Tips on How to Make the Most of Metallic Makeup

Gold, silver, copper and bronze—shimmering metals add lustre at Versace, Issey Miyake, Bally and Antonio Berardi (above). With an array of glamorous gilded finishes lighting up faces, limbs and décolleté, there’s no better time than the holidays to put on the glitz.

Forget the chunky sparkles or glitter sticks of the past. The new glimmer is refined, grown-up, light-enhancing and completely wearable. So slick the eyes, dust the shoulders and spritz the pulse points with your giltiest pleasures, and be part of the glitterati all season long.

•Eyelids: “For a magical sparkle, use a very fine metallic in the inner corners of your eyes to brighten [and widen] them.” —Tana D’Amico

•Eyeliner: “If you’re wearing a dark, smoky eye, put metallic eyeliner or eyeshadow right on top at the eyelash base. It doesn’t mask the underlying colour and the sparkle will pick up the light. Keep everything else on the face matte.” —Barbara Alexander

Cheeks: “Start by applying a blush or bronzer on your cheeks. Then, lightly dust a metallic colour on top. The darker colour underneath will make the metallic tone more rich.” —Mahfud Ibrahim, Ford Artists

•Lips: “Always wear a lip conditioner underneath [metallic lipstick] to make the colour pop. Line the lips with a neutral pencil after the lipstick for a clean edge and to add depth.” —Jose Bass, Plutino Group

•Décolletage: “To create contour and attract attention to your décolletage, lightly dust a matte bronzer between your breasts, then apply a shimmering metallic colour to the fullness of the breasts.” —Jackie Shawn, Plutino Group/Facial Arts

•Nails: “If you’re wearing a bold outfit, you can be very avant-garde with your nails and add two or three coats of metallic polish for a street-chic look.” —Mandy Nammour

•Shoulders: “Create your own allover body solution by adding loose metallic powder to a small amount of baby oil or baby gel. Rub it onto your shoulders and collarbones and use any excess on your arms. The oil will absorb into your skin leaving a hint of metallic sheen.” —Raquel Atienza, The Artist Group

•Legs: “Mix a bit of foundation with your moisturizer and run it over your legs to hide imperfections. Then, put a metallic colour on the part of your leg you want to highlight. Try the outside of the quad or the back of the calf.” —Shelley Lashley, Amorphous Salon, Plutino Group