Eyes are the window to the soul, so it’s no surprise that coloured contact lenses have become integral to many people’s beauty routines.

Widely available in an assortment of patterns and wacky colours, coloured contacts are a fun and easy way to transform your looks and enhance different angles of your beauty.

However, like clothes, glasses frames, and makeup shades, no coloured contacts look the same on two people. To avoid an unflattering, borderline uncanny appearance, it’s important to consider your features and style in choosing the best pair of lenses.

Keep reading this guide to find out the different styles of contacts and colours you could choose from, for eyes that speak louder than words.

In This Article

Understanding Common Terms

Disposal Period

Choosing a Colour

Selecting a Design

Understanding Common Terms

These are the most common terms you’ll find under any contact lens description. Understanding them can lead to an easier process of selecting lenses.

Diameter: The overall diameter/size of the contact lens.

Graphic Diameter: The diameter/size of the contact lens’ design.

Base Curve (BC): Measures the curvature of the back surface of the lens. A contact lens’ BC should match your eyes for optimal comfort, with 8.4 to 8.7 fitting most people.

Water Content: The percentage of water in the lens material, typically ranging from 30% to 80%.

A common misconception is that the higher the water content, the better. However, those with dry eyes will experience more comfort wearing low water content lenses (40% and under). This is because lenses with higher water content (45% and above) tend to draw out the natural moisture in your eye.

Material: Contacts are commonly made with Hydrogel or Silicone Hydrogel.

Silicone Hydrogel is the popular pick for lenses, with higher oxygen permeability than other materials, and is suitable for those with dry or sensitive eyes.

Hydrogel is the most affordable material and is suited for those with moist, insensitive eyes.

Disposal Period

Choosing contact lenses based on wear periods, budget, and eye condition can enhance your experience.

Daily Lens

Dailies are the most convenient and comfortable, but also the least affordable option. You can choose dailies if you:

Experience dry, sensitive eyes

Wear contacts occasionally

Value low upkeep

Monthly and Yearly Lens

Monthly and yearly lenses are a popular option for frequent wearers due to their affordability. Choose either if you:

Value affordability

Frequently wear contacts

Don’t mind upkeep and diligent cleaning

Have moist, insensitive eyes

No matter which type of contact lenses you choose, it’s important to practise good hygiene and take care of your eyes. Daily lenses should be discarded after each use.

Monthly lenses should be disposed of one month after opening. For six-month lenses, it’s recommended to replace them after four months of use, while yearly lenses should ideally be discarded after eight months.

Choosing a Colour

Source: Hapa Kristin

With the wide variety of colors, shades, and brightness in contact lenses, it’s crucial to consider how a pair of lenses can complement your natural features instead of highlighting undesirable aspects.

Dark vs. Light

While it may be tempting to pick a pair of light coloured contacts for a visually striking impression, it’s important to consider your natural features in the equation.

Lighter lenses can create a high contrast between the eyes and the rest of the face, which can emphasise other features such as the nose or blemishes. Additionally, the expansive effect of light colours can create the illusion of increasing the distance between the eyes. Therefore, light-coloured contact lenses are recommended for individuals with balanced features and close-set eyes.

Darker lenses create a low-contrast effect with the eyes, face, and hair, which helps to draw attention to the eyes rather than the face. However, the contraction effect of dark colours can make your eyes appear close-set. As a result, dark-coloured contact lenses are recommended for individuals with wide, prominent noses and wide-set eyes.

Warm vs. Cool

Source: Olens

When choosing coloured contacts that complement your skin tone, it’s important to think of it like selecting makeup shades for a cohesive appearance.

Colours can be divided into two categories: cool tones (such as grey, blue, and purple) and warm tones (including brown, gold, hazel, and green). To select the right lenses, first identify your skin tone and choose options from the corresponding group. Additionally, consider the colour of your hair and makeup to ensure that the overall look is balanced and avoids harsh contrasts.

Ultimately, confidence is key in pulling off any style; with the right choices, you can achieve a beautiful look regardless of your natural skin tone.

General Colour Impressions

Source: Moody Lenses

Not sure which shade to start with? This quick guide breaks down the impression each colour gives off. By picking according to your personality and style, you can enhance your beauty by tenfold.

Brown: Friendly, warm and natural. Great for daily wear and appearing approachable.

Grey: Chic, cool, and modern. Great for daily wear and making a stylish statement.

Black: Dolly, mysterious, neutral. Tends to have an eye-enlarging effect.

Hazel/Beige: Vivid, charming, chic. Adds dimension to the eye with various shades.

Blue: Striking, tranquil, mysterious. Creates a striking, attention-grabbing look suited for special events.

Pink: Playful, youthful, sweet. A good choice for date night and other romantic occasions.

Selecting a Design

Most contact lenses can be split into three categories of design patterns.

Flat Pattern

Source: Hapa Kristin, Olens

Flat-patterned contact lenses are usually even-toned with minimal colour variation and no extreme patterns. They lack a darker outer ring, allowing them to cover the iris for a natural change in colour without creating an enlarging effect.

These designs typically come in smaller graphic diameters, ranging from 12mm to 12.9mm, and give off a stylish, chic vibe.

Dewy Kristin Basic in Brown by Hapa Kristin (S$30 for monthly) is our recommendation for a natural brown lens. 

Ocean Velvet Grey by Olens (S$21 for 10 dailies) is our recommendation for a glamorous yet natural grey hazel lens. 

Gradient Pattern

Source: Hapa Kirstin, Push!Color

The modern gradient pattern is currently one of the most popular designs in coloured contacts, and it’s easy to see why. These lenses are versatile and can create effects ranging from a subtle enlargement that’s perfect for daily wear to dramatic, doll-like eyes that leave a youthful impression.

The design features a dark outer ring with a soft gradation of one to three colours. Lenses with a thicker and darker ring are particularly effective for achieving an eye-enlarging effect and are a popular choice for any occasion when you want your eyes to stand out.

These lenses are usually available in a large range of sizes, from 12.9mm to as large as 14.5mm.

Bean Kristin in Medium Brown by Hapa Kristin (S$24 for monthly) is our recommendation for a medium natural-looking gradient lens. 

Ponytail by SIE. (S$23.95 for 10 dailies) is our recommendation for a glossy, eye-enlarging brown-grey lens.  

Bold Pattern

Source: Push!Color

The bold pattern is a classic design found in coloured lenses, adding depth to the eyes for a lasting impression. These patterns often feature prominent stripes and dramatic halftone effects, utilising three or more colours.

Most commonly seen in Japanese brands, these lenses are typically designed to enlarge the eyes, available in sizes ranging from 13mm to 14.5mm, which creates a captivating and alluring aura.

Koisuru Bambi by Flurry (S$19.24 for 10 dailies) is our recommendation for a golden-brown, dolly bold-pattern lens.

Caramel Glow by Loveil (S$22.80 for 1 monthly) is our recommendation for a dramatic pink, bold-pattern lens.

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