Metallic magic

Dec 15 2008 By Lisa Haynes

Go for gold with this season's metallic look.

You don't have to stock up on ostentatious glitter and sparkle to work the look. Subtle metallics can give your face a flattering sheen whether you want to transform into a silver ice queen or a bronze goddess.

Metallics aren't reserved purely for the party season either. If you invest in all that shimmers and shines now, your cosmetics bag will be up-to-date for next summer too.

"Metallics are still very much around for next season but in that 'buffed-in' kind of way," says Terry Barber, MAC director of make-up artistry.

Still feeling daunted about dipping your beauty toes into metallic waters? We've got the best make-up artists in the business to answer all your metallic moans.

Chic silver, glistening gold or molten bronze - choose your precious metal to sparkle during the party season and beyond.

Q: I want to work the metallic look on my eyes. What shade should I choose?

A: "When wearing metallic eye shadows choose a shade that contrasts with your natural eye colour," says Chase Aston, The Body Shop international make-up artist.

"Sweep all over the lid for a bold wash of colour or just along the lashline to accent. Remember when using cream-based metallic eye shadows, these can settle into the tiny creases on the lids and look messy - don't forget to smooth away any creasing through the day or night."

TRY: Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Moon Rock Eye Palette, £38 (60 Euros) (www.bobbibrown.co.uk), or Prescriptives Colorscope Creamy Eye Color, £14.68 (24 Euros) (0870 034 2566).

Q: Is less more? If you're focusing on metallic lips, is it best to leave eyes and cheeks neutral?

A: "You should always pick an area to use shine and shimmer," advises make-up artist Bobbi Brown.

"Two areas is the most you should ever use metallic or shimmer products. Metallic eyes and lips look best with a powder blush with no shimmer, or a shimmer on the cheek and a glossy lip should be teamed with a matte eye."

TRY: The Body Shop Sparkle Lip Gloss in Dusk Rose, £10, or Avon Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick Metallic in Sparkling Nude, £6 (www.avonshop.co.uk).

Q: I'm going to a big New Year's party and want to go for all-out glam rock make-up. How do I achieve the look?

A: "A flawless pale base with bleached-out lips provides the perfect background for heavy metal," advises Sharron Dowsett, make-up artist for Superdrug.

"Add a touch of high voltage glamour with bronze, silver or gold. Crank it up a gear for the disco season with glitter-laden lids."

TRY: Prestige Liquid Glitter Precision Eyeliner, £5.99 (Boots), or Barry M Fine Glitter Dust, £4.50 (Superdrug).

Q: I'd like to keep the focus on my face during the party season. Can I do this minus the glitter?

A: "Metallics this season are used more cleverly," says MAC senior artist James Molloy.

"They can be used to wrap the face in a subtle sheen. Start by highlighting the top of the cheekbones but also pay attention to the bridge of the nose and cupids bow, giving you ultra-highlighted skin from any angle. Keep your metallic sheer for a lighter, modern feel."

TRY: Benefit Moon Beam Golden Pink Complexion Highlighter, £15.50 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk), or MAC Brushed Metal-X, £12 (19 Euros) (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).

Q: I have a strapless party dress. What can I use to create some dazzle-factor on my body?

A: "A highlighting palette or powder is the perfect way to get a healthy-looking seasonal glow," says Lisa Eldridge, No7 creative director.

"Sweep lightly across the face, neck or decolletage for a subtle all-over shimmer. Sparkle looks amazing brushed over your collarbone."

TRY: Givenchy Limited Edition Poudre Du Soir, £37 (01932 233 824), or No7 Highlighting Star Palette, £12.50 (Boots).

Q: I'm very pale, can I still wear warm metallic shades like gold?

A: "Metallic shadows do look better on a slightly tanned face or warmer complexion," advises Sue Moxley, co-creator of FAMOUS by Sue Moxley cosmetics.

"Warm up your skin first with a nice bronzer on the cheeks, a touch on the forehead and along the jawline."

TRY: Superdrug Glamour Minx Leopard Bronzer, £5.99, or Chantecaille Compact Soleil Bronzer, £32 (www.spacenk.co.uk).