From concealer to mascara, millions of people wear make-up every day – and it’s important to do so safely. We need to be extra careful when applying make-up around the eyes to make sure we’re protecting them from infection, and to avoid rubbing them too much and causing lasting damage.
For contact lens wearers, the challenge of protecting your eyes when wearing make-up can seem even greater, as you need to take care of both your lenses and your eyes. The Lenstore team of experts has put together a list of the must-know tips for wearing make-up and contact lenses together, along with the dos and don’ts when it comes to protecting your eyes.
Tip 1: Wash your hands thoroughly
Before putting in your contact lenses or applying make-up, it’s important to wash your hands carefully and make sure they are fully dried. This is the first step to ensuring there’s no dirt or residue on your lenses, and it gives your eyes the best possible protection from infection.
Tip 2: Always put your lenses in first
For contact lens wearers, it’s essential to insert your lenses before applying make-up. Doing so reduces the risk of make-up entering the tear film (the thin layer that protects the eye), and ensures you’re not placing a lens onto a contaminated surface that could irritate the eye.
Tip 3: Replace your make-up products regularly
It’s important for everyone – not just contact lens wearers – to replace make-up products regularly to prevent bacterial build-up that could cause an eye infection. Mascara in particular should be replaced every two months, while lip glosses can last up to six months and foundation can be kept for up to a year.
Replacing your eye make-up regularly can help prevent common problems associated with its use, such as conjunctivitis, which can cause red, itchy, gritty eyes. In more severe cases, conjunctivitis can also cause discharge that makes the lashes stick together. If this happens, stop wearing make-up for a while. Boil some water and allow it to cool slightly, then use a cotton pad to gently clean the lashes. Conjunctivitis is contagious, so it’s important never to share make-up products with others to reduce the risk of spreading it.
Tip 4: Keep your lenses as clean as possible
To keep your eyes well protected, the key is to ensure your lenses are as clean as possible before you wear them. For monthly lens wearers, this tip is especially important. To give your reusable lenses extra care, make sure you clean each side of the lens with fresh solution and rub them for 15–20 seconds to remove any debris. Store your lenses overnight in disinfecting solution, and consider replacing your lens case at least once a month.
Common questions
What should I do if make-up gets in my eye while wearing contact lenses?
If make-up gets into your eye while wearing contact lenses and you notice irritation, the best thing to do is remove your lenses as soon as possible, along with any make-up. If you wear make-up regularly, you might want to consider switching to daily lenses rather than monthly ones to ensure they are as clean as possible.
Be gentle when removing your lenses to avoid further irritation. When removing your make-up, use a water-based or sensitive-skin product, as oil-based removers could irritate your eyes further.
How can I stop my eyes watering when I wear make-up?
Unfortunately for some of us, our eyes water more than others when we’re applying make-up – which often leads to less-than-ideal results. However, you can help prevent this by using eye drops before you start, as these help to flush any irritants from your eyes. You could also use hypoallergenic make-up to minimise irritation. Make sure to follow a good skincare routine and remove your make-up every day, as this can also help reduce long-term issues with eye irritation and watering.
How should I wear make-up if I have dry eyes?
Dry eyes can be really uncomfortable, and certain make-up habits can make symptoms worse. If you suffer from dry eyes, there are simple adjustments that can help prevent flare-ups – such as replacing your make-up products regularly, using lubricating eye drops 30 minutes before applying make-up, and using minimal mascara applied only to the tips of your lashes until symptoms ease. There are plenty of ways for contact lens wearers to wear make-up safely while protecting their eyes from infection.