With summer on the horizon, the weather is getting warmer, the days longer, and the sun brighter. With this mood-boosting rebirth of everything around us, we’re experimenting with wearing color in all sorts of new ways.
The same way we’ve begun infusing color into our spring and summer wardrobes, why not opt for all things bold and bright when it comes to our makeup? And with so many brands launching magical pigment-packed mascaras and brow products—Kat Von D, Dior, and Urban Decay most recently—it’s now easier than ever to experiment with an inventive neon look.
Curious as to how you can pull this trend off? Below, makeup artist Tony Tulve breaks down five fresh looks to try.
Photographer: Tory Rust
Makeup Artist: Tony Tulve at Kreative Kommune
Hair Stylist: David Cruz
Stylist: Heather Newberger
Models: Brooklyn Faith and Nikki Haroldson at Muse, Subah Koj at Marilyn, and Amelia Milne at State
Photo Assistant: Sarah Murray
Makeup Assistant: Kyle Sheehan
Beauty Editor: Jenna Igneri
When it comes to bold lashes, opposites attract. “Pairing opposite colors is the quickest way to bring a look together for the most impact—and with the least amount of products,” says Tulve. “Adding an opposing tone to a monochromatic look can quickly take it from soft to bold in no time at all.”
On Subah: Urban Decay Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara in Deep End and Junkshow, Cozzette Infinite Eyeshadow in Amaze, and Danessa Myricks ColorFix in Clear Glaze.
Subah is wearing an Arc Objects Necklace.
Having trouble deciding on a shade? Use as many as you please—and draw inspiration from the world around you. “Mix and match colors based off the nearest source of inspiration. Your outfit, houseplant, favorite image on the ‘gram—the possibilities are endless,” says Tulve.
On Nikki: Urban Decay Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara in Deep End and Goldmine; DiorShow Pump’N’Volume Mascara in 640 Coral Pump, 260 Blue Pump, and 840 Pink Pump; and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Deep End.
Nikki is wearing a Madewell necklace.
Infuse an extra jolt of color to your look by applying pigment directly to or around your brows, keeping the rest of your look simple to avoid overpowering. Want to ensure your brows will stay bright (and in place)? “Brush a bit of translucent powder through the brow to absorb any remaining oil or skin care [product] before applying any [makeup] product for the best color payoff and performance,” says Tulve.
On Nikki: Kat Von D 24-Hour Super Brow Long-Wear Pomade in Satellite and Lemmy, and Urban Decay Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara in Dime. On Brooklyn: Kat Von D 24-Hour Super Brow Long-Wear Pomade in Magenta and Roxy, and Milk Holographic Highlighting Powder in Supernova.
Nikki is wearing a Tapley necklace and a Donni hairpiece. Brooklyn is wearing Arc Objects earrings and a Donni hairpiece.
Not only do contrasting colors make for an interesting look, but they also make your eyes pop. “Matching a color to your eyes will create a bigger field of color, while contrasting colors will make your eyes seem brighter. Using both tones will make your eyes steal the show,” says Tulve.
On Amelia: Urban Decay Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara in Gonzo (cream first, metallic on top), DiorShow Pump’N’Volume Mascara in 640 Coral Pump, and Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Liner in Satellite and Swoon.
Amelia is wearing a Donni top and an Arc Objects bracelet.
Of course, never underestimate the power of a bit of sparkle. “Bring light to your eyes with touches of the silver mascara. The metallic finish will ‘pull’ the lashes longer and create a personal spotlight on your eyes,” says Tulve.
On Brooklyn: Urban Decay Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara in Vice and Dime, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Vice, and Milk Holographic Highlighting Powder in Supernova.
Brooklyn is wearing an Arc Objects hairpin.
