Although wearing makeup with contact lenses can feel a bit daunting, we’ve got top tips to help beat eye irritation without sacrificing the look you want. 

Wash your hands 

Make sure your hands are completely clean and dry before applying your contact lenses. For further tips and advice on wearing contact lenses, check out our contact lens advice page. 

Contact lenses first 

To help avoid eye infections, always remember to put your contact lenses in before you apply makeup and take them out before you remove it.  

Avoid using products that may irritate your eyes 

• Try to avoid eye makeup products that have oil in them. The reason is because oil and water don’t mix, so if any gets in your eyes it could result in cloudy lenses
• Try to avoid mascaras that contain fibres; these can clump and fall into your eyes which could cause an infection. We’d recommend trying mascaras that are free from mineral oil, animal derived ingredients or perfume
• Finally, try to avoid loose powder eye products, as they can crumble throughout the day and irritate your eyes. Instead, opt for creams or liquids. Revlon’s ColorStay Crème Eye Shadow is great for a subtle style

Try to stay away from your waterline 

Try to avoid getting any makeup on your waterline (also referred to as the lash line). This can block the natural oil glands that help to keep your eyes hydrated.

If you use the lash line to create a smokey eye, you can still achieve this by applying your eyeliner to the outer part of your lids instead. 

Replace your makeup regularly 

Eye makeup has a shorter shelf life than other cosmetics because it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. This can increase your risk of an eye infection.

Ensure to check the expiry date of your makeup before it comes into contact with your eyes. For further advice on expired makeup, visit the Boots makeup expiry advice page. 

Interested in giving contact lenses a go? 

If you'd like understand more about wearing contact lenses for the first time, start by checking out our contact lens advice page which is packed with tips to make your first experience smooth and comfortable. Want to separate fact from fiction? Our contact lens myths page will help you decide if lenses are the right choice for you. 

If you’re ready to give them a try—or it’s been a while since you last wore contacts—we offer a free contact lens trial* so you can see how they feel. Keep in mind, if you haven’t had an eye test in the past 12 months, you’ll need a combined eye test with free contact lens trial appointment. Already a contact lens wearer? Simply book the eye test with contact lens check option to keep your lenses up to date.