The invention relates to a cosmetic preparation containing a metallic effect pigment which consists of a metal substrate having a layer enclosing the substrate. Said layer is produced in a sol/gel method, has a barrier effect against sweat and saliva and prevents a direct contact between skin and metallic substrate, the metallic pigment being hydrophilic. The inventive preparation can be in the form of a cream, a lotion, an eye shadow, a nail varnish, a lipstick, a mascara, a gel, a make-up formulation or a self-tanning cream or lotion.