The cosmetic contact lens market has grown exponentially with the rise of social media and the advancement of lens technology. With a predicted CAGR of 9.92%, it seems more and more people are getting into the craze. Lenses are a great way to breathe some new life into your look without doing anything permanent. 

Even though contact lenses are primarily used as an alternative vision aid to glasses, tons of people get cosmetic contacts for purely aesthetic purposes. Of course, getting a quick eye consultation is still essential to ensure you are using safe lenses that fit your eyes properly. Once you’ve got that out of the way, there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your style. 

A guide to buying colored contacts

When searching for the perfect lenses, you must first decide how long you will wear them. Are you planning to have extended periods wearing your lenses? Will you be using them more than once? 

These initial questions will help you narrow your options. You can choose between daily contact lenses and monthly ones. A disposable contact lens is more cost-efficient if you’re only going to use it once, but you’re better off with extended-wear ones if you foresee multiple uses. 

Buying online is a great way to see various brands, styles, and prices easily when looking for colored contacts. If you want tons of variety for events, you may want to look at something like Dailies Colors. This comes in four colors in a box of 30 or 90 disposables. Just make sure you get your pairs from a reputable platform. After all, you don’t want to end up irritating your eyes and even risking blindness. 

An excellent way to check a brand or retailer’s legitimacy is to check their selling policy. Contacts Direct requires buyers to have a prescription before purchasing lenses, even if they are just for cosmetic purposes. This is because they are still classified as medical devices. This type of platform also allows you to get a year-long subscription if you prefer a steady supply. 

Cosmetic lenses to try out 

The main range you will likely want to start with is realistic contacts, as these already make a difference in your look but don’t feel like such a drastic change. Because there are already so many “natural” hues in the eye color spectrum, you should already have a lot of options to play around with. Realistic contacts are also trending, already boosting your look and easily paired with different accessories. 

If you want a more out-there look, you can use vibrant colors or costume lenses that visually manipulate the sclera or retina. Thanks to innovation in the cosmetic lens industry, all manner of shapes, colors, and patterns are available now. This makes creating variety in your look easier without sacrificing comfort and safety. 

Styling your contacts

Starting with the most drastic shift, you can quickly go for a full-on costume if the occasion calls for it. Cosplayers often opt for scleral lenses, which cover the entire surface of their eyes. The original medical purpose of these was to provide moisture to alleviate dry eyes, but their coverage makes for the perfect cosmetic application. This would be the way to go if you ever want to look like an alien or an anime character. 

You can also lean into the many hair trends of the summer and match them with the right contacts to elevate your entire aesthetic. Ash and mushroom-tone hair with layered highlights are making a real comeback, so you can pair this with emerald green or royal blue contacts. Think of how each color brings out your skin’s warmer or cooler tones, making for the perfect aura whenever you go out. 

Makeup can also do wonders. If eyes are the windows to the soul, dressing the awnings up can make it more inviting. You can play with your eyeshadow and lips to create pops or stick to a monochrome look that you can then contrast with a different-colored lens. Just make sure you avoid putting eyeliner too close to the inside rim of your eyelids when wearing lenses, as this can make you more prone to infection. Close and cover your eyes well if you use a setting spray, as this tends to adhere to the surface of lenses. 

There’s a timeless charm in adorning your home with fresh flowers, and what better way to do so than by “shopping” your own garden? This is something I learned from my good friend Eddie Ross, years ago! Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, your outdoor space can be a treasure trove of blooms waiting to grace your indoor vases. Here’s why you should consider picking from your garden for your next floral arrangement:

Embrace Seasonality

One of the joys of gardening is experiencing the rhythm of the seasons. By picking flowers from your garden, you can create arrangements that reflect the time of year, whether it’s the vibrant hues of summer or the muted tones of autumn. Seasonal blooms not only add visual interest but also connect you to the natural world outside your door.

