Less-is-more makeup is practically synonymous with summer, so the idea of adding gold to the mix may seem too garish or hard to wear. Yet, if done correctly, gold can be, oddly enough, soft and neutral. The key is balance: A face awash in metallic from eyes to cheeks to lips is overkill. Instead, use gold as an accent color and let the rest of your face complement it. The look is not only on point trendwise but also completely office-appropriate. Here’s how to do it.

On the face: Think of using gold to add light, not color. Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick Compact in Beige ($38; bobbibrowncosmetics.com) does the job brilliantly with five subtly sparkling shades meant to be worn together. Simply sweep a fluffy, broad brush across the compact and dust lightly on the cheeks. It looks even better worn over a gorgeous peachy blush like Maybelline Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush in True Peach ($8.99; walgreens.com). Complete the look with a near-naked eye (think bronzy pinks, slightly coppery browns) and a flush of coral on the lips—we love Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster SPF 15 Gloss in Sexy Peach ($25; nordstrom.com).

On the eyes: Try creating a smoky eye with a palette of neutrals ranging from champagne beige and shimmering gold to rich brown. Lorac Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Superstar ($24; loraccosmetics.com) has all the right colors and can be applied dry for a natural daytime look or wet for a more dramatic statement (perfect for postwork cocktails). You can also add a small pop of color—turquoise like M.A.C Shadow Paint Pot in Delft ($16.50; maccosmetics.com) is stunning—to the outer edge of the lash line. Keep the rest of the face subdued with a rosy hue on the cheek—try Cover Girl Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink 110 ($3.59; drugstore.com) —and a glossy nude lip like Stila Silk Shimmer Gloss in Kitten ($22; stilacosmetics.com).

On the lips: For the reticent, this is an easy, fairly noncommittal way to experiment with a trend. Try layering a barely-there gold gloss like Smashbox Hybrid 2 in 1 Color & Shine Lip Gloss in Marigold ($19; smashbox.com) over your favorite sheer lip color (think a peony pink or a citrusy coral) to add a touch of iridescence and glamour. Pair it with a neutral eye (sandy taupes, gingery browns) and a hint of bronzer and you’re all set.