19 Gold Makeup Looks That Are Brilliant and Wearable

Most beauty trends are fleeting, but gold makeup is timeless, thanks to its versatility. It looks great on all skin tones and, let’s be honest, there’s nothing like sweeping the metallic pigment across your eyes, lips, or cheeks to brighten up a dreary day.

But we get it, gold can be intimidating, with its opulence and eye-catching luster. Makeup artist Rose Gallagher assures us, however, that wearing gold makeup is easier than you might think. “You don’t have to look like you’re absolutely smothered in glitter,” she says, and suggests starting with a wash of gold across your lids or a flick of gold liner along the lash line.

The eyes aren’t the only place you can experiment with gold. Paint on a gilded lip or dust a gold highlighter along your cheek and brow bones. Says New York City-based makeup artist Joseph Carillo, layering a true gold powder highlighter on your cheeks under a bronzer or blush will give you a “perfect sun-gold glow.” 

Ahead, you’ll find 19 stunning gold-makeup ideas for moments when you want to shine.

Golden Smoky Eyes