Stephanie here today, and as I sit here, about to write this piece on the gilded trend in the beauty industry, I open my Snapchat to check out the various filters for the day. Among them, the standard “puppy dog face,” along with the infamous “beauty filter,” a cute rendition of “Bambi,” yet one filter stares out of the screen at me as if to say, “Alright, Steph, time to write this blog!” As you can plainly see, the second coming of “The Golden Age” has arrived, and it is not slowing down anytime soon.
In February 2016, Fashion Week was in full swing. The runways were decked out in the foremost trends of the upcoming fall season and there was no shortage of metallic and glitter adorning the faces of the statuesque figures that floated down the runway. Burberry, Giambattista Valli, Opening Ceremony, Kenzo, Jenny Packman, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs and even Tommy Hilfiger were on trend. Famed makeup artists such as François Nars, James Kaliardos, Romero Jennings and the glitter queen herself, Pat McGrath, all crowned their models features with sequined masks, streaming glitter “tears”, oversized jewels and paillettes and creamy highlighters that mimicked stylish war paint. This was far beyond the discrete cheek highlight that first came on the scene two years ago by way of contour palettes; this was next level shine.
In order to truly understand the inspiration and growth of the metallics movement, I turned to intrepid lifestyle guru and makeup lover, Breanna Armstrong. Armstrong is the beauty and fashion go-getter behind Beauty Store Business Magazine, based out of Los Angeles, CA.
On the eyes: Juvia’s Masquerade Palette and Nubian Palette / On the cheeks: Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Sweets / On the skin: NARS Illuminator in Copacabana / On the lips: Kylie Lip Pencil in Kristen
Armstrong and I have seen it all: highlighters transitioning from iridescent, soft ivory to daring peach to the not-so-subtle mint green and ice blue; lipsticks slowly rounding the corner from dull, matte nudes to shimmery, blinding golds and bronzes. Here, she gives her thoughts on the white hot trend and a sneak peek into the future of metallics in makeup.
SJ: Makeup used to be all about keeping it minimal and looking “natural.” Why do you think there has been such a huge movement towards bolder looks and colors; makeup products we used to shy away from, such as glitter and metallics?
Image: Beth Bender Beauty
BA: As makeup products have developed, such as glitters and metallics, so, too, has makeup artistry. Makeup artists of all levels are testing the limit in the looks they create, simply because they can. Using glitters and metallics make looks pop on social media platforms, like Instagram, as well as make for great conversation.
SJ: Do metallics and glitter only work for sun-kissed skin, or can fairer skin types get away with the look as well?
BA: Those with fair skin tones better get on board, because glitter actually shows up the best on their skin! To get that extra drama for those with darker skin tones, users can prep the area they want to use glitter or metallics by using a light primer like NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, for example. Layering before applying is the fun part about these pigments.
Image: Glamour
SJ: Tell us what you know about “holographic” makeup.
BA: I know that Makeup Geek has holographic eyeshadows. I have used them and they are some serious sorcery! Milk Makeup has also come out with a holographic highlighter.
SJ: As a beauty editor for a prominent industry magazine, what is the defining moment when you know a trend is the real deal? Has your opinion changed with regards to metallics since they first came on the scene?
Image: Look.co.uk
BA: I think when we see the major beauty influencers start an entire “challenge” over a trend, we then know it’s major and we better get it together and jump on board. That was the case with the “Highlighter Challenge.” I actually look to online beauty bloggers and vloggers a lot when it comes to trends. Being a beauty editor also allows me to try the newest products first, so I forecast the trends that way, too.
SJ: Do you think there is an underlying trend here of becoming more “childlike” and “imperfect” with our makeup application?
Image: Makeupforlife.net
BA: I think this trend is a replay of the 80s; a “throwback,” if you will. These looks definitely remind us of that era in makeup.
SJ: Which makeup artist, in your opinion, was the first to really take metallics, glitter and sequins to the next level?
BA: Jeffree Star. Last September, I had the chance to interview him and he told me he was coming out with a blue and rainbow highlighter. That was unheard of. Fast-forward a year later and he has blown the roof off all highlighter expectations with his shades of Skin Frost. I think that is the first report I had heard with regards to the metallics trend.
Image: NY Mag
SJ: Do you think this trend is here to stay for a while? How do you see it growing and developing over the next season or two?
BA: I see glitters staying for a while. A company came out with a hard-pressed glitter formula that gives the same results as a glue and loose glitter, which is quite fascinating. However, it has come to my attention that they simply cannot keep up with consumer demand, along with some other manufacturing issues. I am waiting for a company to perfect this form of glitter for mass production; once the glue step is obsolete, we will start to see the more mature crowd use them as well. We all want simplicity and less steps to achieve the looks we desire.
Breanna Armstrong is a magazine editor covering beauty, outdoors, firearms, sports and décor. She is based in Orange County, California and has produced over 500 published articles, photoshoots and videos internationally. Armstrong is currently the managing editor of Beauty Store Business Magazine. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter.
Some of Stephanie’s Favorite Metallic Products!
