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The Eyes Have it: Changing Eye Color

Having an eye for detail really makes for great cosplay or costumes. Adding an effect to your eyes can be the cherry on top. However, it is not 100% necessary for you to change your eye color for a costume. To me, there are only two methods for changing your eye color.  

  • Method 1: Contact Lenses
  • Method 2: Photomanipulation 

That's it. 

So let's look at the pros and cons of changing your eye color or adding a unique effect to your eyes with contact lenses. 

Pros: It looks authentic. You can look like the character or creature in real-time. Makes the costume look a bit more professional. 

Cons: They can be expensive. Depending on the effect it can obscure vision. The learning curve for using, caring, and wearing. Need an appointment with an optometrist (eye doctor) before using. Can cause eye damage or infection. It may not be visible in all photos. 

Now, I may be showing my bias against costume contacts, but they're not all that bad. There's just a lot to consider before you get your first pair. 

Safety First!

 Unlike other costume parts, you'll want to be extra cautious, especially if you have never worn contact lenses before. Always learn how to insert, remove, clean, and store your contact lenses from an optometrist. A YouTube video or your best buddy is not enough. Why? The optometrist will help determine if your eyes can even wear contact lenses. Your eyes may require a unique shape or material. While you do not need a prescription for costume contact lenses, knowing your prescription can help as you can purchase costume contacts that match your prescription. In some cases, your optometrist may sell eye color changing or costume contact lenses. For a majority of people, there should be NO issues getting contact lenses and learning how to wear them. But if you value your vision, do take precautions. 

The other thing to consider is to purchase lenses from a reputable company. There are websites dedicated to cosplay contacts which generally are pretty good. Your optometrist may be the safest bet. 

So before you hop on a site to buy cat-eye contacts: 
  1. Know your prescription (if you need it) and any material allergies or special needs for your eyes.
  2. Know how to identify a damaged or unsanitary contact lens. 
  3. Know how to clean and store contact lenses. Some lenses have an expiration. 
  4. Know how to insert and remove contact lenses safely

Dark to Light Eyes

A slight challenge you may run into when finding appropriate lenses is changing your eye color from a naturally dark color to a light one. You'll need to consider the size of the lens and the area open for the pupil. Many lenses have a solid-looking lens to them but really it's a fine mesh so it does not obscure your vision as much. But to get the full effect of going from dark brown to light blue, you'll really want to make sure the website shows the product on an actual person and preferably customer photos to get an idea of how they'll work with your eye color. 

Blind Eyes and Slit Pupils
These are effects that are likely going to slightly obscure your vision. These can range from spots in the eyes to a sunglasses effect or partial blockage. Please wear them responsibly. 

Sclera Color 

So, for a few characters, their sclera (known as the "whites" of the eyes) is a different color. Commonly yellow, black, or red. However, there's not an easy way to accomplish this effect. You can get very large contact lenses but they will cover pretty much your whole eye in one color. So it works for an eye that's a solid color but not so much for a character with a proper iris color and a colored sclera. 
So, unfortunately, the only way to get this effect is in photo editing. 

Alternatives to Contact Lenses

Now if you can't wear lenses or you just don't want to you have a few options. 
  1. Pick a character with the same eye color as yours. 
  2. Pose with your eyes closed 
  3. Don't worry about it. 
  4. Fix it in post (Photomanipulation)
Clever poses or expressions can negate the need of seeing eyes in the photo, even if they are an essential character aspect. (Everyone blinks and sleeps...right?)

Editing in an eye color after a photo is taken can take practice but I've linked to a few tutorials to help give you an idea of how it can be done. Many of us will likely be editing our cosplay photos a bit for other effects. 

Resources

Pinky Paradise (New User Guide)

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