Glitter makeup is tricky: If done the wrong way, it can easily look tacky and like it came straight from your middle school days (and no one wants that). If you layer glitters over a cream base and pay a little extra attention to your skin, a little sparkle on your peepers can actually look ultra chic and elegant. Check out this step-by-step guide on how to achieve glittery, glamorous lids this holiday season!
Flawless base
The key to keeping a glitter eye makeup looking sophisticated is creating a flawless base. I started by applying a thin layer of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc ($45 at Sephora) to even out my complexion. I then did some pin-point concealing on any blemishes and brightened up my undereye area with my Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3 ($34 at Sephora). I added a natural flush of color with my NYX Cream Blush in Natural ($5.99 at ULTA) and added a sheen to my cheekbones with the Topshop Glow Stick in Play Up (out of stock; try Benefit’s Watt’s Up!, $30 at Sephora). Using all cream and liquid products on the face allows them to blend together seamlessly, creating a naturally flawless complexion. To finish off my base, I lightly filled in any gaps in my eyebrows using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown ($23 at Sephora).
Glitter eyes
Now for the star of the show! To give your glitter something to stick to, you need to apply a cream or gel base first. Since I’m using a gold glitter, I used the Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo in Bold Gold ($6.99 at ULTA) as a cream shadow, applying it over my lid and under my eyes and quickly blending out with MAC Powder Blush in Harmony ($22 at MAC Cosmetics) in the crease. I also applied some of this shade under my eyes to create a hazy effect.
Before the cream shadow set, I applied the shade Half-Baked from the Urban Decay Naked2 Palette ($54 at Sephora) over my lid and in the inner corners of my eyes using a flat brush until I achieved the opacity I wanted, blending at the edges. For even more intensity, I used the Glitteratzi Hard Candy Eye Glitter Gel in Goldfinger (discontinued; try Nyx Cosmetics’ Liquid Crystal Liner, $4.49 at ULTA) on the center of my eyelid for a three-dimensional effect.
Bronze liner and flirty lashes
To add to the golden glow and to define my eyes more, I used the Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush bronze eyeliner (discontinued, but any bronze liner is fine!) on my top and bottom lashlines and blended out with my finger. I curled my lashes and added some flirty length with the Maybelline Volum’ Express The Mega Plush Mascara in Blackest Black ($7.49 at ULTA) to finish off the eyes.
Finishing touches
I then added some Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent ($4.99 at ULTA) just down the center of my face (forehead, nose and chin) to keep from looking shiny and finished the look with MAC Lipstick in Patisserie ($16 at MAC Cosmetics). The nude but slightly glossy shade is flattering without being overkill with the dramatic eyes.
And there you have it! Glitter eyes are perfect for the holidays and can actually look sophisticated and chic if you choose a shade that’s not too obnoxious and make sure to focus on your complexion. Sparkle on, collegiettes!