Festival season has arrived, bringing vibrant neon beauty trends to the forefront. While graphic eyeliners and holographic highlighters are popular, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute cautions that some products sold on third-party online marketplaces may contain hazardous chemicals. Dominic Skinner, a make-up artist known for his work on the show Glow Up, suggests using a white eye pencil as a base to make eyeshadow colours appear more intense and long-lasting.
To prioritize safety, always inspect labels for banned ingredients or warnings such as not for cosmetic use. Avoid substances like Solvent Yellow 172 and be wary of cheap or unfamiliar brands, as some items labeled as neon paint are not intended for skin application. For a playful, modern aesthetic, incorporate face gems and glitter instead of subtle makeup styles. Dr. Emma Wedgeworth of the British Skin Foundation advises against using craft glitter near the eyes to prevent corneal damage, suggesting eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives and secure adhesives instead.
For lips, trends are shifting toward blurred textures and deeper, vampy reds. Skinner recommends liquid lip products for durability, advising that you apply color before using lip liner to ensure precision. Crucially, never share cosmetics to prevent the transmission of infections like cold sores. Regardless of your chosen style, always apply a high-protection sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before your makeup base to prevent sunburn. When opting for hair dye or color sprays, conduct a patch test behind your ear 24 to 48 hours in advance to rule out potential allergic reactions.