How to Use Contact Lens Applicators: A Step-by-Step Guide
By MesmerEyez | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a contact lens applicator to insert coloured lenses quickly and hygienically. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a comfortable fit every time.
Quick Answer
A contact lens applicator is a small silicone tool that holds the lens steady, making insertion easier and more hygienic. To use one, place the lens on the applicator cup, pull down your lower eyelid, and gently touch the lens to your eye. Release the applicator, blink, and the lens settles into place.
Why Use a Contact Lens Applicator?
Contact lens applicators are especially helpful for beginners or anyone who feels nervous about touching their eye. They reduce the risk of dropping the lens, keep your fingers away from the eye, and can make the whole process feel more controlled. For coloured contact lenses, which are often thicker or have a different tint pattern, an applicator can help position the lens correctly on the first try.
Choosing the Right Applicator for Your Lenses
Most contact lens applicators work with any standard soft lens, including daily, monthly, and yearly disposables. Look for one with a soft silicone cup that won't scratch the lens. Some applicators come with a built-in plunger for removal, which can be a nice bonus. If you wear coloured lenses like the Bella Elite Gray Beige or Blue Swan Natural Blue, the applicator's cup should be slightly smaller than the lens diameter to hold it securely without bending the edges.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Contact Lens Applicator
- Wash and Dry Your Hands: Always start with clean hands. Wash with soap and water, then dry with a lint-free towel. Even with an applicator, you'll still touch the lens and your eye area. Common mistake: using a towel that leaves lint on your fingers, which can transfer to the lens.
- Place the Lens on the Applicator: Rinse the lens with fresh solution and place it on the applicator's silicone cup, concave side up. Make sure the lens is centered and not folded. If your lens has a color pattern (like the Bella Elite Gray Beige), check that the pattern is facing outward. Checkpoint: the lens should look like a shallow bowl, not a dome.
- Hold Your Eye Open: Use the middle finger of your free hand to pull down your lower eyelid. Use the same hand's index finger to lift your upper eyelid, or just look upward if you can keep your eye open without assistance. Common mistake: blinking or looking at the applicator as it approaches the eye. Look slightly upward or away.
- Insert the Lens: Bring the applicator toward your eye at a slight downward angle. Gently touch the lens to the center of your eye. The lens should stick to your eye's surface. Slowly release the applicator by sliding it off to the side, not pulling straight away. If the lens doesn't stick, it may be inside out. Check the edges: a correct lens has a smooth U-shape, not a flared lip.
- Blink and Adjust: Close your eye gently and blink a few times. The lens will center itself naturally. If it feels uncomfortable or blurry, wash your hands and try repositioning it with your fingertip or remove and reinsert it. Final check: the lens should be comfortable and your vision clear. If you wear colored lenses like Blue Swan, the color should cover your iris evenly.
Lenses That Work Well with Applicators
- Bella Elite - Gray Beige Coloured Contact Lenses: 3 Month Bella Gray Beige lenses fuse cool grey with soft beige tones for a natural, skin-flattering finish. The subtle color blend means precise placement is key. An applicator helps you center the lens exactly over your iris so the gradient effect looks seamless.
- Blue Swan Natural Blue Coloured Contact Lenses: Blue Swan natural blue coloured contact lenses offer a gorgeous Blue hue that blends seamlessly with your natural eye colour. Because these lenses are designed to blend with your natural eye color, using an applicator reduces the chance of shifting the lens off-center, which could create an unnatural look.
