Contact lenses and make up

[Busybuzzybumblebee]

Hi all,

I've just started wearing contact lenses and was wondering whether to put on your make up first or contacts in first? Optician just said don't let make up get on lense.

So which way is best?

Thanks

[JoyFantastic]

I put lenses in first and then wait a couple of minutes, usually there's a bit of solution gets on my skin/ lashes so putting make up on first would mean smudges. I've only got mascara on a lens once, many years ago, and it was immediately obvious. I think most make-up these days is suitable for contact wearers, just avoid very loose powders near the eye area.

[Gazelda]

Exactly the same as Joy. Give a few mins after putting the lenses in, in case they don't 'settle' immediately.

Also, I pull my eyelids about a bit when putting lenses in, so that would smudge eye makeup if I did it the other way around.

[murphyslaws]

Waterproof mascara.

[Leviticus]

Eyeshadow first so I'm not knocking the lens about while I'm blending. Then lenses in, do something else while they settle - hair or get dressed. Then once eyes are dry do liner and mascara.

If you get a little bit of something on the outside of your lens it will just clean off as you blink and gather in the corner of your eye. Not ideal but not the end of the world either.

[FuckOffJeffrey]

I've done both but before is easier to put them in before makeup. I've found putting them in after causes mascara to either run (I don't like waterproof mascara) or flake a little. I sometimes use my hair dryer for a few seconds on a cool, low settling to blow away excess powder from eyeshadow and face (it also dries mascara faster) and this stops any powder getting in my eyes. Obviously keep you eyes closed when the hairdryer is on.

[haveacupoftea]

I put them in before. Otherwise i cant see what im doing

[FutureGadgetsLab]

Contacts in first. Otherwise I wouldn't see to do my makeup!

[neveradullmoment99]

I always do my make up then add my lenses. Its not the best practice because it can get messed up getting them on. Most of time its fine though. I just hate touching my eyes when they are in.

[PestilentialCat]

CLs in first, take them out before removing make-up

[bumpingalong9386]

I put my lenses in first so I can actually see to do my makeup

[HappinessLivesHere]

Definitely contacts before make up!

[TondelayaDellaVentamiglia]

lenses first usually....although if I an going to do fancy eye liner on top lash line I do that first as I am really shortsighted and now need reading specs so without the lenses in I can still see if I am really close to the mirror.

otherwise it's lenses then start the face maintenance. Also means you do not have to rewash hands to get rid of any products/moisturiser.

[Caterina99]

Lenses first. Or I can't see to do makeup!