water-based.

Fragrance-free

Whether natural or synthetic, fragrances have a tendency to cause irritation for all skin types, particularly to the eye area, which is very sensitive. Most products wouldn’t have a very pleasing smell if they were fragrance-free, hence why many cosmetics companies include them as ingredients. There are alternative ingredients and processes that may eliminate this, but most companies prefer to add fragrance to please consumers.

Ophthalmologically tested

Ophthalmologically tested make-up is made to be non-irritating to the eyes. A group of human participants are usually given the products to use over a number of weeks and any reactions are monitored. If no irritations arise, the product is deemed suitable for use around the eyes.

Fibre-free and non-waterproof mascaras

It's best to stay clear of fibre or 'lash extending' mascaras as they can form micro flakes which can get into your eyes. Waterproof mascaras are also a bad idea if you wear contact lenses as they can stain your lenses and can't be cleaned easily with contact lens solution.

Can you wear contacts with fake eyelashes?

It is best to avoid wearing false lashes if you're a contact lens wearer as the glue used to apply the lashes could irritate your eye if it touches your contact lenses. If you decide to wear fake eyelashes, you should make sure that the glue is completely dry before applying them.

Eyelash extensions and contact lenses

Eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular and people are now opting for this choice as a way to enhance their eyelashes without the use of mascara on a daily basis. If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended to remove the lenses before application and removal of these lashes. This is because the individual lashes can become lose and get trapped behind your lens causing discomfort. If this occurs, you should remove the lens, take out the lash extension and then clean the lens with fresh solution before reinserting it.

Should I insert my lenses before or after I’ve applied makeup?

You should insert your contact lenses before makeup application. However, if you’re applying loose powder, you should be careful. Consider using cream textured eye shadows if possible. Also, be careful when applying liner close to your water line.

Should I remove my contact lenses before I've removed my makeup?

It is best to remove your contact lenses before taking off your makeup as this will avoid getting makeup and makeup remover on your contact lenses.

What do I do if my make-up is irritating my contacts?

If you find that wearing make-up irritates your lenses, wash it off as soon as possible and replace your set of lenses with a new pair. Seek products that are made specifically for sensitive eyes and make sure you don’t wear your lenses for longer than recommended by your optician. You can also use eye drops to ease irritation.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.