Makeup or Contacts First? The Ultimate Beauty Debate Uncovered

When it comes to beauty routines, there’s always a debate on what order to apply products. From serums before moisturizers, to foundation before concealer, the order of makeup application is a hot topic. But one question that often gets overlooked in the beauty world is whether or not we should put in contacts before applying makeup. It’s a common dilemma for those who wear contacts, and with good reason. After all, we want our eyes to look flawless, but we also need to take care of our vision. So today, we’re diving into the discussions surrounding the question: Should I put contacts in before makeup? Let’s find out the answer together.


When it comes to beauty and makeup, everyone has their own personal routine and techniques that work best for them. One common debate in the beauty community is whether or not to put in contact lenses before applying makeup. While some prefer to do their makeup first, others swear by putting in their contacts before starting their beauty routine. In this article, we will discuss whether it is better to put contacts in before or after makeup and provide helpful tips for both methods.

The benefits of putting contacts in before makeup

One of the main benefits of putting in your contact lenses before applying makeup is the ease of application. This may be particularly true for those who struggle with vision impairment and rely on contact lenses for clear sight. By putting in your contacts first, you can see clearly while doing your makeup, ensuring a more precise and flawless application.

Another advantage is that putting contacts in first allows you to avoid getting any makeup on your lenses, which can be a hassle to clean off. This is especially important for those who wear colored or special effect contact lenses as any makeup residue may cause the lens to appear discolored.

In addition, if you make a mistake while applying your eye makeup such as smudging mascara or eyeliner, having your contact lenses already in place can prevent any disruptions or damage to your eye area.

The drawbacks of putting contacts in before makeup

While there are certainly benefits to putting contacts in before doing your makeup, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be taken into consideration.

Firstly, putting in contacts before applying certain types of eye products such as eyeshadow or eyelash extensions may cause discomfort or irritation as these products can get onto the surface of the lens. Additionally, if you frequently use spray or powder makeup products, there is a risk of them getting into your eyes while attempting to apply them with contact lenses in.

Another potential drawback is that, if not done properly, putting in contacts before makeup can lead to a longer makeup application process. This may be due to having to be more cautious and precise with the placement and application of products around the eye area.

Tips for putting contacts in before makeup

For those who prefer to put in their contact lenses before starting their makeup routine, there are some helpful tips that can make the process smoother and more efficient. Firstly, ensure that your hands are clean and dry before handling your contacts. This will help prevent any bacteria from entering your eyes and causing irritation or infection.

Next, it is important to have a designated area for storing your contact lens case and solution. This will prevent any mix-ups with other eye products such as eye drops or makeup remover which could potentially lead to contamination or damage to your lenses.

You may also want to consider using contact lens-friendly eye makeup products such as oil-free or water-based formulas. These are less likely to cause discomfort or irritation when they come into contact with your lenses.

The benefits of putting contacts in after makeup

On the other hand, some people prefer to put in their contact lenses after applying their makeup. This method may offer certain benefits that differ from putting contacts in before doing one’s makeup.

The most notable advantage is that by doing your makeup first, you can avoid any potential mishaps with eye products getting onto your lenses. This can be especially helpful if you are using heavy or messy products such as liquid eyeliner or glitter eyeshadow.

Additionally, some people find it easier to achieve their desired look when they can see the full effect of their makeup, including how it looks with their contacts in.

The drawbacks of putting contacts in after makeup

One of the main drawbacks of putting in your contact lenses after doing your makeup is the potential for smudging or ruining your carefully applied eye makeup. This is especially true if you are using products that require precision and care, such as liquid eyeliner or individual eyelash extensions.

Another disadvantage is that putting in lenses after makeup can be more time-consuming as you may have to be extra careful not to disturb or destroy your makeup while inserting and adjusting the lenses.

Tips for putting contacts in after makeup

If you prefer to put in your contact lenses after completing your makeup routine, there are some tips that can help make this process easier and more manageable.

Firstly, make sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. It is also important to be gentle when inserting or removing the lenses to avoid any damage or discomfort.

You may also want to consider using a magnifying mirror during the insertion process to ensure more accuracy and precision. Additionally, keeping a small travel-size bottle of saline solution

There has been a long-standing debate among makeup enthusiasts about whether it is better to wear contacts before or after applying makeup. While some argue that putting contacts in first may smudge or smear the makeup, others believe that wearing contacts first can lead to a more precise and flawless application. With so many conflicting opinions, it’s understandable why this topic can be confusing for individuals who wear both makeup and contacts. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the question “Should I put contacts in before makeup?” and examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach.

Benefits of Putting Contacts In Before Makeup

One of the primary reasons why individuals choose to put their contacts in before applying their makeup is for improved visual clarity. For those who have poor eyesight without corrective lenses, putting contacts in first can allow them to see more clearly while applying their makeup. This, in turn, can lead to a more precise and accurate application. Additionally, wearing contacts before applying makeup allows for more precise placement of products such as eyeliner or eyeshadow.

Moreover, many people find that putting their contacts in first helps with ease of application. Without glasses on, it may be easier to see what you are doing in terms of blending and color matching while applying your makeup. This can lead to a quicker and more efficient application process.

Furthermore, some individuals who wear heavy eye makeup find that wearing their contacts beforehand helps prevent smudging or smearing of the products onto their lenses. This can also be beneficial for those who wear waterproof mascara or other products that are difficult to remove from contact lenses.

