How to Pull off Wearing Neon Eyeshadow

While wearing neon eyeshadow can feel daunting, it's absolutely possible to do so without looking like a clown! Neon eyeshadow adds a cool, interesting element to any otherwise plain outfit and is sure to capture the attention of everyone around you. You can confidently wear neon eyeshadow by choosing a complementary color, placing it strategically, and coordinating the look.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Color

Skin tones generally have yellow (warm) or pink (cool) undertones. Choose a color that contrasts your undertones to avoid looking sallow or washed out. People with yellow undertones should avoid orange and yellow eyeshadows, while those with pink undertones should steer clear of red and pink shades. In addition, people with deeper skin look gorgeous in bright shades!^{[1]XResearch source}
To enhance your eye color, choose a neon shadow with a color opposite your own eye color. Electric blues and greens bring out the richness in brown eyes, while vibrant oranges and pinks will make blue eyes shine. If you have green eyes, bright fuchsias and purples will make them stand out.^{[2]XResearch source}
Advertisement
Shimmery shadows are typically easier to pull off than mattes, so beginners may want to start with a shimmery finish. Flat matte shades make a bigger statement, so pack on a matte neon if you're ready to jump all the way in.^{[3]XResearch source}
Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Picking the Color Placement

1
Use the neon shadow as eyeliner. The easiest and most subtle way to wear neon eyeshadow is to use it as eyeliner. Dampen a small angled liner or detail brush and dip it into the preferred eyeshadow (dampening the brush intensifies the color). Carefully place the eyeshadow by pressing the brush along the lashline. This can be done on either the upper or lower lashline, or both!^{[4]XResearch source}
- To amp up the look, use a different color for the upper and lower lash lines.
2
Cover the upper eyelid in eyeshadow to intensify the look. Use a flat, dense eyeshadow brush to pack on your chosen neon shade. Avoid swiping the brush back and forth. Instead, gently pat the eyeshadow onto the mobile lid, being careful not to go past the crease (eye socket). Using a patting motion will make the color go on more smoothly and with greater intensity.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Use an eyeshadow primer or base to increase the longevity of your eyeshadow.
This is certainly the boldest look, but still wearable. Use a brighter neon all over the lid and a deeper color in the outer corner and crease of the eye to create interest. Just be sure not to bring the color up beyond the crease and onto the browbone, as this can create a messy look.^{[6]XResearch source}
Advertisement

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Look

Blend neutrals into the crease and add black eyeliner and mascara to help define your eyes and ground the look. Pairing neons with neutrals keeps the look from appearing clownish. Neutral shadows in a shade close to your skintone can also be used to help buff out harsh edges.^{[7]XResearch source}
Neon colors can often highlight the ruddiness and imperfections of the skin, so add some light coverage to your skin with your favorite foundation for a more perfected look. Since the eyeshadow is the star of the show, keep the rest of the look neutral with a muted blush and nude lip color.^{[8]XResearch source}
Avoid looking too matchy-matchy and keep the the look sophisticated with neutral clothes in basic, classic designs. If you really want to tie in some neon, match your shoes, handbag, or jewelry.
At the end of the day, makeup has no hard and fast rules. Wear what you love and let your confidence shine through! You'll be surprised at how wearable your neon eyeshadow is when paired with fearlessness!
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Should I wear matte or shimmer eyeshadow?
Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Yuka Arora is a self-taught makeup artist who specializes in abstract eye art. She has been experimenting with makeup art for over 5 years, and has amassed over 5.6K Instagram followers in just 5 months. Her colorful and abstract looks have been noticed by Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Kat Von D Beauty, Sephora Collection, among others.
Yuka Arora
Makeup Artist
Expert Answer
I prefer using a matte finish because you can put matte anywhere, whereas shimmery shadows shouldn't go in your crease or just underneath it. I'd almost rather work with a glitter or a metallic liquid eyeshadow if I want something shiny. With a matte eye, though, you can do a pop of shimmer in the inner corner of your eye or the center of your eyelid to make it stand out.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question
How can I pull off wearing 80's eyeshadow?
Cecilia Flores
Top Answerer
If you want to pull of bright makeup, wear a nude lipstick (light to medium skin tones) or black lipstick (dark skin tones) to keep the eyes the focus. I would also recommend wearing more of a neutral-toned outfit. Remember that you can wear what you want on your face and body, as long as you won't get in trouble for it at work/school.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Things You'll Need

Appropriate eyeshadow brush(es): flat, detailed, fluffy
Eyeshadow in your chosen neon color
Primer/eyeshadow base

Tips

Dampen your eyeshadow brush before dipping into the powder eyeshadow to intensify color payoff
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Define your eyes and ground the overall look with black eyeliner and mascara.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0