How to Put in Cosplay Contacts: A Comprehensive Guide
Cosplay contacts are an essential accessory for many cosplayers, allowing them to fully embody their favorite characters by changing the color and appearance of their eyes. Whether you're aiming for the striking look of an anime character or the eerie gaze of a fantasy creature, colored contacts can make a significant difference in your overall costume. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to put in cosplay contacts safely and effectively, with insights from various sources, including CrazeCosplay.com and Rank No.1.
Understanding Cosplay Contacts
Before diving into the process of putting in cosplay contacts, it's important to understand what they are and why they are used.
What Are Cosplay Contacts?
Cosplay contacts are specially designed contact lenses that alter the color and sometimes the shape of your eyes. They come in various styles, including:
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Colored Contacts: These change the color of your iris and are available in a wide range of hues, from natural shades to vibrant, unnatural colors.
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Sclera Contacts: These cover the entire sclera (the white part of your eye) and are often used for more dramatic or monstrous looks.
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Patterned Contacts: These have specific designs or patterns, such as cat eyes or spirals, to match particular characters.
Why Use Cosplay Contacts?
Cosplay contacts enhance the authenticity of your costume by ensuring that every detail, including eye color, matches the character you are portraying. They can make your eyes appear larger, more vibrant, or even otherworldly, depending on the character's design.
Choosing the Right Contacts
Selecting the right pair of cosplay contacts is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Consult an Optometrist
Even if you don't need vision correction, it's essential to consult an optometrist before purchasing cosplay contacts. An eye care professional can:
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Ensure that the lenses fit your eyes properly.
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Check for any underlying eye conditions that might make wearing contacts unsafe.
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Provide a prescription, which is often required to purchase contacts legally.
Buy from Reputable Sellers
Purchase your cosplay contacts from reputable sources like CrazeCosplay.com, which is known for its high-quality products and adherence to safety standards. Avoid buying from unverified sellers, as low-quality lenses can cause serious eye problems.
Consider the Character
Choose contacts that match the character you are cosplaying. For example:
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Blue Contacts: Suitable for characters like Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls or Sailor Moon.
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White Contacts: Ideal for characters like Storm from Marvel or Hinata Hyuga from *Naruto Shippuden*.
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Green Contacts: Perfect for characters like Loki from Marvel or Toph from *Avatar*.
Preparing to Put in Cosplay Contacts
Proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe and comfortable experience when putting in cosplay contacts.
Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contacts. This helps prevent the transfer of dirt, oils, and bacteria to your eyes.
Inspect the Lenses
Before inserting your contacts, inspect them for any damage or debris. Hold the lens up to the light to check for tears or particles. If you notice any issues, do not use the lens.
Use Fresh Solution
Ensure that your contact lens case is filled with fresh contact lens solution. Never use tap water or saliva to clean or store your lenses, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms to your eyes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Putting in Cosplay Contacts
Now that you're prepared, follow these steps to put in your cosplay contacts safely:
1. Prepare Your Lenses
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Remove the lenses from their packaging and place them in the contact lens case filled with fresh solution. Let them soak for at least a few hours or overnight if they are new.
2. Position Yourself
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Stand in front of a well-lit mirror. You may find it helpful to sit down at a table with a mirror in front of you to steady your hands.
3. Handle the Lens Properly
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Use the tip of your index finger to pick up the lens from the case. Ensure that the lens is right-side up. A properly oriented lens will have a bowl shape with the edges facing upward. If the edges flare out, the lens is inside out.
4. Hold Your Eyelids
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Use your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid open. This prevents blinking and provides a clear path for the lens.
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Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid.
5. Insert the Lens
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Look straight ahead or slightly upward. Gently place the lens on the white part of your eye (sclera) or directly on the iris if you're comfortable.
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Once the lens is on your eye, slowly release your eyelids and blink a few times to center the lens.
6. Repeat for the Other Eye
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Follow the same steps for your other eye.
7. Adjust and Settle
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Blink several times to help the lenses settle into place. If you experience any discomfort, remove the lens, rinse it with solution, and try again.
Dos and Don'ts of Wearing Cosplay Contacts
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience with your cosplay contacts, follow these essential dos and don'ts:
Dos:
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Do Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands before handling your contacts.
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Do Use Fresh Solution: Replace the solution in your contact lens case every time you store your lenses.
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Do Follow Wear Time Guidelines: Most cosplay contacts are designed to be worn for 6-8 hours. Avoid wearing them for extended periods.
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Do Remove Before Sleeping: Never sleep in your cosplay contacts unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear.
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Do Clean and Store Properly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and storing your lenses.
Don'ts:
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Don't Share Lenses: Never share your contact lenses with others, as this can spread infections.
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Don't Use Water: Avoid exposing your contacts to water, including tap water, swimming pools, and hot tubs.
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Don't Apply Makeup First: Put in your contacts before applying makeup to avoid getting makeup on the lenses.
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Don't Ignore Discomfort: If you experience persistent discomfort, redness, or irritation, remove the lenses and consult an optometrist.
Caring for Your Cosplay Contacts
Proper care and maintenance of your cosplay contacts are crucial to prevent eye infections and ensure the longevity of the lenses.
Cleaning Your Lenses
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Daily Cleaning: Clean your lenses daily with the recommended contact lens solution. Rub the lenses gently with your fingers to remove any debris.
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Rinse and Soak: Rinse the lenses with solution and store them in a clean contact lens case filled with fresh solution.
Storing Your Lenses
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Use a Clean Case: Always use a clean contact lens case. Replace the case every three months to prevent bacterial buildup.
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Keep Lenses Moist: Ensure that your lenses are always submerged in solution when not in use. Never let them dry out.
Replacing Your Lenses
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Follow Replacement Schedule: Adhere to the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses. Some lenses are designed for daily, bi-weekly, or monthly use.
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Dispose of Damaged Lenses: If a lens becomes damaged or causes discomfort, dispose of it immediately and replace it with a new one.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Using cosplay contacts safely is paramount to protecting your eye health. Here are some additional safety tips and precautions:
Get a Prescription
Even if you don't need vision correction, obtaining a prescription ensures that the lenses fit your eyes properly and reduces the risk of complications.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Purchases
Do not purchase contacts from unverified sources, flea markets, or beauty supply stores. These lenses may not meet safety standards and can cause serious eye problems.
Monitor for Signs of Infection
Be vigilant for signs of eye infection, such as redness, pain, blurred vision, or discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, remove the lenses immediately and seek medical attention.
Limit Wear Time
Avoid wearing cosplay contacts for extended periods. Most lenses are designed for 6-8 hours of wear. Prolonged use can lead to dryness, irritation, and increased risk of infection.
Conclusion
Cosplay contacts are a fantastic way to enhance your costume and bring your favorite characters to life. By following the steps and guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can safely and effectively put in your cosplay contacts and enjoy a comfortable, immersive cosplay experience.
Remember to always prioritize your eye health by consulting an optometrist, purchasing from reputable sellers like CrazeCosplay.com, and adhering to proper care and hygiene practices. With the right preparation and attention to detail, your cosplay contacts can elevate your costume to new heights, creating stunning and memorable character portrayals that will impress fellow fans and photographers alike.
