Metallic lipstick is making a comeback, and we can’t imagine a more fun way to add a bit of sparkle to your makeup looks. With the right metallic lip color, you can give your pout an instantly dazzling appearance. Of course, when it comes to metallic lipstick, it’s not just about what shade you choose—how you apply it matters, too. Below, we’re sharing our nine best metallic lipsticks as well as a step-by-step routine for applying (and removing) metallic lipstick. Grab your makeup bag and get ready to pucker up in metallic lipstick!
OUR BEST METALLIC LIPSTICKS
Ready to add a metallic lipstick (or two) to your collection? Consider one of the following!
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #1: BURGUNDY
Searching for a lip color that’s holiday-ready? We can’t think of a shade more fitting than a metallic burgundy. Swipe on the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in I Fascinate to get the look.
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #2: PEACH
If you want to be a bit subtler with your metallic lip, might we suggest a pretty peach shade? The metallic take on this neutral color will add just the right amount of pizzazz to any look. Give the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in I Stupefy a try.
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #3: RUBY RED
A bright, ruby red lip is just about as classic as it gets. Add a bit of metallic flare into the mix, and it's a whole new ball game! Color your pout with the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in I Magnetize for a lip look that demands to be seen.
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #4: ROSE GOLD
Rose gold has made quite the name for itself in the beauty world, from hair colors to makeup. Speaking of the latter, metallic, rose gold lipstick is another rose gold trend to add to the growing list. Use the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in Rose Gold to color your lips.
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #5: PURPLE
Want to step a bit outside your comfort zone? A bright, metallic purple lip will do the trick! Let your pout be the center of your makeup look by swiping on the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in I Voodoo. You’re guaranteed to look like royalty.
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #6: WHITE GOLD
Rose gold not your thing but still seeking a gilded lip look? Perhaps a clear, simple white gold color is more up your alley. Though metallic, this lip color will give you more freedom to play up your eye makeup. We highly recommend giving it a try if you find yourself reaching for clear lip gloss more often than not. Try the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in White Gold.
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #7: MAUVE
In case you haven’t heard, mauve lipstick happens to be one of the hottest trends of the year! Revamp the trend with a metallic finish, and you’re sure to be a trendsetter in your own right. Paint your pout with the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in I Scintillate.
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #8: RUST
Another popular color in 2019? Rust orange. While you may not think this hue is wearable on your lips, we think you should reconsider. This brown-meets-orange metallic shade is soon to become a staple in your collection of lipsticks! To get the look, use the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in I Hypnotize.
METALLIC LIPSTICK COLOR #9: TRUE GOLD
Last but not least, we couldn’t make a list of metallic lip colors without including the O.G. shade: true gold! We promise this color will look just as luxurious as it sounds if you make it part of your next makeup look. Top off your lips with the L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Colored Ink, High Pigment in Pure Gold.
HOW TO APPLY METALLIC LIPSTICK
Ready to put one of the above metallic lipsticks to use? Follow the steps below!
METALLIC LIPSTICK TIP #1: PREP YOUR POUT
As with any dramatic lip look, you likely don’t want to apply an eye-catching hue over dry, flaky lips. That wouldn’t exactly result in the most flattering or fabulous makeup look. So, before putting on color, do a little prep work by using a lip scrub to help slough off dead skin cells that have built up on your lips. Try the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub, which can be used on your face and lips. For lips, smooth a small amount onto dry skin, then gently massage over your lips with wet fingers, rinse thoroughly, and lightly pat dry. Read How to Use a Lip Scrub Before Applying Lipstick for more tips.
METALLIC LIPSTICK TIP #2: DON’T SKIP PRIMER
Follow up with a lip primer, which can help create a smooth base for metallic lipstick application as well as help keep it in place and wearing evenly throughout the day. If you don’t have a lip primer on hand, you can also use a tiny dab of foundation or concealer in a pinch to get the priming job done.
METALLIC LIPSTICK TIP #3: LINE YOUR LIPS BEFOREHAND, TOO
Ever been frustrated by lipstick that has feathered out beyond your mouth? Yep, we’ve all been there! To help prevent this from happening, use a lip liner before applying your metallic lipstick shade of choice. Use a neutral lip liner that closely matches your lips. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner. While you can slightly over-line your lips to help create the appearance of a fuller pout, don’t draw too far outside the lines, as this can end up looking exaggerated and obvious.
METALLIC LIPSTICK TIP #4: APPLY COLOR WITH AN APPLICATOR
It’s time to work that metallic makeup magic! After you finish lining your lips, apply your shade of choice from our metallic lipstick list. Each of the metallic shades mentioned here features a wand applicator that allows for more precise application. Apply starting at the center of your lips and work out to the corners.
METALLIC LIPSTICK TIP #5: CLEAN UP ANY MESSY EDGES
Working with a metallic lipstick can be tricky sometimes. So, if you find that you’ve ended up with a bit of color outside the lines, no worries. All you have to do is soak a cotton swab with the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, and wipe away any stray lipstick. Then use an angled brush to apply a flesh-toned concealer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage, around the edges of your lips to help create an extra-crisp finish.
Next, apply (and blend out) a concealer that’s two shades darker than your skin tone just below your bottom lip to help create the illusion of a fuller bottom lip. Finally, apply a dab of the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops just above your cupid’s bow and voila! A pretty pout to pair with any outfit. Get it, girl!
METALLIC LIPSTICK TIP #6: FINISH THE REST OF YOUR MAKEUP
When you’re wearing metallic lipstick, your lips deserve to be the star of your look. That means you should keep the rest of your makeup low-key. Help even out the look of your skin tone with a matte foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, apply a coat of volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Bambi Eye Washable Mascara, Lasting Volume, and draw a thin black line on your upper lids with the L’Oréal Paris Matte Signature Liquid Dip Eyeliner, Waterproof in Black.
If you do want to go a little bit more dramatic with your face, you can do that, too! Add a touch of blush, choosing your favorite shade of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Blush. All you have to do is sweep your blush shade of choice onto the apples of your cheeks. Finish with a shimmery eye shadow from the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup line. You can mix and match to create your go-to makeup look. The possibilities are virtually endless!
METALLIC LIPSTICK TIP #7: REMOVE IT ALL AT THE END OF THE DAY
Once you’re ready to take your metallic lipstick off at the end of the day, reach for a no-rinse cleansing option like micellar water. Simply saturate a cotton pad with the cleanser and wipe it across your lips. You won’t have to scrub and scrub until your lipstick comes off, which makes micellar water a great option to have on hand.
When you’re done removing your makeup, you have the option to further cleanse your skin. If you feel like your face needs a deeper clean, then double cleanse with a rinse-off facial cleanser. Finally, finish by smoothing a moisturizer all over your face and swipe a hydrating lip balm onto your pout so that your lips look and feel smooth when you wake up, and you'll be ready to apply lipstick all over again.
Next up: Want to try another sparkly lip trend? Check our article, Glitter Lips Are In, Here's How to Rock Glitter Lip Gloss.