If you’re a contact lens wearer like me you’ll know the agony suffered when anything remotely bigger than a micro-particle finds its way into your eye.
And don’t even get me started on the impairment that occurs should you be unlucky enough to get product in your peepers.
Blurry vision from oils or creams that have travelled into your eye and coated your contacts; irritated eyes as a result of eye shadow particles that have fallen from your lid and landed on your lenses; and, of course, lets not forget that ultra-alluring black rim around your contacts from less-than-lasting liner that’s found its way over to your eyes. Honestly, is it not enough that we have bad eyesight to begin?
But before you throw in the towel on your make-up wearing ways, bear in mind that there are a few things you can do to ensure that your cosmetics happily co-exist with your contacts. Here are some of our top tips:
– Pop your lenses in before you put on your make-up to guarantee that you’re not putting product residue from your fingers into your eyes. It will also ensure that your make-up doesn’t run if your peepers are prone to watering when you put your contacts in place.
– Products placed around your eyes are likely to find their way into your peepers and can cause havoc with your contacts. To avoid this pesky problem, choose an eye cream and concealor that’s lightweight and non-greasy as they’ll sink right into your skin and won’t be tempted to travel. It’s also a good idea to look for something that’s hypoallergenic to minimise irritation should your cosmetics come into contact with your eyes. Try: Almay Bright Eyes Eye Base + Concealor, and Biotherm Aquasource Non Stop Yeux.
– Use a long-wear eye liner to prevent it from smudging and seeping into your eyes. It’s also a good idea to stick to applying your liner along the top of your lashes, rather than in the inner rim of your eye. Try: Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner.
– Blink your eyes frequently while blow-drying your hair dryer to keep your eyes from drying out and your contacts from becoming uncomfortable.
– Opt for mascara with a waterproof formula as it’ll stay put if your eyes water and won’t flake if you rub your eyes. When choosing your eye shadow, go for something that’s high in pigment (so has more staying power), and is fragrance-free and optometrist tested. Try: COVERGIRL Lash Exact Waterproof Mascara, and Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Shadow.
– Remove your eye make-up every day with a hypoallergenic, oil-free remover, and always remember to take out your lenses before you do so! Try: Johnson’s 3-in-1 Eye Make-Up Removal Pads.
– Never apply hand cream or body lotion before putting in or taking out your lenses!
– When possible, spritz your hairspray before putting on your contacts. If you’re on the go and your lenses are already in place, be sure to close your eyes during application, keeping them closed for a few seconds afterwards to avoid getting hairspray in your eyes.
– For optimum eye comfort, keep a small bottle of contact lens rewetting drops on hand to prevent dryness and alleviate irritation.
– And last but not least, remember good lens hygiene equals happy eyes so always be sure to cleanse your contacts daily and not to wear them for longer than the prescribed length of time (so if they’re daily lenses throw them out at the end of each day!). Try: 1∙DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® Brand Contact Lenses*.
Wear contact lenses and want to win all the beauty products mentioned in this article? Simply click here to download a voucher for a free trial pair of 1∙DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® Brand Contact Lenses, go into your local optometrist to get fitted, and review the lenses on beautyheaven by 30th April 2010. The review we deem to be most useful to fellow contact lens wearers will win the prize!
*Always read the label. Use only as directed. Your optometrist will advise if this product is suitable for you. ®Trademark Johnson & Johnson.
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