The eyes are windows to a cosplayer’s soul! Even if you have an awesome costume and the best makeup in mind, double down on your look and performance with the right pair of cosplay contacts.
Cosplay contacts turn costumes from good to jaw-dropping. With the right contact lenses, your character comes to life! With the wrong pair, however, your look is ruined. Worse, you might end up hurting your eyes.
Picking the right pair of cosplay lenses isn’t solely about how much realism and impact they add to your costume. It’s also about your comfort and safety. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re in the market for cosplay contacts.
Cosplay Contacts for Accuracy and Impact
When you put together your cosplay character’s look, the goal is to become their embodiment. Be Harley Quinn or Deku in the flesh! Whoever you decide to play, become them right down to every detail, including the eyes.
At many cosplay conventions, Harley Quinn has been seen wearing different-colored cosplay contacts. Mischievous Harley Quinn sports a pair of blue contacts. A ghostly version wears white contacts. A rageful one dons a red pair of contacts. You can even find Harley Quinns with SFX lenses to best portray her internal chaos.
Deku, on the other hand, is often represented with emerald green cosplay contacts. His bright, quirky character absolutely comes through. Other Dekus use a darker shade of green for some drama.
With so many cosplay lens choices, you can truly embody the characters as you imagine them. Want to be Nightcrawler completely, right down to his reptilian eyes? You can find contacts that are perfect for it!
Keep your character in mind when choosing your cosplay contact lenses. Also, give yourself some room to play and be creative. Authenticity is a consideration, yes. People want to recognize who you’re supposed to be. But it can also be a lot of fun guessing which version you’re supposed to be!
Types of Cosplay Contact Lenses
Not all cosplay lenses are created equal. Imagine your character and how you want to represent them. With so many cosplay contacts to choose from, you’ll find the perfect pair!
Circle Lenses: Anime-Style Large Eyes
The enlarged limbal rings (the outer edge of the iris) of circle lenses create an illusion of big, exaggerated eyes. These lenses are popular among people who cosplay as anime characters and dolls. If your character uses their eyes to express themselves, you’ll surely get a lot of reactions with these lenses. Complete the ensemble by pairing your lenses with dramatic long lashes.
You can find circle lenses in several sizes. The bigger the diameter of the lenses, the more exaggerated the eyes. Of course, don’t wear anything too big just for the sake of it. Ill-fitting lenses can cause discomfort. Plus, there’s the danger of them just popping out of your eyes.
Sclera Lenses: Full-Eye Coverage for Dramatic Effects
These cosplay contact lenses offer full eye coverage, extending beyond your iris. You get an eerie effect that’s perfect if you’re out as a horror or alien character. You can find these in several colors, including black, white, and scary red.
Full eye coverage means that these lenses are bigger than standard lenses. You may experience discomfort, especially if you wear them for long periods. These contacts offer less breathability, and putting them on is also not that easy.
When you choose these lenses, follow the usage instructions strictly. Take breaks in between wearing them. Always prioritize your eye hygiene and safety.
Colored Contacts: Enhancing or Changing Eye Color
Colored contacts are possibly some of your more accessible cosplay lens options. You don’t need to be into cosplay to get these. You can find them online or at your local optical shop.
These lenses are versatile and handy. You can be playing your favorite tax accountant (that’s an Affleck character, right?) and have eyes on you because of your colored contacts!
These contacts give your eyes a much-needed pop. It’s subtle, but the change is there. You can be realistic or fantasy-based. You can also find these in multiple tones for an extra eerie effect. When worn over your natural eye color, the effect can be fascinating.
Check out Air Optix Colors 6 Pack for a variety of color options or DAILIES Colors 30 Pack for comfortable, daily colored contacts.
Corrective vs. Non-Corrective Lenses
Cosplay contacts can be made to match your prescription or ordered with plano (zero correction). If you require vision correction, opt for corrective cosplay lenses prescribed by a licensed professional. Ask your optometrist about the best lenses for your condition. Several brands offer prescription options.
Even if you don’t require vision correction, you will need to obtain a prescription to make your purchase. The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires it for your eye safety. Don’t be tempted by the looks and prices of unregulated cosplay contacts on the market. Consult an eye doctor who can prescribe the best cosplay contacts for you.
Safety and Comfort First
Eye health should always come first. Don’t worry about sacrificing the right aesthetic—there are several safe and attractive options out there. With the help of your eye doctor, you can find the best cosplay contacts for your character.
A prescription from your eye doctor ensures that your lens choice also takes into account your eye comfort and hygiene. They will prescribe FDA- or CE-approved lenses made from high-quality materials and featuring superior breathability. You lessen the risk of long-term eye damage.
Choosing the Right Diameter and Fit
Regular lenses will fit the entire iris perfectly. Cosplay lenses, on the other hand, come in different diameters for more exaggerated eye effects. They cover beyond your iris, which affects how big your cosplay eyes appear.
Contacts with larger diameters will make your eyes look exaggeratedly big. What you choose depends on the effect that you’re trying to achieve. Large-diameter lenses work if your character is a doll or an anime hero.
Of course, consider your comfort as well. Bigger contacts are more uncomfortable and more challenging to insert into your eyes. Because of their unnatural size and thicker material, they can also pop out of your eyes more easily.
Duration: Daily, Monthly, or Yearly Lenses?
- Daily Lenses: Not a cosplay regular? This might be your best option. Buy, wear, and toss. Easy!
- Monthly Lenses: If you’re a weekend cosplayer, consider monthly cosplay lenses. These require strict cleaning and maintenance but cost a little less than dailies.
- Yearly Lenses: Generally, cosplay events in the U.S. are seasonal, most scheduled around summer and early fall. Yearly lenses are a good investment if you’re serious about cosplay and regularly attend events like the San Diego Comic-Con. Special SFX designs are a bit more expensive but worth it if you wear them year-round.
Caring for Your Cosplay Contacts
- Cleaning: Use a proper contact lens solution. You can find good options online or at your favorite optical shop. Start with these high-quality lens care products.
- Storage: Keep your cosplay contacts in a clean case with fresh solution. Be sure to clean your lenses thoroughly before storing them.
- Handwashing: Always wash your hands before handling your lenses.
- Replacement: If you wear dailies, wear them only once. Wear monthly and yearly cosplay contacts only for the recommended period.
Final Thoughts
The best cosplay contact lenses shouldn’t only be about their looks, color, and special effects. Also, consider your comfort, hygiene, and safety. Always consult a doctor before purchasing your eyewear, whether decorative or not.
