Yes, metallic makeup can be intimidating, but if you wear the right shade and apply it correctly it can really work to your advantage.
Take Allison Williams for example. She put a fresh spin on a classic smoky eye by replacing a gray base shadow with a metallic silver one to create a stunning, shimmery effect.
If you've never worn metallic makeup—or want to but are intimidated by it—here are a few things you need to know before swiping it on:
"Wearing metallic makeup is a trend that lasts because it's like putting on a great accessory," says makeup artist Carmindy. "If you're looking for a subtle effect that's easy to wear, go for a cream-based eye shadow and blend it in so it's sheered out—or lightly sweep on a powder shadow, which will also allow your skin to show through for a less dramatic finish. To make a more intense statement, layer on the cream shadow or reach for a highly pigmented powder."
"When picking metallics, look for refined shimmers rather than glitter to avoid looking like a disco ball," she adds. And be sure to choose a color that best suits your skin tone. Carmindy recommends silvers and platinum, if you're fair; bronzes and golds, if you have olive skin; and any of the aforementioned shades, if you have darker skin. Looking for a universal shade that everyone can pull off? Try rose gold.
Applying this stuff is easier than you think. Carmindy suggests experimenting with your metallic shadow by applying a some onto the center of your upper lid. "Or, try a speck of gold on the inside corners of your eyes to make them look bright and sparkling," she says. If you feel comfortable wearing the shimmery shadow, then go all out and brush it on from your lash line to your crease. Next, apply a small bit of metallic eye shadow under your lower lashline, and finally finish off your look with eyeliner and mascara.
"Just remember that when you're playing up your eyes and making them the focus, you want to keep the rest of your face fairly neutral," she adds. "So opt for tawny and rosy browns on the lips and cheeks."
So, Cosmo girls, are you going to give metallic makeup a go this holiday season? Go ahead, we dare you!
Follow Carly Cardellino on Facebook and Twitter.
Carly Cardellino was the beauty director at Cosmopolitan. If you follow her Instagram, then you know she'll try just about any beauty trend or treatment once (the pics of her purple hair are on IG to prove it). But her favorite part about being in beauty is finding the most effective products, and then sharing that intel with others—because who wants to spend money on stuff that doesn't work? No one, that's who. Her most recent discovery: De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment, which will change your blemish-clearing game! Hopefully through the beauty stories she writes—and the experiences she shares—you can see exactly why she's in this business.
