Storefronts display neon signage for a reason. The acid-bright pigments demand our attention, draw us in. So, too, did the electric beauty looks that walked the 2017 runways. Spring 2017 was all about high-octane draping — major proponents included Kenzo, Chanel, Adam Selman and Fenty x Puma. The Fall 2017 catwalks were just as color-happy. At Prabal Gurung, Vivienne Westwood, Maison Margiela, Versace and more, vibrant pinks, oranges, blues and reds lit up lids, lips, cheekbones — even hair. In February, MAC released a collection of neon-bright mascaras, lipsticks and multiuse pencils. At the Met Gala, bright pink eyeshadow usurped classic smoky lids as the lewk du jour. High-octane makeup is, in a word, trending.
It’s fun. It’s dramatic. It’s not for the pale-hearted. Yet those of us who aren’t frequent wearers of makeup still find ourselves seduced by the pretty colors (being anxious for a distraction and all). Therein lies the challenge: How do we, previously of the Bobbi Brown school of thought (less is more, makeup as a natural beauty enhancer, yadda yadda yadda), apply a pink cat eye without looking clownish? How do we find that elusive middle ground between wearable and out-there? Is orange eyeshadow ever OK on a Monday?
You’d be surprised by how subtle — and wearable — bright makeup can be. Don’t believe us? Let our favorite, ever on-trend Instagram #influencers show you how it’s done. Click through the slideshow below for photographic evidence (and a few helpful tips) on how to wear statement makeup IRL.
High-Impact Makeup
-
High-Impact Makeup #1
Turn your everyday look up to 11 with artfully smudged glossy gray lids and a semi-sheer red lip. The effect is stunning and the process doesn't require too much precision.
Image: @ojandcigs
-
High-Impact Makeup #2
Go for glowy, monochromatic halo eyes in a universally flattering peach. (Here's a helpful tutorial courtesy of Gabriel Zamora.)
Image: @jorjasmith_
-
High-Impact Makeup #3
Offset barely-there makeup with a streak of colorful eyeliner applied just above the crease of your eye. It's fun, but not overdone. Plus, it creates an interesting focal point.
Image: @yarashahidi
-
High-Impact Makeup #4
When a high-shine cherry pout just isn't enough, trace on razor-thin floating liner.
Image: @georgiafowler
-
High-Impact Makeup #5
Choose a shade of shadow that brings out your natural eye color. (Violet flatters hazel, blue and green eyes, cobalt works well with browns.) Or just have fun.
Image: @mirandamakaroff
-
High-Impact Makeup #6
Match your eyes to your lips because why not?
Image: @chloeandhalle
-
High-Impact Makeup #7
Mega-bright mascara is easy to apply and adds instant flash. Bonus points if it matches your mani.
Image: @louisefollain
-
High-Impact Makeup #8
Head-to-toe color palettes FTW. Oh, and no need to discard your regular beauty routine.
Image: @trustmedaddy
-
High-Impact Makeup #9
Apply your go-to smoky cat eye in an unexpected shade. (We also like this look with a sharp, opaque flick.)
Image: @palomija
-
High-Impact Makeup #10
Loved Rihanna's Met Gala makeup? Of course you did. Here's a wayyy more wearable take — and here's a how-to featuring the inimitable Lisa Eldridge.
Image: @emikaneko
-
High-Impact Makeup #11
Adding a swipe of color to your lower lash line can help your eyes look wider. The bolder (and shinier) the color, the edgier the look.
Image: @joansmalls
-
High-Impact Makeup #12
Electric green eyes are not for the faint of heart. Still, the hue does blend in remarkably well with Jazzelle's skin tone. On darker-skinned beauties, neon green provides a more striking (but equally stunning) pop.
Image: @uglyworldwide
-
High-Impact Makeup #13
It's now cool for adults to rock Barbie-pink pouts. Do your inner, lip gloss-loving middle schooler proud.
Image: @kateofficial
-
High-Impact Makeup #14
Reserve editorial-worthy looks such as this one for weekend nights. (Note: When using glossy, ultra concentrated eye pigment, keep the rest of your makeup minimal to nonexistent.)
Image: @lauren.parsons
-
High-Impact Makeup #15
Don't be afraid to push boundaries. Shake up an all-natural look with an otherworldly lip.
Image: @beautyisboring_
