Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Gold makeup has long been misunderstood as a look for disco-era dolls, stage performers and New Year's Eve revelers. Cast those notions aside; applied the right way, gold makeup can be subtly stunning or seriously seductive. It's perfect for showing off that summer glow or setting fall's earthy colors ablaze. Overcome that glitterphobia and enter the gilded age -- luminous perfection can be yours.
Gold Shadow and Liner
This is a look seen on the runways for fall 2011 -- so hot and so simple. If you're a makeup novice, try a cream shadow like Shiseido Goldlights or Makeup For Ever's Aqua Cream in Gold. Use a fingertip to apply from lashes to browbone and blend. If you're handy with an eyeshadow brush, try Urban Decay's Blunt or L'Oreal Paris' H.I.P. metallic shadow duo in Shocked, sweeping from lash to brow bone. Line just the upper lashline with a golden liner like Makeup Forever Aqua Liner in Gold or ELF's Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Gold. Add a coat or two of black mascara and you're off.
The Gold Smoky Eye
For an evening out, nothing is sexier than a smoky eye done in gold. Use a powder shadow like a MAC's Old Gold Pigment or Maybelline Eye Enhancers in Gold Sizzle. Using an eyeshadow brush, load it with shadow and press firmly onto the lid to create a foiled effect. Blend up to the brow bone, then apply any creamy black eye pencil along upper and lower lashlines. Smudge with your pinky finger and apply black mascara -- diva deliciousness!
Glossy Gold Lip
This is a way to set off a tan or add a touch of drama to a day or evening look. Start with a caramel or rose-gold lipstick and smooth on a sheer gold gloss. Try Smashbox's O-Gloss Gold or Sephora's Glossy Gloss in Marquisette. Keep cheeks and eyes nude for a polished look.
Glowing Rose-Gold Cheeks
This is a fantastic effect if you've just come off a day at the beach or simply want to make a statement while keeping makeup to a minimum. Sweep a rose-gold blush like NARS Super-Orgasm or Stila's Lip and Cheek Stain in Coconut Crush from the apples of your cheeks up to your temples, blending well. To keep your face monochromatic, touch a little of the same blush to lids and lips, blending until you have a sheer wash of color. Finish with one coat of brown or clear mascara and prepare to get noticed.
