Spring makeup is fun and inspires happiness, if you ask us. However, there’s no need for ’80s-style excess either. So how, then, should you wear neon for the eyes and still look really modern? A little coral accent on the eyes or a swipe of fuchsia on the lips (plus, a few more ideas) will take you from so-so to sizzling. Here are five hot makeup looks to try now, plus tips from local makeup artist Melissa Yeo on how to make them work for you.
This article first appeared in Her World.
The rule is to keep the focus on the eyes. “Neon colours are attention-grabbing, so keep the rest of your makeup minimal,” says makeup artist Melissa Yeo. A slight wash of blusher or lip tint is about the most you should add.
The 25 highly pigmented professional-grade colours in this palette offer numerous ways to experiment and get creative.
Light and non-greasy, its melt-into-skin formula creates the prettiest sheer flush.
These look-at-me shades come in different finishes, from matte to shimmery and metallic.
Its chubby crayon shape and creamy, blendable texture makes it easy to draw neon-lined eyes.
There are a few ways to use yellow as a makeup accent on the eyes, but Yeo says not to apply the colour on more than two areas at once. Try daubing it on the inner or outer corner of eyes, across the eyelids near the upper lash line, or along the lower lash line.
Easy to blend and layer, this delivers strong colour in a silky finish that won’t crease or fade.
Offers a range of spicy, earthy shades, from apricot and saffron to the deeper colours of curcumin and bronzed peach.
You get the smooth glide of a gel formula and the easy control of a pencil.
“Try to keep the colour within the eye socket, and don’t apply it over the crease of the eye. This will prevent your eyes from looking swollen,” says Yeo. You should also apply eyeliner and mascara to create depth and definition on your eyes.
The six peachy shades come in different finishes to create contrast and depth when layered with one another.
Its bent swan-neck wand makes it easy to reach the shortest lashes, while the quick-drying and long-wear formula ensures no smudges.
This matte eyeshadow palette offers strong colour payoff and easy blendability, so you can pair bright and dark shades seamlessly.
Soft and creamy, the pencil draws smoothly without tugging on skin.
This is a great colour to make your look pop, and it works on both fair and dark skin. Yeo says a mid-tone fuchsia that doesn’t have overly cool undertones would be the most flattering for most women. Keep the rest of the face minimal.
The clean, high-shine finish of this bright raspberry-pink makes it highly wearable.
Enriched with baobab oil, this hydrating lipstick delivers bold colour and smooth lips with no flakiness.
Delivers vibrant colour in a smooth, melting texture, while a rich oil keeps lips smooth and plump.
Nothing channels a relaxed, hot-weather vibe quite like luscious lips that look like you’ve been sucking on a fruit icicle.
Slick on a high-coloured gloss in shades like cherry, strawberry and apple, or use a lip tint and clear gloss to achieve a wet look.
Yeo’s tip: As lips will look quite diffused, define them with foundation or powder around the outer edges.
Natural beeswax, jojoba oil and cranberry oil combine to deliver mirror-like shine and deep hydration.
The water-resistant, buildable lip stain has a non-tacky feel and reacts to your lips’ pH and tone so you get a personalised hue.
A vivid colour with watery shine, apply on the centre of lips, then press them together or blend outwards with your finger for a natural, gradated look.