Heavy metal… but make it beauty! This summer, the most show-stopping trend isn’t a new eyeshadow palette or a glossy lip gloss—it’s pure metallic gold makeup from head to toe. From runway looks to celebrity red carpets, golden hues have taken over Instagram feeds and TikTok tutorials alike. If you’ve been scrolling through your feed wondering how to make your evening look truly radiant, here’s why metallic gold is the secret weapon you need in your beauty arsenal.
Why gold is the ultimate glow-getter
Gold has always symbolised luxury, warmth and timeless elegance. In gemstone lore, it’s considered the metal of the sun—radiant, nourishing and impossible to ignore. Applied to the face, gold pigment reflects light in a way that blurs imperfections and gives skin an ethereal glow. Unlike matte or satin finishes, metallic gold catches every flicker of candlelight or disco ball, instantly elevating even the simplest makeup look.
Prepping the perfect golden canvas
A flawless metallic finish begins with skin that’s dewy and even-toned. Invest in a hydrating primer and gentle exfoliation to ensure your highlighter, eyeshadow or lip topper glides on smoothly:
- Hydrating primer: Opt for one infused with glycerin or hyaluronic acid. A fine shimmer primer will give your golden pigments something to hold onto.
- Liquid highlighter base: Mix a drop of gold liquid illuminator into your foundation or mix it with a face oil for an all-over glow.
- Setting spray: Choose a dewy-finish mist enriched with light-reflecting particles to lock in moisture and metallic sheen.
Golden eyes that captivate
Whether you’re heading to a summer soirée or a beachside bar, metallic gold eyeshadow is your ticket to instant glam. Here’s how to nail it:
- Inner corner pop: Apply a pale gold pigment to the inner corners of your eyes to look wide awake and luminous.
- Bold mobile lid: Sweep a rich, warm gold shade across the main eyelid with a flat shader brush, then blend the edges with a matte brown tone for depth.
- Metallic wing: Use a gold cream liner to trace a delicate wing—perfect for those who want precision plus shine.
- Touch of glitter: Tap a gold micro-glitter or shimmer topper in the centre of your lid to catch every ray of light.
Glossy golden lips
Gone are the days of heavy matte lipsticks for evening events—this season, it’s all about glowing, metallic lips:
- Metallic lip gloss: Swipe a gold-hued gloss over a nude lipstick for dimension and shine.
- Lip toppers: Pat a gold-infused lip topper just in the centre of your lips for a voluminous effect.
- Ombre glow: Darken the corners with a deeper bronze shade and blend towards the centre with gold for a sunset-inspired finish.
Gold-flaked nails and accessories
Your nails deserve a touch of metallic magic too. A simple nude manicure transforms instantly with gold leaf accents:
- Gold leaf tips: Apply small flakes along the free edge for a modern French manicure.
- All-over shimmer: Choose a gold shimmer polish with micro-glitter for a quick, full-cover look.
- Nail art accents: Use a fine brush to draw geometric lines or dots with gold polish atop mattes for contrast.
Skincare enriched with 24K magic
Before any makeup goes on, treat your skin to a layer of real gold leaf. Celebrity makeup artists swear by the 24K Pure Gold Treatment—a facial mask that delivers anti-ageing and antioxidant benefits directly from the precious metal:
- Dermaclear cleansing: Eliminate impurities and dead skin cells for a polished base.
- NIR warming therapy: Also called the “iron press,” this infrared treatment stimulates collagen production for a plumper appearance.
- Gold leaf application: Delicately place thin gold sheets on the face to infuse it with micro-nutrients and create an immediate luminosity.
This indulgent spa ritual is available at select salons in London and can be recreated at home with DIY gold masks—though professional tools guarantee a flawless effect.
Shopping your golden look
Ready to shine? Here are a few of my top picks that deliver true metallic impact without lifting a finger:
- Urban Decay Stoned Vibes eyeshadow palette – includes rich golds, bronzes and jewel-tones that layer beautifully.
- Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in “Daylight” – a universally flattering gold-pearl gloss.
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand – liquid highlighter in a decadent gold hue.
- MAC Electric Wonder soft-flex lipstick – creamy, metallic gold lip option.
- Pure Gold Facial Mask – at-home sheet mask infused with real gold and collagen boosters.
Styling tips for your metal-queen moment
If you’re pairing gold makeup with your summer wardrobe, keep these style pointers in mind:
- Neutral fabrics like white linen or soft beige complement gold without clashing.
- Minimalist jewellery in gold tones ties the look together—think slim bangles or hoop earrings.
- Balance is key: if your eyes are intensely metallic, opt for a softer lip, or vice versa.
- A sleek ponytail or loose waves let your golden accents take centre stage.
This summer, embrace your inner “metal queen” and let every sunset be the backdrop for your golden glow. With these expert tips and show-stopping products, you’ll light up every evening look—no filter needed!