Make electric makeup pop by pairing it with subdued nudes

It’s been making a splash on runways for years, and pop stars like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj have gotten in on the game for a while now, too. So how exactly can one pull off neon-hued makeup? “A successful way to approach this trend is to keep balance in mind,” says Jen Evans, artist and educator for Make Up For Ever NY. “Neons should be worn as a pop of color—neon lips with neutral shadow and vice versa.”

Focusing on one statement-making element is the key to looking chic when sporting neon liner, lips or even cheeks—we love Make Up For Ever’s new Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in Raspberry and Purple or Rouge Artist Intense in Satin Fuschia along with any of the brand’s waterproof Aqua liquid eyeliners. Partnering it with neutral makeup like champagne-hued nudes keeps it fresh and modern, says Evans. “Neon eyeliner is beautiful and can be a more subtle approach paired with nude lips. If exploring neons on the cheeks, such as a neon pink, orange or coral, balance the look with neutral eyes and lips, and finish the look with a good amount of mascara.

“It seems women have the courage to play with and incorporate neons this season,” says Evans of the longstanding runway trend now being seen in real life on famous faces like those of Kate Bosworth, Blake Lively and Alicia Keys. “Once a trend is embraced by a celeb, it’s a go ahead for the public to try it on for size.”

Evans notes “respecting color theory will enhance any makeup,” meaning champagne-hued nudes are universal foils for all neon colors—particularly fuchsia, true reds, oranges and purples—making them an especially effective complement on eyelids or highlighting cheekbones (also try Make Up For Ever’s Iridescent Nude lipstick).“With cool-toned neutrals such as neutral grays, I like to pair them with cool-toned neon colors like green, blue, blue-red and purple.”

But neons aren’t just for young ingénues. “Neons are quite elegant when worn as an eyeliner paired with a nude lip. This is also a versatile way to wear bold color for any occasion.” Also try exploring the impact of neons through texture: “A neon glossy lip gives a completely different look than a neon matte lip. Both are equally beautiful and give a different feel.” Just remember: “Neon colors should be approached in moderation as a pop of makeup. Too much of a good thing can be an overload.”