How to wear glitter makeup in four easy looks

New season, new make-up. And what could be prettier than flecks of glitter in muted tones of rose, pewter and gold?

New season, new make-up. And what could be prettier than flecks of glitter in muted tones of rose, pewter and gold?

Looking for the best new ways to wear glitter? Below Amber Anderson showcases the beauty trend of the season.

The glitter eyeshadow that suits everyone 

A smattering of lilac, fuchsia, maroon and mauve glitter are giving the smokey eye a run for its money this season. 'A cream shadow makes a great base for a matching glitter shade,' says Amber Anderson’s make-up artist Gina Kane. Dab Dior Backstage Eye Primer £24, Boots, over your lids and around the eyes for a sheer but adhesive base.

For Maximum glitter, Kane dusted Danessa Myricks Metals Constellation Glitter in Fairy Tale, £15, and Ben Nye Sparklers Loose Glitters in Fuchsia and Silver Prism, £8.99 each, over the top.

PRO TIP: 'First apply loose powder where you don't want the glitter to go – like the tops of your cheekbones,' says Kane.

'This ensures easy removal of any over spill as you can simply flick it away with a small flat brush. Then tip your head back and drop glitter over your face with a powder brush, keeping your eyes shut.'

Photographer by Jason Hetherington

How to wear face shimmer 

'Glitter is a statement, so just go for it,' says Kane. For a look that'll withstand a night on the dance floor, apply a primer like Sisley Instant Eclat Instant Glow Primer, £60, Selfridges, on the areas you want the glitter to go.

Then, using a blending brush, press the flecks on top. We love NYX Face and Body Glitter in Crystal, £6, Boots. Finish with two coats of Urban Decay Trouble Maker Mascara, £16.60, Fabled.

'For Glittery lips, my favourite shade is pewter because it's pretty rather than disco,' says Kane. Use Dior Ultra Glow in Tiara, £26, or for more intensity, pat on silver glitter and lock it in with a layer of Lipcote £3.69, Boots.

PRO TIP: Only use cosmetic glitter that's made up of circular spheres and won't scratch your skin. To balance out a glitter lip, Kane suggests creating strong couture brows using a chocolate pencil, such as Dior Sourcils Poudre Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown, £21, Boots.

Photographer by Jason Hetherington

How to enhance your cheeks with glitter

'Anyone that wears highlighter, can wear glitter,' says Kane. 'If you're a fan of gleaming, glossy cheekbones then sparkle is just the next step.' Gold is a failsafe shade because it’s warm and suits most skin tones.

lThen all you have to consider is the placement. Smudge Lucas Papaw Ointment across the temples, sweeping it down onto the cheekbones and then tap The Gypsy Shrine Iridescent Eclipse Glitter, £6.50, on top with your ring finger.

'The flat holographic pieces are slightly larger to catch the light. Plus it’s easier to remove than finer flecks of glitter,' adds Kane.

PRO TIP: Glitter is fiddly on the cheeks so Kane suggests pressing sticky tape anywhere you don’t want the glitter to sit.

Photography by Jason Hetherington

Photography by Jason Hetherington

Embellish your body

Photography by Jason Hetherington

'Initially, people think of glam rock images when they think of glitter, but it can be more like playful fairy dust,' says Kane. Make Up Forever Glitter in White Violet, £11.50, leaves skin with a provocative pale sheen.

Dust lightly with a large soft brush across your shoulders, in the round of your back or decollete. 'I applied it quickly and spontaneously so it looked like Amber did it herself,' says Kane.

PRO TIP: To keep glitter in place on your body, use a balmy cream like Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream, £28, or sunscreen if you’re going to a day time festival.

Consider your crash course in glitter make-up complete.

Read more make-up tips in out Beauty section at marieclaire.co.uk/beauty

Lisa Oxenham

An award-winning health and beauty writer, stylist and creative director, Lisa Oxenham is one of the UK’s top beauty editors and the Beauty and Style Director at Marie Claire UK. With 20 years of editorial experience Lisa is a brand partnership expert, and a popular speaker, panelist and interviewer on a range of topics from sustainability to the future of beauty in the digital world. She recently spoke at Cognition X and Beauty Tech Live and is on the Advisory Board for the British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition.

A well-respected creative director she works on celebrity, model and influencer shoots with the highest calibre of photographers, filmmakers, make-up artists and hairstylists to create timeless images, attention-grabbing videos, digital events and masterclasses. Most recently Lisa has directed covers such as Lily Cole and Jameela Jamil, films such as Save The Arts featuring Francesca Hayward and sustainable fashion shoots such as Be The Change. Supporting the beauty industry over the pandemic has been a top focus, directing the British Beauty Council’s six inspirational short biographical films for their Bring Back Beauty campaign.

Lisa is a wellbeing and beauty influencer with a focus on mental health and a large and engaged audience on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.