Contact lenses are primarily used as medical devices to correct refractive errors. As of 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that up to 45 million people actively wear contacts. However, since the introduction of colored contacts, many contact lens wearers now use them as fashion accessories, too. As a result of this widespread use, the global contact lens market is expected to grow with an average compound growth rate (CAGR) of almost 9% until 2030.
Given that contacts are now being used as a style statement, various trends have emerged regarding their aesthetics and use beyond just plain colors. If you’re into contact lenses and want to know the latest and most exciting ways to try them out, here are a few to consider:
Using contacts that give the appearance of bigger eyes
With the advent of beauty trends like the Lolita and Babydoll that put an emphasis on large eyes, many have turned to contact lenses to achieve this wide-eyed look. That’s because they can “alter” how a person’s iris and pupils appear. Many color-enhancing colored contacts use unique eye-defining outer rings on the lens surface. This gives the illusion of bigger and brighter eyes by making it look like the iris is larger than it really is while the pupil is rounder and more dilated. Take Alcon Dailies: their outer-ring design is enhanced with subtle shades like Mystic Green, giving wearers a natural way to make their eyes pop. Celebs like Nicki Minaj have been seen sporting these types of lenses, often matching the color to their outfit.
Wearing contacts in bright, otherworldly colors
Contrary to the abovementioned trend, which is rooted in softer, more coquettish styles, this next trend leans more towards the fantastical. Inspired by fictional works like anime and video games, many cosplayers today wear colored contacts in otherworldly hues and designs. The fact that even Hollywood actors and other mainstream personalities turn to these contacts for fantasy roles is helping boost this trend. For example, Liam Hemsworth was recently shown wearing yellow contacts in promo pictures for the latest season of The Witcher. Also called Halloween or costume lenses, these contacts can even come in very specific designs like the zombie and cat eye styles available from brands like Offensive Lens.
Styling contacts inspired by K-pop idols
Finally, we can’t overlook the K-pop contact lens trend. According to The Korea Times, contact lenses are fast becoming the “It” accessory among idols today. Using a variety of colored contacts, idols are able to transform their visuals in time with the theme of their latest musical releases. For instance, the boy group Stray Kids used mismatched contacts during their Oddinary era to evoke a sense of the madness that comeback demanded. Although definitely not for the faint of heart, this styling trend is becoming more common thanks to the global reach of K-pop today. Contact lenses are currently such a staple in the K-pop industry and among its fans that a number of idols today even endorse certain lens brands. Such is the case for the girl group NewJeans, who were recently signed on as the faces of OLENS.
Overall, wearing trendy contacts is a great way to change your look. Get yours from FDA-approved sources so you can safely look and feel your best with contacts for many years.
Table of Contents