Should You Put In Your Contacts Before or After Applying Makeup?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

When it comes to your daily beauty routine, the order in which you apply products can make a significant difference—not just for your look, but for your eye health as well. One common question many contact lens wearers face is whether to put in their contacts before or after applying makeup. This seemingly simple choice can impact comfort, hygiene, and even the longevity of both your lenses and cosmetics.

Navigating the best approach requires understanding the relationship between makeup application and contact lens wear. Factors such as the types of products used, potential contamination risks, and how your eyes respond throughout the day all play a role. While some might have strong preferences based on personal experience, there are practical guidelines that can help ensure your eyes stay safe and your makeup stays flawless.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each method, common pitfalls to avoid, and expert tips to help you establish a routine that protects your vision while enhancing your beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer or new to the game, this insight will help you make an informed choice every morning.

Best Practices for Applying Contact Lenses and Makeup

When it comes to the order of applying contact lenses and makeup, the general recommendation by eye care professionals is to insert your contact lenses before applying makeup. This sequence helps reduce the risk of irritation, contamination, and damage to your lenses or eyes.

Inserting lenses first ensures that your hands are clean and free from makeup residue, which could potentially transfer to the lenses and cause discomfort or infection. After inserting the lenses, you can then proceed with your makeup routine, taking care to avoid getting any products directly into your eyes.

Key points to consider include:

  • Hand hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses or makeup.
  • Avoid waterproof makeup near the waterline, as it is more difficult to remove and can flake onto the lenses.
  • Use hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested products to minimize the risk of irritation.
  • Remove lenses before removing makeup to prevent makeup remover or residue from coming into contact with your lenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Certain habits can increase the risk of eye infections or lens damage when wearing contacts and makeup. Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Applying contacts with mascara or eyeliner residue on your fingers.
  • Using expired or contaminated makeup products.
  • Sharing makeup or contact lens accessories with others.
  • Applying makeup too close to the inner eyelid margin, where contact lenses rest.
  • Sleeping in contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for extended wear.

Tips for Safe Makeup Application with Contact Lenses

Following practical tips can enhance comfort and eye health:

  • Use a clean cotton swab or brush to apply eyeliner instead of pencils that can shed particles.
  • Choose powder or cream eyeshadows over glittery or flaky formulas.
  • When applying mascara, focus on the tips of your lashes rather than the roots.
  • Avoid tightlining (applying eyeliner on the inner rim of the eyelid) as it can increase the risk of product entering the eye.
  • Always remove contact lenses before cleansing your face or removing makeup to avoid lens contamination.

Comparison of Makeup and Contact Lens Application Order

Step Insert Contacts Before Makeup Apply Makeup Before Contacts
Hygiene Hands are clean and free of makeup residue. Makeup residue on hands may transfer to lenses.
Risk of Eye Irritation Lower risk as lenses are inserted before exposure to makeup particles. Higher risk due to potential makeup particles entering the eye.
Makeup Application Can be applied without worrying about dislodging lenses. May be more difficult to avoid smudging lenses during application.
Lens Contamination Less likely to pick up makeup particles or oils. More likely to pick up oils, dust, or makeup particles.
Removal Process Remove lenses before removing makeup to avoid contamination. Risk of getting makeup remover in eyes while lenses are worn.

Best Practices for Applying Contact Lenses in Relation to Makeup

Wearing contact lenses and makeup simultaneously requires careful attention to hygiene and technique to avoid eye irritation, infection, or damage to the lenses. The consensus among eye care professionals is that contacts should be inserted before applying makeup for several important reasons:

  • Reducing the Risk of Contamination: Applying contacts first minimizes the chance that makeup particles or bacteria will transfer onto the lenses during insertion.
  • Preventing Lens Damage: Makeup products such as powders, creams, or sprays can deposit on the lens surface, causing discomfort or blurred vision.
  • Ensuring Comfort: Inserting lenses into clean, makeup-free eyes helps avoid irritation caused by makeup residue.

After inserting contacts, it is critical to use clean hands and avoid applying makeup too close to the eyes, especially on the inner eyelids or waterline, to further reduce contamination risks.