Personalized Touch

When you gather flowers from your garden, you’re not just selecting generic stems from a store; you’re curating a bouquet with personal significance. Each bloom carries memories of nurturing and care, making your arrangement a reflection of your gardening journey. Whether it’s a favorite rose bush or a cluster of wildflowers you stumbled upon, incorporating these elements adds a unique touch to your home decor.

Eco-Friendly Option

Opting for flowers from your garden is not only convenient but also eco-friendly. You’re reducing the carbon footprint associated with commercial flower production and transportation. Plus, you have full control over how your flowers are grown, ensuring they’re free from harmful pesticides and chemicals.

Tips for Creating Stunning Arrangements

Now that you’re inspired to shop your garden for vase-worthy blooms, here are a few tips to help you create stunning arrangements:

• Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and heights. Mix blooms of varying shapes and sizes to add dimension to your arrangement.
• Consider Foliage: Greenery from your garden can serve as the perfect filler for your vase. Incorporate leaves, branches, or herbs to complement your flowers and add visual interest.
• Don’t Forget the Vessel: The right vase can elevate your floral arrangement. Choose a container that complements your flowers and fits the style of your home decor.
• Refresh Regularly: To prolong the life of your arrangement, change the water every few days and trim the stems at an angle. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures your flowers stay fresh longer.

Next time you’re in need of a floral fix, step outside and explore the botanical wonders in your own backyard. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply brightening up your living space, shopping your garden for vase-worthy blooms is a sustainable and soul-nourishing choice.

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The sun affects your home in many different ways. Some of them are beneficial, but others can cause damage. Of course, you can’t control the sun. So what can you do? Staying on top of home maintenance is a massive help, from flooring treatments to refreshing the paintwork.

Grimy Buildups in Water

Plant life thrives in the sun because sunlight and water help it create food. It’s a very complex system, so we go into it here. However, what you need to know is that plant life and other microorganisms can take over your home if left unchecked. This is particularly bad for water features like ponds, gutters, and even swimming pools. Hire a pool cleaning service to ensure things like algae and leaves are removed, and power washes the gutters now and then.

Fading Carpets and Wood

Over time, the sun can cause colors to fade. This is noticeable when you remove a picture from a wall! This isn’t usually a concern because you can always just paint the walls once more. But what about expensive flooring such as carpets and wood? The sun will cause these to fade, too. Shading, such as curtains and blinds, will only go so far. Wood and carpet fluorocarbon carpet protector treatments will help prevent the sun from fading the colors of your precious materials.

The Sun Affects Your Home Lighting

Of course, the sun allows light into your home. A home flooded with natural light has many benefits. For example, the heat can help lower utility bills, and a brighter home has wellness benefits. SAD lamps are a great holistic approach to anxiety relief. But natural light is better. Because of this, 80% of people want more natural light in their homes. There are a few things you can try to make better use of natural light. Skylights and glass doors will help.

Cracked and Peeling Paint

Heat from the sun can take its toll on the walls of your home. Over time, exposure to the sun will cause wallpaper to peel and paint to crack. Wallpaper isn’t anything to worry about. However, cracked and peeling paint is potentially hazardous. Paint before the 1980s could contain lead, and this is deadly if ingested, especially to children who like to eat it since lead tastes like sugar! However, even modern peeling paint can cause issues such as particles you can breathe in.

Antibacterial Properties of UV Lighting

There is another well-founded argument for increasing the amount of natural light in your home. Most people aren’t aware that UV rays (natural or artificial) are antibacterial. In fact, most water treatment plants use UV rays to clean drinking water. This makes the case for flooding your home with natural light. The kitchen and bathrooms, in particular, will benefit the most from this. This means that the sunlight you let in can actually help keep your home free from germs. 

Summary

Grimy buildups in water, such as in swimming pools, are just one way the sun affects your home. Natural light from the sun is a big help in homes, including creating a sense of wellbeing. And the UV rays from sunlight also have antibacterial properties for a germ-free home.