All neonlike

Photograph: Roxana Marroquin

Rest assured this is not a painful ’80s flashback or a retro glam-rock moment. Color is making its way onto dreary mugs, and it doesn’t have to look scary. “It’s exciting to have color back,” says MAC senior stylist Keri Blair. “Today’s makeup textures let you play with intensity and different finishes that actually enhance the skin.” Trends may come and go, but these vivid hues are pretty, feminine and worn without an ounce of irony. Think of your face as a blank canvas and then channel your inner Warhol. Here’s how to do it without looking like a hot trannie mess:

Lips: Be a loud mouth
Nars International lead makeup stylist James Boehmer suggests using your lips as an accessory and trying a neon-orange or bright fuchsia shade. Not surprisingly, he suggests using Nars lipstick in Schiap—named after Surrealist designer and creator of the color “shocking pink,” Elsa Schiaparelli. “If you’re going to do it, do it. Go for it. Beautiful, matte lips look the best,” says Boehmer. “It’s not supposed to be natural.” Or, if you’re too hesitant, go for a sheer lipgloss, then apply a bright pink or bright orange blush for contrast.

Cheeks: Blush up
Sarah Lucero, a Stila makeup artist, recommends using Stila Convertible Color, a cream blush and lip product in one. “Creams and gels are better in the summer and humid weather to create a soft sheen that’s not too glossy or powdery. Bright sheer colors will enhance clean, glowing skin and really make you look healthy, modern and youthful.” Not like you need us to tell you, but let this be your reminder: Don’t overdo cheek color—looking clownish is never in.

Nails: Hang ten
Don’t be afraid to try something new and let your personality show through. “No more matchy-matchy. Gone are the days when your fingernails had to match your toes,” says Essie founder Essie Weingarten. “Try customizing your own colors by mixing and layering shades. You can also add a twist to a French manicure by using your colors of choice.” When nearly blinding shades of Essie and Mattese showed up in the office, everyone freaked: Suddenly girls and guys alike had ten different-colored fingernails. As an added bonus, there’s something about these neonlike shades that makes you look instantly tan.

Eyes: Set your sights
Katie Pellegrino, Make Up For Ever makeup artist, can’t get enough neon. She says adding a pop of color to your peepers is easier than you think: “Pencil the desired amount of color directly onto the entire lid, and always sharpen your pencil before each application for the smoothest texture. Blend with a flat nylon brush until you get an even distribution, and allow it to dry completely. Or while it’s still emollient, follow with pressed or loose shadow to intensify the neon effect.”

As the late Mr. Uemura—of the Shu Uemura makeup line—often said: “There are as many colors as there are women.” The tricky part is finding what works best for you. Principal makeup artist Jason Hoffman agrees. “You should create your own rules for makeup. It’s all about working in your comfort zone.”

Admittedly, most of these shades may not lie in your comfort zone at first. But when you learn that a swipe of electric-blue eyeliner on the inside of your lower lid makes the whites of your eyes look brighter, or a sweep of fuchsia blush resembles the rosy look of Scarlett Johansson’s, or a flick of green mascara on the tips of your lashes can enhance the color of your eyes, you’ll be sure to find a new look. Make bright hues your trademark this season: Would Cleopatra really have been quite so memorable without her kohl, Tammy Faye without her falsies?

1. Make Up for Ever Professional Aqua Eyes waterproof eyeliner pencil in turquoise, $16, at sephora.com

2. Stila Convertible Colorblush in fuchsia, $24, at stilacosmetics.com

3. Shu UemuraPrecise Volume waterproof mascara in green, $23, at sephora.com

4. Essie Cosmeticsnail polish in Mini Shorts, $8, at essieshop.com

5. Nars lipstick in Schiap, $24, at narscosmetics.com

6. Pop Beauty Lid Neoneye shadow in yellow, $22 for a 6-color kit, at sephora.com