Modern molten

Pat McGrath is to make-up artistry what Coco Chanel was to fashion, Julia Child was to the kitchen, and Oprah Winfrey is to interviews. She is quite simply the leader of her game.

Creating iconic looks for the likes of Prada, Lanvin, Valentino, and Stella McCartney, alongside a host of top celebrity and media personalities during a career that spans over 25 years, British-born Pat has the kudos of not only being awarded an MBE from the Queen, but has been named recently as ‘the most influential make-up artist in the world’ by Vogue Magazine.

So it’s perhaps surprising that it has taken her this long to launch a collection of cosmetics on the back of her name – but in typical Pat McGrath style, it had to be perfect, and she waited until there was a concept she knew would sell. The result was Gold 001; a pure gold pigment that she introduced to the world by painting the lips of models for high-impact metallic pouts at the Prada Spring/Summer 2016 show in September.

‘This gold pigment looks like a pure metal foil that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before,’ she says. ‘It’s a genius multi-use gold pigment that you can apply as a shadow, gild brows and lips, or buff into skin, this product knows no limits. I knew once I touched it that it was major – there is something magnificent about its pure form that leaves me breathless!’

Gold 001 finally went on sale at the end of October – but if you blinked, you quite literally missed it. All 1,000 units sold out pretty much instantly, making it one of the most highly anticipated and desired beauty products of all time.

Whilst most of us will never get our hands on the prized gold powder by Pat McGrath, one thing is sure; the biggest make-up trend of the season was born. And with major cosmetic brands following in Pat’s influential steps by launching whole collections of gold cosmetics in the weeks that followed, what better excuse do we need to embrace all things metallic for the festive season?

We’ve rounded up the best ways to get creative with gilt this party season, along with expert tips on going for gold…

It all starts with the eyes – and a wash of colour across lids is the easiest and most striking way to become a golden girl. Mac Pigment in Old Gold Dh135, is a highly concentrated loose powder that can be kept sheer or built up gradually for intense colour.

If you find pigment a little fiddly, stick to a pan eyeshadow – and make sure it is packed with glitter. ColourPop Eyeshadow in Nillionaire Dh40 (glamazle.com) has a warm bronze hue, with high-impact gold shimmer particles.

British brand Lottie London, which has just arrived on the UAE’s shores, has brushes for both; All Eyes on You Eyeshadow Brush Dh39, for applying a sheer wash and Shade and Shadow Brush Dh39, for a denser application (both available at Virgin Megastore).

A gold liquid liner drawn with a cat flick on upper lids is a striking alternative to eyeshadow. Go for formulations that look like molten gold, with just the right balance of brightness and shimmer. Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Diamond Gold Dh110, ticks both boxes and promises a long-lasting, waterproof formula.

But how do we pull off the perfect flick? Make-up artist Colleen Runné (colleenrunne.com) advises: ‘To create a cat eye, begin by building up a few layers of liquid liner along your upper lash lines, starting at the halfway point and continuing out past the ends. Use the side of the brush to create a thick line (about one-eighth-inch high), then release pressure on the brush and use the tip to craft a precise flick. Angle it more towards the temples, rather than the ends of brows. If needed, go back over the line and fill in any gaps.’

Let the liner do the talking by keeping the rest of your eye make-up simple. Add a slick of mascara such as Clarins Mascara Longueur Noir Dh143, which lengthens and perfectly separates lashes with one swipe of the brush.

If the idea of copying Pat McGrath’s gold-lipped models makes you nervous (and you wouldn’t be alone in that), take it as mere inspiration. Make-up artist Mai Quynh advises to layer a gold lip gloss or lipstick on top of a deep red or vampy colour. ‘The effect will leave an iridescent, jewel tone pout.’

Sephora Lip Designer Top Coat in Metallic Gold Dh55, is made for exactly that, finishing any lipstick with a high-impact, gold shimmer.

If you prefer a sheer lip, choose a pale gold, shimmery gloss that will subtly nod to the trend. Dolce & Gabbana Lip Gloss in Shimmer Dh152, promises extreme shine, thanks to a formula that’s packed with sheer, reflective polymers.

Metallic nails can be the quickest and easiest way to pull off the trend for all things gilt – and the real beauty is that they can be dressed up for a night out or down with jeans on your days off. Get the application wrong, however, and your nails become a streaky mess. So what’s the secret to getting an even, mirror-like finish at home?

If practice has made perfect, Dolce & Gabbana Nail Lacquer in Desert Dh126, will provide the perfect metallic shine – but if you are still working on your technique, Ciaté Paint Pots in Sand Dune Dh70, is packed with glitter and will disguise any slips.

Don’t forget your hair in the golden movement – Cat Hawkes, artistic director at Marquee UAE (marquee.ae), says it’s the perfect canvas.

‘Glitter roots are a big trend right now,’ she says. ‘All you need is a highly pigmented eyeshadow and a serum or styling cream to make the glitter stick. Apply a couple of drops of the serum to roots and then with a brush, take a small amount of the glitter and dust on to the hair. Gradually build to create ombré effects.’

Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder in Gold Dh125, combined with Sachajuan Shine Serum Dh135, will pull off the look to perfection.