Why Gold Is the Instantly-Beautifying, Universally Flattering Color of the Moment
Metallics are hardly anything new in the beauty world, but gold's outstanding presence backstage at Fashion Week prompted us to reconsider the precious metal. So for our June/July issue, we experimented with things like eyeliner, eyeshadow, hair paste, and accessories in the shade du jour to sparkling, dazzling effect. And while makeup artist Violette's take on gold was very fascinating, it was a lot more fashion-forward than you might be willing to try at home. That's why we put together this slideshow of our favorite golden products—including tips on how to use them—so you can get in on the trend, too.
Photo courtesy of Tatcha1/10<a href="http://www.tatcha.com/shop/beauty-oil-gp?gclid=Cj0KEQjwjtGfBRCN4-LU9ODG1-wBEiQAy_Xp70xXSkHrZJP2X04pPEKKLVN3W6kWAlZ3q4J-WhnjgYwaAilJ8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Tatcha Camellia Oil, $95</a>
Face oils can be pretty daunting, we know, but Tatcha's is renowned for its restorative properties. Camellia oil is, according to the brand's founder Vicky Tsai, an age-old geisha beauty secret. That's what makes this product so great for dehydrated skin types or anyone who's recovering from a sunburn or acne scarring—sleep in it for the best results. However, if you have somewhere to be, shake the bottle, then smooth just one drop over your complexion after toning. There are 24-karat gold flakes in the formula that give your skin an enviable, dewy glow. Foundation optional.
Photo: Richard Burbridge2/10It's a precious (and pretty!) metal.
Photo courtesy of NARS3/10<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/ny5xspzi6" target="_blank">NARS Eye Paint in Iskandar, $25</a>
One thing we loved from Dior's spring show was its amazing use of graphic gold liner—Pat McGrath applied it into the crease of the models' lids, providing an instant, eye-opening effect. But when used traditionally, gold is a surprisingly chic swap for your traditional black. Instead of defining your eyes in shadow, like darker shades do, it illuminates your gaze. A thick gold cat eye using NARS's infallible Eye Paints is a chic daytime look that's flattering on any complexion. It'll also bring out surprising tones in blue, green, and hazel eyes.
Photo courtesy of RMS4/10<a href="http://www.rmsbeauty.com/shop/eye-polish.html" target="_blank">RMS Eye Polish in Solar, $28</a>
This cream shadow is all-natural, which is amazing, but it's also the perfect, not-too-yellow gold hue that will flatter anyone. Dip your ring finger in the formula and tap it into the center of your lid just above your lashes for a brightening effect, or smudge a healthy amount all over for a noticeably golden gaze. (Bonus: If you're olive or darker-skinned, it can double as an awesome highlighter!)
Photo courtesy of Chantecaille5/10<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/ny5nepzi6" target="_blank">Chantecaille Liquid Lumière Illuminator in Brilliance, $39</a>
The gold-meets-pearl hue of this liquid illuminator gives an instant, fresh boost to skin. Tap it on top of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your temples before foundation for a model-worthy glow, or mix a dime-size drop of it with your daily BB for a super fresh complexion.
Photo courtesy of Burberry6/10<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/ny5j2pzi6" target="_blank">Burberry Lip Glow in Trench Kiss, $29</a>
A little editor-approved secret? Gold-flecked lip gloss is killer on eyelids. Put a dab right in the center of each lid and then diffuse it with your ring finger—add waterproof mascara and you'll be glowing all night. (Or you can use it the traditional way and layer it on top of a great red lipstick to add a bit of shimmery dimension.)
Photo courtesy of Oribe7/10<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/nzp8wpzi6" target="_blank">Oribe 24K Gold Pomade, $49</a>
One of our favorite runway looks last season was at Dries Van Noten, where Sam McKnight lined the models' side-parts with a strip of gold leaf. It had an almost jewelry-like effect! Oribe's paste will give you a similar—if slightly more subtle—look. It's also ideal for enhancing blonde highlights! Just beware: A little goes a very long way.
Photo courtesy of Juicy Couture8/10<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/nzk46pzi6" target="_blank">Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Gold Couture Eau de Parfum, $92 for 3.4 oz.</a>
And, of course, what's a gilded makeup or hair look without an equally indulgent scent? Juicy's latest, well, juice is an intensely feminine hit of golden amber, wild berries, and honeysuckle.
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom9/10<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/juicy-couture-viva-la-juicy-eau-de-parfum/2990199?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort--searchresults--1_0_C" target="_blank">Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum, $72 for 1.7 oz</a>
Or, if you prefer something more fruity, try a spritz of the brand's ultra popular (and ultra sweet!) scent instead.
Photo courtesy of Jin Soon10/10<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/nzqrepzi6" target="_blank">Jin Soon Gala Nail Lacquer, $20</a>
Finish everything off with a Midas touch! Tap this multi-sized, golden confetti glitter onto literally any color of nail lacquer and you've got instant nail art.
