Why We Obsess Over Coloured Lenses: Their Inventor, Evolution & TikTok-Trend Appeal
18 Nov 2025
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Walk into any Gen Z or millennial woman’s makeup bag, and you’ll likely find a pair of coloured contact lenses—right next to the mascara and lip gloss. They’re not just a vision-correction tool anymore; they’re a non-negotiable beauty accessory. But how did a medical device become a TikTok sensation? To answer that, we have to go back to the inventor who started it all, trace the evolution of coloured lenses, and unpack why they’ve become the ultimate way to elevate any look in 2024.
The Pioneer: The Man Who Invented Coloured Lenses (Spoiler: It Wasn’t for Beauty)
Contrary to what you might think, coloured contact lenses weren’t born in a beauty lab. They were invented in 1939 by an American optometrist named Morton Grant, and their purpose was deeply practical. Grant’s goal? To help patients with iris irregularities—like those who’d suffered eye injuries or had congenital discoloration—feel more confident in their appearance. His first lenses were made of glass (yes, glass!) and had a thin, painted iris design that covered the eye’s natural imperfection.
These early lenses were far from comfortable—they were thick, heavy, and could only be worn for a few hours at a time. But they sparked a revolution: for the first time, people could alter their eye color intentionally. It wasn’t until the 1950s, when plastic contact lenses replaced glass, that coloured lenses started to shift from “medical necessity” to “aesthetic choice.”
From Clunky to Cool: The Evolution of Coloured Lenses
The journey from Morton Grant’s glass lenses to today’s TikTok-famous pairs is one of innovation—driven by women’s desire for comfort, naturalness, and versatility. Here’s how we got from point A to point B:
1960s–1970s: The “Costume” Era Early plastic coloured lenses were opaque, vibrant, and purely for special occasions. Think bright blue or green lenses worn to Halloween parties or theater performances. They looked obvious—almost cartoonish—and were marketed as a “fun accessory,” not an everyday item. Most women avoided them for daily wear because they lacked the subtlety we crave now.
1980s–1990s: The Soft Lens Revolution The game-changer came in 1987, when Bausch + Lomb released the first soft coloured contact lenses. These were thinner, more breathable, and could be worn all day. They also introduced “tinted” lenses—sheer shades that enhanced natural eye color instead of covering it. A brown-eyed woman could add warmth with a honey tint; a blue-eyed woman could deepen her hue with a navy overlay. Suddenly, coloured lenses were for everyone, not just costume lovers.
2000s–2020s: Naturalness + Safety Take Center Stage As social media rose, women demanded coloured lenses that looked “real” on camera. Brands responded with “iris-mimicking” designs—lenses with subtle flecks, lines, and gradients that match the complexity of a natural eye. At the same time, safety became a top priority (especially in the U.S. and Europe). Today’s top-rated lenses (like ours!) are FDA-approved, with pigments embedded inside the lens (not on the surface) to avoid irritation or fading. We also have options for every lifestyle: daily disposables for busy mornings, monthly lenses for frequent wear, and even prescription-friendly pairs for those who need vision correction.
TikTok’s Role: How the App Made Coloured Lenses a Must-Have
If the 2010s made coloured lenses mainstream, TikTok made them essential. The app’s beauty community—filled with makeup artists, influencers, and everyday women—turned coloured lenses into a “hack” for elevating any makeup look. Here’s why they’ve blown up:
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The “No-Makeup Makeup” Boost: TikTokers swear by sheer coloured lenses as the ultimate addition to a natural look. A soft hazel tint can make tired eyes look brighter; a rose gold shade adds warmth to a bare face—no heavy eyeshadow needed. Hashtags like #NaturalColouredLenses have 12.5 million views and counting.
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Trend Cycles That Stick: From “K-Beauty Glass Skin + Olive Lenses” to “Y2K Glossy Lips + Ice Blue Tints,” TikTok trends pair specific lens shades with makeup looks. When a creator with 1M+ followers shares their go-to lens, sales spike. Our best-selling “Parisian Gray” shade? It went viral after TikTok star @LilaBelle wore it in a “French Girl Morning Routine” video.
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Authenticity Rules: Unlike old-fashioned “costume” lenses, TikTok-approved pairs look natural—even on camera. Creators often do “before and after” videos showing how a subtle tint enhances their features without looking fake. This authenticity has erased the stigma around coloured lenses; now, they’re seen as just another tool for self-expression.
Why We’re Still Obsessed: It’s About More Than Color
At the end of the day, our obsession with coloured lenses isn’t just about changing our eye color—it’s about how they make us feel. A pair of warm amber lenses can boost confidence before a job interview; a fun violet shade can make a night out feel more exciting. They’re a small, affordable way to switch up our look without committing to a haircut or hair color.
And let’s not forget the practicality. Today’s lenses are designed for the modern woman: our daily disposables come in travel-friendly packs (perfect for weekends away), our monthly lenses are compatible with standard contact solution, and every pair is FDA-approved—so you can look good and feel safe.
Find Your Perfect Shade (TikTok-Approved, Of Course)
Whether you’re after a subtle boost for everyday wear or a bold shade for a special occasion, we’ve got the TikTok-favorite lenses you’re looking for. Our collection includes:
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Sheer Tints: For enhancing your natural color (try “California Honey” for brown eyes, “Iceland Blue” for blue eyes).
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Opaque Shades: For a more dramatic change (our “London Lavender” is a TikTok top pick).
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Prescription Options: For anyone who needs vision correction—no more choosing between seeing clearly and looking great.
Ready to join the obsession? Tag us in your TikTok with #OurColouredLenses—we’d love to see how you style your perfect shade. And if you’re not sure where to start, our beauty team is here to help: just send us a photo of your eye color, and we’ll recommend your ideal match.
From Morton Grant’s glass lenses to TikTok’s viral trends, coloured lenses have come a long way. But one thing hasn’t changed: they’re all about helping women feel confident, creative, and like the best version of themselves. Here’s to the next 80 years of evolution—and endless shade options.