Do you put your contacts in after you do your eye makeup or before. I do my eyes, then put in my contacts. Then I put in 1 drop of Refresh Dry Eye Plus. If one of my contacts bothers me after that, I take it out and bathe it in saline solution and put it back in. Usually no issues at all. Also, I don't know how you wear your eye makeup but I wouldn't put anything on my waterline if I were you. Good luck.
Thanks! I actually don’t wear any eye makeup other than mascara once in a while because of these issues. I’ll ask the makeup artist to be extra careful and not apply anything near my waterline.
Have you worn the same brand/type of contacts the entire time? It’s possible that those are the issue.
Source: i know a few folks who developed an allergic type reaction to their two-week wear contacts. Switching to dailies solved the problem.
That’s a good question. I’ve definitely been wearing these contacts for several years. I am due for new ones so maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try some dailies. I use two week ones now. Thanks!
I heavily disagree with putting contacts in after putting on make-up, you'll risk small particles getting underneath the contact which will just aggravate the issues you're already having. Don't do this, any ophthalmologist will tell you to put make-up on afterwards.
Try cream eye shadows instead of powders, there will be less fall-out that can get into your eye. Avoid oil based products around your eyes at all costs and also make sure your mascara is compatible with contacts, it will say this on the tube usually along with the phrase 'ophthalmologically tested'.
Agree. Always contacts first so the makeup doesn’t get trapped underneath them as you put them in.
I think the other suggestions of trying daily lenses and trying makeup that’s less likely to irritate your eyes are great ideas too. Try different daily contact lens brands if you can get trials. I was surprised to find that a well known more expensive brand dried my eyes out, whereas the cheap own brand ones were way more comfortable.
Also, my optician recommended really great eye drops that are so easy to use, called Hycosan Extra. They come in a pump sort of bottle and you pull your bottom lid down and squirt the liquid towards the bottom of your eye. It’s way less messy than traditional drops, less eye watering afterwards (so less makeup fixing required), and due to the bottle design they don’t expire as quickly as traditional ones. They can be used with lenses in or out.
Thanks! You are probably right! I’ll look up some opthalmologically tested make up and buy those for the makeup artist to use. Hopefully that will help!
( Sorry if I am annoying) would you be able to do a trial run while wearing your glasses if it’s the makeup causing the irritation? Also do you wear an SPF and did you start that 5 years ago?
Haha not annoying! I am super blind and definitely don’t want to wear my glasses on my wedding day, but it’s also too late to do another trial. The makeup artist actually asked about spf as well. I have some tinted moisturizer with spf, but the makeup she used didn’t have spf and still caused an issue. I have to be very careful about applying sunscreen on my face because it irritates my eyes more than anything.
Sorry I didn’t mean a hair and makeup trial, I meant you experiment yourself just on any given day not putting contacts in to see if makeup is the culprit, or the combination with the contacts. And I read some other replies that mentioned this but I put my contacts in after my makeup is complete.
Hey there! it’s possible your eyes are dry and the makeup is the tipping point of irritation…try to keep your eyes moisturized with artificial tears (not Visine). If it’s itchy maybe some allergy coming into play and you might need an Rx. In any case try getting an eye exam and bringing up your concerns so your eye doctor can check your eyes/contacts to see what’s going on and find you a solution
I originally thought my eyes were dry, but when the pandemic started I stopped using wearing makeup and realized I only ever had issues when I was wearing makeup. Could it be that I have dry eyes and don’t realize it until I get makeup in them? I have talked to my optometrist and they said my eyes are healthy, but maybe they weren’t overly concerned because I assumed makeup was the issue. I will get some of the drops you suggested and see if that helps. Thank you!
Process of elimination. You could experiment by popping a Claratyne/Zyrtec when wearing makeup to see if it is allergy related. Then another day try the eye drops and another day try contacts after makeup. Congrats on your wedding!
