Lashes & Colored Contacts

How to shop for lashes and colored contacts online

Get a prescription and fitting first. An eye exam gives you the base curve and diameter that suit your eyes, plus your power if you need correction. Even "plano" (zero power) colored lenses need a fitting in the US. If you have astigmatism, you need toric lenses, which are custom-made and take longer: Misaki quotes 21 to 35 business days for toric orders. Never share lenses, never sleep in cosmetic lenses unless approved for it, and replace them on schedule.

Diameter and the circle lens effect. Most natural-look lenses are around 14.0 to 14.2mm. Circle lenses at 14.5mm and above make the iris look larger, which some people like and others find doll-like. Larger diameters can reduce oxygen to the cornea, so ask your eye doctor what is suitable. Check water content and replacement schedule (daily, monthly, yearly); dailies avoid cleaning and are the most hygienic option.

Color on dark versus light eyes. Enhancer tints only show on light eyes. If you have dark brown eyes, look for opaque color lenses; listings often show photos on dark eyes, which is the realistic preview.

Cosplay and Halloween lenses. Dramatic designs (white-out, red, anime) often cover more of the eye and can reduce vision at night. Wear them only for the event, follow the replacement schedule, and avoid buying from street vendors or costume shops.

Strip lashes. Choose length and band thickness for the occasion: half lashes and short natural styles are easiest for beginners, while long glam styles suit events. Faux mink is synthetic and cruelty-free. Trim the band to your eye width from the outer edge. Magnetic lashes avoid glue but need compatible magnetic liner. Patch test adhesive behind your ear, especially if it contains latex.

Return and fee traps. EyeCandys accepts only unopened items within 10 working days of delivery for partial refund or store credit, with an $8 restocking fee, and sale or coupon items are final. True Beauty Lashes takes unopened, sealed items within 14 days and charges $5.95 on all returns. Misaki excludes sale items and disclaims responsibility for losses in transit. With rules like these, buy one pair before stocking up.

Shipping timing. EyeCandys regular shipping takes 15 to 20 working days. Misaki's North American orders ship from a US warehouse in 3 to 9 business days. True Beauty Lashes ships US-only in about 3 to 5 days.

Which brand fits which buyer

• People with dark eyes wanting natural or bold Korean circle lenses, or daily colored lenses in multi-packs: EyeCandys.
• Shoppers with astigmatism seeking toric color lenses: EyeCandys or Misaki Cosmetics, allowing for long toric lead times.
• Halloween and cosplay fans: Misaki Cosmetics, with a prescription and fitting first.
• Regular strip-lash wearers wanting cruelty-free faux mink at about $16: True Beauty Lashes.
• Lash beginners and brides: True Beauty Lashes, starting with a half lash or short natural style.