Glitter make-up: How to look chic rather than a human disco ball
Because there's a fine line...
Because there's a fine line...
Glitter makeup looks are the go-to beauty vibe for festivals, Christmas parties and New Year's Eve. It's unsurprising, as the trend just doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Every season models take to the catwalk covered in the stuff.
The thing is, a glitter makeup look can be bloody tricky; one false step and you could end up looking like an eight-year-old at a unicorn-themed birthday party.
Never fear, for all it takes is the right kit. Which, rather handily, we have rounded up for you below to help you nail your party makeup looks.
Glitter eyeliner
If you want to dip your toe into the trend, rather than jump in head first then a highly pigmented glitter liner might be just the thing for you. Line your lashes with Urban Decay’s Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner, it's really easy to apply and next to a jet black mascara, it gives the most subtle nod to sparkle.
Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner, £16, Fabled
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Loose glitter
The ever-popular MAC Glitter Pigments are sparkle-heaven and can be applied pretty much anywhere. However, this stuff is really finely milled so gets everywhere so be careful when opening up the cap. You have been warned.
MAC Glitter Pigments, £16.50, Lookfantastic
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The best way to apply it is either with a cotton bud dipped in Vaseline or dab a touch of NYX Professional Make-up Glitter Primer, £8 Cult Beauty to where you want the glitter to sit.
Add just a touch to your eyelids, the inner corners of the eye or along your lower lash line for an effortless way to add some glitz to your eyes.
If you're feeling super adventurous, why not get someone to blow a little bit into your parting or onto the lengths of your hair, à la Giambattista Valli?
Glitter eyeshadow
For a more dramatic look, go all out with a glitter eyeshadow and coat your top eyelid in shine.
You can either go for a shimmery powder, like Nars' Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Lysithea (top tip: wet your brush first to ramp up the impact), a more cream texture, like Illamasqua's Iconic Chromes that's easy to blend.
Illamasqua Iconic Chromes, £22
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Or the easiest way to apply glitter ever: Stila's Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow. The wand is much like your lip gloss or liquid lipstick applicator, which means that you literally cannot make a mistake with your placement. Just glide the slanted sponge over your lid and watch the transformation take place.
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, £24, Cult Beauty
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Eyeko Galactic Lid Gloss
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When it comes to incorporating glitter into a make-up look, there really is something for everyone. Glitter is an adaptable and build-able make-up accessory that shouldn’t be something we fear or avoid – If used correctly, it can animate almost any make-up look.
Biodegradable glitter brands
Thankfully, people are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their beauty habits can have on the planet (and it's about time). Not all glitter is biodegradable and microplastics can be harmful to the environment, especially to the birds and marine life who end up consuming it.
Eco Stardust
Based in Bristol, Eco Stardust was started by an eco-friendly mum who had bought hoards of glitter for her children's birthday parties, and was haunted by the guilt that tiny bits of plastic were ending up everywhere. The glitter is predominantly derived from non-GMO, sustainably farmed Eucalyptus trees, and the brand donates 10% of their proceeds to environmental charities.
The brand also started the #GuiltyGlitter campaign, encouraging those with non-biodegradable glitter stashed away to send it in for recycling; they'll then turn it into jewellery, and you get a 15% discount code to shop with Eco Stardust. Nice
Festival Face
A mother-daughter startup, Festival Face kits you out with everything you need for, well, festivals. As well as biodegradable glitter products, they stock face jewels, make-up and accessories, and are in the process of making everything they stock environmentally friendly.
BOD
Affordable bio-glitter brand BOD (which stands for Body on Demand) is a small but seriously affordable line, with every product coming in at or under the £5 mark. The capsule range comprises two 'Mermaid Glitter' products: an aloe vera glitter gel and a coconut body spray for all-over shimmer, as well as body scrubs and bath salts.
Wild Glitter
When we say Wild Glitter, we're talking huge packs of the stuff, all in made entirely from plants. All of their glitter will degrade entirely within 90 days.
There you have it, environmentally friendly beauty at its best.
So, with party season well underway, what better time to experiment with the sparkly stuff?
