A bride's wedding day is envisioned as flawless, with every detail from the sunlight to the dress and makeup falling perfectly into place. However, a popular beauty trend promoted by makeup artists is raising serious health concerns that are seldom discussed. The use of coloured contact lenses to achieve sharper, more iconic eyes is becoming a standard, yet risky, part of the bridal look.
The Pressure to Conform and the Hidden Hygiene Crisis
Makeup artists often charge extra for these coloured lenses, nudging many brides to try them as a "necessary" element for a complete transformation. Social media platforms are flooded with videos where MUAs normalise inserting these lenses directly with their fingers, often without using gloves or any sanitising tools. The process displayed is frequently alarming and lacks basic hygiene protocols.
Lenses should never be inserted with bare, unsanitised hands. Compounding the risk, the lenses provided are sometimes taken straight from the makeup kit without sealed, sterile packaging. This practice raises a terrifying question: has the pair already been used by someone else? Brides are typically not given proper instructions on usage, care, or removal, making an already delicate procedure even riskier.
Medical Device or Beauty Product? A Critical Distinction
The core of the problem lies in a widespread misconception. Coloured contact lenses are classified as medical devices and should ideally be prescribed by a doctor. They are not merely cosmetic accessories. The market is flooded with cheap, easily available lenses online and in local stores, which encourages makeup artists to stock them in bulk. In the rush to complete the bridal makeup, these fundamental safety precautions are often ignored, exposing clients to potential infections and eye damage.
Is the Risk Worth the Aesthetic Reward?
The situation forces every bride to ask a critical question. Is following a trending makeup element worth jeopardising eye health on one of the most important days of your life? The alternative is to opt for a medically prescribed set of lenses that prioritise hygiene, safety, and professional fitting, free from external pressure. The incident highlights a larger issue within the bridal beauty industry, where speed and trends can sometimes overshadow essential health and safety standards.
As the practice continues under the glamorous veil of social media, awareness becomes the bride's first line of defence. Ensuring that any lens used is fresh, sterile, and handled with extreme care is non-negotiable for a celebration that should be remembered for all the right reasons.
