How to wear metallic makeup: 6 shimmering Beauty Panel looks that are holiday party-ready
It’s hard to resist the glitz and glamour of the holidays—and considering that Hanukkah is here and Christmas is but a month away, bring it on. Since we’re embracing metallic hits of colour in everything from party dresses to decorations, it’s a no brainer that a good precious metals makeup look is also welcome this time of year.
For inspiration we look to the unmissable presence of glittery goodness on the Fall 2013 runways. At Dior silver eyeliner was applied on the waterline and along the crease that continued into a cat eye flick. Adding ornaments to the beauty look at Chanel, mirrored shards were gently placed on the lid and upper lash line. Also taking the adornment route, larger reflective crystal-like specks were used at Dries Van Noten but in an epic switcheroo were they were placed on the ear to mimic a cuff.
Challenge 38: How do you wear metallic makeup and what are some of your favourite products? See the answers now! »
This week our Beauty Panel is drawing from the atmosphere of the holiday season, by adding lavish metallic makeup pigments to their routines. JJ Cowan of SFYGY prefers a shimmery copper eyeshadow to accent her hazel eyes while Ellie Somfelean of My Beauty Box uses silver to bring a little sparkle to the layers of thick jackets and scarves that are necessary throughout winter. And Stephanie Lau of Fun Size Beauty brings it home by showing us how to apply pigment to the eyes while avoiding the disco ball faux pas.
Have a beauty question you want to see the panel answer? Send it our way at [email protected]. Read on for the answers to this week’s challenge and for more goodness, get to know all contributors on our Beauty Panel hub page.
Jump to: ELLIE SOMFELEAN | JJ COWAN | KELLY FREEMAN | SHAYNA WIWIERSKI | STEPHANIE LAU
JJ Cowan
Toronto | Secrets From Your Girlfriends
It’s no secret that wearing metallic makeup scares most people including myself. So, when the task of using this season’s go to eye colour was presented I was a bit terrified to say the least. In the past, I have been very open in regards to my inability at mastering the application of eyeshadow and I wasn’t convinced I could do this particular trend justice. I learned quickly that the trick to sporting a metallic eye was shifting towards a warmer shimmer rather then using a cooler tone and the results were seamless making this look transfer from runway to real life effortlessly.
The trick for me was using a copper shadow that would accent my hazel eyes. I began with the upper lid and shadowed to its crease and followed by lining my lower water line with copper. Another trick that brought the look together was combining a dark brown shadow and lightly pressing it along my lash line on the lower and upper eye area creating a smoky effect that is perfect for day or night. Truthfully, I wasn’t convinced that using a metallic shadow would create a favorable look that I would actually wear but after trying the trend out I will definitely be incorporating this look into my holiday makeup calendar.
Products used: M.A.C Eyeshadow in “Espresso” and “Mythology” and Sephora Makeup Brushes
Ellie Somfelean
Montreal | My Beauty Box
As soon as there is snow on the ground and I bury myself in layer and layers of scarves and thick jackets, I feel I need to add a pop of sparkle in order to make my face stand out. I am on a huge silver kick at the moment since I saw Rimmel’s Scandal Eyes eyeliner in Silver. For this look I used metallic silver, applying a light frosty color all over the lid and adding darker hues of metallic grey in the crease and outer v. I finished off with a touch of eyeliner in the outer corners and then sort of mirrored the look on the lower lid: light silver in the inner corners with a darker shade framing the outer ones. I then lined the waterline with lots of silver eyeliner. I contoured the face with a light bronzer to warm it up, used a light pink blush and tons of highlighter to keep the metallic frosty theme going.
Products used: Mark On the Dot Bold Eye Color Compact, Rimmel Eyeliner in “Silver”
Kelly Freeman
Mississauga | Glitter Diaries
I LOVE a good metallic eye and will use pretty much any colour to create bold, metal-looking eyes. My all-time favourite eyeshadows to create a quick metallic makeup look are L’Oreal’s Color Infallible eyeshadows. They are very affordable and their quality rivals high-end brands. I’m pretty obsessed with them and have all of the shades from their collection!
For my metallic-infused look, I did integrate some Color Infallible shadows by applying Bronzed Taupe and patting it on with a flat brush to make sure my eyes really shined then swept a lighter bronze (Sahara Treasure) into my crease. If you want to boost the look of these shades, always pat it on your lids as the colour will look more concentrated and intense compared to brushing it on. I also added some extra shine by patting a lighter shimmery shade – Emani Minerals Iced Honey Color Dust – in the center of my lids. I finished the look off with a soft peachy pink blush and brown-toned pink lipstick.
