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In between seasons, it can be easy to forget that many of our most head-turning beauty trends got their humble start on the catwalk. And one such vibrant runway trend that we can’t get enough of this summer is neon makeup. Yup, those day-glo colors that we normally reserve for throwback swimwear and '80s-inspired styles can now be spotted in your makeup bag, thanks to a slew of fashion shows and a few key beauty buys. Scroll on to see more! (Photos via Victor Virgile/Getty, Pietro D'Aprano/Getty, Peter White/Getty, Kristy Sparrow/Getty)
Lips: While many might relegate neon colors to just the nails, one of the simplest ways to test-drive the trend is to pucker up. A bold lip is a way to make anyone appear instantly polished, but when the saturation is turned up to vibrant lobster-red levels as seen in Sonia Rykiel’s sea-inspired Spring 2018 collection (right), all eyes will be glued to you. Just see the powerfully pink pouts that popped up on Gucci’s Spring 2018 runway (left) for further proof. (Photos via Pietro D'Aprano/Getty, Peter White/Getty)
Laura Mercier Extreme Matte Lipstick in Fab ($28): The Gucci fashion might’ve been dark, but all eyes were on this bright pink hue. All you need is one coat of long-lasting matte lippie to get the high-impact color that won’t dry out your pout.
INC.Redible Listen Hard Girl Neon Lip Paint ($10): While it could lean a little redder depending on what outfit you pair it with, this fluorescent flash of electric orange is a fresh twist on the trend. Plus it applies with a buttery feel and a matte finish that doesn’t get crusty throughout its wear.
NYX Cosmetics Macaron Lippies in Violet ($3.29): NYX is one drugstore brand that really knows how to pump up the pigment, no matter how wild it might appear in the packaging. While you may only think to wear the high-voltage violet with darker clothes for an after-sunset soiree, we dare you to give the key lime color a try — maybe with a little layer of pink over it for a fun watermelon effect.
Eyes: You can always count on Jeremy Scott to opt for a beauty look that’s colorful and daring, like this killer negative-space cat eye the models sported at his Fall 2018 show (right). But even if you aren’t as handy with a liner brush, you can simply swatch on a neon hue across your lids à la Byblos (left) for an eye-catching look. (Photos via Victor Virgile/Getty, Peter White/Getty)
Too Faced Sketch Marker Liquid Art Eyeliner in Sky Blue ($20): If you’re down to draw anything from a kitten flick to a more intricate liner look, be sure to grab neon products that are meant to be applied near the eyes. Thankfully, this bright blue liquid liner from Too Faced makes it easy (and safe) to channel your inner Slick Woods.
Suva Beauty Hydra FX Liner in Fanny Pack ($12): A little water and a liner brush are all that’s needed to transform this bold powder into an fluorescent liner that you can cut into any crease and still stand out. But don’t be afraid to rock the Byblos looks and smudge it on your lids.
Kryolan Aquacolor UV-Dayglow Palette ($40): With Essence Fest, Pitchfork, Afropunk, Burning Man, and Lollapalooza coming up, the need for unique makeup is strong. With this palette that includes a rainbow of neon colors, there’s no limit to the kind of looks you can create.
Cheeks: Punchy pops of color on the cheeks have made a recent return to the runway, including Talbot Runhof (left) and Alexandre Vauthier (right). Rihanna brought it to the red carpet in 2017, wearing the look to the Met Gala. The trick to not going overboard? Slowly build up to the coverage you’re looking for with a fluffy brush. (Photos via Richard Bord/Getty, Kristy Sparrow/Getty)
Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color Highlight, Sculpt and Blush Powder ($23): Most runway and red carpet regulars prefer wearing pink for their colorful contour, but none are as showstopping as this fuchsia hue. It delivers a quick color payoff that can easily be diffused for a softer, rosier haze that melts into skin and stays put.
Black Up 06 Blush ($27): Orange works with a range of skin tones, but it truly pops on darker shades, especially during the summer. And with the lush, iridescent finish of this blush, skin looks dewy and ethereal without the need for an added highlighter. If you want to be extra-daring, sweep it from under your eyes to the top of your cheeks like the models at Talbot Runhof.
NARS Exhibit A Blush ($30): NARS Orgasm blush has become a cult classic amongst beauty buffs, but that doesn’t mean you should sleep on any of his other shades. See: Exhibit A. Before you give red blush some serious side-eye, know that it has the power to deliver a realistic flush as long as you have a fluffy brush.
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