In a metal pigment for a cosmetic preparation, such as lipstick, nail polish, eye shadow, hair colorant, liquid mascara, powder, eyeliner, rouge, skin/hair care products, perfume, eau de toilette, lotions or the like, provision is made for a metallic substrate to have a substrate-enclosing layer produced by the sol-gel process, which provides a barrier effect against sweat and saliva and prevents direct contact between skin and metallic substrate.