How to Rock Metallic Makeup

Whether you were a teenager in the ‘90s or just can’t get enough of retro makeup trends, there’s no denying glitter makeup was all the rage back then. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you’re in luck: It turns out that metallic makeup—including metallic lipstick and metallic eyeshadow—is totally on-trend these days. Don’t worry; it’s a whole lot more sophisticated than the glitzy looks you remember from years past. Think of metallic makeup as glitter makeup’s understated cousin. This is why it should come as no surprise that Hollywood, runways, city streets, and social media feeds are teeming with the makeup look. Want to get in on the metallic makeup fun? Follow our metallic makeup tutorial below.

HOW TO APPLY METALLIC MAKEUP

Ready to get your sparkle on? Here’s how to apply metallic makeup like a pro.

1. START WITH PRIMER

Metallic makeup, like glitter makeup, calls for an even base so that it goes on smoothly. Before applying any makeup, be sure to use both a face and eye primer to help prevent creases and allow your metallic makeup look to wear evenly. For your face, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Matte Lock Makeup Primer if you have oily skin or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Lock Makeup Primer if you have dry skin.

2. PICK HUES THAT FLATTER YOUR COMPLEXION

Of course, you can wear any color you like. But if you’re having a hard time finding the perfect metallic makeup hue for your skin tone, here is a good general rule of thumb to follow: Stick to darker shades for lighter skin tones and lighter hues for darker skin tones. The contrast will look super-complementary and won’t risk washing you out.

3. HAVE FUN WITH METALLIC EYE SHADOW

As soon as you hear the words “metallic makeup,” you probably think of bronze, gold, and silver. Embrace these shades on your eyes by applying a metallic eye shadow. Try the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Crown Gold and Bronze Light or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Metallics Eye Shadow in Brass Knuckles and Aluminum Foil.

4. ADD A POP OF METALLIC COLOR TO YOUR LIPS

To add some shimmer to your pout, paint your lips with a metallic lipstick. Try the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain in I Fascinate, I Voodoo, or I Scintillate.

5. TRANSFORM YOUR NON-METALLIC MAKEUP INTO METALLIC MAKEUP

If you don’t want to restock your makeup bag completely, simply pick up a few loose metallic eye shadow pigments that you can layer and mix with any of your creamy lipsticks or eye shadows to instantly nail a magically metallic makeup look.

4 SIMPLE METALLIC MAKEUP LOOKS YOU CAN TRY

The best thing about the metallic makeup trend is that it’s incredibly simple to pull off—really! No matter your skin tone or your makeup skill level, you can rock runway-ready glam by trying one of the super-simple single-step metallic makeup looks below. Ready to dip your toes into the world of metallic makeup? Follow along!

METALLIC MAKEUP LOOK #1: SILVER INNER EYES

Want to keep your metallic makeup low key? All you need is a pigmented metallic eyeliner, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Silver, to apply onto the inner corners of your eyes.

More of a gold gal? You can use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Gold, to create the look instead!

METALLIC MAKEUP LOOK #2: ROSE GOLD LIQUID LINER

The cat eye is a classic makeup look, but that doesn’t mean you have to create it with black eyeliner. Next time you think about slaying this sultry look, reach for a rose gold shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Rose Gold, instead to create the subtlest metallic tint.

METALLIC MAKEUP LOOK #3: GLOWING CHEEKS

Who doesn’t want a glowing complexion? To take your metallic glow to the next level, just pick up a luminous liquid luminizer—like the L’Oréal Paris Summer Belle Makeup Beach Bae Face & Body Liquid Luminizer—and apply it to the tops of your cheekbones. You can also use this shimmering formula on your body to take your metallic look up a notch. Try applying it along your collarbone!

METALLIC MAKEUP LOOK #4: METALLIC LIPS

You can use any of the gorgeous metallic lipstick choices we mentioned earlier for a foil-like finish that is sure to draw major attention to your lips.

Now that you know how to rock the metallic makeup trend, why not polish your matte makeup skills, too? To learn all there is you need to know, read our article, How to Wear Matte Makeup All Over Your Face.