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It's Halloween at Pi, and you know what that means—our shelves are stocked with a fan favourite: Primal Contact Lenses. With a variety of styles to instantly elevate any costume (or everyday look), we've got what you're looking for.

 

But, elevating your look is just the beginning – it’s important to properly wear, store, and care for your lenses to keep them in pristine condition and keep your eyes safe.

 

Ready to dive into the details? Let’s explore how Primal contact lenses can enhance your look and what you need to know to use them safely and effectively. Plus, some frequently asked questions from clients! 

First things first, prepare your lenses (and yourself) for wear. 

 

How to Prep Your Lenses 

 

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them completely to avoid transferring any dirt or fuzzies into your eyes.

 

2. Open your Primal lenses, and make sure they’re free of tears or damage. Damaged lenses can harm your eyes. 

 

3. If you’re re-wearing your lenses, or plan to, you’ll need to purchase a bottle of lens solution. Give the lenses a quick rinse in fresh solution before you put them in. If it’s your first time opening them you can skip this step, because Primal lenses come packaged in a contact lens solution.

Now for the scary part...putting them in.

 

How to Put In Your Lenses 

 

1. Use your fingertip to handle the lens, making sure it’s sitting in the right orientation. It should look like a bowl or a crispy pepperoni, with the edges facing upwards, not flaring out. If it’s inside out, flip it. But if the lens is damaged, don’t use it.

 

2. With your non-dominant hand, either hold your upper eyelid open or gently pull down on your lower eyelid. 

 

3. Look up at the ceiling 

 

4. Place the lens on your eye, look around and blink a few times until it’s positioned correctly. 

It will feel strange, especially if you’re not used to wearing lenses, but the discomfort should fade after a few minutes. If it doesn’t, remove the lens, clean it, and try again. After they’re in, you can enjoy your new look for up to 8 hours. 

 

 

How You’ll Take Out Your Lenses

 I’m not going to lie-taking them out is more uncomfortable than putting them in. 

 

 

1. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

 

2. Use your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid open. 

 

3. Look up slightly.

 

4. Using your thumb and index finger on your dominant hand, carefully pinch the lens and lift it off your eye. Be gentle to avoid scratching your eye or damaging the lens.

 

5. Immediately rinse and store your lenses.

 

Storing and Caring for Your Primal Lenses

 

Primal lenses can be reused for up to three months with proper care. So if you plan on re-using them, it’s essential to clean and store them properly to keep them safe for future use. 

 

Here's How:

 

After each use, clean them with contact lens solution and store them in a lens case filled with fresh solution– never reuse the solution or top it off. Your lens case should also be cleaned regularly and replaced every three months to avoid bacteria buildup.

 

 

Safety First:

 

Costume lenses are classified as grade II medical devices by Health Canada. Because they come into direct contact with the eye, strict safety and quality controls are needed to protect users. This classification ensures that lenses meet specific health standards to prevent complications such as infections or eye damage. 

 

Health Canada Recommends:

• You use only licensed decorative contact lenses. You can verify if a brand is licensed by checking here 
• Properly clean and disinfect your lenses as directed 
• Never swap or share decorative contact lenses with anyone
• Never sleep while wearing decorative contact lenses 
• Contact an eye care professional if you have used decorative contact lenses and experience any redness, blurred vision, ongoing discharge or sensitivity to light

With the right care and handling, you can keep your eyes safe while showing off a unique look!

 

 

Client FAQ :

 

Are PRIMAL® contact lenses safe to wear?

 

Primal contact lenses are completely safe to wear. They are manufactured in regulated and standardized facilities in compliance with North American quality standards. They are authorized to be sold in Canada and the United States. 

 

 

Will these lenses show up on dark eyes?

 

These lenses appear vibrant on all eye colours. If you have dark eyes, you’ll be surprised by how fully the lenses cover your iris. Primal’s Halloween lenses, in particular, are designed with opaque, bold colours that completely mask your natural eye colour.

 

For a more subtle change, Primal also offers natural-coloured lenses that realistically enhance your eyes. The colours in these lenses are blended and layered to imitate the iris and have transparent sections that allow your natural eye colour to shine through. 

 

 

Will costume contacts impact my vision? 

 

Most styles have a clear center for your pupil so you can see through them with no problem! Certain styles like cat eyes change the shape of your pupil and allow less light into your eyes, but you can still see. There are styles with mesh over the pupil- these will obstruct your vision so it's best to wear them only for short periods. 

 

 

 

Have questions? Learn more on the Primal Website 

 

Contact lenses come tailored to different eye conditions and are available as a prescription. We recommend consulting an eye care professional to determine the best option for your specific needs. Always carefully review the instructions inside the box before using this product.

Whether getting a new piercing or switching out your jewelry, choosing the right body jewelry is essential for comfort and safety. Understanding the types of body jewelry will help you make an informed decision tailored to your wants and needs.

 

In this blog, we will discuss different styles of jewelry threading and why it matters. 

 

 

What is Threading?  

Threading in body jewelry refers to the ridges and grooves that are used to screw components together. These components are the decorative end and the post. The threading determines how jewelry is inserted and removed, and how secure it is once in place. 

 

 

Why Does Threading Matter?

The jewelry you wear plays a crucial role in the overall health and longevity of your piercing. 

 

 

What Kinds of Threading are There?

 

There are three types of threading used in body jewelry;  internal threading, external threading and threadless aka push-fit.

 

 

Internally Threaded Body Jewelry

 

 

What does it look like?

 

The post: Has a smooth exterior with internal threads hidden inside the hollow center. 

The attachment (such as a ball or decorative end): Has a small stem that screws into the hollow post. 

