Learn how to choose the best eyeliner for contact lens users with application tips so you can wear your favorite makeup looks without irritation or discomfort. When getting dressed up for an important event, many people prefer to ditch their glasses and for clear or colored contact lenses. However, wearing contact lenses can sometimes feel like a trade-off of sorts, as they can make eye makeup such as eyeliner, uncomfortable to wear. 

All is not lost!

It is common to experience some issues while wearing eye makeup with contact lenses. However, these problems  can be fixed by choosing the right kind of makeup and changing your application techniques. 

This blog will help you understand how you can get the most comfortable eye makeup wear without having to go without your contact lenses. 

Why Eyeliner and Contact Lens do not mix?

Stock photo of eyeliner application

Understanding why a problem occurs is the first step to fixing it. Here’s why wearing contact lenses can be so difficult to pair with most kinds of eye makeup:

• Volatile fumes: Some eyeliners, especially the liquid or film-forming kinds, contain volatile, fume-forming chemicals that can irritate the eyes, especially since soft contact lenses can absorb and trap chemicals right next to the delicate corneas. 

• Irritating particles: Low-quality eyeliners can flake, and once they stick to the contact lens, it can become difficult for tears to dislodge them. They irritate and scratch the eyes. 

• Dryness: Wearing makeup can contribute to dry eyes since they block the natural oil-producing glands in the lids. Typically, long wear of contact lenses causes dryness as well, delivering a double whammy of discomfort. 

• Lens contamination: Soft contact lenses are very porous, absorbing fumes, dyes, and other chemicals. This can ruin the lenses entirely, making them unsuitable for further wear. 

• Increased smudging: Contact lens wearers tend to blink more than usual, making smudging of makeup more likel,y especially of oil-based formulas. 

Ingredients to avoid

Stock photo of makeup removal

Always check for labels such as ‘hypoallergenic’ and ‘safe for sensitive eyes’  on eyeliner labels. However if the product is not labeled then take care to avoid the following ingredients:

• Fragrances: Unnamed chemicals that may cause irritation.

• Alcohol: Fumes can dry out the eyes.

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Fumes can be absorbed by lenses and lead to irritation.

• Carmine and animal based ingredients: May cause allergic reactions. 

• Silicones: Form a heavy layer that can clog glands.

• Mineral and petroleum oils: Can trap dust and germs. 

Choose the right kind of eyeliner:

Stock photo of woman confused by her makeup preferably eyeliner

So what kind of eyeliner works best for each eye makeup problem? This table breaks down the best eyeliner options and other solutions to help you make combining makeup with contact lenses a more comfortable experience[Sensitive Eyes? How to Choose an Eyeliner That Won’t Irritate]:

How do I apply eyeliner with contacts?

Stock photo of woman happy with her contact lenses

Here’s a step by step guide to applying eyeliner for contact lens wearers to help minimise discomfort and irritation:

1. Start with clean hands and face. Take care to wash your hands after applying any skin care. 

2. Put in contact lenses.

3. Apply eye primer and eye shadow. 

4. Line the upper lid with liquid eyeliner [Eye makeup pillar] while looking ahead into a well lit mirror. Take your time to avoid mistakes.

5. Do not apply liquid eyeliner to the water line. Apply pencil eyeliner if required. 

6. Use moisturising eye drops if the eye feels dry. Hold a paper towel at the lower lashline to collect the any drops that drip out. 

7. Remove contacts before attempting to remove eye makeup or applying makeup remover to the eye area. Make sure your hands are clean and dry. 

8. Clean contacts lens thoroughly in contact solution, checking for any makeup particles, before storing them in their containers. 

FAQs

Stock photo of adding solution to contact lens container 

How long can I wear contact lenses with eye makeup?

Contact lenses must be removed before sleeping and should not be worn for longer than 8 hours without or without eye makeup. 

How can I remove my contact lenses?

Use two fingers to pinch the contact lens towards the center of the eye. The lens should pop out. 

What to do if I experience irritation while wearing contact lenses and eyeliner?

Immediately remove and clean your contact lenses if you experience any irritation or pain. 

What do I do if eyeliner gets on my contact lenses?

Immediately remove your contact lenses and carefully rinse them with contact lens solution. Discard the lenses if you’re unable to remove the contamination or if you experience irritation after reinserting the rinsed lenses. 

Can I wear eyeliner with disposable contact lenses?

Yes you can, as long as you follow the safety and cleanliness rules in this blog. 

Conclusion

It is possible to wear eyeliner comfortably with contact lenses as long as you follow a few simple rules. Choose high quality, tranferproof, and smudgeproof eyeliners that are free from volatile, irritating, and allergenic ingredients. Take care of your contact lenses by cleaning them and applying them in the proper order with your makeup. 

An Eyeliner Designed for Sensative Eyes

The Haya Beauty Smudgeproof and Water Proof eyeliner is made of non-toxic, halal ingredients that deliver intense black color with precision while being gentle on the eyes. 

##Sources

1. Common Contact Lenses Problems - A guide by optometrists on issues faced by contact lens users, including those due to makeup use. 

2. If you use eye makeup, you must read this  - A list of harmful chemicals in eye makeup and how they might damage the eye. 

3. Sensitive Eyes? How to Choose an Eyeliner That Won’t Irritate - Blog on selecting eyeliners that do not irritate sensitive eyes with emphasis on harmful ingredients. 

4. Eye Makeup Pillar article link -  A complete guide on eye makeup, including types of products, their differences, their finishes, and a brief guide on application