Summer Makeup Goes Bright: Is Neon the New Neutral?

Summer Makeup Goes Bright: Is Neon the New Neutral?

Time to break out the color. Summer brings that lighter feel and desire to brighten up your look. And what’s new in summer makeup will blow your sock off.

Neutrals go through phases. Black is always a neutral, white is a warmer weather neutral, even brown and navy have their place in the realm of neutrals. But for summer, neutral is upping its game. With neons!

Yes, electric pinks, punchy purples, and high-voltage oranges are all making a perfectly dazzling appearance in summer makeup looks this year. Bright? For sure. Wearable? You bet!

These are not ‘80s neon. You know, those ridiculously loud lip, eye, and hair tints that looked just as crazy on skin as in the bottle? The new neons are vivid color that goes on in a sheer, wearable way. Truly, anyone can wear these shades.

Even high end makeup brand, Nars, has a neon collab with designer Christopher Kane just out. Gorgeous shades, but we can do better. Natural makeup brands have beautifully brilliant hues as well. And no harmful ingredients getting in the way.

The secret behind these sheer pops of color? Healthy plant oils and butters mixed with mineral pigments combine to offer color that is both concentrated and transparent. Mineral pigments are ideal for giving deep color in degrees of intensity.

Lips, cheeks, eyes, and nails are all taking on a hot hit of color. Here are some favorites to get you started with tips on how to use.

Summer Makeup Neon Product Picks

For Lips // Go bold with RMS Beauty Lip Shine in Royal, a bright violet, or Sublime, a bubblegum pink. Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Sweetness is a sizzling orange in the compact, but goes on a flattering sheer. For fun color with a shiny finish try a Benecos Twist Up Shiny Lip Color in three shades.

For Cheeks // Vapour Organic Beauty Trick Stick Highlighter in Luster delivers translucent, natural radiance. Looks sugary pink in the tube, but gives skin an inner-glow quality that rivals a roll in the hay or glass of rosé. Use on brow bones, collar bones, and shoulders too.

For Eyes // Haut Cosmetics Raw Mineral Pigments can be used on eyes or cheeks. They have a wide array of fabulously rich hues to choose from. But this summer? Tourmaline all the way! Looking for something just a bit less intense? Take that smoky eye to a new level with Benecos Natural Eyeliner in Bright Blue.

For Nails // Top your sizzling new look with 5-free polish on fingers and toes. Opt for Kure Bazaar Nail Lacquer Coquette (brilliant coral) or Fabulous (bubbly pink).

When wearing neons, no matter how subtle they may be, less is more. As in, wear no more than one neon at any given time. Choose a bright lip paired with nude makeup or syrupy-pink cheek with natural lip. These neons put the fun in makeup in a natural way.

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Image of neon girls via Shutterstock

Liz Thompson

Liz Thompson is an organic beauty expert who has been researching and writing on the subjects of natural beauty, health, and wellness for over 10 years. She specializes in sharing safe beauty products and her knowledge on healthy ingredients with her readers, and helping organic beauty brands and shop owners share their message and products with the world through her writing services.