How to Wear Neon Lip Makeup

Co-authored by Laura Martin

Last Updated: June 20, 2021 References

Neon lip makeup is a bold look. It can be fun for a night out or an everyday style. If you want neon lips, apply your lipstick carefully. Choose the right color for your skin tone and pat the lipstick on. Experiment with different colors to get different effects. As neon lips are bold, make sure that your other makeup is relatively minimal.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Your Lipstick

1
Prep your lips. If your lips are dry and chapped, bold lipstick will make this more apparent. Use chapstick or a lip balm to moisturize your lips before applying neon makeup. You can also rub your lips with a soft-bristled toothbrush to smooth them out and remove dead skin.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you have dry lips, try using a lip scrub first. You can buy one at a beauty store or make your own at home. Mix 1 part brown sugar to 1 part oil to make a paste. Rub it on your lips and wash it off for smooth lips.
2
Choose a color for your skin tone. Due to their bold nature, neon lips can easily clash with the wrong skin tone. When selecting a color, look for one that goes well with your skin's tone. This will keep your lips from being overwhelming.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Hot pinks go well with pale, cool-toned skin.
- Tangerines and corals go well with olive and medium, warm-toned skin.
- Darker skins pair well with berry colors, like deep purples.
- Blue works well for cool-toned complexions. Other unusual colors, like purple or green, may go with any complexion, depending on the hue. Try out the lipstick on your arm before buying to see if it goes well with your complexion.
Most neon lipsticks are matte, although you may be able to find glossy varieties. Matte lipsticks tend to be less vibrant and shiny than glossy ones, but glossy shades don't tend to last as long.^{[3]
X
Research source} Matte may be better for a played down neon look. Glossy may work for a night out.
4
Start with a nude lipliner. Neons can feather easily, which means that the color can bleed into the lines around your lips. Before you apply them, line your lips with a nude lip liner. Trace just the outsides of your lips. This will keep your lipstick from feathering when you apply it.
- If you want a very bold and exciting look for a night out, consider lining your lips with white lip liner instead.
If you don't want a full neon look, you only use a small amount of the color. To start, apply the color to the center of your lips. Use a lip brush to dab a small amount of your neon lipstick near the center point of your lips. Due to its bright color, you only a small amount.^{[4]
X
Research source}
6
Blend out your lipstick for a subtle look. After dabbing your lipstick on the center of your lips, blend it outward to either side. Use a lip brush to gently spread the lipstick to either side of your lips. You should be left with lips that are bold and bright, but the color should not overwhelm.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Mistakes are easily noticeable with neon lipstick. It is important to use a brush with neon lipstick, as the brush is very precise. In a pinch, you may use your fingers, but be extremely careful.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Managing Different Colors

If you love pink neon lips, they can easily look sloppy without lip liner. After adding pink to your lips, choose a complimentary liner. Just remember to use nude lip liner beforehand!^{[6]
X
Research source}
2
Layer lilac shades on thick. Lilac shades do come in neon, but tend to be lighter than other shades. While most neon lipstick is applied in a light layer, with lilacs you should lay the color on somewhat thick. Add a couple of layers until the lipstick is bright and noticeable.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you wear eyeliner, lilac shades pair well with brown eyeliner.
If you want neon lips for multiple occasions, go for a red orange shade. Red orange tends to match with a variety of warm skin tones, but it doesn't work as well for cool-toned complexions. If you, for example, are going into the office and then out with friends afterwards, red orange is a great color to choose.^{[8]
X
Research source}
4
Pair peach with a black liner. Peach liner looks somewhat unnatural, which is okay if you're going for a fun, bold look. To make your peach liner more defined, black lip liner works well. It accentuates the peach color and makes your lips look neat and contained.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Peach neons are best if you're going somewhere like a club or a bar. They don't work as well for an every day look.
Neon reds can be incredibly bold, but they are also suitable in everyday environments. Even if you want a very noticeable look, it's a good idea to tone reds down slightly. Add a light layer of powder over your red lipstick. Your lips will still look noticeable, but they won't be overwhelming.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When wearing neon lipstick, avoid other bold makeup choices. Your lips should be the focus of your look. Add minimal amounts of foundation, blush, and concealer and keep your eye shadow light. Choose an eye shadow that matches your natural skin tone rather than a shadow in a bold, noticeable shade.^{[11]
X
Research source}
In some offices, neon lips are acceptable. However, if you work in a more conservative atmosphere, neon lips may be out of place. If your company has a strict dress code, avoid neons during your work day.^{[12]
X
Research source}
Always apply neon lipstick to the center of your lips and spread it out. Neon lipstick looks sloppy and overwhelming if you spread it across your lips. You only need a small amount of neon lipstick for a bold neon look.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What are ways to wear neon lip makeup for spring and summer?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

These are some guidelines to help make neon lipstick more wearable but still be fun. Keep the rest of your makeup simple and neutral. Keep your outfit neutral. Wear neon accessories to spice up your outfit. Match your nail polish and shoes to your lipstick.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow 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 wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

How can I wear neon lip makeup like Nicki Minaj?

Community Answer

If you go to school, you have a job, or you don't want it too crazy, pair the lipstick with neutral eye makeup, soft blush, little to no contour and only a little bit of bronzer. Or you can commit to it to it and go all out! Bright eye shadow, red or pink blush, colored eye liner, and dramatic lashes. If you're worried about being forced to take it off, bring makeup wipes and moisturizer with you.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow 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 wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How do I wear 80s lip makeup?

Wikihowhelperlena

Community Answer

Just get some inspiration from the internet - what colors did people wear,etc. and get your lipstick shades (tip. you can also mix colors). Then you can look at what looks good on you and what you like.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow 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 wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0