How to rock the neon trend without looking OTT

Neon makeup is having a moment right now and seeing people rock it online is giving me some serious FOMO. As a person who never goes anywhere cool enough to rock this trend in all it’s OTT glory, I needed to find a way to incorporate a toned-down version that’s workplace safe. Luckily, with the plethora of uber-talented makeup artists on Instagram, I was able to find loads of inspo on little ways I can brighten up my makeup work-drobe. 

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Neon lips

A statement lip for work is nothing new, but instead of reaching for my usual deep reds and plums, I’m embracing neon with bright oranges and even purple. A huge bonus of a bright lip is that I find it makes me look like I’ve put in far more effort with my makeup than I actually have. Which is excellent, as I’d much rather sleep than spend an hour making up my face each morning. To avoid having to touch up during the day, I tend to go for a liquid or matte lipstick to guarantee some staying power and safeguard against smudging. 

bh loves: Lancôme Matte Shaker, Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick, Rimmel London The Only 1 Matte Lipstick

Image credit (from left to right): @namvo, @claudianeacsu and @flexmami

Bright shadow 

Yep, this one’s bold. But if I really want to embrace the neon trend in all of its head-turning glory, I’ve got to be brave, right?! The entire ethos of the neon movement is to stand out from the crowd, and that’s guaranteed with a super bright eyeshadow. So I’m making an effort to opt for shades I’d normally skip over such as, purples, reds, blues and greens. It’s giving my makeup wardrobe a whole new refresh and (hopefully) upping my cool-girl status in the office. 

bh loves: M.A.C Dazzleshadow, Ulta3 The Vivid Palette, NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow (Mecca.com.au, $34).

Image credit (from left to right): @makeupby.dani, @stellatumakeup and @jdolls

Under-eye pop

Slightly less risky than the eye look above, I find the under-eye pop still trendy, but easier to pull off. All I do is simply apply a bright eyeshadow or coloured liner underneath my lash line or in my waterline (on non-hayfever days). It’s a great way to bring a subtle pop of colour to an otherwise understated look. I like to keep the rest of my makeup parred back so it really stands out in contrast.

bh loves: Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Eyeshadow Palette Vol 1 (Sephora.com.au, $112), Mecca Max The Illuminati Metallic Eyeshadow (Mecca.com.au, $18), Urban Decay Eyeshadow (Mecca.com.au, $33).

Image credit (from left to right): @miaconner, @rumakeup and @flexmami

Inner-eye pop

I find this look to be the most corporate-friendly of them all, so if you’re in a strict-attire office space, this could be the one to try. I tend to my makeup as per normal, and then just add a touch of bright eyeshadow to the inner corner of each eye. Subtle, but damn effective.

bh loves: M.A.C Glitter, Anastasia Beverly Hills Jackie Aina Eyeshadow Palette (Sephora.com.au, $84), Huda Beauty Neon Obsessions Pressed Pigment Palette (Sephora.com.au, $48).

Image credit (from left to right): @laurenmeisner, @ru_makeup and @patrickta 

Bright liner

This one’s a double whammy as it embraces two trends: Neon and double liner. I start by applying my regular black winged liner  (those with hooded eyes may prefer to tightline), wait a few moments for it to dry and then go in to draw a second line, just above the wing, using a bright coloured liner. It really makes the eyes pop and paired with some super glowing skin, has become one of my favourite looks for spring.

bh loves: Chi Chi Stay On Eyeliner ,Chi Chi Matte Liquid Eye Liner Set, Rimmel London Wonder Ombre Holographic Effect Eyeliner, ulta3 Signature Essentials - Liquid Gold Eyeliner

Image credit (from left to right): @jaimeemakeup_, @taniellejaimua and @carladysonmakeup

How do you make sure your work makeup pop?