A contact lens applicator for use in the application and removal of contact lenses, is disclosed. The contact lens applicator comprises a hollow cylindrical tube defining a curved portion at one end having a straight portion attached to a suction bulb at the distal end. The end tip surface of the curved portion defines a generally solid concave-shaped cup surface having a center hole surrounded by an outer edge circular ring of smaller diameter holes for allowing air to pass in and out of the cylindrical tube through the cup surface. The diameter of the cylindrical tube and cup surface are slightly greater than the diameter of a contact lens. In use, the contact lens applicator temporarily grasps using air pressure a soft contact lens for applying the soft contact lens to a user's eye and for removing a soft contact lens therefrom without discomfort to the user or damage to the lens.