Should You Put In Contacts Before or After Applying Makeup?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

When it comes to perfecting your daily beauty routine, the order in which you apply your makeup and insert your contact lenses can make a significant difference. Many people wonder, “Do you put contacts in before or after makeup?” This seemingly simple question holds the key to ensuring both eye health and a flawless look throughout the day. Understanding the best practices can help you avoid irritation, maintain lens cleanliness, and achieve a seamless finish to your makeup.

The relationship between contact lenses and makeup application is more than just a matter of convenience—it’s about protecting your eyes while enhancing your appearance. Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer or new to the experience, knowing when to insert your lenses in relation to your makeup routine can prevent common problems like smudging, discomfort, or even infection. This topic touches on the balance between beauty and eye care, making it essential for anyone who relies on contacts daily.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key considerations and expert tips that will guide you through the best order of applying makeup and inserting your lenses. By understanding these fundamentals, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy both clear vision and a stunning look without compromise.

Best Practices for Applying Contacts and Makeup

When deciding whether to put in contact lenses before or after applying makeup, the general recommendation is to insert your contacts first. This approach helps minimize the risk of transferring makeup particles onto your lenses, which can cause irritation or discomfort.

Applying contact lenses before makeup has several advantages:

  • Reduced Risk of Contamination: Hands are typically cleaner when handling lenses first. After inserting contacts, you can wash your hands again before applying makeup to avoid contamination.
  • Easier Lens Handling: Your eyes are free from any makeup residue, making it simpler to see and handle your lenses.
  • Less Risk of Lens Damage: Makeup powders, liquids, or creams can stick to lenses if applied beforehand, potentially reducing lens comfort or vision clarity.

However, if you need to remove or adjust your lenses after makeup application, always wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes excessively to prevent irritation.

Makeup Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Choosing the right makeup products and application techniques is essential to ensure eye comfort and maintain lens hygiene. Here are expert tips for contact lens wearers:

  • Use Hypoallergenic and Ophthalmologist-Tested Products: These are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
  • Avoid Oil-Based Products: Oil can break down the surface of some contact lenses, especially soft lenses.
  • Be Cautious with Eye Pencil and Eyeliner: Apply eyeliner on the outer rim of the eyelid rather than the waterline to prevent product migration under the lids.
  • Apply Mascara from the Base to the Tips: This reduces flaking and the risk of particles falling into the eye.
  • Use Waterproof Makeup Sparingly: Waterproof formulas can be harder to remove and may lead to residue on lenses.
  • Remove Makeup Before Taking Out Contacts: Always remove eye makeup gently before removing lenses to avoid transferring debris onto the eye.

Comparison of Makeup Application Timing for Contact Lens Wearers

Aspect Contacts Before Makeup Contacts After Makeup
Risk of Lens Contamination Lower Higher
Ease of Lens Insertion Easier, clean eyes More difficult due to makeup residue
Risk of Eye Irritation Lower Higher
Makeup Smudging Possible if lenses shift Possible during lens insertion
Recommended Yes No, unless necessary

Optimal Order for Applying Contact Lenses and Makeup

When considering whether to put in contact lenses before or after applying makeup, eye health and makeup longevity are the primary concerns. The recommended practice is to insert contact lenses before applying makeup. This sequence minimizes the risk of contaminating the lenses and helps maintain clear vision throughout the makeup application process.

Here are the key reasons for this approach:

  • Prevents Lens Contamination: Applying makeup after inserting lenses reduces the chance of transferring powders, liquids, or fibers onto the lens surface, which can cause irritation or infection.
  • Protects Eye Health: Contact lenses placed first provide a physical barrier against particles and makeup residues, reducing exposure of the eye to potentially harmful substances.
  • Ensures Clear Vision During Makeup: With lenses in place, you can better see and apply makeup precisely, especially near the eyes.
  • Minimizes Lens Displacement: Applying makeup after lenses allows you to avoid accidentally dislodging the lenses during the process.

Makeup Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

To enhance comfort and safety while wearing contacts and makeup, follow these expert guidelines:

  • Use Hypoallergenic and Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose makeup formulated for sensitive eyes to reduce irritation.
  • Avoid Oil-Based Makeup: Oil can degrade contact lens material or cause lenses to slip.
  • Apply Eye Makeup Gently: Use minimal pressure around the eye area to prevent lens displacement.
  • Choose Pencil Eyeliners Over Liquid: Pencil liners tend to flake less, reducing debris in the eye.
  • Replace Makeup Regularly: Old makeup harbors bacteria, increasing infection risk for lens wearers.
  • Apply Mascara Carefully: Avoid applying mascara on the lower lashes to prevent flakes falling into the eye.

