by Cherelynn Baker

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: October 29, 2011

Each season a cosmetic line puts out a "color story" which is the season colors that accompany the fashion trends. What we see on the cat walk runways rarely translates into an everyday look, though with some help and inspiration, here's what to do with all that product!

Bright colors! Neon too! Viva Las Vegas or Laughlin if you are low on gas money.

The summer makeup trend for 2008 is all about bold, bright, neon colors.

The color is worn on the eye, especially as eyeliner whether it is a pencil or eye shadow applied with a small damp brush in a smudgy smokey pattern. The bold color can also be worn on the lips. Sure, try it on your cheeks, though it doesn't translate well on that part of the face.

Try bold purples, lilacs, turquoise blues, and fresh baby blues too. Use the color to rim the eyelid in a smudgy streak. No need for precision here unless you are using a liquid liner which looks best drawn in a precise manner and is great for making a true cat eye pattern in eyeliner.

I suggest looking at brands like Sephora's store brand slim pencil in Violet 71 or Lagoon. Try Pop beauty Lid Neon compact for really bold colors that work as a liner or shadow. When you are wearing this bold eye color as an eye liner, balance the eye with a sheer shimmer shadow and strong eyebrow.

You could wear a two tone eye shadow pattern that is also strong in color for a take on 60's Mod style eye makeup, though it's great for parties and not jobs at the bank. Finish the eye with lots of flirty lashes in mascara colors. Try Max Factor Vivid Impact or Urban Decay Big Fatty; both have lots of choices in color and are good on the lash for length, thickness and wear without smudging or flaking.

If you haven't tried false eyelashes yet, why not now? When would now be a good time! I love them and wear them often. There are many video sites and beauty blogs that offer a video "how to" of applying them. A set of false lashes make maximum impact and are striking to look at when combined with a bright colored eyeliner.

Lips that make a person look twice and ask themselves "What is it about that woman?" start with a good liner and finish with the summer's bold color.

Try a classic bold color such as Chanel's Coco Pink. It is a true fuchsia pink and I love it! Or try Tarte cosmetics' lipstick in Shock for a strong purple lip. Duwop makes an amazing product called a Reversible Liner that is a clear stick that shapes and defines the mouth while holding in lip products. I recommend this or a very nude lip-matching lipstick to accompany the strong colors.

If you like to match your lip liner to your lipstick, be sure and test the two together first so you don't end up with a dark ring around your mouth when your lipstick is eaten off by your lunch.

Perhaps you are more of a lip gloss person like me? Yes, I too have seen the negative report that the dermatologist association gave lip gloss saying that the shine makes the sun's rays penetrate deeper and can cause mouth freckling and lip cancer. Well, just apply a brand with spf like the Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lip soothers with spf 20 in bold sheers like Gleam, Sheen or Shine.

Lips colored like these may only need a large pair of dark sunglasses to accompany them this summer.

Finally, if all this talk about bold, bright, colors is complete bunk and nonsense for you, then stick to the tried and true summer classic face:
1. A coat of self tanner and sunscreen all over your face
2. Light dusting of bronzer all over especially on the peaks
3. Mascara applied to your taste and preference
4. Sheer gloss on lips in nude to pink shades.

Either way you wear your summer makeup trend of 2008, your love, generosity, humor and wit are what truly make you beautiful!

Learn more about this author, Cherelynn Baker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.