Products used: It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation in “Light Medium,” Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Creme in “Cool Palette #1,” Cargo Cosmetics Blush in “The Big Easy,” M.A.C Eyeshadow in “Cork,” LOréal Color Infallible Eyeshadow in “Bronzed Taupe,” “Hourglass Beige” and “Sahara Treasure,” Emani Minerals Color Dust in “Iced Honey,” LOréal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara in “Black,” Marcelle Rouge Xpression Lipstick in “Attitude” and Nars Lipgloss in “Orgasm”
Stephanie Lau
Toronto | Fun Size Beauty
I find that the best way to make a light, metallic eyeshadow pop is to pair it with a black. To achieve this look, I applied a thick line of black pencil eyeliner and smudged it up to the crease. Then, I chose a warm gold-bronze pigment and limited its application to the inner 2/3 of the eye (to avoid the disco ball look). I find that the easiest way to get the metallic, wet sheen with eyeshadow is by way of the “foiling” technique. All this requires is that you dip your eyeshadow brush into a little water before picking up any shadow. Not only will foiling your eyeshadows make them appear more pigmented, but it will also give your eye look more longevity on a night out.
Products Used: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in “Zero,” NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Eyeshadow in “Mink” and Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in “Demure”
Shayna Wiwierski
Winnipeg | A Pop of Colour
All that glitters is gold this holiday season! Because the holidays are filled with shiny things, I’m pulling all my metallic eyeshadows out from the back of my drawers and rocking them this season.
I have been obsessed with gold-toned shadows, as they make my blue eyes pop and they are just so festive. I have been obsessing over the gold colour in the Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con palette, which is exclusive for the holiday season in their Showstopper Set (you could also try Stila’s Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow for a similar look). The foiled, glittery texture is perfect for that extra shine and dazzles any look. I like pairing it with a glittery black in the crease and a winged-out liner for that perfect holiday look. Pair it with a red lip for your work’s holiday party or a nude lip for a night out.
Products used: Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 3 in “The Star”
 into my crease. If you want to boost the look of these shades, always pat it on your lids as the colour will look more concentrated and intense compared to brushing it on. I also added some extra shine by patting a lighter shimmery shade - Emani Minerals Iced Honey Color Dust - in the center of my lids. I finished the look off with a soft peachy pink blush and brown-toned pink lipstick.
Products used: It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation in “Light Medium,” Graftobian Hi-Def Glamour Creme in “Cool Palette #1,” Cargo Cosmetics Blush in “The Big Easy,” M.A.C Eyeshadow in “Cork,” LOréal Color Infallible Eyeshadow in “Bronzed Taupe,” “Hourglass Beige” and “Sahara Treasure,” Emani Minerals Color Dust in “Iced Honey,” LOréal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara in “Black,” Marcelle Rouge Xpression Lipstick in “Attitude” and Nars Lipgloss in “Orgasm”
Stephanie Lau
Toronto | Fun Size Beauty
I find that the best way to make a light, metallic eyeshadow pop is to pair it with a black. To achieve this look, I applied a thick line of black pencil eyeliner and smudged it up to the crease. Then, I chose a warm gold-bronze pigment and limited its application to the inner 2/3 of the eye (to avoid the disco ball look). I find that the easiest way to get the metallic, wet sheen with eyeshadow is by way of the "foiling" technique. All this requires is that you dip your eyeshadow brush into a little water before picking up any shadow. Not only will foiling your eyeshadows make them appear more pigmented, but it will also give your eye look more longevity on a night out.
Products Used: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil in "Zero," NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Eyeshadow in "Mink" and Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in "Demure"
Shayna Wiwierski
Winnipeg | A Pop of Colour
All that glitters is gold this holiday season! Because the holidays are filled with shiny things, I'm pulling all my metallic eyeshadows out from the back of my drawers and rocking them this season.
I have been obsessed with gold-toned shadows, as they make my blue eyes pop and they are just so festive. I have been obsessing over the gold colour in the Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con palette, which is exclusive for the holiday season in their Showstopper Set (you could also try Stila's Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow for a similar look). The foiled, glittery texture is perfect for that extra shine and dazzles any look. I like pairing it with a glittery black in the crease and a winged-out liner for that perfect holiday look. Pair it with a red lip for your work's holiday party or a nude lip for a night out.
Products used: Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 3 in "The Star"){kind=link}