Wearing colored contacts for the first time can feel exciting and a little scary.

You may be wondering which color to choose, how to put the lenses in, whether they will feel comfortable, and how to care for them correctly.

The good news is that the process becomes much easier with the right fitting, clean hands, proper lens care, and a little practice.

This beginner’s guide covers the basic steps you should know before trying colored contacts.

Step 1: Get an Eye Exam and Contact Lens Prescription

Colored contact lenses may look like beauty products, but they are medical devices.

In the United States, you need a valid contact lens prescription even when the lenses:

• Have no vision-correcting power

• Are only used for fashion

• Are worn for cosplay

• Are worn for Halloween

• Are called decorative or cosmetic contacts

An eye care professional checks your eyes and determines which contact lens brand and measurements are appropriate for you. A glasses prescription is not the same as a contact lens prescription.

The FDA and CDC both advise consumers to get a professional fitting and valid prescription before buying decorative or colored contacts.

Step 2: Choose Your First Color and Style

For your first pair, choose a style that fits your normal makeup routine.

Natural colors are often easier to style because they do not completely change your appearance.

Good first-look options include:

• Chocolate brown

• Caramel brown

• Hazel

• Olive green

• Gray-brown

• Soft gray

When you feel more confident, you can try brighter blue, green, violet, pink, red, or character-inspired cosplay lenses.

Think about where you will wear them.

For Daily Makeup

Look for:

• Soft edges

• Natural iris patterns

• Brown, hazel, gray, or olive tones

• A subtle or balanced visual size

For Glam Makeup

Look for:

• Brighter colors

• More visible outer rings

• Gray, blue, green, or golden shades

• A slightly enlarging design

For Cosplay

Focus on:

• Character color accuracy

• Visibility in photos

• A more defined pattern

• Bold or unusual colors

No matter which style you prefer, only purchase the specific contact lenses covered by your prescription.

Step 3: Understand the Product Details

Before opening a pair of colored contacts, read the product page and packaging.

Check:

• Lens diameter

• Base curve

• Power

• Water content

• Replacement schedule

• Expiration date

• Cleaning and storage instructions

Mesiru offers colored contacts in 14.0mm, 14.2mm, and 14.5mm diameters, with water content ranging from 38% to 42%.

Selected styles are also available with nearsighted prescription options.

The style specifications help you compare products, but they do not replace a professional fitting.

Step 4: Prepare Before Touching Your Lenses

Clean hands are one of the most important parts of contact lens care.

Before handling your lenses:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Rinse away all soap.

3. Dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel.

4. Work over a clean, dry surface.

5. Keep your contact lens solution nearby.

Avoid handling lenses with dirty, wet, oily, or lotion-covered fingers.

Only use contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional. Do not rinse or store lenses in tap water, bottled water, or saliva.

Step 5: Check That the Lens Is Facing the Right Way

Place the contact lens on the tip of your clean, dry index finger.

Look at it from the side.

When the lens is facing the correct way, it should look like a smooth bowl with the edges pointing upward.

If the edges flare outward, the lens may be inside out.

Also check that the lens is:

• Clean

• Moist

• Not torn

• Free from dust or makeup

• Not past its expiration date

Never wear a damaged lens.

Step 6: How to Put In Colored Contacts

Follow the insertion method shown by your eye care professional.

A common process is:

1. Place the lens on your index finger.

2. Use your other hand to hold your upper eyelid open.

3. Use the middle finger of the lens hand to hold down your lower eyelid.

4. Look straight ahead or slightly upward.

5. Gently place the lens on your eye.

6. Slowly release your eyelids.

7. Blink a few times.

If the lens feels uncomfortable, do not keep rubbing your eye.

Remove the lens with clean hands and inspect it. It may be inside out, dirty, damaged, or improperly fitted. Clean and disinfect a reusable lens according to its instructions before trying again.

Never force a painful lens to stay in your eye.

Step 7: Put In Contacts Before Applying Makeup

Insert your contacts before starting your makeup.

