How to rock the heavy metal look
FROM platinum peepers (at Narciso Rodriguez) to copper-lined eyes (Holly Fulton’s deco darlings) and frosty pink lips at Rodarte, practically every metal in the periodic table was ticked off at the AW14 fashion shows.
And with such a huge elemental spectrum, this is a trend that everyone can try — you just need to select your shimmering shade and where to apply it.
Whether you’re after glimmering skin, glistening lips or a mercurial manicure, we’ve got all the expert advice you need to perfect your metallic makeover— just in time for party season.
Applying swatches of gold leaf directly onto your forehead — as seen at the Simone Rocha shows —may be a step too far, but a subtle golden sheen suits all skin types.
“The best way to achieve this look on the skin is to first apply bareMinerals Prime Time Brightening Foundation Primer,” says international make-up artist Sarah-Jane Froom. “Smooth one pump all over the complexion after moisturiser and follow with foundation as normal.
“To get more of a glow, buff bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil over the face; this will give luscious layers of light to the skin, then follow with a highlighter on the top of the cheekbones.”
* bareMinerals Prime Time Brightening Foundation Primer, €23.
“Gold is very complementary to hazel, brown and blue eyes. The iridescent undertones help to enhance and warm the eyes with a pop of colour,” says Rebecca Restrepo, Elizabeth Arden global make-up artist.
“Pale golds are subtle but have real impact. You can wash the colour all over the eyelid, then finish off with curled eyelashes and a few coats of mascara,” advises Florrie White, Clinique’s UK colour artist. “For a more intense look, I would start with a gold cream base, blend up and out and then apply powder shadow on the centre of the eyelid for depth and intensity. Finish with a dab of gold pigment on the centre of the eye for a mesmerising effect.”
* MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Dual Rays, €22.50.
If you’re a fan of the smoky-eye style, switch your usual stormy shades in favour of a moody metal hue.
“My favourite is the Massive Midnight Chubby Stick, it’s like liquid moonlight,” says White. “Apply it along the lash line, blend up and out, then repeat along the lower lash line. You can intensify the look with a darker eyeliner too.”
A fine slick of eyeliner with a galactic gleam offers a more lightweight option, and you can play with blues and greens to suit your eye colour.
“Compliment the colour on the eye with black mascara to really give the eye some intensity,” says White.
* Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes in Massive Midnight, €20.
Metallic eyes are fairly easy to achieve, but there are some definite dos and don’ts when it comes to lip colour.
“Using a gold shade of lip gloss, rather than a lipstick, is an easy way to rock the gold trend whatever your age,” says Restrepo. “You can also layer it on top of other lip colors to give them a more golden alluring finish – always great for the festive season.”
For something a little more daring, try a pink or red ombre lip, where the shimmering colour fades from the centre.
Froom explains how: “Start with a lip liner, fill in the whole lip, then follow with bareMinerals Moxie Lipgloss. Finally, dab a loose metallic eyeshadow into the centre of the lip for a frosted finish.”
* Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss in Glamorous Gold, €22.
With molten face make-up, it’s safest to stick with the ’primary’ metals — gold, silver and bronze — but when it comes to nails, you can break all the rules.
There’s a whole rainbow’s worth of shimmering shades in the shops, and many off them are less than a fiver, so stock up and you can match them to your mood, or your outfit.
GOSH’s frosted polishes are genius. They have a rough matte finish but are packed with fine glitter so you get a dense layer of dark, glistening colour. The pinky tints go particularly well with rose gold jewellery.
Dielle’s Metallics Collection features multi-tonal shades of blue and green, while the brilliantly-titled glitter range from The Collection (sample: Fireworks On Broadway) has all your festive sparkle needs sorted.
* GOSH Stardust Shiny Finish, Frosted Purple, €5.15 (Superdrug)
A few years ago, my sister shared her ’wellbeing secret’ with me. Bath bombs. “I run a bath, lie down in the water, put the bath bomb under my back and the bubbles fizz away like a little Jacuzzi — that’s my weekly relaxation treat,” she said.
I’ve been doing the same ever since, and I swear by it. OK, so it’s not quite the same as a fancy spa, but then, it’s not as pricey or out-of-reach as a spa, either. It’s one of life’s little pleasures, lying in the tub, knowing those fluttery bubbles will work wonders for melting away the week’s stresses.
Fancy popping one in a loved one’s stocking this Christmas? Here are three of my faves...
1. Shoot For The Stars Bath Bomb, pictured above, Lush, €4.50.
2. Fizzing Bath Bombs, available in Restoring Hibiscus & Acai Berry Tea, Stimulating Lemongrass & Green Tea and Reviving Moroccan Mint Tea, Bubble Cosmetics, £6 plus p&p ( www.bubbletcosmetics.com )
3. Flutter Bath Fizzer, Superdrug, special offer €1.85.
— Abi Jackson
Whether you’re soaking in the tub or cosying up with some music on, lighting a candle can transform your home into a calming sanctuary in an instant.
Give your loved-one a little wellbeing-boost this Christmas with one of these super gifts...
1. Max Benjamin Lemongrass & Ginger Candle, €18.95
This stunning candle will help combat any seasonal stress, promising to create a spa-like ambience in your home. With a clean, uplifting fragrance, you’ll get up to 40 hours of burn-time.
2. Florence Anne Fragrance Grapefruit & Lime Scented Candle, €15
Its simple, sophisticated packaging and rich, long-lasting fragrance make this beautiful candle seem far more expensive than it actually is. The zesty scent makes it suit — or just to liven up any room, any time.
3. Baylis & Harding Skin Spa 1 Wick Candle, €9.
This Baylis & Harding number, which comes in a lovely box, has an impressively vibrant scent and would make a welcome addition to any bathroom. Just what’s needed to lift your spirits in the depths of winter.
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