How to Put on Lashes with Soft Contact Lenses

If you wear soft contact lenses, you can absolutely wear false lashes — but the order you put things on matters more than you think. Put your contacts in first, every time. This one change prevents lenses from moving when you blink, keeps adhesive from sneaking onto the lens, and saves you from the can't-see-to-fix-it cycle. You can have full, fluttery lashes without putting your contacts at risk.

PUT YOUR CONTACTS IN FIRST — THE #1 RULE

Your contact lens should be your first makeup step after skincare. When your eye is clear and your lens is comfortable, you can apply lashes without twisting or blinking. If you put lashes on before lenses, you risk pulling the lash strip or touching your eye before the adhesive fully sets. Another reason: lash application involves tilting your head, pulling your eyelid, and squeezing your eye. That can cause a soft lens to fold or slide. Contacts first means your eye stays stable.

STEP-BY-STEP: LASH APPLICATION WITH CONTACTS

1. Wash your hands with oil-free soap. Dry them completely.
2. Insert your contacts exactly as you normally would.
3. Curl your natural lashes (optional but helps the lash blend).
4. Apply a thin line of lash adhesive to the band. Wait 30–60 seconds until it feels tacky.
5. Place the lash on your lid, starting at the inner corner and pressing outward.
6. Let go and blink slowly. The lash should follow your natural line.
7. Check your eye in a mirror. If anything feels off, remove the lash gently with clean tweezers.

WHAT TO SKIP IF YOU WEAR CONTACTS

• Oil-based makeup removers — they can leave a film on your lenses.
• Applying lashes before lenses — the order invites adhesive into your eye.
• Those 'just water-based' glues that take 2 minutes to dry — they stay wet longer and increase transfer risk.
• Wearing lashes to bed — even overnight lenses hate trapped mascara and glue debris.

COMMON LASH-CONTACT LENS QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Can you put false lashes on with contact lenses already in?

Yes. In fact, it's the safest way. As long as your hands are clean and your adhesive is dry to the touch, lashes won't interfere with soft lenses.

What if a lash glue drop gets on my contact lens?

Stop, take the lens out immediately, rinse it with contact lens solution, and inspect it. If any residue remains, don't put it back. Never rub the lens while it's on your eye.

How long should I wait after applying lashes before putting in contacts?

It's the reverse: put contacts in first, then lashes. If you accidentally did lashes first, wait at least 5 minutes for the adhesive to fully dry, then insert contacts very carefully.

Now that you know the safety basics, the next thing is choosing a lash that fits your eye and stays comfortable for 8 hours. That's where a lightweight, flexible band makes all the difference.

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