Get The Look: The Golden Eye Make-Up Trend
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Gold Works Well With A Tan
“A key reason golden eye make-up comes into its own in summer is because it works well with darker, bronzed skin. It’s soft enough to brighten the eyes, but the shade also has enough depth to it to shape and define.”
Eyeshadow Sticks Are Key
“The easiest way to get coloured eye make-up right is to use a stick as a base. I love VIEVE’s Eye Wand in ‘Old Gold’ for this. Use it to sketch out around the shape of your eyelid, blending with your fingers or a brush. Always use creams as they glide on better with zero tugging. It’s a one-and-done technique and will boost the texture – as well as the colour – of any eyeshadows you layer over the top. A good eyeshadow primer is also key. Urban Decay’s Primer Potion is the best for locking everything in place.”
The Best Application Is All About Layers
“To nail a golden smokey eye, you need to layer up. Begin with a warm-toned, matte eyeshadow to create depth. Matte is best for sculpting and defining so that you can continue to lay the groundwork. Once you’re happy, apply a metallic or shimmery gold on top. Going in with this texture last allows you to see where it’s needed most, like the outer corners of your eye or underneath the lashline – otherwise you can end up adding shine to areas that aren’t flattering. Often, just a dab of shimmer or gloss on the very centre of your lids is enough to catch the light.”
Eye Colour Does Make A Difference
“There are so many golden tones out there, and some definitely work better than others. If you have green eyes, warmer golds and bronze shades work well. For brown eyes, a yellowish gold will bring out any hazel flecks. Blue eyes should choose vivid champagne shades to bring out the iciness. That said, it’s important to find out what works for your individual colouring, as well as what goes with the clothes you plan on wearing.”
A Brown Liner Works Well
“Forget black and pair gold eye make-up with a warm brown eyeliner instead. It’s much softer and it helps to tie everything together. My favourites are M·A·C’s Eye Pencil in ‘Costa Riche’ or Dear Dahlia’s Liquid Eyeliner in ‘Brown’. Your lips need some attention, too. Try brown-toned nudes to enhance any golden shades. As for your skin, give it a bit of gold-toned highlight with something like Charlotte Tilbury’s Super Nudes Face Palette. It has so many tones – some of which can be used on your eyelids as well.”
Gold Liner Is A Subtle Alternative
“If eyeshadow feels too intimidating, try a subtler approach by just using a golden liner. Gold pencils and gels are ideal for adding a bit of sultry definition to the inner and outer edge corners of your eye, and to really open them up. Likewise, just a wash of a cream shadow can be enough – it’s about having a play and seeing what works. Urban Decay’s Shadows and Glitter Liners in ‘Moondust’ are great for a more muted take. The colour is soft and easy to layer up for a high-shine finish.”
Powders Are Best
“If you want to create a look that’s more impactful, powder shadows are what you want to work with. Often, the pigment is better at reflecting the light, so try using mixed metallic powders. Start with lighter, champagne golds in the inner corner, a yellow on the centre of the lid to enhance your eye colour, and a bronzed gold on the outer edge for depth. This combination helps to create dimension that’s flattering. My favourite tones come in VIEVE’s Essential Eye Palette and Urban Decay’s Naked Honey Palette.”
A Setting Spray Can Help
“Setting sprays can seal make-up in place, but they can also amplify the colour of your make-up. Spray some onto a flat eyeshadow brush, dip it into your favourite gold powder shadow, then apply it directly to your eyes for a richer finish. You can use this technique on a liner brush to turn powders into liquids that won’t budge – my favourite hack for creating festival-ready make-up.”
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