Beauty Before Lenses: The Ultimate Debate of Putting On Contacts Before or After Makeup

As we go through our daily beauty routines, there are certain questions that often arise – one of which is, “Do you put on contacts before or after makeup?” This seemingly simple question can actually be quite important when it comes to achieving a flawless look. In this article, we will delve into the world of makeup and contacts to determine the best order for applying them. Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer or a makeup enthusiast, you’ll want to stick around for these tips and tricks. So let’s dive in and find out the answer to this age-old dilemma!

Introduction

Putting on contacts before or after makeup is a question that many contact lens wearers may have. Both options have their own pros and cons, but the key is to find the method that works best for you. Whether you are a newbie to contact lenses or have been wearing them for years, it’s important to know the right way of incorporating contact lens application into your daily makeup routine. In this guide, we will delve into the details of whether you should put on contacts before or after applying your makeup.

Benefits of Putting on Contacts Before Makeup

Applying your contact lenses before putting on makeup can have its own set of benefits. First and foremost, it ensures that any products you use in your makeup routine do not come into contact with your lenses, as they can potentially cause irritation or even damage to the lenses. When you put on contacts first, you reduce the risk of getting makeup particles or residue trapped under your lenses, which can be difficult to remove and can lead to discomfort.

Another benefit of this method is that it allows for better precision when applying eye makeup. Since you can actually see what you’re doing without obstructing vision with your already applied contacts, it becomes easier to create flawless eye looks. This is especially helpful when using liquid eyeliner or cutting-edge eye makeup techniques such as contouring or winged liner. With clear vision provided by freshly inserted contact lenses, there’s a lower chance of making mistakes during your eye makeup application.

Steps for Putting On Contacts Before Makeup

If you’re planning on putting in your contacts before doing your makeup, here are a few steps to follow to ensure seamless application:

1) Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any contact lenses.

2) Take out one contact lens from its case and place it on the tip of your index finger. Make sure the lens is the right side up by checking the shape – it should resemble a shallow bowl.

3) Pull down your lower eyelid with one hand and use your other hand to hold your upper eyelid. This will prevent blinking while inserting the contact lens.

4) Place the contact lens on your eye gently, and then slowly let go of your eyelids. Blink a few times to ensure the lens is properly placed and covers your iris.

5) Repeat the same process with the other eye.

6) Once both contacts are inserted, give them a few minutes to settle before moving on to applying your makeup.

Drawbacks of Applying Makeup After Putting in Contacts

While some may prefer putting on contacts before makeup, others argue that this method has its own drawbacks. One of them being that contact lenses can get dirty or smudged during makeup application. This is especially true when using products like mascara or eyeliner, which can easily transfer onto your lenses if you’re not careful. Additionally, if you make a mistake in applying these products, you risk getting them on your newly inserted contact lenses, leading to potential irritation and discomfort.

Another drawback is that putting in contacts first can make it difficult to fully blend or apply products around the eye area. For example, when using eyeshadow, you need to blend it onto both lids seamlessly. However, wearing contacts first may compromise this step as you might not be able to close your eyes properly for blending without getting makeup on the lenses.

Steps for Putting On Contacts After Makeup

If you have decided that putting in contacts after applying makeup is the best option for you, here are a few steps to follow:

1) Start by washing and drying your hands thoroughly before handling any contact lenses.

2) Apply all other makeup first besides mascara and eyeliner – start with primers, foundation and finish off with eyeshadow.

3) Once your eye makeup is complete, wait a few minutes before inserting the contact lenses.

4) Use one hand to hold down your lower eyelid. With your other hand, place the contact lens on your eye gently.

5) Allow the lens to settle for a few seconds before slowly releasing your eyelid and blinking a few times to ensure proper placement.

6) Repeat the same process with the other eye.

7) Wait for a few minutes to allow the contacts to settle before applying mascara and eyeliner. Be extra careful when using these products as they can easily transfer onto your lenses.

Other Factors to Consider

Apart from choosing between putting in contacts before or after makeup, there are a few other factors to keep in mind. For instance, if you are someone who wears heavy or dramatic eye makeup on a daily basis, it may be better to opt for the method of inserting contacts first. This will reduce the risk of accidentally getting makeup particles on your lenses and causing discomfort throughout the day.

Another factor is time management. Most people prefer putting in their contacts first as it saves them time when getting ready. However, if you have sensitive eyes and tend to get irritated easily by wearing makeup, then putting in contacts

Why Applying Contacts Before Makeup is Crucial

Applying makeup can be a lengthy and time-consuming process, with many different steps involved depending on the desired look. One question that often arises in this process is whether to put on contacts before or after applying makeup. While there may not seem to be a right or wrong answer, there are several reasons why it is crucial to apply contacts before putting on makeup.

First and foremost, putting on contacts before makeup ensures that your eyes are clean and free of any debris or residue that may have accumulated overnight. This will not only make the application of your makeup smoother but also help reduce the risk of eye irritation, infections, or other complications that could arise from having dirty lenses in your eyes.

Additionally, by putting on contacts first, you can better see what you are doing when applying makeup around your eyes. Contact lenses improve your vision by correcting refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). Without them, you may have a harder time seeing fine details while applying eye makeup, leading to mistakes or an uneven application.

