Want to look like a K-idol? Okay, maybe looking like Jennie or Rosé from Blackpink isn’t an easy feat. But now, you can get a step closer with Olens contact lenses!
They’re Korean colored contact lenses that are all over TikTok and Reddit. While they look great, are they actually worth the hype? Let’s dive in.
The K-Culture Wave
The massive success of K-pop has brought a wave of popular Korean products into the U.S. This includes K-dramas (have you seen them on Netflix?), K-beauty, K-fashion, and, of course, incredible Korean food.
The astronomical rise of BTS and Blackpink helped to cement everything Korean as super-cool. Part of the appeal of these K-pop groups is their distinctive aesthetic, which combines high-fashion looks, streetwear, and bold prints.
Beauty Trends
Korean beauty has been driving industry trends for a few years now. There’s a focus on clear, smooth skin, sleek hair, and bright doe eyes.
There’s definitely an emphasis on youthfulness, but K-beauty doesn’t have to be about an obsession with looking young. Instead, it can be a celebration of feeling good in your skin. These products are designed to make your skin feel fresh and look glowy.
Where Do Contact Lenses Come In?
With K-beauty, the emphasis on wide-awake, bright eyes has led to the popularity of colored contact lenses. But this isn’t just about changing your eye color. The contacts are used to achieve a naturally glowy look.
Olens contact lenses have become popularized through the trend, gaining traction on social media. They are now available in the U.S., bringing a new player to the contact lens arena.
This is one of the first major Korean-branded contact lenses to be widely available in the U.S. If they’re anything like Blue Elephant and Gentle Monster, they’re going to be huge in the eyewear space.
Korean eyewear isn’t about conforming to Western trends or beauty standards; it elevates Korean trends onto a global stage. The eyewear caters to those who enjoy K-fashion, including the sparkles, the glitter, and the feminine energy.
Olens similarly follows Korean beauty trends with their contacts. They’re not typical bright, bold colored contacts. Instead, they’re subtle, soft, and offer a more natural take. Some of the color options include olive, hazel, charcoal, gray, and brown.
Olens Contacts Are Designed With Comfort in Mind
In 2012, Olens opened its first flagship store in Korea. The brand has since opened stores in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. According to the brand, it offers a range of 250 colors available at 300 offline stores. The online sale of contacts is prohibited in Korea.
You can buy Olens contact lenses online in the U.S., but you’ll need a prescription. So even if you don’t need vision correction, you’ll still need to see an eye doctor to get fitted for colored contact lenses.
The contacts may be cosmetic for some people, but it’s important to ensure you’re following your doctor’s advice.
The contact lenses are made from FDA-approved materials, including Puscon, which provides a moisture layer, lens surface protection, and oxygen permeability. The key is comfort and wearability.
Some Redditors say that the daily lenses are generally comfortable for shorter stints, but the monthly lenses may feel dry. In general, reusable contact lenses can be drier, so it’s important to talk to your doctor and ask for a recommendation for a contact lens solution and eye drops.
Shipping to the U.S.
While people rave about the colors available with Olens contacts, they might be a hassle to order from abroad. Firstly, whether you order directly from Olens Global or an authorized retailer, you’ll still need a valid U.S. prescription, since it’s the law in the U.S.
Secondly, you will have to pay taxes and customs fees, so it’s worth checking what it will cost you to decide if it’s worth it. And lastly, shipping contact lenses from abroad may take weeks, so if you’re in a rush or running out of lenses, it may not be a convenient solution.
How Do Olens Contacts Compare To Other Colored Contacts?
Olens contact lenses offer a wide variety of shades and colors, with a greater focus on achieving a ‘natural look.’ They emphasize the limbal ring (for a youthful look) and prioritize colors that are not too bold or bright. You’ll see a lot more shades of brown, gray, and neutral blue.
They come in different colors to complement a range of makeup styles, including smoky and ‘clean girl’ looks. Finally, they are also designed to work well on dark brown eyes, as the majority of Koreans have brown eyes, so Olens prioritizes achieving the best results.
Olens might seem cheaper than other colored contacts at first glance, but you should add on the cost of shipping and customs fees to get the full cost. With these fees added on, Olens could cost more than contacts you can buy from U.S. retailers.
Some colored contact options available domestically in the U.S. include Alcon’s AIR OPTIX COLORS and Dailies Colors. They are both popular brands that have been around for years, and Alcon is one of the largest manufacturers of contact lenses, focusing on innovation and comfort.
On EZContacts, verified buyer Adriana S. shared a rave review of the gray AIR OPTIX COLORS contacts:
Sterling gray
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I love this contact lenses the colors are amazing.”
Are Olens Contacts Worth It?
Olens seem to be growing in popularity in the U.S., especially among those who enjoy K-products and beauty. However, since you have to ship them from abroad and they may not be as comfortable or breathable as domestic options, Olens might be better for cosplaying or Halloween.
The headache of dealing with customs and taxes, and the wait of weeks, might not be worth it. Plus, if you’re looking for natural-looking gray, blue, brown, or green contact lenses, Alcon’s offerings could be an option.
TL;DR
Olens contact lenses are part of a Korean beauty wave that isn’t dying down. They’re available for shipping to the US, but they might not be worth the wait.
- Olens opened its first flagship store in Korea in 2012 and has continued to expand. They’re shipped around the world and are known for creating a wide range of colors.
- The contacts are meant to provide a natural, youthful look, which some customers agree they do.
- They come in daily and monthly options, but you will need a prescription to buy either.
- They might take a few weeks to arrive, and it’s worth considering import fees and taxes.
- There are other domestic options, including AIR OPTIX COLORS and Dailies Colors.
