Glitter makeup has emerged as a top winter trend, making a bold appearance on the runways at Dior and Chanel. Perfect for the holidays, a dash of glitter adds festive sparkle perfect for parties and New Year’s celebrations. This tricky trend could easily look childish or even tacky, but with the right products and tools this shimmering look can be adapted for everyday use.
The key to glitter makeup is to isolate only one facial feature, such as the eyes, lips or cheeks. One available product that can transition to suit all three features is Make Up For Ever’s Diamond Powder ($25). Available in an assortment of colors, this powder combines pearly iridescence with glitter to give skin a radiant brilliance and luster. Go for a subtle shade that can easily be dusted all over. Create a daytime look by mixing the powder with foundation, lotion or lip gloss. Go for a daring nighttime look by adding a dash of Diamond Powder in a bright hue to the eyelid. Use an eyelid primer beforehand to maximize color and staying power to get that runway-ready glitter look.
For a fun daytime look, eyeliners with flecks of glitter provide a pop of color that is noticeable but not overbearing. Urban Decay’s Heavy Metal Glitter Liner ($18) is available in unique shades such as “Catfight,” “Metalhead” and “Stagedive.” For a subtle shimmer, apply a thin line close to the eyelash line or go for a look-at-me look by layering on a thick line in one of the more playful colors.
The glitter trend is also a great way to play up lips. A glittery gloss can stand alone or be paired with a bold lipstick to create a lustrous look. Givenchy’s Gelée D’interdit Smoothing Gloss Balm Crystal Shine ($27.50) is perfect for both a playful and professional appearance. The subtle “Icy Peach” shade can be incorporated with any casual look, while “Celestial Black” will give off a futuristic, edgy vibe.
The best way to wear a bold and glittery lips is to keep the rest of your makeup simple and neutral. Too much color on the eyes and lips can be distracting and overbearing, especially when working with glitter.
Another way to try the trend is with a shimmery blush or highlighter for a luminous, dewy glow. Nars provides over 20 shades of shimmering blushes, making it easy to find your perfect match. To enhance cheekbones, apply blush to the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards toward the ear.
For even more radiance, a luminizer such as Lorac’s Oil-Free Luminizer ($28) will provide an incandescent sheen, perfect for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes, the cheeks, the bridge of the nose and the forehead.
Glitter can be incorporated into other aspects of your beauty routine. Used sparingly, a shimmer dust can propel a sleek ponytail into a high-fashion look. Perfect for special events or a night out, Tarina Tarantino’s Sparklicity Gold Shimmer Dust ($24) can be applied to the shoulders or collarbone for a luxurious sparkle or used in hair to play up
natural highlights.
A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, Dec. 5 print edition. Emory Lopiccolo is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