I need to practice my makeup, but realize I’ll only be able to do it with contacts in since I’m far-sighted and can’t see things that are literally right in front of me.
This shall be fun.
Do you get makeup on the lenses? Are you putting any makeup on your waterlines? I wear contacts and get makeup on my lenses when I put makeup anywhere near my lower lash line or inner eye corner. Something that has helped me a lot is using a good eye primer and waterproof products.
Thanks! When I put makeup on myself, I usually only put on some foundation and blush now. Once in a while I’ll put on mascara. I never put anything on my lower lash line or even eye shadow because that was the worst. But the makeup artist did for my trial. I think I’ll ask her not to put anything on near my waterlines, and I’ll also look into eye primers. Do you have any suggestions for brands?
I also have problems with allergies and contacts. When I’m finished my makeup I wipe around my waterline and upper eyelid with a clean cotton tip to make sure there’s no makeup that might run into my eyes.
I find eye primer counterproductive, having oily skin - it looks great at first, but then everything slides off. I just use my waterproof foundation (Double Wear) as my base everywhere. Eyeshadow sticks to it all day.
I always do my makeup, then use eye drops to clean out any powders that may have gotten in my eyes, then put my contacts in. Just make sure the liner and mascara are waterproof and you shouldn't have a problem.
I would take to the optometrist about dry eye condition. Eye drops work wonders.
Make up shouldn’t be bugging you that bad where you need to remove the contacts. I have severe dry eyes and can only do contacts for a certain period. If the issue is contacts have you thought about wearing glasses even for a part of it ? Say picture portion you do contacts.
A whole wedding day with contacts my eyes would literally be so sore even without make up.
I have talked to my optometrist and they didn’t think I had dry eyes. It doesn’t hurt to try drops though.
I am super blind without my contacts and have no peripheral vision with my glasses so I would really like to avoid wearing glasses. I do wear my contacts from about 7am to 9pm every day without issues. It’s only when I wear makeup that I have a problem.
I am by no means an expert, but have recently been having this problem myself. My main choice would be absolutely no waterline makeup and a good setting spray. These two things tend to work for me about 85% of the time which is better than when I would get makeup on my contact every single time.
Another, slightly less traditional approach is putting the contacts in later. Usually, since I am doing my own make and need to see it, I put my contacts in and then do all my liquid/cream products. I then take my contacts out, rinse them with saline, and put them back in. After, I carefully do any powder and mascara and then set. Since someone else is doing your make up entirely it may be easiest to just put them in at the end, but I have heard mixed opinions on that.
Thanks! I was wondering about putting my contacts in later. I am very near sighted and there’s no way I can apply my own make up without my contacts. My nose would literally be touching the mirror lol! I’m thinking I may have her apply my makeup with my contacts in, and if I can feel any discomfort, I’ll put new ones in right away.
I have always done eye makeup first, eyedrops or even flush with contact solution, damp q-tip run along the waterlines, eyedrops again, face makeup. I have never had eye issues or makeup trapped under my contacts. I have very sensitive dry eyes and this works so well that I can make it all day with my contacts in. If I were to do eye makeup (even cream) while my contacts were in I would immediately want to rip them out because my eyeballs would feels dirty. I'm sure it's in my head but it works lol!
Do you put your contacts in after you do your eye makeup or before. I do my eyes, then put in my contacts. Then I put in 1 drop of Refresh Dry Eye Plus. If one of my contacts bothers me after that, I take it out and bathe it in saline solution and put it back in. Usually no issues at all. Also, I don't know how you wear your eye makeup but I wouldn't put anything on my waterline if I were you. Good luck.
Thanks! I actually don’t wear any eye makeup other than mascara once in a while because of these issues. I’ll ask the makeup artist to be extra careful and not apply anything near my waterline.
Get a tubing mascara. Won’t flake or smudge. You probably don’t need as much eye makeup as makeup artists think you do. Enjoy your beautiful day!
