All that glitters: The return of metallic make-up

For several years now, matte has been it when it comes to beauty. Sure, a few glossy highlighters and eyeshadows snuck through, but everything else – particularly thick black eyeliner and big lips – were as shine-free as sandwiches. But now the tides are turning and glistening metallics are hot again – on lips, eyes, cheeks and almost everywhere else. That's not to say the 1990s trend of frosting or plastering glitter over everything has become acceptable again – 2017's look is bold but sophisticated, fun but elegant. As seen on the Grammys red carpet this week, liquid metals and glamorous gloss are here to stay. Here are some of the best new products available for finding your lustre…

Stila's cosmetics are always lovely, but its new Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow eyeshadows are something very special. The eight shades go on like a liquid and dry to an unmovable, comfortable, highly pigmented, hugely shimmery finish. A neat application wand means the liquid shadows can also be used as eyeliner if you just want a touch of sparkle, and eight shades provide a good match for most skin tones and eye colours. Try the Molten Midnight for a dash of drama, or Rose Gold Retro for something a little more gentle and subtle.

Stila has also launched two topcoats for lips that can be worn on their own for a sheer glimmer, or layered on top of any matte lipstick to add iridescent shine. The Glitterati topcoats come in Ignite, a deep berry colour, and Transcend, a beautiful multifaceted pink.

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Jouer's another brand to capitalise early on the trend for shimmer and, like Stila, realised consumers would want something to add to their (sadly) now-increasingly unfashionable collection of matte lipsticks. The brand has three different formulations of Long-Wear Lip Toppers: Skinny Dip, a metallic nude; Frost Bite, a silvery white; and Tan Lines, a fierce golden bronze. The Lip Toppers can be worn alone, or on top of lipstick for a chic glow that is easy to wear and makes lips look fuller.

Lime Crime is already well known for its liquid Velvetines lipsticks, which until recently were only available in matte colours. But now, the brand has a selection of fashionably metallic lip Velvetines that come in everything from a peach pink and deep burgundy to a punchy yellow gold. Lime Crime also has a range of Diamond Crushers: hugely sparkly, two-tone liquids for use as a highlighter on cheeks, under eyebrows, on the decolletage or as a lip topper – alone or on top of matte lipstick.

Colourpop, the inexpensive but innovative US cosmetics company, also has a range of Ultra Metallic Lip lipsticks in very wearable soft golds, iridescent pinks and reds. And Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics has recently expanded its metallic lip colour selection to include a range of strong, shimmering shades from blood red to gold, turquoise and rusty orange.

Eyeliner has joined the trend and now comes with a vinyl finish. NYX has one of the best and, as it also happens, one of the least expensive. It lasts all day and leaves a high-gloss finish, making the eyes sparkle. Or try Urban Decay – the brand has always been a good source for lustre and has a large collection of glittery eyeliners.

Eye gloss is another a big trend for 2017. As the name suggests, it's much like a lip gloss but made for the eyelids to give them a slick, non-sticky, high-shine finish. Beauty addicts are breathlessly awaiting the release of Bobbi Brown's eye glosses, which she used on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week in September 2016 and are promised for release in early 2017. MAC's Studio Eye Gloss is already available and comes in a number of translucent high-polish colours including a neon orange, deep red wine, honey gold and violet. The full range of colours isn't yet on sale in the UK, but check out the four on MAC's website and just try to resist buying them all.

Every make-up brand seems to be getting involved in adding more glimmer to their ranges – lip gloss is making a comeback and glistening eyeshadow palettes are selling like hot cakes. For dried-out matte lips and glitter-obsessed beauty addicts, it's a relief that metallics are finally getting a chance to shine.