Contact Lenses and Cosmetics

11/20/2011

Here are some tips to help you wear your contacts and your cosmetics safely and comfortably together:

Put on soft contact lenses before applying makeup.

Avoid lash-extending mascara, which has fibers that can irritate the eyes, and waterproof mascara, which cannot be easily removed with water and may stain soft contact lenses.

Remove lenses before removing makeup.

Choose an oil-free moisturizer.

Remember to always have a pair of prescription eyeglasses for back-up when you can't wear your contact lenses.

Don't use hand creams or lotions before handling contacts. They can leave a film on your lenses.

Use hairspray before putting on your contacts. If you use hairspray while you are wearing your contacts, close your eyes during spraying and for a few seconds afterwards.

Blink your eyes frequently while under a hair drier or blower to keep your eyes from getting too dry.

Keep false eyelash cement, nail polish and remover, perfume and cologne away from the lenses. They can damage the plastic.

Choose water-based, hypo-allergenic liquid foundations. Cream makeup may leave a film on your lenses.