The makeup trick you need to know for party season

Think of gold makeup as a piece of jewelry: you can either wear it boldly, like a pair of statement earrings – perhaps as a thick eyeliner flick or a sparkling eyeshadow – or you can use it sparingly and strategically like a fine gold chain, as a highlight or maybe a nail polish accent. Here’s how to make it work for you.

Solid gold lashes are too sci-fi, but gold-tipped lashes? Yes, please. Curl and coat your lashes in your favorite black or dark brown mascara and allow to dry. Then comb Christian Louboutin Beauty Les Yeux Noirs Lash Amplifying Lacquer in Goldomania through the ends; it’s an opaque, liquid-metal formula that’s only noticeable when it catches the light – the result is a very subtle hint of something molten and reflective. If you go too far, apply another coat of dark mascara over the top to soften the effect.

As far as party looks are concerned, a deep red or rich burgundy lipstick is always a favorite, but when worn under a sheer gold glossy topcoat, it becomes something even more impactful. Line and fill in your lips with your chosen lipstick (preferably matte) and layer a sheer gold gloss with a subtle shimmer and pinky undertone – such as Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer in Shine a Light – over the top.

Party season dictates that your highlighter is turned up to 11. Swap your usual cool-toned illuminator for a translucent powder formula in a shade of gold and use your fingertips to sweep it onto the tops of your cheeks, your cupid’s bow and the bridge of your nose. Applying a powder highlighter with a dampened makeup brush creates a more intense finish, which looks beautiful patted into the inner corners of the eyes. Tom Ford Beauty Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt is incredible on all skin tones and can be used dry or wet.