This helps reduce the chance of getting powder, mascara, eyeliner, or other cosmetics on the lenses.

At the end of the day:

1. Wash and dry your hands.

2. Remove your contact lenses.

3. Clean or dispose of them as directed.

4. Remove your makeup afterward.

The FDA recommends inserting contact lenses before applying cosmetics and removing the lenses before taking makeup off.

Step 8: How to Remove Colored Contacts

Make sure your hands are clean and completely dry.

Then:

1. Look upward.

2. Gently pull down your lower eyelid.

3. Use the pad of your index finger to slide the lens toward the white part of your eye.

4. Carefully pinch the lens between the pads of your thumb and index finger.

5. Remove it without using your fingernails.

Long or sharp nails can make removal more difficult. Always use the soft pads of your fingers.

If the lens feels dry or stuck, do not pull it forcefully. Follow your eye care professional’s advice and use only eye products they have approved for use with your contact lenses.

Step 9: Clean and Store Reusable Lenses Correctly

Follow the care instructions for your specific lens type.

For reusable contacts:

• Use fresh disinfecting solution

• Rub and rinse the lenses as directed

• Never reuse old solution

• Never “top off” old solution with new solution

• Keep the lens case clean

• Replace the case at least every three months

• Follow the correct lens replacement schedule

Never share colored contacts with friends, even for a few minutes.

The CDC also advises removing contacts before sleeping, showering, swimming, or using a hot tub unless an eye care professional has specifically directed otherwise.

Step 10: Start with a Simple Look

Your first colored-contact look does not need to be dramatic.

Try pairing brown or hazel contacts with:

• Brown mascara

• Soft eyeliner

• Neutral eyeshadow

• Peach blush

• Nude or pink lipstick

For gray contacts, try taupe or mauve makeup.

For green contacts, try bronze, copper, or warm brown eyeshadow.

For blue contacts, neutral eye makeup can help the color stand out.

Once you feel comfortable with natural styles, you can experiment with brighter colors and cosplay makeup.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Buying contacts without a valid prescription

• Touching lenses without washing your hands

• Using water or saliva on the lenses

• Wearing a torn or damaged lens

• Sharing contacts

• Sleeping in daily-wear lenses

• Wearing lenses while swimming or showering

• Using the lenses longer than directed

• Ignoring redness, pain, or blurry vision

• Choosing a lens only by appearance instead of prescription fit

A beautiful eye-color change is never worth risking your eye health.

When Should You Remove Your Contacts?

Remove your contacts immediately if you notice:

• Eye pain

• Strong irritation

• Unusual redness

• Sudden blurry vision

• Light sensitivity

• Discharge

• Ongoing discomfort

Contact an eye care professional for advice. Do not put the lenses back in until a professional says it is appropriate.

The FDA advises people to stop wearing their contacts and seek professional care when redness, irritation, pain, or changes in vision occur.

Find Your First Mesiru Look

Mesiru offers colored contacts for natural makeup, bold beauty looks, special events, and cosplay.

The collection focuses on:

• Comfortable wear

• Visible color

• Reasonable pricing

• 14.0mm, 14.2mm, and 14.5mm options

• 38% to 42% water content

• Selected nearsighted prescription choices

Start with a natural brown, hazel, olive, or gray style. When you are ready for something bolder, explore brighter colors and enlarging designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are colored contacts hard to put in for beginners?

They may take some practice. An eye care professional should teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your specific lenses.

Can I wear colored contacts without a prescription?

Not legally in the United States. Non-corrective, decorative, and cosplay contacts still require a valid contact lens prescription.

Can I use water to clean colored contacts?

No. Do not rinse or store contact lenses in water. Use the lens-care products recommended by your eye care professional.

Should contacts go in before or after makeup?

Put contacts in before applying makeup. Remove the contacts before removing your makeup.

Can I sleep in colored contacts?

Do not sleep in them unless your eye care professional has specifically prescribed and approved the lenses for overnight wear.