Glitter is almost always best in small, subtle doses, but there’s something about the holidays that makes me want to push the limits with (shimmery! shiny! sparkly!) makeup. Shadow with a sheen you can only see when the light hits it just-so? Save it for every other time of the year.
But just because you’re breaking one glitter rule doesn’t mean you can break them all. Keep the focus on one feature to avoid looking like you’re wearing one of those crazy Givenchy face masks. (Or, you know, go for it—they were pretty awesome.)
The easiest places to do bold glitter are on your nails and in your hair. To avoid the nightmarish removal process associated with glitter polish, I use Incoco Nail Polish Appliqués in After Party (a pretty, deep navy with green and blue sparkles) or Disco Party Tips (black and galactic). They’re 100 percemt real polish, but the glitter doesn’t stick to your nail beds. For your hair, try pinning back bangs that are growing out or do a half-up style with ban.do’s Sparkle & Shine Bobbi Set in Rose Gold.
If you’re up for a challenge with a striking payoff, try glitter cat-eyes, pictured above at Haider Ackermann. Makeup artist Diane Kendal recommends layering flecks of glitter on top of eyeshadow in a matching shade using a flat shadow brush dipped in water. „Or you can go even bolder by adding contrast with a muted metallic—like turquoise topped with soft silver or cobalt topped with copper,“ she says. We love M.A.C. Glitter in Reflects Antique Gold. To remove glitter from the rest of your face without messing up your look, makeup artist Erica Whelan uses scotch tape. „Tear a piece off and join the two ends together so the sticky part is on the outside, then simply press and roll away the unwanted glitter particles.“