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Why Do Coloured Contacts Look Fake? Tips for a More Natural Appearance

Why Do Coloured Contacts Look Fake? Tips for a More Natural Appearance
Comparison of natural vs. fake-looking coloured contacts.

Introduction

Coloured contact lenses are a popular way to change or enhance your eye colour, providing an opportunity to experiment with different looks. However, many people find that their coloured contacts can sometimes look fake or unnatural, which can be disappointing when trying to achieve a more realistic effect. This article will explore why some coloured contacts look artificial and provide tips on how to select and wear lenses that create a natural appearance.

Factors That Make Coloured Contacts Look Fake

There are several reasons why coloured contacts might not look as natural as you’d like. Understanding these factors can help you make better choices when selecting lenses.

A. Poor Lens Design

One of the primary reasons coloured contacts can look fake is due to poor lens design. Low-quality lenses often lack the intricate details found in natural irises, such as subtle patterns, textures, and variations in colour. Without these realistic details, the lenses can appear flat, opaque, and artificial.

Close-up image comparing detailed and poorly designed coloured contact lenses.

B. Unnatural Colour Choice

Choosing a colour that doesn’t complement your natural eye colour, skin tone, or hair colour can result in an unnatural look. For example, if you have warm undertones and select an extremely bright, cool-toned blue, the contrast can make the lenses stand out in an obvious, fake way. Picking colours that harmonise with your overall appearance is essential for a natural look.

Colour chart for choosing coloured contact lenses based on skin tone.

C. Lack of Blending with the Iris

Natural eyes have unique patterns and shades that blend seamlessly from the iris to the pupil. Many coloured contacts fail to replicate this blending effect, making them look fake. Lenses that have a harsh, solid line between the coloured part and the pupil can create an obvious and unnatural appearance.

D. Oversized Pupils or Lenses

Some coloured contact lenses have pupil openings that are either too large or too small. If the pupil hole is too big, it can reveal too much of your natural eye colour, which can look strange and artificial. Conversely, if the pupil hole is too small, it can obstruct your vision or create a “doll-like” effect that looks fake.

Diagram showing the impact of pupil size on coloured contact lens appearance.

E. Incomplete Coverage of Dark Eyes

Individuals with naturally dark eyes may find that some coloured contacts don’t provide complete coverage, allowing their natural eye colour to show through. This can make the lenses look patchy or translucent, resulting in an unnatural appearance, especially when viewed up close.

How to Choose Natural-Looking Coloured Contacts

Fortunately, there are ways to choose coloured contacts that look more natural and realistic. Here’s how to find the right pair for you:

A. Opt for High-Quality Lenses

High-quality lenses from reputable brands are designed with more advanced technology, allowing them to replicate the intricate details of a natural iris. These lenses feature multiple layers, textures, and gradient patterns, making them look more realistic. Always choose lenses from trusted brands to achieve a natural look.

High-quality vs. low-quality coloured contact lens packaging.

B. Choose Colours that Suit Your Skin Tone

Selecting a colour that complements your skin tone can make a significant difference in how natural your coloured contacts look. For example:

  • Warm Skin Tones:Opt for lenses in warm shades like hazel, honey, or amber.
  • Cool Skin Tones:Consider cooler shades like grey, blue, or green.
  • Neutral Skin Tones:You have more flexibility and can experiment with both warm and cool colours.

By choosing colours that match your undertone, your coloured contacts will blend more seamlessly with your overall appearance.

C. Look for Lenses with Gradient and Blending

Lenses with a gradient design mimic the way natural eyes gradually change colour from the outer edge to the centre. Look for contacts that have multiple shades and blend smoothly into your natural iris, as this will create a more realistic effect.

D. Consider Enhancement Tints Over Opaque Lenses

Enhancement tints are semi-transparent lenses that work with your natural eye colour to add depth and intensity. They’re ideal for people with light eyes who want a more subtle, natural change. Opaque lenses, on the other hand, completely cover your natural eye colour and can sometimes appear less realistic, especially on dark eyes.

Tips for Wearing Coloured Contacts that Look Natural

In addition to choosing the right lenses, there are some tips you can follow to ensure your coloured contacts look as natural as possible:

A. Use Subtle Makeup

Wearing subtle makeup can help enhance the natural appearance of your coloured contacts. For example, using neutral eyeshadows, soft eyeliner, and light mascara can draw attention to your eyes without overwhelming the effect of your lenses. This can help your coloured contacts blend more seamlessly into your overall look.

Before-and-after makeup application with coloured contacts.

B. Ensure Proper Lens Fit

A proper lens fit is crucial for achieving a natural look. Ill-fitting lenses can move around on your eye or sit awkwardly, making them look unnatural. Visit an eye care professional to ensure your coloured contacts are the right size and shape for your eyes.

C. Avoid Overly Dramatic or Unusual Colours for Everyday Wear

If you want your coloured contacts to look natural, stick to shades that aren’t too extreme for everyday wear. Bright violet, neon green, or striking turquoise lenses may be fun for special occasions but can look fake in daily settings. Choose more subdued shades like brown, hazel, or soft grey for a believable appearance.


Conclusion

Summary infographic on achieving natural-looking coloured contacts.

Coloured contacts can sometimes look fake due to factors like poor lens design, unnatural colour choices, and improper fit. By selecting high-quality lenses, choosing colours that complement your skin tone, and following tips for a natural appearance, you can achieve a more realistic and convincing look. Remember that experimenting with different styles is part of the fun, but if you’re aiming for a natural effect, be mindful of these tips to make your coloured contacts look as authentic as possible.

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Contributor

Monica Jaco

Monica Jaco

As EyeCandys makeup and beauty guru, Monica brings her extensive knowledge and creative flair to provide styling tips and tricks that make your contacts an active part of your style....

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The information in this post and all EyeCandys blog content is intended for informational and marketing purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. EyeCandys does not offer professional healthcare advice or practice medicine, optometry, or any other healthcare profession. Always consult with your ophthalmologist, optometrist or a qualified healthcare provider for any medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or questions regarding a medical condition.

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