Neon is the only beauty trend you need to know about this summer, here's how to pull it off without looking like you're at a rave
While we're still not entirely sure whether festivals will be going ahead as planned this summer, neon makeup has already arrived with fluorescent colours taking over every single beauty look on every celebrity eye crease and every influencer's nail designs – and, according to pro makeup artist James Molloy, it's here to stay.
"Neon brights are bringing back an element of fun and self-expression into our makeup routines," he says. "Whereas in the past, neon makeup has been more of a statement, it's now being applied in subtle, painterly ways that makes it far more wearable."
Here's our ultimate guide to help you embrace the trend for the upcoming season, plus all the catwalk and Instagram inspo you need for reference.
Electric lines
Brilliantly bold lines is the simplest way to trial the neon trend while also playing into this season's biggest makeup trend – negative space liner. "You'll want to keep the base makeup minimal but radiant," explains James. "Add a thin line of black liquid liner on the lash line to define the eyes and make them pop. Then, mix a loose neon pigment with a little mixing medium and use an eyeliner brush like the MyKitCo. Flyliner brush to draw on a precise line just above the crease, winging it out at the outer corner. Always finish with a balmy nude lipstick like one of the new The Easy Nude shades from HIGHR (my favourite is the shade It Was All A Dream)"
If you're feeling particularly creative, try taping two brushes together to create a double-lined design like makeup pro Holly Aldous.
Instagram content
Neon nails
The undisputed nail trend for summer is neon. The one rule? The brighter the better. From punchy yellows to bold blues and luminous lime greens, from Kylie Jenner to Rihanna, everyone is rocking neon nails on our Instagram feed. Perfect for poolside posing and the best way to complement a tan, neon is the only colour to plump for this season and mix-and-match is encouraged.
Instagram content
Luminous lashes
Switching it up from the traditional lash, neon lashes are a fun way to explore the neon trend, and contrary to what you might think, they couldn't be easier to create at home.
Instagram content
All you have to do is apply a pair of falsies and grab a neon pigment or liquid shadow. Using a fanned brush, coat lashes in your chosen colour as you would apply mascara.
Eighties eyes
We are taking it back to the 80s, taking inspiration from our favourite social media stars Nikkie Tutorials and Danielle Marcan.
Instagram content
Either create an ombré effect by using different amounts of mixing medium and noen pigment to create varying intensity, or else, try applying all over the lips and gently buff out the edges for a cloud like finish.
Bold Hair
Make like Kylie Jenner and Miley Cyrus and trial a bold new hair colour with a neon wigs. Whether long and straight with a full fringe, or a peek-a-boo pop of colour on a blunt bob, it's time to play with shades of candy pink, sky blue, electric purple, citrus orange and even lemon yellow.
Instagram content
Nails Inc Naked In Neon Set, £22, Nails Inc
The brighter the better when it comes to neon manicures and you can rely on these Nail Inc shades to pack a punch with their range of electric shades.
By Beauty Bay Youtopia Pressed Pigment Palette, £10, Beauty Bay
The possibilities are endless with this eight shade palette. Plus, the matte finish is supremely blendable, allowing for a variety of looks.
Stargazer Neon Colour Eyedust, £4.50, Stargazer
These loose pigments are used by the pros for their punchy, neon payoff and versatility. Simply mix with a dash of mixing medium to create a paste that can be painted onto the complexion, eyelids and lips.
Suva Beauty We Make Rainbows Jealous UV Hydra FX Collection, £35, Beauty Bay
This water-activated, dual tone liner is perfect for creating more painterly looks like a negative space liner design. Plus, they glow under UV light, which is always fun.
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette - Brights, £16, NYXThis is the ultimate eyeshadow palette to create popping neon eyes. With sixteen super-pigmented shades in a range of bright hues and finishes, you will be sure to create some dazzling looks with this.
Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush In Quickie, £21, Urban DecayIf Moschino’s full face of paint is a little over the top for you, here’s our alternative; a glowing flush of colour on the cheeks. Afterglow has a creamy texture, which blends softly into skin, whilst providing a striking colour pay-off.
L’Oreal Colorista Washout Lime Green Neon Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, £6.99, Boots
If you fancy a bold and bright hair change, L’Oreal has a range of neon, semi-permanent dyes in fun vibrant colours. They have a nourishing formula and they last up to 15 washes so you can switch those colours up whenever you want.
