Best Natural Coloured Contact Lenses for Stunning Look
23rd Feb 2024
The closer to your natural eye colour the contact is, the more natural the contact will look. Different contact lens brands have different degrees of naturalness. If you want your coloured contact lenses to be just like your natural eye colour, you can purchase coloured contacts. However, colour contacts from some of the major brands may have the most natural look but will also be the most expensive.
Coloured contact lenses come in two different degrees of translucency: enhancement tint and opaque. Enhancement-tint lenses usually have semi-transparent colours and allow some of the original eye colour to appear through. This type does not change the colour entirely, it only changes the shade of the original eye colour. Opaque lenses can entirely mask the eye’s original colour. Additionally, opaque lenses are available in flat and tonal colours. Coloured contacts add intensity and change eye colour.
Contact lenses come in various colours and designs--some create a more natural look than others. If you have light-coloured eyes, enhancement tints can be a great way to alter your pair of eyes, while people with dark eyes need an opaque lens.
Coloured Contact Lens Options For Every Eye Colour
Here are some coloured contact lens suggestions that best suit your natural eye colour:
1. Blue Eyes or Light Eyes
Individuals with light-coloured blue eyes have the most options when it comes to coloured contacts. This results from their base eye colour, which has less dark pigment, giving the eye colour an almost translucent look. Blue-eyed people can use both enhancement lenses and opaque lenses. With the help of grey or violet-tinted lenses, blue eyes can be transformed while maintaining their original luminosity. Additionally, these colors complement fairer complexions and lighter-colored eyelashes.
Experiment with: Violet, Grey, or Hazel tints to complement fairer complexions and lighter-colored eyelashes. A shade darker or warmer blue colour can also be an option.
Before and after: Natural blue eye colour to brilliant blue of AirOptix Colors
Image source: Glenn Reviews: AirOptix Colors Brilliant on Blue Eyes
2. Green Eyes
Changing green eyes to a different light hue depends on the shade of green. By wearing enhancement-tinted lenses, pale green eyes can easily be modified to a soft blue or grey. Dark green eyes will most likely overpower light-tinted contact lenses, Flecks of caramel and hazel enhancement tints can be used to add pizzazz to emerald eyes while retaining some of their natural color. For a more bolder look, opt for opaque lenses in honey, amber or even blue (consult your optometrist for suitability). Darker shades like brown might overpower your natural green eye colour.
Before and after: Green colour to Pacific Blue
Image source: Screenshot from a review on Youtube
3. Hazel Eyes and Light Brown
People with hazel or light brown eyes can still use enhancement-tinted lenses. Hazel eyes can be intensified with green-tinted coloured contacts--giving them a deeper emerald hue. To achieve a more hazel effect, light brown eyes can also be enhanced with green-tinted lenses. Dark, translucent lenses come in shades from deep mahogany to onyx. The lenses’ transparency still allows light into the eyes, which enables the eyes to maintain their light and sparkle. Natural shades like honey or light amber can also give a subtle enhancement.
Before and after: Light brown colour to Green
Image source: Screenshot from a review on Youtube
4. Dark Brown Eyes
Dark, penetrating eyes can be the hardest to change when trying to achieve a natural colour, which is why an opaque-coloured lens is necessary since brown eyes can overwhelm any translucent lens. One way to achieve an eye colour change is to pick a tonal contact lens instead of a flat colour. A light brown opaque lens that is tinged with flecks of amber and mahogany can add dimension to the opaque lens, changing the colour but keeping it natural looking. If you have dark eyes, you can opt for natural hues like honey deep amber or hazel, which are lighter than dark brown eyes, but still retain a natural look.
Before and after: Dark brown to Hazel
Image source: Beauty By Jellie: Air Optix Colors in Pure Hazel
Complementary Makeup Tips
To complete your overall look and match your eye colour, here are some basic makeup tips:
For bolder lenses: Keep makeup natural and avoid competing colours.
For subtle enhancements: Play with bolder makeup shades to complement your new eye colour.
Choose high-quality or hypoallergenic makeup to avoid eye irritation and long-lasting looks.
Safety First: Essential Care & Precautions
Remember, coloured contacts are medical devices. Prioritise safety with these tips:
- Consult your optometrist. Get a proper eye exam and fitting to ensure safe and comfortable lens wear.
- Follow care instructions meticulously. Clean and store your lenses as directed by your optometrist or the manufacturer.
- Know the dos and don’ts of using coloured contact lenses.
- Never share your coloured contacts. It's a hygiene hazard and can transmit infections.
- Schedule regular eye checkups to maintain eye health and ensure proper lens fit.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your eye doctor for personalised recommendations and safe use of contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are coloured contacts safe?
Prescription coloured contacts are safe with proper care when purchased from reputable optical businesses, while non-prescription coloured contacts often sold in costume stores can pose significant risks.
Can I sleep in coloured contacts?
No, absolutely not, unless the lens is designed for it. Sleeping in any type of contact lens, including prescription coloured contacts are not designed for sleeping in, increases your risk of serious eye infections. Remind yourself to remove your lenses before sleeping.
How long do coloured contacts last?
Check the back of the label or product information of your coloured contact lenses. Daily or One-Day coloured contact lenses are only meant for single use, while monthly coloured contacts can be used for 30 days with proper care. Don’t wear your contact lenses beyond the prescribed duration.
Where can I buy coloured contacts safely?
Only purchase coloured contacts from credible and trusted online stores in New Zealand like LensesOnline, or licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists. Remember that prioritising cheap and easily available contacts over eye safety is never worth the risk.
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