There are 3 things in life that I’m terrified of:

1. Earthworms that emerge from the underworld when it rains,
2. Getting run over by a moving vehicle (what a horrible way to die!), and
3. Neon lipstick.

While it might take some serious brainwashing and/or hypnotism to fix the first two, I think my fear of neon lipsticks is something I can deal with.  This is the aptly named MAC Neon Orange Lipstick ($17.50 at PRO stores).  Neon Orange is a PRO colour, but will be released in regular MAC stores starting on December 26 with the Stylishly Yours Collection.

MAC Neon Orange Lipstick

MAC Neon Orange Lipstick Swatch

In an attempt to recreate the Pop Classic look from the MAC Spring Trends Master Class I attended, I paired Neon Orange with a bold cat eye liner, complete with multicoloured glitter.  Might be a fun look for the runway, but on me it was just not cute.  Now I know.  Or is that just common sense?  I wiped off my lips as soon as I got to work.

To prevent you from looking like a hot mess on your daily commute to work or school, here are some tips to carry off traffic stopping lips in style.

#1 — Wear Your Skin Clean and Dewy.

Bright orange is a fun, youthful shade, so what’s more youthful than a fresh face?  Mix your foundation or tinted moisturizer with a highlighter to achieve a covetable glow.  You can either go with a liquid like NARS Illuminator in Orgasm or a loose powder like MAC Gold Studio Finish Face Powder.  Go over the high points of your face — nose bridge, cheeks, cupid’s bow (lips) — with more highlights.

#2 — Add Warmth with Bronzer.

If you’re feeling especially pale (I am!), apply a dusting of bronzer all over your face.  I like Annabelle Haute Gold Bronzer for this purpose.  Using a fluffy powder brush, draw the number 3 the sides of your face to hit your forehead, cheeks, and chin.  Adding overall warmth to your skin will decrease the contrast between your own complexion and the lipstick.

#3 — Say No to Heavy Eye Makeup.

While it is always tempting to go wild with eye makeup, try — really try — keep it to a minimum for this look.  If you must use eyeshadow, go with neutral shades.  Enhance your eyes with simple black eyeliner on your upper lash line, and finish off with mascara.

#4 — Brows: You Need Them.

I cannot — cannot — stress this enough. If you are wearing a bold lip, whether it is red or hot pink or neon orange, you have to wear your brows bolder than usual. Otherwise you will look like a pair of lips that just grew a face around it. My weapon of choice is MAC Brun Eyeshadow (of course!) or MAC Eye Brows in Spiked.

#5 — Keep Your Lips in Tact with Lip Liner.

Make sure your crisp bold lip stays that way. Remember, your lipstick is not allowed anywhere on your cheeks. Choose a colour similar to your lipstick, a neutral colour, or a clear liner around your lip line.

MAC Neon Orange Lipstick Lip Swatch

Wearing MAC Neon Orange Lipstick

Do you wear orange lips?  If not, will you, after these tips?