I LOVE GOOOOOOLD!
Am I totally dating myself with that Austin Powers reference? How about now: That sequel came out the summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school. I remember everyone was quoting it at Spanish-language camp. (Old and nerdy!) While the "Get in my belly!" jokes--en Español, no less--got old pretty quickly, the villainous Gold Member definitely made an impression.
Don't worry, this isn't a Gold Member beauty tutorial. I'm just saying that I can relate. I've never been crazy about silver, and by the time I graduated from college, I had pretty much edited all other metallics out of my jewelry, clothing and makeup repertoires except gold.
I find it more flattering on blondes with my coloring (read: pale), as it adds some much-needed warmth, and it's a great neutral complement to just about everything I wear. Sometimes I'll look in the mirror before heading out the door and find that something's missing: And it's usually a bit of gold.
Did I mention I live in South Florida?
For those of you who reside in The Land of Four Seasons, summer is the ideal time to incorporate this gold into your beauty routine. Whether you play up your eyes with a bold lid or go more subtle with some shimmer on your decolletage, it's an easy way to look sun-kissed and radiant without actually sacrificing your skin to Apollo.
Here are the golden products you'll see me in this summer.
THE NAIL POLISH
Butter London 3 Free Nail Lacquer in The Full Monty may bring to mind another film with unique-looking British male characters, but this color is my Holy Grail gold nail polish. (Where will the British-male-character film references end?!)
It's a lovely pale gold--not too yellowy or brassy--and it plays well with most skin tones. The color is buildable, so one coat makes for a subtle wash of translucent gold (alone or over other colors) if you don't want to go fully opaque. Even then, it's not too much.
THE OIL
I like using Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR Multi-Usage Dry Oil Golden Shimmer--a versatile, lightweight oil--on my shoulders and collarbone for a day at the beach or when going out at night in something slinky. It's also amazing for that "shiny legs" effect so many of us covet; the bronzy finish will help hide imperfections, and it isn't greasy.
Packed with vitamin E and six "precious" oils, it can also be applied to your hair to enhance highlights and add shine. Plus it just smells like summer.
THE EYESHADOW
I discovered LORAC Eye Shadow in Gold a while ago as part of a limited-edition palette full of shimmery, bronzy colors inspired by the tropics. (Note to LORAC: Bring it back, please!)
It's on the yellowy side, so I layer it on top of a pale highlighter to tone it down. I pair it with a chocolate brown eyeliner and contour in the crease with a little brown shadow to keep the overall look warm and earthy.
The color is a perfect complement for blue or green eyes and really makes mine pop. For extra oomph, use the shadow with a wet liner brush and apply under eyes.
THE OTHER OIL
So Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil doesn't look gold when you put it on, but it's gold in the bottle, so that counts, right?
The main thing is, it's my favorite new argan oil product. It delivers all the moisture, shine and smoothness you crave, but, thanks to a lighter formula and the spray bottle, it doesn't weigh hair down.
Bonus: It also protects from UV and heat-styling damage.
What are your favorite golden products? Or are you more of a silver or copper fan? Are there any colors you break out especially for summer?