From blinged-out hair accessories to bright-red lipstick and velvet shoes for a grand entrance, holiday party season is all about indulging in excess… at least when it comes to our beauty and fashion choices. There are innumerable ways to ensure you turn heads the second you walk into a room, but more often than not, it takes an annoying amount of time to land on something deemed worthy of stepping outside in.
Changing in and out of outfits is a workout we frequently subject ourselves to, but somehow never see coming. Swatching different lipsticks can often leave our lips so sore the only thing we can bear for the rest of the night is a hydrating lip balm. And deciding on a pair of shoes that’s equal parts cameraworthy and comfortable is a delicate dance. So what’s left when you want to look your boldest without sacrificing hours to get it done?
For us, the answer is always metallic makeup. The iridescent shine of an eye, face or lip product commands attention, regardless of how much you apply, and products typically tote foolproof application. For instance, E.l.f’s No Budge Shadow Sticks have a softly pointed edge so you can wear them as an eyeliner or blend out to a shadow. There’s also the Milani Everyday Eyes Eyeshadow Collection with its dual-ended brush for the most precise blending.
And if you want to keep your makeup low-key, there’s also the option of updating your classic manicure with a shimmery design. Either way, a metallic accent shouldn’t come at a steep price. Keep clicking for the best shimmery makeup options, all under $20.
Originally posted on StyleCaster.
Tarte Tarteist Metallic Shadow in Scarlet
Finely milled, high-impact metallics minus the fallout.
Tarteist Metallic Shadow in Scarlet, $10 at Tarte
Huda Beauty Lip Strobe in Moody
A collection of sheer to full-coverage lip colors that’ll boost your makeup look with a prismatic effect.
Huda Beauty Lip Strobe in Moody, $18 at Sephora
Fenty Beauty Starlit Hyper-Glitz Lipstick in Supermoon
A sparkling peach with a chrome sheen and creamy finish.
Starlit Hyper-Glitz Lipstick in Supermoon, $19 at Fenty Beauty
NYX Liquid Suede Metallic Cream Lipstick in Buzzkill
A statement-making shade with intense color payoff.
Liquid Suede metallic cream lipstick in Buzzkill, $7.50 at NYX
Milani Amore Matte Metallic Lip Crème in Mattely in Love
These metallic shades dry into a smooth, matte finish.
Amore Matte Metallic Lip Crème in Mattely in Love, $8.99 at Milani
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Metallic Rose
The entire line is available in three different finishes: translucent sparkle, full-coverage with high shine and metallic with intense shimmer.
Lip gloss in Metallic Rose, $16 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
MAC Lipstick Shine in On and On
A deep purple layered with a frosted blue pearl.
Lipstick Shine in On and On, $18.50 at MAC
Juvia’s Place The Zulu Eye Shadow Palette
Sky’s the limit when you use any of these nine shades, including four metallics for amping up your mattes.
Juvia’s Place The Zulu eye shadow palette, $20 at Ulta
ColourPop Sweet Nothings Eye Shadow Palette
Matte, metallic and satin finishes for your most glam holiday party look.
ColourPop Sweet Nothings eye shadow palette, $16 at Ulta
E.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stick in Bronze Metal
This easy-to-apply shadow pen also comes with a sharpener so you can create graphic lines when you get bored with simply covering your lids.
No Budge Shadow Stick in Bronze Metal, $4 at E.l.f.
Essence Metal Shock Eyeshadow in Solar Explosion
These creamy, prismatic colors are easy to apply thanks to a flock-tip applicator.
Essence Metal Shock Eyeshadow in Solar Explosion, $4.99 at Ulta
Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon in Lilac Lust
Six jewel-toned colors with iridescent color payoff and a creamy finish.
Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon in Lilac Lust, $6.99 at Ulta
Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow in Golden Vibes
In addition to being transfer- and smudge-proof, these bold colors are also hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes.
Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow in Golden Vibes, $7.99 at Ulta
bareMinerals Round the Clock Intense Cream Glide Eyeliner in 4AM
Though this pen has a gel-like consistency, it’s actually waterproof with hours-long staying power.
Round the Clock Intense Cream Glide Eyeliner in 4AM, $14 at bareMinerals
Catrice The Ultimate Chrome Collection Eyeshadow Palette
This high-shine collection comes with contouring and highlighting shades to create three-dimensional eye looks.
Catrice The Ultimate Chrome Collection Eyeshadow Palette. $8.99 at Ulta
Sephora Collection Tinsel Time False Lash
Get into the holiday spirit with tinsel-tinged lashes instead of colored mascara.
Tinsel Time False Lash, $5 at Sephora
Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Paint Palette
Paint your pout in any of these high-impact colors before stealing kisses.
Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Paint Palette, $5.79 at Target
Milani Everyday Eyes Eyeshadow Collection
Six golden shades in a travel-friendly compact with a double-ended brush for blending to perfection.
Milani Everyday Eyes Eyeshadow Collection, $8.99 at Target
The Lip Bar Metallic Lipstick in Goals
Two metallic shades in one — what could be better?
The Lip Bar metallic lipstick in Goals, $12 at Target
Wunder2 Super-Stay Liner in Glitter Emerald
Coat your lash line in glittery goodness before adding on a bold shadow and mascara.
Wunder2 Super-Stay Liner in Glitter Emerald, $14.95 at CVS
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