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This trend works perfectly in both climates, it suits summer days in the sun or just as easily works wonders for a weighty winter outfit that needs some spark.
Neon notes…
There are a few key things to consider when applying neon varnishes. If you are not great at applying nail polish, then invest in getting mani/pedi as these bright colours certainly draw a lot of attention to your digits and messy nail varnish is not a great look, period. Especially if it’s a colour that is designed for attention. If you cannot afford a manicure, then opt for a colour change in a nail salon, this is about a third of the price of a manicure. Generally speaking, the salon will remove any old varnish, file and clean up the nails before applying your colour on perfectly.
If you have pale skin then deeper, brighter varnish hue’s will suit your skin tone, stay away from yellows and greens and opt for punchy pinks, coral tones or cobalt blues. If you naturally have darker skin, then you should be fine with all the neon shades as they will stand out against your skin tone and not wash you out.
When opting for a punchy pout, let your lips be the focal point of your face and keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Your lips are enough of a statement. Bright coloured lips naturally draw attention to the face, so ideally your skin should be in top condition. If you have blemishes or other skin issues, it is not a great idea to apply a hue that will draw unwanted attention. A bright lip particularly works with minimal foundation, which is why it’s great when skin is clear. This is a trend that is designed to look fresh, edgy and fashion forward but more importantly effortless, so the more makeup you wear, the more contrived it looks. Stick to a sheer foundation like Mac Face & Body or a sheer tinted moisturiser and apply concealer where needed. If you feel the need to bronze up then lightly run a big powder or blush brush over your bronzer and run over your cheeks.
A natural eye looks great with these lips. However, if you feel a little too naked for that then focus on opening your eyes with a few coats of mascara and use a highlighter to open up your eye. Nars Copacobana Multiple Stick is my staple highlighter that I use on the inner tear duct and I gradually disperse it onto my eyelids, combined with mascara it truly brightens and opens up the eye. If you still feel like you need to add a little more, or you are heading out for an evening event, then you can also add a thin eye flick to the outer corners of your eyes, anything more and it begins to look like a bad 1980′s editorial.
My neon picks:
I have two highly pigmented staple neon lippy’s in my kit that I whip out when i feel like upping the ante and getting colourful. M.A.C’s Neon Orange – is my number one favourite, this is the perfect orange based red lipstick that suits both porcelain and darker skin tones. I have also had a long time love affair with Nars Schiap, this high-fashion hue is a semi-matte, rich, techno pink lipstick that looks fabulous during the day or with an evening outfit.
Illamasqua make a wicked bright neon yellow varnish in ‘Rare’ that has a satin finish and with three coats your fingers pop with colour.
Nars Gaeity blush is the ultimate power blush if you feel like giving yourself a natural yet visible flush. This highly pigmented blush immediately enlivens your complexion. This is always lurking around in my makeup bag, so when your varnish isn’t handy and you left your lippy at home you can always spruce up your makeup with some pink cheeks.
Kasia Z for LETS FACE IT