How to wear metallic makeup without looking over-the-top

Because copper has warm undertones of its own, it’s perfectly suited to those with sun-kissed skin. If you have a fairer complexion and still want to give the trending shade a whirl, reach for more muted variants like Rimmel London’s Magnif’Eyes Mono Eyeshadow in Copper Rocker. The powder eyeshadow creates a golden wash of colour over the lids that can be easily blended with a fluffy eyeshadow brush.

Although pink and champagne highlighting shades will always be a popular choice, hues such as Fenty Beauty’s Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil are becoming increasingly popular. While traditional strobing colours are perfect for a natural look, silver shades create a more ethereal finish on the skin.

If metallic lipsticks conjure up memories of teen beauty faux pas you’d rather forget, we get it. And while it may not be a look for everyone, the nineties beauty trend is back in a big way. However, instead of frosted lipsticks that are packed full of glitter, new formulas like Too Faced’s Throwback Metallic Lipstick in Miss Thing features a soft sheen of colour with finer shimmer pigments that make your lips look naturally plush and pillowy.

Every good smoky eye could benefit from a dash of metallics to make eyes pop. If the thought of applying a metallic hue over your entire eyelid has you running scared, simply adding a glimmer of reflective shadow like this one from Stila to the inner corners of your eyes can make them appear bigger and more wide awake.

One of the most popular ways to achieve a lit-from-within glow in recent years has been to rely on liquid illuminators that melt seamlessly into the skin. Our favourite product at the moment to do just that is Mecca Max Liquid Light in Gold. The metallic liquid can be applied sparingly for a natural finish or layered for a high-beam gleam that’s sure to score your compliments.

If metallic makeup doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, a foiled nail polish might be more your style. This frosted shade from CND VINYLUX™ has been formulated to last up to one week (it doesn’t even need a base coat), with the polish and top coat working together to build a resistance to chips and enhance durability when exposed to natural light over time.

Want more product recommendations? Then check out 10 of the best new beauty launches this October and discover the five best-selling mascaras you need in your life.

Do you love experimenting with metallic makeup? Share your favourite products with us in the comments below. 

Image credit: Sevak Babakhani