Metallic pigments have been popping up in our Pinterest feeds all year. But saving these glittering eye shadows to our beauty board is far less daunting than dipping into an opaque silver shade and crossing our fingers. To make the trend more approachable — yes, you too can wear gunmetal — we took inspiration from our favorite celebs to bring you the easiest tips for mastering metallics like a pro.
1. Go monochromatic
To work your way into the trend, stick to shades in the same color family. Sweep a metallic gold shadow across your lids and blend a deeper bronze or copper into your crease for breezy, gilded eyes in minutes. Finish off the look with a warm nude lip to tie it all together.
Try it with: Urban Decay Eyeshadow ($19), Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow ($12), and NYX Professional Makeup Lip Cream ($8)
2. Smoke it out
Amp up a smoky eye by adding a brilliant flash of metallic, like a fierce gunmetal, to the center of your lids. Then, smoke it out with matte black shadow on the outer corner of your eyes and below your lower lash line for effortless evening glamour.
Try it with: Kat Von D Eyeshadow ($21) and NYX Professional Makeup Eyeshadow ($2)
3. Opt for eyeliner
Not ready to fully commit to a dramatic eye look? A vivid metallic hue looks equally flattering (and more subdued) in eyeliner form. If you don’t want to spring for a new liner shade, your go-to shiny shadow does the job just as well. Add some setting spray to a small angled brush and dip into a vibrant eye shadow to line your lids with maximum color payoff.
Try it with: MAC Metallic Eyeshadow ($16) and e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set ($3)
4. Balance a bold lip
Deep metallic lips are the ultimate fall statement. And their perfect complement is fresh, glowing skin. To achieve next-level radiance, mix a drop or two of strobe cream into your foundation and finish off by dusting a champagne highlighter onto cheekbones, temples and down the bridge of your nose.
Try it with: COVER FX Custom Enhancer Drops ($42) and Milk Makeup Holographic Highlighting Powder ($30)
5. Find your gradient
Don’t shy away from that bright blue in your palette. Maximize the color by going for a gradient effect. Start by applying a white or cream shade to the inner corner of your eyes and work your way across your lids, blending from the lightest to darkest shade as you reach the outer corners of your eyes.
Try it with: Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow ($26) and Sephora Collection Baked Eyeshadow Trio ($19)
6. Make your own shade
Breathe new life into your favorite lipstick by adding a metallic sheen. Just press a touch of highlighter onto your Cupid’s bow and the center of your bottom lip to give your pout an illuminating effect (and Gigi-level plumpness).
Try it with: Fenty Beauty Shimmer Skinstick ($25)
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