A Practical Guide to Wearing 2017’s High-Impact Makeup Trend IRL

Storefronts display neon signage for a reason. The acid-bright pigments demand our attention, draw us in. So, too, did the electric beauty looks that walked the 2017 runways. Spring 2017 was all about high-octane draping — major proponents included Kenzo, Chanel, Adam Selman and Fenty x Puma. The Fall 2017 catwalks were just as color-happy. At Prabal Gurung, Vivienne Westwood, Maison Margiela, Versace and more, vibrant pinks, oranges, blues and reds lit up lids, lips, cheekbones — even hair. In February, MAC released a collection of neon-bright mascaras, lipsticks and multiuse pencils. At the Met Gala, bright pink eyeshadow usurped classic smoky lids as the lewk du jour. High-octane makeup is, in a word, trending.

It’s fun. It’s dramatic. It’s not for the pale-hearted. Yet those of us who aren’t frequent wearers of makeup still find ourselves seduced by the pretty colors (being anxious for a distraction and all). Therein lies the challenge: How do we, previously of the Bobbi Brown school of thought (less is more, makeup as a natural beauty enhancer, yadda yadda yadda), apply a pink cat eye without looking clownish? How do we find that elusive middle ground between wearable and out-there? Is orange eyeshadow ever OK on a Monday?

You’d be surprised by how subtle — and wearable — bright makeup can be. Don’t believe us? Let our favorite, ever on-trend Instagram #influencers show you how it’s done. Click through the slideshow below for photographic evidence (and a few helpful tips) on how to wear statement makeup IRL.

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