Moreover, if you tend to use cream or liquid products for your eye makeup like eyeshadow or eyeliner, it is essential to apply them before putting on contacts. These types of products tend to smudge easily and can transfer onto your lenses if applied after putting them in. This not only makes it challenging to see clearly through dirty lenses but also requires frequent cleaning and changing of the contacts throughout the day.

In contrast, if you put on contact lenses before applying any cream or liquid products around your eyes, it minimizes the risk of getting any makeup residue on them. This means that you can wear your contact lenses comfortably throughout the day without any disruptions due to blurry vision caused by smudged lenses.

The Importance of Taking Care of Your Eyes

Putting on contacts before makeup is not only crucial for the effectiveness of your makeup application but also for the overall health and safety of your eyes. Contact lenses require proper handling and care to prevent eye infections or other complications, and this includes avoiding any potential contamination from products used in your makeup routine.

Additionally, some makeup products can contain ingredients that are harmful to the eyes or contact lenses. These include oil-based products, fragrances, and certain pigments. By putting on contacts before makeup, you reduce the chances of these ingredients coming into contact with your lenses, thus reducing any potential risks.

Furthermore, contact lenses can alter the natural eye environment by reducing oxygen flow to your eyes. This can make it more challenging for them to defend against bacteria or infection-causing agents that may be introduced through contaminated makeup products. By putting on contacts first, you ensure that there is no interference with oxygen flow and help maintain a healthy balance in your eye’s microenvironment.

Tips for Putting on Contacts Before Makeup

Now that we have established why putting on contacts before makeup is essential let us go over some tips to make this process more manageable.

1) Always start with clean hands: Before handling your contact lenses or applying eye makeup, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help prevent any dirt or bacteria from transferring to your eyes or lenses.

2) Use non-irritating products: When choosing products for your eye makeup routine, opt for those that are labeled as hypoallergenic and safe for contact lens wearers. These will not only be less likely to cause any irritation but also help keep your lenses clean.

3) Avoid using powders near the eyes: While powder-based products like eyeshadow may seem harmless, they can easily get into the eyes while applying and cause irritation. If possible, use cream-based products instead.

4) Apply contacts first: As mentioned earlier, put on your contact lenses before any eye makeup to avoid any contamination or smudging on the lenses.

5) Give yourself enough time: Putting on contacts before applying makeup may take a little extra time in your routine. Make sure you give yourself enough time so that you are not rushing and risking improper handling of your lenses.

In conclusion, the question of whether to put on contacts before or after makeup has a clear answer – before. While it may require a little extra effort in your daily routine, putting on contacts before makeup is crucial for both the effectiveness of your makeup application and the health and safety of your eyes. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that both your contact lenses and eye makeup work together to enhance your overall look without any compromises.

1. Do I have to put on contacts before applying makeup?
Yes, it is recommended to put on your contacts before applying makeup. This ensures that you have clear vision while putting on makeup and prevents any contact between your makeup products and your contact lenses.

2. Can I apply eye makeup with my contacts in?
Yes, you can apply eye makeup with your contacts in but make sure to be extra careful and avoid getting any product into your eyes. You may also benefit from using a magnifying mirror to ensure a precise application.

3. How do I prevent my contact lenses from getting dirty or damaged while applying makeup?

The key here is to always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses or applying makeup. Also, avoid using oily or creamy products near your eyes as they can leave residue on your lenses. It is also recommended to insert your contact lenses after you finish applying all of your makeup.

4. Should I remove my contacts before removing my eye makeup?
Yes, it is best to remove your contacts first before removing any eye makeup. This ensures that you do not accidentally transfer any residue or product onto your lenses that can cause irritation or damage.

5. Can I use waterproof mascara with my contact lenses?
It is generally safe to use waterproof mascara with contact lenses but make sure to use a gentle, oil-free remover when taking it off. Also, be cautious when applying and removing the mascara as any tugging or rubbing can cause discomfort for those wearing contact lenses.

6. Do I need to let my eye shadow dry before inserting my contacts?
It is always best to wait a few minutes for your eye shadow to dry before inserting your contacts to avoid any transfer of product onto the lenses. If you are in a rush, gently pat the area around the eyes with a tissue to remove any excess product before inserting your contacts.

In conclusion, the topic of whether to put on contacts before or after makeup may seem like a trivial decision, but it is actually a crucial aspect of both our vision and appearance. Through this discussion, we have learned that the general consensus is to put on contacts before applying makeup to avoid potential eye irritation or damage. However, there are also valid reasons for putting on contacts after makeup, such as avoiding contamination of the lenses and ensuring a seamless application.

We have seen that proper hygiene and care are essential when dealing with contact lenses, and this includes following a specific order in which they are worn. It is vital to keep in mind that wearing contacts is a medical practice and should be treated as such.

Furthermore, this topic has shed light on the importance of using quality products for both makeup and contact lenses. Any compromises in either area can lead to discomfort or negative effects on our vision.

Ultimately, the decision of when to put on contacts should be based on individual preferences and comfort. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is crucial to consider personal factors when making this choice.

Putting on contacts before or after makeup may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly impact our daily routines and overall well-being. By understanding the reasons behind each approach and prioritizing proper