Gingerbread men, festive decor, a legitimate excuse to wear anything that sparkles…so many reasons to love the holidays. There’s no better season to let your eyes shine. To put that twinkle in your eye, we tracked down celebrity makeup artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis who gave us her best tips for rocking metallics.

1. Prep Under the Eye

Of the many reasons to love metallic, the potential mess factor is not one of them. To avoid extra work after application, Gomez-Duplessis always preps under the eye first using shadow shields, little self-adhesive half moons that catch falling pigment.

2. Keep it from Creasing

Creasing shadow can kill a major metallic moment. Gomez-Duplessis keeps metallic shadows from shifting or creasing by priming the eyelid with either an eye shadow primer or cream concealer. Be sure to set it with loose powder for extra staying power.

3. Try it Wet

Looking for a little extra spice this holiday season? Gomez-Duplessis says, “Use a clear lip gloss on the lid for that sexy wet shine rocker look.” That touch of gloss will also help keep your shadow in place.

4. Go Big

If you’re going to go metallic, you’ve just got to go for it. “The best look is going sultry when wearing metallic eye shadow.” Dress up the look with smoldering eyeliner and lots of lashes.

5. Balance it out

According to Gomez-Duplessis, it’s all about complementing the eyes. “To finish the look, skip the blush, contour the cheek and illuminate the skin. Then gloss up the lip with a sheer color and your ready to shine brightly at any party or event.”

 

Now that you’re armed with the pro tips, try the look with one of these holiday metallics: Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow, L’Oréal HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Duos, Bare Minerals High Shine Eyecolor, Ellis Faas Light, or Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal.

 

What color metallic eye will you wear this season? Let us know in the comments.

Photos: Thinkstock