I’ll be honest: when I heard that my assigning editors wanted me to write a story on glitter makeup, I was a little skeptical. Maybe I’m still scarred by the memories of the scented glitter body gel that me and my friends used to apply before middle-school dances (does anyone else remember that gross, goopy stuff that we all loved so much?), or, more recently, trying to scrub glitter nail polish off my fingers to no avail. In any case, I didn’t necessarily have the best initial feelings about glittery cosmetics. That is, until I started my market research, and became positively giddy.
Because, my friends, glitter is awesome. And, there are so many ways to sport the sparkly stuff these days that does not involve big chunks of blue glitter suspended in sour-apple-scented gel (and thank God for that). Especially at this festive time of year, a bit of sparkle can really transform a more straightforward look into something festive and fun. Check out my fun picks to get ideas on the cool-girl way to sport some shimmer—’tis the season, after all!
featured image by catbirdnyc
Vice Lipstick Vintage Capsule Collection in Shimmer Finish
With an otherwise neutral, lightly-made-up face (think a smooth complexion, defined brows, and lots of mascara), glittery lipstick is surprisingly easy to pull off. If you’re really daring, try Plague, a deep purple—I might play it a little safer with Smog, a deep coppery bronze.
Limited Edition Tarteist PRO Glitter Liner
The perfect way to add some holiday cheer to a simple LBD outfit: swipe your lash lines with this one-two punch of metallic and glitter eyeliners (choose either silver or gold) for a sparkly stare, and finish with black mascara for extra definition.
Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder
If you’re ready to embrace the glitter but want to avoid the rave-party connotations, try a finely milled loose glitter like Make Up For Ever’s famed Diamond Powder. Try patting it over your eyeshadow for a safer shine, or go for it by dusting the pink Rose Petal shade at the tops of your cheekbones for an otherworldly sheen.
Milani Fierce Foil Eyeshadow Quartette
For the glitter-shy, this palette will help you ease into the look slowly. These foil-finish shadows in neutral tones will add major sparkle to your stare without making you look like you’re at cheerleading tryouts.
Lamé Noir Ultra-Glittering Mascara
Inspired by lamé fabric, this inky-black mascara is infused with gold glitter particles for extra-glam lashes.
Who can resist rose-gold nails, am I right? (And before you remind me about how I just said that glitter polish is impossible to remove, all you need is this.)
Magnificent Metal Foil Finish Eyeliner by Stila
If you’re going to try one glitter makeup product, make it this amazing shadow by Stila. These foiled cream liner/shadow combos are gorgeously sparkly, yet completely grown-up. (Trust: the black gold shade will make you feel like a Bond girl.)
