Contact Lenses and Cosmetics

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

Put on soft contact lenses before applying makeup.
Put on rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses after makeup is applied.
Avoid lash-extending mascara, which has fibres 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.
Don't use hand creams or lotions before handling your lenses. They can leave a film on your lenses.
Use hairspray before putting on your contact lenses. If you use hairspray while you are wearing your lenses, 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.