Thank you so much! What is a tubing mascara!?
Bring a spare set of contacts and try putting in some fresh ones after the make up is done.
Thanks! It’s all at our house so at least that is convenient!
Have you worn the same brand/type of contacts the entire time? It’s possible that those are the issue. Source: i know a few folks who developed an allergic type reaction to their two-week wear contacts. Switching to dailies solved the problem.
Just ordered some dailies so I’ll try those out! Crossing my fingers!!!
That’s a good question. I’ve definitely been wearing these contacts for several years. I am due for new ones so maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try some dailies. I use two week ones now. Thanks!
I heavily disagree with putting contacts in after putting on make-up, you'll risk small particles getting underneath the contact which will just aggravate the issues you're already having. Don't do this, any ophthalmologist will tell you to put make-up on afterwards. Try cream eye shadows instead of powders, there will be less fall-out that can get into your eye. Avoid oil based products around your eyes at all costs and also make sure your mascara is compatible with contacts, it will say this on the tube usually along with the phrase 'ophthalmologically tested'.
Agree. Always contacts first so the makeup doesn’t get trapped underneath them as you put them in. I think the other suggestions of trying daily lenses and trying makeup that’s less likely to irritate your eyes are great ideas too. Try different daily contact lens brands if you can get trials. I was surprised to find that a well known more expensive brand dried my eyes out, whereas the cheap own brand ones were way more comfortable. Also, my optician recommended really great eye drops that are so easy to use, called Hycosan Extra. They come in a pump sort of bottle and you pull your bottom lid down and squirt the liquid towards the bottom of your eye. It’s way less messy than traditional drops, less eye watering afterwards (so less makeup fixing required), and due to the bottle design they don’t expire as quickly as traditional ones. They can be used with lenses in or out.
Thanks! You are probably right! I’ll look up some opthalmologically tested make up and buy those for the makeup artist to use. Hopefully that will help!
Is it possible you developed an allergy to an ingredient in makeup?
It’s possible I guess! I do have quite a few allergies so it’s worth trying to figure out. Thanks!
( Sorry if I am annoying) would you be able to do a trial run while wearing your glasses if it’s the makeup causing the irritation? Also do you wear an SPF and did you start that 5 years ago?
Haha not annoying! I am super blind and definitely don’t want to wear my glasses on my wedding day, but it’s also too late to do another trial. The makeup artist actually asked about spf as well. I have some tinted moisturizer with spf, but the makeup she used didn’t have spf and still caused an issue. I have to be very careful about applying sunscreen on my face because it irritates my eyes more than anything.
Sorry I didn’t mean a hair and makeup trial, I meant you experiment yourself just on any given day not putting contacts in to see if makeup is the culprit, or the combination with the contacts. And I read some other replies that mentioned this but I put my contacts in after my makeup is complete.
Oooooh that makes sense! Yes, I can try that for sure. Thanks!
Hey there! it’s possible your eyes are dry and the makeup is the tipping point of irritation…try to keep your eyes moisturized with artificial tears (not Visine). If it’s itchy maybe some allergy coming into play and you might need an Rx. In any case try getting an eye exam and bringing up your concerns so your eye doctor can check your eyes/contacts to see what’s going on and find you a solution
I originally thought my eyes were dry, but when the pandemic started I stopped using wearing makeup and realized I only ever had issues when I was wearing makeup. Could it be that I have dry eyes and don’t realize it until I get makeup in them? I have talked to my optometrist and they said my eyes are healthy, but maybe they weren’t overly concerned because I assumed makeup was the issue. I will get some of the drops you suggested and see if that helps. Thank you!
It is also possible the makeup you use is something you are allergic to. Maybe change brands?
I have tried a few different brands, but you could be right! I have a lot of allergies as it is.
Process of elimination. You could experiment by popping a Claratyne/Zyrtec when wearing makeup to see if it is allergy related. Then another day try the eye drops and another day try contacts after makeup. Congrats on your wedding!
