Neons and Neutrals: Spring's Hottest Makeup Trend

By Mai Wang, Birchbox

Neons and Neutrals
Neons and Neutrals


How to wear this season's freshest color combos on your nails, eyes, and lips

This spring, monochrome palettes are out, and contrast is in: think electric blues paired with nude beiges and hot pinks cozying up with soft taupes. Makeup artist Dora Salgado says, "Neons and neutrals pair well together because they allow you to play up one feature at a time." With duos this subtle, you'll never veer into Day-Glo territory.

NAILS
Take advantage of the statement nail trend by painting a single digit with a neon shade like Color Club's pop-tastic Jackie Oh! polish. This 60's-inspired pink is a real conversation starter and goes on solid with just one coat. Keep the rest of your nails low-key with RGB's Nail Polish in Beach, a muted caramel that will offset your lone bright nail.

EYES
When it comes to your makeup, stay away from matte colors. "Neons with sheer finishes are the most wearable and make a statement without overdoing it," Salgado says. Get a shimmery wash of color by sweeping on a rockin' blue liner-like stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Peacock-and smudging outwards at the corners of your eyes. Finish your look with a coat of nude pink lip color. We're crazy about tarte's LipSurgence™ Lip Tint in Lucky, a chubby lip pencil that goes on like a dream.

LIPS
The trick to rocking neon lips is to aim for a sleek and slightly wet look. Choose a glossy formula instead of a matte lipstick: we're partial to O.C.C Cosmetics' Lip Tar in Beta. This adventurous orange shade combines super-saturated pigment with a lightweight feel, and it looks great on ladies of all complexions. Keep eyes toned-down with a champagne shadow like stila's bestselling Kitten and a thin stroke of black liner.

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