The Best Neon Makeup Looks to Wear All Summer Long

Bold, neon makeup might not be the first trend you think of when it comes to your go-to makeup looks, but the power of neon to make a statement is undeniable. From the tiniest flick of slime green eyeliner to punchy pink and fluorescent orange, neon eyeshadow is here to stay—and we are feeling the electric vibes.

So how can we mere mortals create such art? While neon makeup may seem intimidating, it is possible for neon novices to play with color. To help guide us through this eyeshadow artistry, we spoke to makeup artists Sandra Saenz and Anthony Nguyen of KVD Beauty for their tips and product recommendations. But first, a crash course in makeup application.

Meet the Expert

• Sandra Saenz is an internationally recognized makeup artist and KVD Beauty Global Veritas Artistry Ambassador.
• Anthony Nguyen is a Los Angeles-based celebrity and fashion makeup artist and KVD Beauty Global Veritas Artistry Ambassador. His clients include Adele, Katy Perry, Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, and Christina Aguilera, among others.

“Neon makeup can be applied exactly as you would any other makeup. Similar to how you’d typically apply brown or black eyeliner the same way, the only major difference with using neon shades is the color,” says Saenz, who notes that KVD Beauty’s products are waterproof, so once they are applied, they won’t move. “I find that primers are not necessarily needed when using neon makeup, especially when using long-wear products that don’t budge.”

According to Saenz, as with any look, the way neon eyeshadow is applied will depend on the look you’re working towards achieving. For a smoky eye, she recommends blending out shadow with a fluffy brush so it distributes over the lid evenly. “If you’re looking for an edgier look, like a graphic, sharp line, I recommend working in shadow with a pomade the KVD Beauty #70 Pomade Brush ($18), which is great for precise application,” she says.

Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of 23 neon makeup looks that will have you buzzing for weeks.

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Summer Brights

This neon blue fade to a smoky black eye is what eyeshadow ombré dreams are made of. Saenz used KVD Beauty Super Pomade Vegan Eyeliner, Shadow, and Brow Pigment ($23) in Satellite for the inner corner and Graphite to create this look on herself. “While these pomades are super versatile and can be used in numerous ways, I love to use them as a liner to create a wing, cut crease and in, or just beneath the water line for a pop of neon pigment,” says Saenz.

The Best Neon Makeup Looks to Wear All Summer Long