Why GoldenEye isn't just a Bond movie

Model Photo- backstage at Tuleh, AW08 collection, with thanks.

Metallic beauty dazzled at the AW08 shows, making gold one of the key beauty trends for the season. It's a gorgeous look for evenings- the trick is to build up colour on the eyes and keep the rest of the face sheer, simple & nude. Don't forget to use the best brushes you can afford (I swear by MAC) & invest in Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion for all-night-long staying power. Here's some fab brands to try...

Benefit's bestselling "Moon Beam" helps to create a flawless base- it's a highlighting liquid with delicate golden pigment. Apply to cheekbones or, do as I do & mix with your moisturiser for overall radiance.
The more I see from Jelly Pong Pong, the more I love it! The products have quirky names, are reasonably priced & have strong pigments which last without having to be reapplied. I adore the packaging of "single & lovin' it" eyeshadows which have a mini mirror for easy application & magnetic closure to keep the product protected. They don't come with an applicator but hey, a girl can't always have everything & besides, I'd rather use a decent brush than one of those fiddly sponges. Their "Natural Blonde" shade is a fantastic base for the metallic look- a light, sheer gold with plenty of shimmer pigments for a grown-up sheen. It also works well to highlight (use just under the brows, along the bone) and can be applied dry or wet for more intense pigment.

Chanel's Soft Touch "Gold" eyeshadow (number 62) is a delicate gold shade which is highly pigmented and definately recommended for sweeping over the entire eyelid. If the luxurious packaging doesn't make you feel like a million dollars when you are getting ready for your night out, nothing will.

One of the favourites I've tried is Sisley Golden Touch. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Yes, it's pretty pricey & I know that plenty of brands offer gold eyeshadows but I haven't come across one which is as good as this. If you can only afford to invest in 1 shadow, make it this one. Sisley is certainly not one of those "cosmetic giants" which springs to mind when considering various brands but once tried, customers return again & again. Sisley's products all contain the best natural ingredients which feel wonderful when applied to the skin. Sisley Touch is available in Golden, Copper or Silver and the powder-cream formula is incredible- it glides onto the skin beautifully, it contains moisturising ingredients such as Calendula & boasts amazing staying power. Use a wash of colour on your eyelid, or as a highlighter by applying by your tear ducts to brighten the eyes & make them appear larger.

Shu Uemura is one of the best in beauty at creating eyeshadows (I STILL can't decide between MAC & Shu Uemura for first place!). Their pigments are strong & one of the most intense I've tried, with amazing staying power. ME Gold 350 is a gorgeous shade which really stands out and is definately the most "metallic" of those trialled. You only need to apply a small amount to create impact so I'd use this on the outer corners of the eyelid. Due to the strong pigment, this is an excellent choice for darker skins. The only negative is that it's a slightly darker gold to those used in the trend images I've seen, with the fashion shots showing a lighter wash than this, which has some copper tones.

After all your hard work creating a beautiful, metallic base, be sure to finish the look in an elegant, subtle way. In my opinion, black is too harsh a choice for the liner & mascara so is best avoided unless you want to look as though you are on your way to an Egyptian fancy dress party. Instead, opt for brown, earthy tones which will look far softer. Personally, I like Elizabeth Arden's Bronze Eye Pencil which glides on without dragging the skin & it might also be of interest to note that there's a sheer gold offered. Finish with a slick of your favourite brown mascara.


The great thing about the metallic look is that it works on everyone- from those with the fairest skin to dark skin tones (+ it also helps to brighten tired eyes!) & it's an easy, wearable way to tap into an AW08 beauty trend without the intimidation of other looks such as goth. So, use this as a golden opportunity to try it yourself today!