5 Party-Ready Ways to Wear Metallic Makeup

Molten metallic makeup is one of the hottest trends out there—and it's uber-flattering on everyone. What better place to road-test some head-turning looks than the holiday-party circuit this season? Makeup artist Liset Garza shows you five flashy ways to shine.

Strike Gold

Layering is the key to creating 24-karat intensity with serious staying power, explains Garza. For an extreme gleam, top Maybelline New York Color Sensational Matte Metallics Lipstick in Pure Gold with Maybelline Expert Wear Eye Shadow in Gold School. Use that same eyeshadow shade and an angled brush to craft a glittery cat-eye and set the look with Maybelline Master Precise Ink Metallic Liquid Liner in Solar Gold.

Red Hot

Dazzling crimson lips are designed for nights on the town. Garza suggests priming lips with concealer before slicking on Maybelline New York Color Sensational Matte Metallics Lipstick in Hot Lava to really make red pop. For a glittery twist, create a quick flick with Maybelline New York Master Precise Ink Metallic Liquid Liner in Black Comet.

Luminescent Lids

Why limit yourself to one metallic when you can wear all of them at once? Create a scintillating smoky eye with Maybelline New York The 24K Nudes Eyeshadow Palette. Start with the lightest shade (a steely champagne) and extend the pigment up to the brows. Then, add gold to the center for a high-watt highlight and copper through the crease and along the lower lash line for depth and dimension. The finishing touch: Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Metallics Lipstick in Copper Spark—a twinkling alternative to traditional nude.

Berry Bombshell

Not quite ready for a full-throttle metal mouth? Tiptoe into the trend by mixing a shine-free shade (like Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Color Loaded Bolds in Midnight Merlot) with a brushed-metal bullet such as Maybelline’s Color Sensational Matte Metallics Lipstick in Copper Rose. To give a dark, dramatic lip an “unexpected glow,” outline your cupid’s bow using a damp liner brush dipped in gold shadow. Polish the look with a wash of bronze shadow on lids and clear gloss onto the outer corners of your eye to catch the light.

Blue Steel

The only thing you need to pull off gunmetal lips: “Confidence!” says Garza. Maybelline New York’s Color Sensational Matte Metallics Lipstick in Gunmetal is as easy to wear as your go-to jeans. Use a swath of Maybelline Eyestudio Colortattoo Metal 24HR Cream Gel Eye Shadow in Silver Strike across lids, then glide Maybelline Lasting Studio Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black through the crease with a skinny brush. Finish it with a natural blush to warm up cheeks even in the dead of winter.

SHOP THE LIPSTICKS

Photographer: Andrew Yee; Makeup Artist: Liset Garza; Wardobe Stylist: William Graper; Hair: Jeff Francis; Manicurist: Gina Edwards @ Kate Ryan Inc. using CHANEL Le Vernis; Art Director: Rebecca Kimmons; Beauty Director: Jennifer Tzeses; Producer: Hannah Kluckhohn; Production Assistant: Hannah Miller; Model: Alewya

Wardrobe: Elie Saab Crepe Georgette Velvet Dress, Available in store; Ariel Gordon Birthstone Charm Rings, arielgordonjewelry.com; Juan Carlos Obando Asymmetric Metallic Stretch Silk-blend Maxi Dress, net-a-porter.com; Loewe Gold and Palladium-tone Earrings, net-a-porter.com; By Malene Birger Milda Wrap Maxi dress, net-a-porter.com; Ariel Gordon Birthstone Charm Rings, arielgordonjewelry.com; Roger Vivier Evening Box Mille Et Une Nuits, rogervivier.com; Isabel Marant Clary One-Shoulder Metallic Devoré-Chiffon Mini Dress; net-a-porter.com; Maya Brenner Square Stacking Ring; mayabrenner.com; Ariel Gordon Birthstone Charm Rings, arielgordonjewelry.com; Eddie Borgo Safety Chain Ring in 12k Gold Vermeil, eddieborgo.com; Loewe Gold and Silver Tone Hoop Earrings, net-a-porter.com; David Koma Metallic Lace Embroidered Crop Top, davidkoma.com.uk; FRAME High Waisted D-Ring Pant in Navy, frame-store.com; Justine Clenquet Gaia Gold Earrings, justineclenquet.com; Justine Clenquet Eddie Hoops, justineclenquet.com