Contacts or Cosmetics: The Ultimate Debate – Should You Apply Makeup Before or After Putting On Contacts?

AvatarByJeff Duncan Makeup

As beauty enthusiasts, we all know the importance of a flawless makeup application. But as contact lens wearers, we also understand the struggles of achieving that perfect look without irritating our eyes. This begs the question: should you put on your makeup before or after putting on your contacts? With conflicting opinions and advice floating around, it can be difficult to determine the best approach. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of both options, and ultimately answer the burning question: should you put makeup on before or after contacts? Let’s explore this topic together to ensure a seamless and comfortable beauty routine for all our fellow contact lens wearers out there.

Benefits of Applying Makeup Before Your Contacts

There are a few benefits to consider when deciding whether to apply your makeup before or after putting in your contacts. One of the main advantages of putting on your makeup before inserting your contacts is that it allows you to have a clear and unobstructed view while applying makeup. By having clear vision, you can ensure that your makeup is evenly and precisely applied, avoiding any mishaps or smudges.

Additionally, applying makeup before putting on contacts can prevent any discomfort that may arise from smudging or getting makeup particles into your eyes. Wearing contacts can make eyes more vulnerable to irritation from foreign objects, such as mascara or eyeshadow particles. By applying makeup first, you can avoid this altogether.

Furthermore, if you have dry eyes or suffer from discomfort while wearing contacts for an extended period, putting on your makeup beforehand can help reduce the time spent wearing your contacts. This can be especially beneficial when wearing contact lenses for events or special occasions where longer hours of wear are required.

Lastly, if you are someone who wears eyeglasses in addition to contact lenses, applying your makeup before inserting contacts gives you the opportunity to freshen up and adjust any imperfections without having to take off and put back on glasses throughout the process.

Why You Should Apply Makeup After Inserting Contacts

On the other hand, some people may prefer putting on their contacts first before applying their makeup. One advantage of this method is having a clearer view of oneself after inserting contact lenses. This allows for better color matching and blending of cosmetics because you can see your face clearly in the mirror without any obstructions from glasses or blurred vision.

Another reason why some may prefer putting on their contacts first is because it allows time for their eyes to adjust to the lenses before putting anything close to them. For individuals new to contact lenses or who have sensitive eyes, this can be crucial in avoiding any discomfort or potential eye irritation.

Moreover, if you are someone who uses makeup to cover up blemishes or dark circles under the eyes, inserting contacts first can prevent those areas from becoming smudged or messed up during the makeup application process. This can save time and effort from having to redo parts of your makeup.

Lastly, if you have an active lifestyle or participate in activities that may cause your contacts to shift, putting on makeup after inserting them can ensure that your makeup remains intact throughout the day. This is especially beneficial for individuals who have oily skin or those who live in humid environments where cosmetics tend to melt and smear more easily.

Best Practices for Applying Makeup with Contacts

Whether you choose to apply your makeup before or after putting on your contacts, there are a few best practices that everyone should follow to ensure the safety and comfort of their eyes.

Firstly, always make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. Residue from cosmetics or natural oils on our hands can transfer onto the lenses and cause irritation and discomfort in our eyes.

Additionally, opt for water-based products instead of oil-based ones when wearing contact lenses. Oil-based products tend to be more difficult to remove completely and are more likely to transfer onto the lenses and irritate the eyes.

It is also important to avoid wearing glittery or shimmery eyeshadows when wearing contacts as these particles can easily fall into our eyes and cause irritation.

Lastly, never share cosmetics with others as this increases the risk of bacteria being transferred onto your lenses which can lead to potential infections. And when removing your makeup at the end of the day, make sure to remove your contacts first before using any oil-based removers around the eye area.

The Verdict: Before or After?

So, which method is better? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for you. If you have sensitive eyes, it may be best to insert your contacts first before applying makeup. However, if you want a clearer view and more precise application, putting on makeup first may be the way to go.

In any case, always make sure to properly clean and care for your contact lenses to avoid any eye discomfort or infection. And when in doubt, consult with your eye care professional for their recommendation on the best method for applying makeup with contacts based on your individual needs.

When it comes to wearing makeup and contacts, there seems to be a divide on whether one should apply makeup before or after putting in their contacts. Some argue that wearing makeup before contacts can cause irritation, while others believe that applying makeup after contacts can lead to smudges and smears. So, which is the better option? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the pros and cons of both approaches and help you determine whether you should put on makeup before or after your contacts.

The Case for Putting Makeup On Before Contacts

Many people opt to apply their makeup before putting on their contacts for various reasons. One of the main advantages of this approach is that it eliminates the chance of getting any makeup particles or product residue in your eyes while applying makeup. This can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive eyes, as even the smallest speck of mascara or eyeshadow can cause discomfort when it comes into contact with the eye.

In addition, by avoiding contact between your fingers and your eyes while applying makeup, you reduce the risk of introducing bacteria from your hands onto your contacts. This can help prevent eye infections and other complications that may arise from using dirty hands to touch your contact lenses.

Furthermore, putting on makeup before contacts allows you to see clearly while applying it. This is especially true if you have a higher prescription power and rely heavily on your contacts for clear vision. It also gives you the opportunity to make any adjustments or corrections without worrying about damaging your lenses.

