Contact lenses before or after makeup?

Should you put in contact lenses before or after makeup? Wearing contact lenses doesn’t mean giving up eye makeup.  It just means doing things in the correct order and choosing products that are kind to your eyes. Get the routine right and you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision and makeup that lasts all day.

At Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care we have consulted our contact lens opticians and here’s what they recommend, from the order you apply things in the morning to the way you remove them at night.

Contact lenses before or after makeup: which comes first?

Put your contact lenses in before you apply your makeup. This follows the Association of Optometrists’ advice on contact lenses and makeup.

There are two good reasons for this. Firstly, clean hands matter. If you apply makeup first, traces of foundation, powder or eyeliner can end up on your fingertips and then on your lenses, which can cause irritation and cloudy vision. Secondly, you’ll see what you’re doing. With your lenses already in, it’s much easier to apply eyeliner and mascara neatly.

Follow this simple morning routine:

1. Apply any skincare, such as moisturiser or sun cream.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, unscented soap and dry them with a lint free cloth.
3. Put your contact lenses in.
4. Apply your makeup.

If you are new to lenses and not sure which type suits your routine, check out our guide to finding the right contact lenses for you.

Choosing eye makeup for contact lens wearers

The right products make a real difference to comfort. When you’re shopping for eye makeup, it’s worth looking for products labelled hypoallergenic, fragrance-free or suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. These labels do not guarantee that a product will not cause irritation.

• Mascara for contact lens wearers
  Choose a mascara that’s water-resistant rather than fully waterproof.  Waterproof formulas can be harder to remove and may need oil-based removers that leave a film on your lenses. Avoid lengthening or ‘fibre’ mascaras, as the tiny fibres can flake off into your eyes and get trapped behind a lens. Apply mascara from the middle of your lashes outwards rather than right at the root.
• Eyeshadow
  Cream eyeshadows tend to be a better choice than loose powders, which can drift into the eye. If you prefer powder, tap off the excess from your brush and keep your eyes closed while you apply it. It’s best to avoid glitter and shimmer with large particles for the same reason.
• Eyeliner
  Apply eyeliner to the skin outside your lash line rather than along the inner rim of the eyelid (sometimes called the waterline). Lining the inner rim can block the tiny glands that keep your eyes moist and lets product move straight onto the lens.

Removing makeup and contact lenses in the right order

At the end of the day, the order is reversed. Take your lenses out first, then remove your makeup.

Wash and dry your hands before you touch your lenses, so you don’t transfer any makeup or cleanser onto them. Once your lenses are out and safely stored in fresh solution (or thrown away if you wear daily disposables), you can remove your makeup as normal.

Use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover around the eyes. Oily removers can leave a residue that clings to lenses the next morning. Always remove your eye makeup before bed. Sleeping in it can lead to irritation and infection, whether you wear lenses or not.

Contact lenses and makeup: common mistakes to avoid

A few small habits can cause most of the discomfort contact lens wearers experience with makeup. Watch out for these:

• Holding on to old mascara. Bacteria build up in the tube over time, so replace your mascara every three months, even if there’s some left.
• Sharing makeup. Borrowing a friend’s eye products is an easy way to pass on an eye infection.
• Using hand cream before handling lenses. Creams and lotions leave a film on your fingers that transfers straight onto the lens. Wash your hands again if you’ve used any.
• Applying makeup in a moving car or on public transport. It sounds obvious, but one bump is all it takes to knock product onto the lens.
• Wearing lenses for longer than recommended. Always stick to the wearing schedule your Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician has given you.

What to do if makeup irritates your eyes

If your eyes feel itchy, gritty or watery after applying makeup, take your lenses out straight away. Clean reusable lenses with your recommended solution (never tap water) or throw away daily disposables and leave your lenses out until your eyes have recovered. If symptoms persist or return, seek advice from your optometrist before wearing lenses again.

If the irritation keeps coming back, think about what’s changed. A new mascara, eyeshadow or remover could be the cause. Stop using it and see whether things settle.

Some symptoms need prompt attention. If you have eye pain or redness, remove your lenses and contact your optometrist immediately. If you cannot get urgent advice, contact NHS 111. If you have a red eye with changes to your sight or pain when looking at light, go to A&E, as advised by the NHS. See NHS guidance on red eye.

Book a contact lens assessment

The right lenses make everyday comfort much easier, with or without makeup. At your contact lens assessment, our opticians will check the health of your eyes, find the best lens for your lifestyle and show you how to handle your lenses with confidence. We’re always here to talk through your makeup routine too.

Thinking about trying lenses for the first time? Try them with our Free Contact Lens Assessment or book an eye test with your local Scrivens.

Want to understand more about how vision changes? Take a look at our top tips on what you should do if you have concerns about your eyes.