Potential Drawbacks of Putting Contacts In Before Makeup

On the other hand, some people argue that putting contacts in first can potentially damage your lenses due to exposure to certain ingredients found in cosmetics. Several eye doctors recommend avoiding contact with preservatives found in skincare and makeup products to prevent eye irritation and potential damage to contact lenses. Therefore, those who wear contacts first should be cautious about the products they use on their face and near their eyes.

Moreover, putting contacts in before makeup can also lead to a more time-consuming process. For those who struggle with dexterity issues or have difficulty putting in their contacts, this may be a more challenging approach. It may also require individuals to wash their hands thoroughly multiple times during the application process, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient.

Benefits of Putting Contacts On After Makeup

The main argument for wearing contacts after applying makeup is to avoid the potential damage that cosmetics can cause them. While most individuals are careful with their products, accidents can happen, and makeup may end up on the lenses. By wearing your contact lenses after applying your makeup, you are avoiding any potential damage from coming into contact with your cosmetics.

Additionally, many people believe that putting in contacts after applying makeup helps set the products better on your skin. As you apply pressure to put in your lenses, it can potentially blend and set powders or creams more seamlessly onto the skin’s surface.

Potential Drawbacks of Putting Contacts On After Makeup

One of the biggest downsides of waiting until after you have applied your makeup to put in your contact lenses is reduced visual accuracy. Individuals with poor eyesight may struggle to see what they are doing without glasses or corrective lenses on. This can make it challenging to achieve an even and precise application of makeup.

Furthermore, for those who wear heavy eye makeup or waterproof products that are difficult to remove from contact lenses, this approach may contribute to smudging or transfer onto the skin around the eyes. This can result in a messier and less polished look.

In Conclusion, whether you decide to put your contacts in before or after applying makeup ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for you. There are both advantages and disadvantages to each approach, and it’s essential to consider these factors when determining which method is right for you. If you are concerned about potentially damaging your lenses, wearing them after putting on your makeup may be a safer option. However, if you struggle with visual clarity without corrective lenses, putting contacts in before makeup may be the better choice. Whichever approach you choose, make sure to take proper care of your lenses and avoid contact with any harmful ingredients found in makeup or skincare products.

Q: Should I put in my contact lenses before applying makeup?
A: It is recommended to put in your contact lenses before applying makeup, as you may accidentally get makeup particles on your lenses if you apply them after.

Q: Can I wear contacts with water-based or oil-based makeup products?
A: Yes, you can wear contacts with both water-based and oil-based makeup products. Just make sure to apply your contacts first before any makeup.

Q: Is it safe to put contacts in after applying eye primer or concealer?
A: It is not recommended to put in your contacts after applying eye primer or concealer, as the particles from these products can easily stick to your lenses and cause irritation.

Q: Do I need to wait for my moisturizer and sunscreen to dry before putting in contacts?
A: Yes, it is important to wait for your moisturizer and sunscreen to fully absorb and dry before putting in your contacts. This will prevent any product residue from getting on your lenses.

Q: Can I use a setting spray while wearing my contact lenses?
A: Setting sprays are generally safe to use while wearing contact lenses. However, it is important to avoid spraying directly onto the eyes and keeping the eyes closed until the spray has fully dried.

Q: Do I need a special type of makeup remover for removing eye makeup with contact lenses?
A: It is best to use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover for removing eye makeup when wearing contact lenses. Oil-based removers can leave residue on the lens surface, causing discomfort and blurred vision.

In Conclusion, whether or not one should put contacts in before makeup is a personal choice that varies from person to person. It ultimately depends on individual preferences and comfort levels. However, there are some key points to consider when making this decision.

Firstly, it is important to prioritize eye health above beauty. This means taking proper care of your contact lenses by following the recommended cleaning and wearing schedule. Putting contacts in before makeup can increase the risk of eye infections if proper hygiene practices are not followed.

Additionally, putting contacts in before makeup may also affect the longevity and effectiveness of certain products. Oil-based makeup or mascara can cause irritation or cloudiness on the lenses, leading to discomfort or reduced vision clarity.

On the other hand, putting contacts in after makeup can also have its drawbacks. The risk of accidentally getting makeup or debris into your eyes while handling the lenses increases when they are already in place. This can cause discomfort and potentially damage the lenses.

Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment with both methods and see what works best for you. Some people may find that they prefer putting contacts in before makeup, while others may opt for after. It is important to make a conscious effort to keep your hands clean and follow proper hygiene practices regardless of when you put in your contacts.

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Annie Williamson
Annie Williamson has long been fascinated by the transformative power of makeup and beauty products. With a career spanning over a decade in the beauty industry, she has worked as a professional makeup artist and beauty consultant for various renowned brands.

Annie’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of beauty domains, including skincare, cosmetics, haircare, and body care. Her profound knowledge and hands-on experience have made her a trusted figure among peers and clients alike, noted for her ability to tailor beauty solutions to individual needs and preferences.

The shift from hands-on beauty services to blogging allowed Annie to reach a broader audience, turning her personal insights and discoveries into valuable online content. Her blog serves as a platform for discussing emerging trends, debunking beauty myths, and revealing the secrets behind effective beauty products, whether they’re from upscale brands or hidden gems found in local markets around the world.

Annie’s approach is unique in that she combines her professional background with personal experiences from her travels, bringing a global perspective to her audience. Each post aims to educate and inspire, helping readers make informed decisions about their beauty routines.