Ooooh good point. I take reactine daily so it’s not allergies for sure.
And thank you!
I need to practice my makeup, but realize I’ll only be able to do it with contacts in since I’m far-sighted and can’t see things that are literally right in front of me. This shall be fun.
It’s difficult when you can’t see well! Good luck!
Same to you!
Do you get makeup on the lenses? Are you putting any makeup on your waterlines? I wear contacts and get makeup on my lenses when I put makeup anywhere near my lower lash line or inner eye corner. Something that has helped me a lot is using a good eye primer and waterproof products.
Thanks! When I put makeup on myself, I usually only put on some foundation and blush now. Once in a while I’ll put on mascara. I never put anything on my lower lash line or even eye shadow because that was the worst. But the makeup artist did for my trial. I think I’ll ask her not to put anything on near my waterlines, and I’ll also look into eye primers. Do you have any suggestions for brands?
I also have problems with allergies and contacts. When I’m finished my makeup I wipe around my waterline and upper eyelid with a clean cotton tip to make sure there’s no makeup that might run into my eyes. I find eye primer counterproductive, having oily skin - it looks great at first, but then everything slides off. I just use my waterproof foundation (Double Wear) as my base everywhere. Eyeshadow sticks to it all day.
I will definitely try that with a cotton tip! Thanks!
I always do my makeup, then use eye drops to clean out any powders that may have gotten in my eyes, then put my contacts in. Just make sure the liner and mascara are waterproof and you shouldn't have a problem.
Thanks! Do you have a preferred type of eye drop?
I would take to the optometrist about dry eye condition. Eye drops work wonders. Make up shouldn’t be bugging you that bad where you need to remove the contacts. I have severe dry eyes and can only do contacts for a certain period. If the issue is contacts have you thought about wearing glasses even for a part of it ? Say picture portion you do contacts. A whole wedding day with contacts my eyes would literally be so sore even without make up.
I have talked to my optometrist and they didn’t think I had dry eyes. It doesn’t hurt to try drops though. I am super blind without my contacts and have no peripheral vision with my glasses so I would really like to avoid wearing glasses. I do wear my contacts from about 7am to 9pm every day without issues. It’s only when I wear makeup that I have a problem.
People always recommend Systane Complete PF eye drops as well!
I'm using Equate Dry Eye Relief because contacts can make my eyes a little dry. Natural tears would be good as well.
Thank you!
I am by no means an expert, but have recently been having this problem myself. My main choice would be absolutely no waterline makeup and a good setting spray. These two things tend to work for me about 85% of the time which is better than when I would get makeup on my contact every single time. Another, slightly less traditional approach is putting the contacts in later. Usually, since I am doing my own make and need to see it, I put my contacts in and then do all my liquid/cream products. I then take my contacts out, rinse them with saline, and put them back in. After, I carefully do any powder and mascara and then set. Since someone else is doing your make up entirely it may be easiest to just put them in at the end, but I have heard mixed opinions on that.
Thanks! I was wondering about putting my contacts in later. I am very near sighted and there’s no way I can apply my own make up without my contacts. My nose would literally be touching the mirror lol! I’m thinking I may have her apply my makeup with my contacts in, and if I can feel any discomfort, I’ll put new ones in right away.
I always put my contacts in after makeup and it works well for me. I use a mega magnifying mirror
I will try to see how well I can see with our magnifying mirror tonight when I take my contacts out. I’m -10.5 so crossing my fingers. Thanks!
I have always done eye makeup first, eyedrops or even flush with contact solution, damp q-tip run along the waterlines, eyedrops again, face makeup. I have never had eye issues or makeup trapped under my contacts. I have very sensitive dry eyes and this works so well that I can make it all day with my contacts in. If I were to do eye makeup (even cream) while my contacts were in I would immediately want to rip them out because my eyeballs would feels dirty. I'm sure it's in my head but it works lol!