Make-up artist Ailbhe Lynch’s nine step guide to gold-flake eyes

Let a glint of gilded gold take you through the party season. Make-up artist Ailbhe Lynch talks HOLLY O’NEILL through the golden eye armour that will surely turn heads.

1.

I swept MAC Goldmine eyeshadow across the lids and took it up towards the brow bone, creating a light wash of colour so the gold leaf still popped. I applied a little shadow under the lower lash line to balance the eye and subtly reflect the gold leaf.

2.

To apply the gold leaf I used sections and placed them on the eye with my fingers. I then dampened a brush with MAC Fix Plus and used the brush to press the gold leaf into the skin, breaking it up into smaller pieces.

3.

If you want gold leaf to adhere to the skin you could use a clear mascara or brow gel. Apply the gel or mascara to the area you wish to apply the gold leaf and press the gold leaf onto the area with your finger, a brush or the flat side of a wedge- shaped sponge.

4.

I would also recommend avoiding the sockets or crease of the eye as this will move too frequently loosening the gold leaf as the evening goes on.

5.

Try to focus application on the lids or the sides of the eyes under the tail end of the brow.

6.

Teaming a natural, dewy skin with this eye look will keep the look chic and not overdone. A heavy or overly matte base will take away from the simplicity of the look.

7.

Nude works beautifully and will keep the whole look fresh and youthful but a pop of red looks amazing with gold too. If you opt for a red lip, keep blush to a bare minimum or eliminate it altogether.

8.

MAC Strobe Cream,€34,is a must for dewy,editorial skin. Skin looks more even, perfected and hydrated without being completely covered.

9.

Let good skin shine through with lightweight products and use a concealer on areas that need extra cover or neutralising.

Photography by Lee Malone.

Find all the gold beauty to see you through the party season in the December issue of IMAGE Magazine, on sale nationwide now.