When thinking up new makeup looks to trial (and potentially error) on your face, neon isn't exactly the first thing that springs to mind. Zingy greens, bright blues and bold oranges tend to work on bags, shoes or clothing, but slathering a bright blue eye shadow over your lids? Well, we know even beauty editors would have a hard time finding a shade that feels right.
But neon shouldn't just be reserved for your wardrobe, as there are ways you can incorporate it into your beauty looks. Influencers and makeup artists alike have proved the world wrong and shown that neon does belong in our makeup bags. Take Char Ellesse, for example. Below, she demonstrates how to make slime-green look out of this world in the corners of the eyelids.
And if Becca Cosmetic's global ambassador and queen of the glow, Nikki Makeup, thinks orange belongs in a look, we won't argue. Notice how she manages to make it look completely wearable for daytime by adding a simple black eyeliner flick. One can hardly notice the orange, but when you do, it's a welcome sight.
With the above in mind and the idea clearly trending on social, we tested four looks that aren't OTT but are definitely inclusive of neon makeup. Keep scrolling to see what we came up with.
THE LINER LOOK
Green liner might feel like too much of a look, but just look how great it looks when winged out in a classic cat-eye flick. Use a gel-based liner and paint it over your eye so the colour payoff is stronger (that way it will last all day and night).
This subtle neon-green shade blends seamlessly over your eyes as a shadow or can be applied as a liner (as seen on Giselle).
If applying a cream shadow as an eyeliner feels too risky, try a classic liquid eyeliner in a brighter shade like this Nyx one. If you haven't already noticed, Nyx is great for neons.
Related: Love Makeup or Not, We Know You'll Obsess Over This Actress's Beauty Looks
THE BOLD LIP
Neon orange looks incredible on most skin tones, especially when paired with barely there eye makeup and dewy skin. It doesn't even feel too out there, so this is the perfect look for anyone feeling shy about trying a neon look. This shade can be layered, so if you're feeling brave, you could pile it on thick for the full-on neon experience or dab it on your lips like a French girl.
This zesty orange shade is perfect if you want to dip your toe in the neon trend. Sleek's creamy, long-lasting formulas glide onto your lips smoothly leaving a semi-matte, velvety finish.
If liquid lipsticks are more of your thing, Lime Crime has the best selection of bold shades. We love this bright orange colour.
THE NEON NAILS
Probably the best place to start with the whole neon thing is on your nails. Ask for a zingy green or UV yellow (depending on your complexion) and enjoy having playful nails.
Opt for UV nail varnishes so your neon nails look more intense and last longer. We love Moon Glow's selection for fun colourful shades.
Wear this yellow on all of your nails or mix-match with the green above for a full-on nail party.
THE SUBTLE MASCARA
Blue mascara is definitely having a moment, and it's bringing back feelings of nostalgia from the early noughties. If you have darker lashes, layer your mascara thick so you get a subtle flutter of blue every time you blink. It's hardly noticeable, but when it is, it makes all eye colours pop in the best way possible.
If you want a mascara that helps to lengthen, add volume and separate your lashes, then Benefit's They're Real is the one. Luckily, it comes in blue, too, so it works perfectly for your neon beauty look.
Don't want to spend a ton on a trend? Try Nyx's Worth the Hype Mascara in blue. This gives you XXL lashes for half the price of the tube above.Up next, these three products are the reasons celebrities always have expensive-looking skin.Opening Images: @alwaysjudging and @ellessechar