Trends aren’t new for the makeup space, but some of the buzziest makeup looks seem to hit all ends of the beauty spectrum as of late. From clean and simple no-makeup makeup looks to mimic or enhance natural skin to avant-garde, heavy face beats with vibrant hits of color, there’s something for every makeup lover to explore.
However, non-makeup products have also become a hit in beauty, particularly colored contact lenses that can change a wearer’s eye color. Though they’re usually associated with cosplay or Halloween, they’re now incorporated into eye makeup and used to elevate it. In fact, many of today’s biggest celebrities are known to use such contact lenses as part of their makeup looks. This is especially popular among South Korean idols, who even pair different colors together. Some stars have even gone so far as to collaborate with brands like OLENS, which signifies just how much aesthetic appeal the right pair of colored contacts can offer.
Like the range of makeup trends, colored contacts can range from natural hues that enhance your actual hue to bold and brilliant shades for an unconventional but striking look. Here are some eye makeup tips for colored contact lens wearers to take your looks to the next level:
Look at a color wheel
Different colors can complement or contrast each other, so color is crucial when choosing makeup products like eyeshadow, colored liner, and mascara. Colored contacts also offer a wide variety to explore. Some colored contact lenses help enhance the natural eye color with more subdued tints or have brighter, more opaque hues for a more significant change. The Air Optix Colors offers a range of these colors, from subtle to vibrant; the regular blue shade can create a more natural look, while the brilliant blue lenses bring more drama. The Dailies Colors lenses have a defined outer ring for larger and brighter eyes. This can be a jumping-off point for the vibe you want to go for. Complementary colors can create an eye-catching contrast if you want to make your eyes pop. For instance, blue’s complementary color is orange on the color wheel, so you can go for warm-toned shadows like terracotta and gold and opt for brown liner to make your eyes pop. You can also play it safe and less dramatic by wearing analogous hues—the shades next to each other on the wheel—such as using orange or gold products for brown or hazel contacts.
Have fun with shapes
Color isn’t the only way to draw attention to your eyes with eye makeup. You can play around with shapes and angles using eyeshadow, liners, and even false lashes for unique eye makeup. Take a page out of ‘80s makeup trends often skewed towards extravagance. Smoky graphic shadows in grays and neutrals can play up any eye color without looking too overwhelming. Colored eyeliner in jewel-toned purple and green, electric blue, or turquoise can add a dramatic flair, especially with a cat-eye shape or double wings. Mascara on the top and bottom lashes can give them definition or add volume with false ones to bring out your eye color. If you’re changing your eye color dramatically with colored contacts, leaning into the exaggerated look with dramatic angles and pops of color can be fun. You can always skip the shadow or liner if you want to keep it more subtle.
Keep it polished
Your colored lenses and eye makeup will likely be the stars of your whole makeup look, so consider keeping the rest more polished to let your eyes shine. Your eyebrows can take a backseat in your look with a more natural vibe. Instead of going for filled-in or angular brows à la 2016-era glam, you can use a brow gel to clean them up and enhance the existing shape and color. Milk Makeup’s KUSH High Roll Defining + Volumizing Brow Tint wraps around individual brows, adding definition and volume for elevated hairs. This tubing brow gel can give them a natural look, and it comes with a wide range of tones, so you can choose one that enhances your hair color. The subdued brow look can give your eyes the spotlight. Complement the rest of your eye look with a neutral-toned lip, which can be a lovely touch without dominating the look. The same should go for your base. Instead of overly strong contours and blushes, opt for a more natural, flawless base instead. This will give you a bright skin tone and a mattified complexion that doesn’t pull focus from your eye area.
Zaid Ahmed