4 Ways To Wear Gold Shadow This Holiday Season

Besides family, gifts, and the chance to become a full-fledged member of the red coffee cup brigade, the holidays are also an opportunity to figure out how to wear gold eyeshadow, invest in a statement red lip, and give your beauty regime a little glitz up. Jewel shades have been a hit during the festive season for as long as I can remember, and ruby red and forest green are essentials. But another hue that continues to strive in popularity is gold. Kim K's proven she's an official golden girl. Not to mention Pat McGrath, whose brand new eyeshadow, Gold 001, sold out in mere hours.

But is gold pigment as wearable as we often assume, and can it be done on a budget? I’m the first to admit I was a little skeptical when the trend began, well, trending. A neutrals girl at heart, I rarely wear metallic shadow in fear that I’ll end up looking more glittery than a holiday bauble. Nonetheless, I’m always one to try out something new and have put together some easily achievable looks that everyone can try out for the holidays. Even the makeup cowards like me.

From a daytime eye that can be worn while buying all your gifts this December to the kind of oomph that’s totally OK at your office party, here are four ways you can wear gold eyeshadow this season. Mistletoe optional.

1. Outer V

For this look, I started by brushing Urban Decay's "Nooner" on my lids. A light, matte brown, it's my ultimate base shade. Next, I used Urban Decay's "Half Baked" to brush the gold shadow in the outer V of my lid and contour crease.

For me, this is definitely one of the more practical ways you can wear gold shadow. There's no fear of going overboard in the glitter department, as you're only using two colors. IMO, it can be worn to work or school. Not to mention, it's quick to do and can be achieved in a couple of seconds

2. Teamed Up With Eyeliner

Continuing with the eyeshadows used in the first look, I added to the festiveness with a gold, glitter eyeliner. The one I used was from a local costume shop, but any gold liquid liner should do.

I traced the product just below my lashes and was surprised with the results. Similar to the first look, I felt comfortable wearing the product. It appeared festive and had a good longevity rate, likely due to the liner being liquid.

3. Used As A Highlighter

The next look is slightly more out there. I decided to try using gold eyeshadow as a highlighter against another color. Pairing Kat Von D's "Disintegration" with Urban Decay's "Sonic," I felt the colors went really well together. 'Tis the season to be jolly, after all.

Personally, I'd wear this look in the evening hours if I was visiting family or friends. It's striking enough to make you look like you've made an effort, but isn't too over the top. That said, if over the top is your thing (seriously, I applaud you for that) then I suggest applying a primer or white crayon on your lids first to boost the pigmentation and give your eyes that extra pop.

4. All Over Your Lid

Can I get a regal wave? This look is the goldest of them all. I used Urban Decay's "Dust" as a base and Maybelline's Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in "Bold Gold" layered on top. Finishing things off with a winged liner and lashes, it's not a look you can create in a quick five minutes, but it's definitely one that's worth the time.

I used cream shadow as I felt it gave off a lot more sparkle than other powders. You can apply as much or as little as you want. Layering the product up creates a foil-like effect that's ideal for an outing to your favorite waterhole, a late-night dance-off, or even Christmas day.

So is gold eyeshadow wearable? Absolutely. Now, get experimenting!

Ready for more beauty tips? Check out the video below and subscribe to Bustle's YouTube channel!

Images: Emma Matthews