How to Safely Insert Your Colored Contact Lenses (Even If You’re a Beginner)

Feeling nervous? You’re not alone. If you’re new to colored contacts, especially our Otaku lenses, it’s totally normal to feel a little unsure. But the good news? It’s way easier than you think — once you know the right steps and safety tips.

Step-by-Step: How to Insert Your Contacts with Confidence

1. Wash Your Hands
   Start with clean, dry hands. Use a gentle, oil-free soap and dry them thoroughly to avoid transferring residue to your lenses.
2. Set Up Your Mirror
   Use a well-lit area. A standing or wall-mounted mirror is best so both hands are free. Natural daylight is ideal, but a bright bathroom light works too.
3. Position Your Head
   Tilt your head slightly back and look straight into the mirror. This helps keep your eye steady.
4. Use Your Index Finger
   Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Make sure it’s right-side up — it should look like a perfect little bowl.

1. Gently Place the Lens
   With your other hand, hold your upper eyelid. Pull your lower lid down with the middle finger of your lens-holding hand. Slowly place the lens on your eye. Blink a few times to settle it in.

Pro Tip: Our Otaku “Smokey Greyyen” lenses are super soft and beginner-friendly, making insertion smooth and comfortable. Try them here.

Mirror & Lighting Tips

• Daylight vs. Bathroom Light
  Natural light helps you see the lens edges better. Try facing a window or using a ring light if your bathroom is dim.
• Angle Matters
  Slightly looking down into the mirror helps many beginners get the angle right on the first try.

Troubleshooting: What If It Doesn’t Feel Right or Won’t Go In?

• It feels scratchy or dry? Remove it, rinse it with fresh contact solution (never water), and try again. Sometimes a tiny speck of dust or lint is the issue.
• It won’t stay on your eye? You might be using too much solution. If the lens is too wet, it can slip off your finger. Gently shake off any excess liquid before inserting.
• It keeps flipping or folding? Check that you're holding it correctly. The lens should look like a smooth bowl — not a taco. If the edges flare out, it’s inside out.
• It sticks to your finger instead of your eye? Make sure your finger is dry. A dry fingertip and a slightly damp lens create just the right balance for an easy transfer.
• Still struggling? Don’t force it. Take a break, rehydrate your eyes with drops if needed, and try again with patience. Some beginners get it on the first try — for others, it takes a few tries to build confidence.

Safety & Care for Yearly Contact Lenses

• Always store your lenses in fresh contact lens solution daily — never reuse old solution.
• Clean your lenses regularly with the proper cleaning solution to prevent protein build-up and irritation.
• Replace your lens case every 1 to 3 months to avoid bacterial contamination.
• Stick to the recommended one-year usage and replace the lenses when the year is up, even if they still feel fine.

If your eyes become red, dry, or irritated — remove the lenses and consult an optometrist if discomfort persists.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Our curated Beginner Packs include our most comfortable yearly lenses plus a lens case and easy instructions. Or, check out our calendar to join a live demo and see exactly how it's done.

Top Beginner Picks:

• Otaku Blueberry – Icy Light Blue
• Otaku Iris Blue Grey – Soft Blue Grey
• Pacific Grey – Taupe-Grey Hybrid