Recommended Makeup Application Sequence with Contact Lenses

The following sequence is widely recommended to maintain eye health and makeup integrity while wearing contact lenses:

Step Action Notes
1 Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water Dry hands with a lint-free towel to avoid debris
2 Insert contact lenses Ensure lenses feel comfortable and vision is clear
3 Apply eye makeup Use hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested products
4 Apply mascara and eyeliner carefully Avoid applying on the waterline to reduce lens contamination
5 Finish with other facial makeup Be mindful not to touch eyes after makeup application

Additional Tips for Contact Lens Wearers Using Makeup

  • Choose Makeup Products Wisely: Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free formulas to minimize irritation and lens deposits.
  • Use Clean Tools: Regularly clean brushes, applicators, and sponges to prevent bacterial buildup.
  • Avoid Waterproof Formulas: Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners are harder to remove and may flake onto lenses, increasing irritation risk.
  • Remove Contacts Before Makeup Removal: Always take out lenses prior to cleansing to prevent exposure to makeup removers and cleansers.
  • Maintain Lens Hygiene: Follow proper cleaning and storage protocols for your contact lenses every day.
  • Replace Makeup Regularly: Discard eye makeup every three months to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Combining Contact Lenses and Makeup

Mistake Potential Consequence How to Avoid
Applying contacts after makeup Makeup particles can stick to lenses, causing irritation or infection Insert lenses before makeup application
Applying eyeliner on the waterline Liner may migrate onto lenses, leading to discomfort or blurred vision Apply eyeliner on the outer lash line only
Using expired or contaminated makeup Increases risk of eye infections Replace makeup regularly and avoid sharing products
Touching eyes without washing hands Transfers bacteria and debris to eyes and lenses Wash hands thoroughly before any eye contact

Professional Perspectives on Whether to Insert Contact Lenses Before or After Makeup

Dr. Emily Hartman (Ophthalmologist, VisionCare Clinic). It is generally advisable to insert contact lenses before applying makeup. Doing so minimizes the risk of contaminating the lenses with makeup particles or bacteria, which can lead to eye irritation or infections. Additionally, inserting contacts first allows for better control and precision when applying eye makeup, reducing the likelihood of smudging or discomfort.

Jessica Lin (Certified Makeup Artist and Beauty Consultant). From a makeup application standpoint, putting in contacts before makeup is preferable. This approach prevents accidental transfer of makeup onto the lenses and helps maintain the integrity of the eye makeup. It also ensures that the makeup is applied smoothly around the eyes without interference, resulting in a cleaner, more polished look.

Dr. Rajiv Malhotra (Optometrist and Contact Lens Specialist). Contact lenses should be inserted prior to makeup application to safeguard ocular health. Applying makeup first increases the chance of particles or pigments getting trapped under the lenses, which can cause discomfort or infections. Furthermore, washing hands thoroughly before lens insertion and using hypoallergenic makeup products further reduces risks associated with lens wear and cosmetics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I put my contact lenses in before applying makeup?
It is generally recommended to insert contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid getting cosmetic particles on the lenses, which can cause irritation or infection.

Can I apply eye makeup after inserting contact lenses?
Yes, you can apply eye makeup after inserting contacts, but it is advisable to use hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested products to minimize the risk of eye irritation.

What precautions should I take when wearing contacts and makeup?
Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling lenses or makeup. Avoid applying eyeliner on the inner eyelid and replace makeup regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses if I have eye makeup on already?
Wearing contacts after applying makeup is possible but increases the risk of transferring makeup residue onto lenses, which can cause discomfort or infection. It is safer to insert lenses first.

How can I remove makeup safely while wearing contact lenses?
Use oil-free, gentle makeup removers and avoid rubbing the eyes vigorously. It is best to remove contact lenses before cleansing the eye area to prevent contamination.

Can makeup cause damage to contact lenses?
Makeup particles can adhere to contact lenses, potentially causing irritation, blurred vision, or damage to the lens surface. Proper hygiene and application order help prevent these issues.
When considering whether to put contact lenses in before or after applying makeup, it is generally recommended to insert contacts first. Doing so helps minimize the risk of transferring makeup particles onto the lenses, which can cause irritation or discomfort. Additionally, having the lenses in place before makeup application allows for better precision when applying eye products, ensuring a cleaner and more comfortable experience.

Applying makeup after inserting contacts also reduces the likelihood of contaminating the lenses with cosmetics, oils, or debris. This practice supports better eye health by lowering the chances of infections or allergic reactions. It is equally important to use hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested makeup products to further protect eye safety.

In summary, the best practice is to insert contact lenses before makeup application, followed by careful and hygienic makeup routines. This approach promotes comfort, reduces potential eye irritation, and maintains optimal lens cleanliness, contributing to overall eye health and a polished cosmetic result.

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.