Many professional piercers follow industry standards that recommend or require the use of internally threaded jewelry for initial piercings. This preference is based on extensive experience and evidence supporting the benefits of internally threaded designs.

 

Here’s Why I love it...

 

1. Reduced Risk of Irritation: Internally threaded jewelry has a smooth exterior, which reduces the risk of causing micro-tears or abrasions to the piercing channel during insertion and removal. This is particularly important for fresh piercings, where the tissue is more delicate. 

 

2. Security: The internally threaded design allows for a more precise and tight connection between the post and the end piece. The internal threads in the post align perfectly with the external threads on the decorative end, ensuring a snug fit.

 

My rating

 

Comfort 5/5

User Friendliness 3/5

Safety 5/5

Jewelry options 4/5

Security 4/5

 

 

Externally Threaded Body Jewelry

 

What does it look like?

 

The post: has visible ridges or grooves on its exterior surface.
The attachment (such as a ball or decorative end): has a hollow part with corresponding threads inside, allowing it to screw onto the post. 

Externally threaded jewelry can be found easily and often at a low price point. This may sound great, but it has several drawbacks.

 

Here’s Why I Don't Love it...

 

Increased Risk of  Irritation: The main issue is the exposed threads, which are harmful to new or sensitive piercings. The rough texture can be uncomfortable and cause micro-tears in the skin as the jewelry is inserted or removed. This increases the risk of irritation and can extend healing time by re-injuring tissue that had begun to heal. Even if your piercing is years old, external threading still has the potential to injure or irritate your piercing.
Lack of Security: The threading mechanism often lacks the precision found in internally threaded designs. The external threads might not align as perfectly with the screw-on end, leading to a less secure connection. Without a secure and precise fit, the end piece can easily become unscrewed, leading to the jewelry falling out. Additionally, the threads can become worn down or stripped over time, so the end piece will not stay securely attached.
Bacterial Nightmare: Tissue from the piercing channel, dirt and other contaminants can get stuck in the threads themselves, making thorough cleaning challenging. And, as mentioned, the external threads can cause micro-tears in the skin providing - providing entry points for these contaminants and bacteria. 

Despite these disadvantages, externally threaded jewelry is popular and affordable. This style is what you’ll find at jewelry stores in the mall (I’m looking at you, Spencer’s). This jewelry should never be used in new piercings. Instead, stick to high-quality jewelry from reputable shops (physical or online). Quality over quantity, friends.

 

My Rating

Comfort 2/5
User Friendliness 3/5 
Jewelry options 4/5
Security: 2/5

 

Threadless Body Jewelry

 

What does it look like?

The Post: The post is hollow and smooth, without any ridges or grooves.
The attachment (such as a ball or decorative end): Has a pin that gets slightly bent. This pin fits into the hollow post and is held in place by pressure, not threads.

Threadless jewelry features a unique pressure-fit mechanism that secures the jewelry without threads. 

 

Here’s Why I love it...

 

Reduced Risk of Irritation: The smooth post and absence of threading mean there are no rough surfaces or edges that can irritate or damage the piercing channel. This makes threadless jewelry a great option for new, healing and old piercings. 
Security: Despite lacking threads, threadless jewelry is secure. The slight bend in the pin allows it to be securely held in position by the pressure exerted between the post and the decorative end. This creates a tight connection that keeps the jewelry securely in place.
Versatility: With push-fit jewelry, you can detach one decorative end and replace it with another, without removing the entire piece of jewelry. Swapping out the ends is straightforward and can be done without the need for special tools. This also means that Instead of purchasing multiple pieces of jewelry, you can buy one single post and several ends.

 

Threadless jewelry is favoured in our studios for its user-friendly design and comfort. It is incredibly easy to insert and remove and is ideal for clients who frequently change their jewelry. 

 

My Rating

Comfort 5/5
User Friendliness 4/5 
Safety 5/5
Jewelry options 5/5
Security 5/5

 

 

Visual Summary:

 

Internal Threading: Smooth post exterior, hidden internal threads. Decorative top screws into the post. 

 

External Threading: Visible ridges or grooves on the post exterior. Decorative top screws onto the post. 

 

Threadless: Smooth post, no threads. The decorative top pushes into the hollow post.

 

 

 

Overall Ratings:

Internal Threading: 21/25
External Threading: 12/25
Threadless: 24/25

 

 

Making the Right Choice

 

When choosing body jewelry, consider the type of piercing, the healing stage, and your personal preferences. Internally threaded or threadless jewelry is best for new piercings due to its smooth designs and reduced risk of irritation. Externally threaded jewelry can be suitable for healed piercings but should be used cautiously to avoid unnecessary discomfort. By understanding the differences between these three types of body jewelry, you can make an informed decision that ensures the best possible outcome for your piercings. Always consult with a professional piercer if you’re unsure!

 

 

Ever wanted a tattoo, but couldn't decide on the design? We have a solution for that.

 

Introducing , our Get-What-You-Get gumball machine.
It's time to say goodbye to overthinking and hello to unexpected surprises.

 

Here's how it works: Insert a coin, spin the machine, and whatever design it lands on is yours to keep. 

 

It's the ultimate game of chance!

 

Gumball Machine Tattoos available at the following locations: 

 

Waterloo

• Spin for $100 and re-spin for $20
• Tattoos done in black and grey 
• Add colour for $20
• Rotating themes to keep things exciting 
• Artist Sean Martin has his own Pokemon themed gumball machine 

 

London, Masonville Mall

• Spin for $160 and re-spin for $20
• Tattoos done in black and grey 
• Add colour for $30
• Traditional style tattoos 
• Artist Taylor Armstrong has his own gumball machine