The Case for Putting Makeup On After Contacts

On the other hand, some people prefer putting on their contacts first before applying any makeup. One reason for this is that they believe this method provides better stability when working with detailed eye makeup looks. Contact lenses usually sit directly on top of the cornea, which makes it easier to see the intricate details of eye makeup, such as eyeliner and false lashes, while applying them.

Moreover, putting contacts on before makeup eliminates the risk of accidentally poking yourself in the eye with a makeup brush or wand. This can happen when you try to apply makeup over your contacts, and your hand slips or you lose focus for a moment. By having your contacts safely in place first, you have more control over your movements.

Another benefit of putting on makeup after contacts is that it allows you to blend products seamlessly. When wearing contacts, there is a barrier between your finger and the eyelid. This can make it challenging to blend out eyeshadows or concealers effectively. By applying these products after contacts are in place, you can use your fingers more freely and achieve a smoother and more blended look.

Considerations for Those with Sensitive Eyes

If you have sensitive eyes, you may be wondering which approach is best for you. The truth is that both methods have their pros and cons when it comes to those with sensitive eyes.

Putting on makeup before contacts may be a better option if you tend to experience irritation from makeup particles getting into your eyes. By avoiding this scenario altogether, you reduce the risk of any discomfort or potential damage to your eyes.

However, for some people with sensitive eyes, even the contact itself can cause irritation or dryness. In this case, it may be best to put on contacts first before applying any makeup products. This way, if waterline eyeliners or mascaras do irritate the eyes during application, they won’t come into direct contact with your lenses.

Additional Tips for Wearing Makeup with Contacts

Regardless of whether you decide to put on makeup before or after contacts, there are some general tips that can help prevent any complications while wearing both together:

1. Always start with clean hands: Before touching your contact lenses or using any makeup products near your eyes, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help prevent any transfer of bacteria or dirt to your lenses or eyes.

2. Choose eye-safe products: When selecting makeup products to use with contacts, opt for those that are specifically labeled “safe for contact lens wearers” or “ophthalmologist-tested.” These products have been deemed safe for use around the eyes and are less likely to cause irritation.

3. Avoid waterproof products: Waterproof makeup may be ideal for special occasions, but it can be challenging to remove without rubbing and tugging at your eyes. This can be especially damaging when wearing contacts. Instead, opt for non-waterproof alternatives that are easier to remove.

4. Remove contacts before removing makeup: When it’s time to remove your makeup, make sure to take out your contacts first before using any cleansing wipes or solutions near your eyes. This will prevent any residue from getting on your lenses and causing potential discomfort the next time you wear them.

In the end, there is no definitive answer as to whether you should put on makeup before or after contacts. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and what may work for one person may not necessarily work for another.

The key is

1. Should I put on makeup before or after my contacts?
It is recommended to put on your contacts before applying makeup. This will prevent any makeup particles from getting in your eyes and onto your contacts.

2. Is it safe to put on makeup after inserting my contacts?
Yes, it is generally safe to put on makeup after inserting your contacts. However, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before handling your contacts to prevent any irritation or contamination.

3. Can I wear my contacts with eye makeup?
Yes, you can wear your contacts while wearing eye makeup. Just make sure to properly insert them and avoid getting any makeup onto the lenses.

4. What kind of eye makeup is safe to use with contact lenses?
Water-based and non-irritating eye makeup is considered safe for use with contact lenses. Avoid using oil-based products as they can cause the lenses to become cloudy and uncomfortable.

5. Is it necessary to use a specific type of eye makeup remover when wearing contacts?
Yes, it is important to use a gentle and non-oily eye makeup remover when wearing contact lenses. Oil-based removers may leave residue on the lenses, causing discomfort and possible vision problems.

6. Should I remove my contact lenses before removing my eye makeup?
It is recommended to remove your contact lenses first before removing your eye makeup. This will prevent any residue from the eye makeup remover from getting onto the lenses and potentially causing discomfort or affecting their clarity.

In conclusion, putting on makeup before or after putting on contacts ultimately depends on personal preference and comfort. It is important to consider your eye health and safety when making this decision. While some experts suggest putting on contacts before makeup to avoid potential eye infections and irritation, others argue that it is easier to apply makeup after putting on contacts as it provides a clearer view of the face. It is essential to follow proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands before handling contact lenses and properly storing them in clean cases, regardless of when you put on your contacts or makeup. Additionally, it is crucial to use gentle and non-irritating products suitable for contact lens wearers. Ultimately, the key takeaway is to listen to your body and find what works best for you. If you experience discomfort or any other adverse reactions, consult with an eye doctor for personalized recommendations. Make sure to prioritize the health of your eyes while using contact lenses and applying makeup.

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Jeff Duncan
Jeff Duncan, the owner and Head Coach of CrossFit Pearl District, is dedicated to fostering a supportive and effective training environment.

With a strong belief in the principles of movement mechanics, consistency, and intensity, Jeff has cultivated a community that thrives on continuous improvement and mutual support.

From 2024, Jeff Duncan has expanded his passion for CrossFit beyond coaching by writing an informative blog dedicated to the CrossFit niche. His blog features a variety of content aimed at providing valuable information and insights to the CrossFit community.

Jeff’s posts cover a wide range of topics including training techniques, nutrition advice, workout routines, and answers to common queries within the niche. This transition to blogging allows Jeff to reach a broader audience, sharing his expertise and helping individuals at all levels of their fitness journey.