Makeup

Party Season: Glitter Makeup

It’s not often that I include glitter in my makeup kit; most of the year I’m all about natural nude makeup looks. But when it comes to party season, adding a little glitter to your makeup kit is pretty much essential. Here I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite glitter products on the market, and a few ideas for applying them.

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Porter Magazine

Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together, having a cosy family Christmas, or going big on the New Year’s Eve party plans, there’s no better time of year to embrace the glitter makeup trend. Despite my usual preference for barely-there colour and skin-focused looks, even I reach for the sparkle at this time of year!

Glitter makeup was high on the agenda at the recent fashion shows, so any products you invest in now can be used throughout next season to tap into the latest trends. I would recommend updating your usual party makeup with a touch of sparkle for a Christmas look that you’ll feel comfortable in (and that will add an extra helping of shine to any occasion). Below I’ve given three options for wearable sparkle that are fun and festive.

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Sparkling Cat Eyes

Why not opt for soft, smoky cat eyes for a fun party look that you’ll reach for again and again this season. I’ve created versions of this look on clients for the red carpet or special occasions on so many occasions. You can watch my video on how to create perfect feline flicks using Burberry’s Cat Eye Liner here, or follow my steps below; I’ve added in some sparkle for the occasion.

  1. Using the Black Cat Eye, mark a dot on each side where you want the flicks to finish. You now know you need to hit these marks.
  2. Draw and fill in the cat eye flicks; this liner is waterproof so you know the look will last.
  3. Use the powder end in the socket line and soften in to add a soft smoke to the look.
  4. Apply a little smudge of Vaseline or 8-Hour Cream just along the top of our feline flick using your little finger. Using an angled eyeshadow brush, dip into a MAC Glitter pot of your choice (I recommend warm colours like red or gold for a flattering finish), tap off any excess and press into the Vaseline. Hold a tissue under your eye to catch any stray glitter.
  5. Use the Fresh Glow Pen to lighten up the inner corners of the eye. Et voila!

PRODUCT SHOPPING LIST

Burberry Cat Eye Liner
MAC Glitter

Image Credit @ Daniel Jackson

Shimmering Skin

If you don’t feel comfortable in a statement eye or lip, why not add your wearable sparkle to your cheeks? I love fresh, glowing nude skin, and you can go as bold or as subtle as you want when it comes to adding some extra glow with glitter makeup. Here are a few options for adding some sparkle to your skin…

  1. Start with a highlighting base, which will give skin an all over even radiance.
  2. To take either of the above looks to the next level, apply a slick of the cream shadow from Tom Ford Eyeshadow Double Decked along the cheekbone, then using a blusher brush, top with a dusting of the glitter powder on the top layer. This will create a gorgeous shimmer across your cheeks.

PRODUCT SHOPPING LIST

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Double Decked

Glitter Lips

For an ultra-playful look this New Years Eve, try glitter lips. Try Pat McGrath’s signature lip kit to create statement catwalk-worthy glitter lips, or invest in a pot of glitter to match your favourite liquid lip colour (try Burberry’s Kisses Gloss) and press into the lip colour using a lip brush.

PRODUCT SHOPPING LIST

Pat McGrath Labs Lust 004 Lip Kit – Everything
Burberry Kisses Gloss

Have fun this festive season, whatever you’re doing! Here’s hoping your evening sparkles as much as your makeup…

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