For most of us, pastel blue eyeshadow is something we'd like to leave behind in '80s and '90s. After all, brightly colored eye makeup is something that sounds distracting, over-the-top, and only for the really bold, right? Here's a surprise: That's totally wrong! There are many ways to rock bright neon makeup without looking like we're on our way to Coachella or some kind of underground rave. In fact, there are ways to don neon eye makeup and still look fresh when heading to that work event. We promise.
Bright neon makeup really takes advantage of our faces being a totally blank canvas. We're here for it.
A pop of color is the easiest way to spice up an otherwise plain or neutral outfit. It demands head-turning attention while still looking put-together and chic.
To avoid that dreaded under-eye fall-out when playing with hot pink eyeshadows, be sure to tap excess eyeshadow off of your brushes before applying it to your face. Or apply face makeup after the fun bright eye makeup has been applied. Oh, and with bright makeup, be sure to prime the eyelids with a white primer, which will make sure creases don't happen. Plus, the white background will make neon colors pop even more. Using wet brushes with powdered eyeshadows will also make the color be more vibrant. Yes, please!
Peace out, standard (and boring) black eyeliner! We've made some new edgy friends now. Click ahead for 30 bright neon eye makeup looks that'll help add a little color in our lives.
1. Yellow Like the Sun
Who knew neon yellow was so wearable? We love how the artist contrasts it with a deep plum.
Huda Beauty Obsessions Palette Electric ($27, Huda Beauty)
2. Sunset Lids
For those who like to play with eyeshadows, may we suggest copying a gorgeous sunset? We love how the oranges are blended with yellows and pinks.
3. Electric Blue
This daring blue eyeliner is so bold, we can see the electric waves from here!
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4. Teal Underliner
After seeing this fierce makeup look, we believe that we should all frame our eyes in bright teal eyeliner.
5. Emerald Green
We're so into this vibrant emerald green underliner. It really makes her eyes pop (especially with that matching sweater!).
6. Tropical Vibes
Just looking at this eye makeup look makes us feel like we're on a tropical vacation. The trick? Smudging a bright neon blue eyeliner in the waterline for a subtle but still dramatic effect.
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7. Dramatic Inner Eyes
A light bright green smudged into the inner eyes and tapering off into a wing is perfect for anyone who wants to ease into wearing neon makeup.
8. Not Your Average Eyeliner
Upgrade basic blake eyeliner with bright accents.
9. Barbie-approved
We think Barbie would approve of this bright blue eye makeup, especially with that hint of shimmer in the inner eye.
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10. Just a Hint
Spice up a cat eye by swiping just a hint of neon under the wing, like celebrity makeup artist Tom Pecheux did for model Bella Hadid when she walked the Oscar de la Renta fashion show in September.
11. Like a Tropical Bird
Here's a surprise: The orange is actually a matte liquid lipstick from Colourpop.
Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick ($13.19, Amazon)
12. Electric Ombré
We love the ombré effect achieved with this cat-eye.
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13. Neon Tribal
This look is definitely a little more out there than the others, but we're completely smitten by the way these bright hues make a woven tribal pattern. The artist accomplished this with a tiny angled brush — oh, and lots of patience and precision.
Hydra Liner ($11, Suda Beauty)
14. Bright Lashes
We love how this hot pink neon cat-eye is paired with equally bright lashes.
15. Mismatched
While many of us wouldn't dare to wear different-colored eyeshadows on each eye, this Instagrammer pulls it off flawlessly.
Pro Pan Pressed Eyeshadow in Kim Chi and Love Plus ($10, Sugarpill Cosmetics)
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16. A Dash of Fiery Red
This smoky eye look is made even edgier thanks to a hint of neon red on the outer corner of the eye.
17. Lightning Bolt Liner
This bright yellow liner, which is carefully placed on top of black liner, will brighten up any gloomy day — or dark dance floor.
18. Fire Orange
The ombré effect by this shimmery orange eyeshadow is so fierce.
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19. Mermaid Eyes
What's better? The shimmer blue shadow smudging into the inner eyes or the bright underliner? We can't decide, but we're getting serious mermaid vibes from the look.
20. Centerpiece
Even though there's only a tiny bit of orange eyeshadow, we love how it's in the center of the eyelid. Less is truly more in this case.
21. Ice Queen
Is it cold in here or is just because of this snow queen–inspired eyeliner?
22. Golden Eye
Just a tiny hit of an electric yellow in the inner eye really makes this eye look pop without going overboard. We're about it.
23. Fairy Vibes
In our humble opinion, we think this eye makeup looks so much better with a neon purple liner instead of black liner.
24. Au Naturel ... Kind of
We love how this makeup artist made the orange eyeliner the center of attention by keeping the rest of face low-key and minimal.
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25. Sapphire Blue
This blue winged eyeliner look is so well done that we are dying to copy it!
Vivid Brights Liner in Vivid Sapphire ($7, NYX Cosmetics)
26. A Green Smoky Eye
By replacing the black liner with a bright neon green, this smoky eye is given a seriously edgy upgrade.
27. Pink and White
White can help make a neon makeup look really pop!
28. Neon Coral
This thin neon coral eyeliner is super wearable, and simple to do! Why not rock this look?
29. Just a Smudge of White
To really brighten up her eyes, the makeup artist here smudged white in the inner corner of the eyes.
30. A True Rainbow
This eye makeup look incorporates the entire rainbow — and creates a stunning tie-dye effect in the process.
