How to rock metallic makeup – you know, without looking like The Tin Man.

As much as I love the look of metallic makeup, I’m secretly terrified to use it – I mean, one wrong move and you end up resembling aluminum foil. That being said, I’m constantly drawn to take the plunge because of its futuristic and streamlined aesthetic. Whether you dive into the world of metallic eyeshadows or you dig a shimmery pout, metallic makeup can take what would otherwise be a ho-hum look and kick it up a notch (or seven).

So how to you make sure you don’t end up looking pale and ghost-like? Here are 6 important tips to ensure your metallic makeup look is more human than cyborg:

1. Start with your skin

A smooth canvas is crucial when pulling off a metallic makeup look. Much like applying foundation to dry skin, the metallic particles will exaggerate every fine line and dry patch. Make sure to exfoliate, moisturize and prime before applying. Use a matte effect on the rest of your look to give the shimmer of your metallic makeup the attention it deserves.

2. Work with your skin tone

The general breakdown of metallics versus skin tone goes a little something like this:

• If you have fair skin with cool undertones, go with pale pink or pearl shades.
• If you have fair skin with yellow undertones, test the waters with soft gold.
• If you have medium skin with cool undertones, choose rose-gold.
• If you have medium skin with yellow undertones, a peachy-gold metallic is your best bet.
• If you have olive skin, reddish-copper is best.
• If you have dark skin with cool undertones, break in with bronze.
• If you have dark skin with warm undertones, make a statement with copper.

3. Choose a focal point

Choose whether you’re going to use metallic makeup on your eyes or your lips, and keep the rest of your look soft and fresh.

4. Morph your go-to picks into metallic makeup

The best way to ease into using metallic makeup is to play with the beauty staples you’re already super comfortable with. For example, plaster on your go-to lipstick and add a frosted lip gloss on top of it. It amps up your look without taking it to an entirely new dimension.

5. Start small

If you want to take the plunge with your eye makeup first, a great way to do so is to run a thick line of metallic eye shadow across your top lash line, much like you would if you were applying eyeliner. Pair with a black eyeliner and mascara and you’ve got yourself a beauty statement.

6. Always use an applicator brush

When it comes to applying metallic makeup, blending is key – use an applicator brush instead of your fingertips, and make sure you swirl the brush on the shade instead of rubbing it so you don’t pick up too much on the brush.

What do you love most about metallic makeup?

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Image: Makeup photo via Shutterstock

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