Recommended Sequence for Contact Lens and Makeup Application

Step Action Notes
1 Wash and dry hands thoroughly Prevents transferring dirt and oils to eyes and lenses
2 Insert contact lenses Ensure lenses are clean and properly positioned
3 Apply eye makeup Use gentle motions to avoid disturbing lenses
4 Apply face makeup (foundation, blush, etc.) Complete the rest of your makeup routine
5 Final check and adjustments Remove any makeup particles around eyes and ensure lenses remain comfortable

Removing Makeup and Contact Lenses Safely

When it’s time to remove your makeup and contacts, follow this professional sequence to maintain eye health:

  • Remove Contact Lenses First: Always remove lenses before cleansing the face or removing eye makeup to prevent makeup residue from getting trapped under the lenses.
  • Use Gentle, Oil-Free Makeup Removers: Select removers specifically formulated for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
  • Cleanse the Face Thoroughly: After lens removal, wash your face to remove any remaining makeup and prevent irritation.
  • Store Contact Lenses Properly: Clean and store your lenses in fresh solution to prevent infections.

Expert Perspectives on When to Insert Contact Lenses Relative to Makeup Application

Dr. Emily Chen (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Associates). It is generally advisable to insert contact lenses before applying makeup. Doing so reduces the risk of contaminating the lenses with makeup particles, which can cause irritation or infection. Additionally, applying makeup after lens insertion allows for better control and reduces the chance of accidentally dislodging the lenses during the process.

Jessica Martinez (Certified Optometric Technician and Beauty Consultant). From a practical standpoint, putting in contacts before makeup is the safest method. It ensures that your hands are clean and free of cosmetics, which can transfer oils or pigments to the lenses. Moreover, applying eye makeup after lens insertion helps prevent smudging and maintains lens clarity throughout the day.

Dr. Rajiv Patel (Optometrist and Ocular Health Researcher). The consensus in ocular health is to always insert contact lenses prior to makeup application. This sequence minimizes the risk of eye infections caused by makeup particles adhering to the lenses. It also allows for proper lens positioning and comfort before introducing any cosmetic products near the eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you put contacts in before or after makeup?
It is recommended to insert contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid contaminating the lenses and to reduce the risk of eye irritation.

Why should contacts be inserted before makeup application?
Inserting contacts first minimizes the chance of transferring makeup particles onto the lenses, which can cause discomfort or infection.

Can putting in contacts after makeup cause eye infections?
Yes, applying contacts after makeup increases the risk of introducing bacteria or makeup debris into the eye, potentially leading to infections.

What precautions should I take when wearing contacts with makeup?
Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling contacts, use hypoallergenic and oil-free makeup products, and avoid applying eyeliner on the inner eyelid margin.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses while swimming or showering with makeup on?
No, it is unsafe to wear contacts in water regardless of makeup use, as water can introduce harmful microorganisms to the eyes.

How should I remove makeup when wearing contact lenses?
Remove your contact lenses before taking off makeup to prevent makeup residue from getting into your eyes and clean your lenses as recommended.
When considering whether to put in contact lenses before or after applying makeup, it is generally recommended to insert contacts first. Doing so helps prevent makeup particles from adhering to the lenses, which can cause discomfort, irritation, or even eye infections. Additionally, inserting contacts before makeup allows for better hygiene and reduces the risk of contaminating the lenses with cosmetics.

Applying makeup after inserting contacts also minimizes the chance of accidentally dislodging lenses during the makeup routine. It is important to use clean hands throughout the process and to avoid applying makeup too close to the inner eye area to further protect eye health. Choosing hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested makeup products can also contribute to a safer experience for contact lens wearers.

In summary, prioritizing the insertion of contact lenses before makeup application promotes eye comfort and safety. Maintaining proper hygiene and selecting appropriate cosmetic products are essential practices to ensure both clear vision and healthy eyes. Following these guidelines helps contact lens users enjoy their daily routines without compromising eye health.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.