The first three times I tried to put in colored contacts, I failed because I blinked.
Finger approaching the eye. Blink. Try again. Finger approaching. Blink. Every single time. It took me almost twenty minutes to get both lenses in on my first attempt. A friend who had been wearing contacts for years watched and gave me one piece of advice that changed everything.
Here is that advice, plus every trick I have learned since.
The Mirror Trick
Look at your eye in the mirror, not at your finger. Your brain tracks your approaching finger and triggers a protective blink. When you look at your eye instead, the blink reflex weakens. Place the lens on your index finger, use your other hand to hold your upper lid open, and stare at your pupil in the mirror. Bring the lens in from below your line of sight.
Hold the Upper Lid, Not the Lashes
Your eyelid is strong. Your lashes do not give you leverage. Place your finger at the base of your upper lashes — right where they meet the eyelid — and pull upward firmly. The lid should not drift back down. If it does, you are not holding firmly enough. A slipping eyelid triggers the blink that knocks the lens off your fingertip.
Pull the Lower Lid Down With Your Lens Hand
Your dominant hand holds the lens. Your middle finger on that same hand pulls your lower lid down. This leaves your other hand free to hold the upper lid. Both lids are now secured. The lens has a clear path to your eye with no lashes to trip over.
The Blink That Cannot Happen
If both lids are held firmly open, you cannot physically blink. Your brain may send the signal, but the muscles cannot execute it. This is the state you want before moving the lens toward your eye. Hold both lids. Confirm they are not drifting. Then bring the lens in.
After insertion, release the lower lid first. Release the upper lid slowly. Blink a few times to seat the lens. If it feels scratchy, it may be inside out — remove and flip it. Our Earl Series and Berry Series have a subtle handling tint to help you identify correct orientation.
Read the full beginner’s guide for more insertion tips. Browse all lenses.