BY AMY
SCIARRETTO
SCIARRETTO
Glitter can be tricky,
especially for women over a certain age. Glitter particles can call attention
to fine lines or can make you look like you are trying too hard — but that’s
only if you are not following the proper glitter protocol and guidelines. Yes,
those actually exist. Most experts agree that you can wear glitter at pretty
much any age, as long as you consider the time and the place, invest in the
right product, and place it on the right features and in the appropriate
volume. If you stick to that glitter template, you can be a member of the
glitterati, no matter the year of your birth. These are all the times when
wearing glitter is totally fine and dandy.
especially for women over a certain age. Glitter particles can call attention
to fine lines or can make you look like you are trying too hard — but that’s
only if you are not following the proper glitter protocol and guidelines. Yes,
those actually exist. Most experts agree that you can wear glitter at pretty
much any age, as long as you consider the time and the place, invest in the
right product, and place it on the right features and in the appropriate
volume. If you stick to that glitter template, you can be a member of the
glitterati, no matter the year of your birth. These are all the times when
wearing glitter is totally fine and dandy.
The
holidays are an acceptable time for glitter
holidays are an acceptable time for glitter
Glitter is festive, and that
makes it wholly appropriate for the holidays, since it augments the happy mood
surrounding the season. “I’m a big fan of glitter and definitely believe
you can wear it throughout the year, depending on how glittery of a look you’re
going for,” says Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge founder Stephi
Maron. But the trick is making sure the glitter is applied in a sexy, stylish,
and sophisticated way. You don’t want your eyelids or face to end up looking
messy, like your niece’s kindergarten arts and crafts project.
makes it wholly appropriate for the holidays, since it augments the happy mood
surrounding the season. “I’m a big fan of glitter and definitely believe
you can wear it throughout the year, depending on how glittery of a look you’re
going for,” says Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge founder Stephi
Maron. But the trick is making sure the glitter is applied in a sexy, stylish,
and sophisticated way. You don’t want your eyelids or face to end up looking
messy, like your niece’s kindergarten arts and crafts project.
Maron furthers, “The
holiday and Christmas party seasons are the times it makes the most sense to
really pack on the glitter, like [famed makeup artist] Pat McGrath, and go all
out. Think bright red, dark berry red, gold, or silver glitter for holiday.”
Go bold, opting for rich and dramatic shades. Glitter is not meant to be subtle
during this season.
holiday and Christmas party seasons are the times it makes the most sense to
really pack on the glitter, like [famed makeup artist] Pat McGrath, and go all
out. Think bright red, dark berry red, gold, or silver glitter for holiday.”
Go bold, opting for rich and dramatic shades. Glitter is not meant to be subtle
during this season.
Lips
can be glittery in the summer
can be glittery in the summer
Glitter isn’t relegated to the
cold temps of the holiday season. It can totally be right for summer
celebrations, like Memorial Day or Fourth of July — as long as it’s worn in
moderation and on the right features, like lips. Since glitter can settle into
the fine lines of your face and make you look older, and since “I want to
look older” is a statement said by no one ever, you are best served
incorporating the sparkle into your lip look. Just be sure to prep and prime
lips with liner in order to prevent loose glitter from migrating into any of
the aforementioned fine lines.
cold temps of the holiday season. It can totally be right for summer
celebrations, like Memorial Day or Fourth of July — as long as it’s worn in
moderation and on the right features, like lips. Since glitter can settle into
the fine lines of your face and make you look older, and since “I want to
look older” is a statement said by no one ever, you are best served
incorporating the sparkle into your lip look. Just be sure to prep and prime
lips with liner in order to prevent loose glitter from migrating into any of
the aforementioned fine lines.
“For spring and summer, I
would recommend using a lipstick that has a little shimmer or glitter in it so
it’s more of a subtle glitter lip look,” Maron says. “Think pinks,
mauve, or neutral tones during this season. I love mixing B.Lovely lipstick,
which is Blushington’s exclusive lipstick in collaboration with Julie Hewett,
with a little Jouer Lip Essential on top. I then pat any of the Girlactik
sparkles right on top with my pinky finger. I love how subtle and wearable this
glitter look is.”
would recommend using a lipstick that has a little shimmer or glitter in it so
it’s more of a subtle glitter lip look,” Maron says. “Think pinks,
mauve, or neutral tones during this season. I love mixing B.Lovely lipstick,
which is Blushington’s exclusive lipstick in collaboration with Julie Hewett,
with a little Jouer Lip Essential on top. I then pat any of the Girlactik
sparkles right on top with my pinky finger. I love how subtle and wearable this
glitter look is.”
Go
for glitter lips as long as your pucker isn’t chapped
for glitter lips as long as your pucker isn’t chapped
A pro summer glitter tip to
adhere to: make sure lips are smooth and exfoliated when adding a little
sparkle. The grit of glitter can be a desirable texture, whereas the grit of
flaky skin is certainly not. Maron says, “Make sure your lips are really
moisturized because glitter can stick to any fine lines. I love Ilia’s lip
scrub in Balmy Nights to exfoliate my lips and then use Ilia’s Balmy Days to
prep and moisturize my lips first before I put on any lipstick, lip liner, or
glitter.”
adhere to: make sure lips are smooth and exfoliated when adding a little
sparkle. The grit of glitter can be a desirable texture, whereas the grit of
flaky skin is certainly not. Maron says, “Make sure your lips are really
moisturized because glitter can stick to any fine lines. I love Ilia’s lip
scrub in Balmy Nights to exfoliate my lips and then use Ilia’s Balmy Days to
prep and moisturize my lips first before I put on any lipstick, lip liner, or
glitter.”
Halloween
and costume parties are prime times for glitter
and costume parties are prime times for glitter
Halloween is probably the one
holiday during which anyone can get away with any amount of glitter and in any
shade. Sebastien Tardif, a renowned makeup artist and co-founder of Veil
Cosmetics, says, “Glitter makeup is a fantasy we are all attracted to
because of the sheer joy and pretty feeling we get from staring at such a
concentration of brilliance and glow. The times to indulge is during Halloween,
since it’s fun and there are so many thematic parties. The only rule is no
longer being sensible and meeting certain acceptable beauty standards, but
rather to have fun!” Preach.
holiday during which anyone can get away with any amount of glitter and in any
shade. Sebastien Tardif, a renowned makeup artist and co-founder of Veil
Cosmetics, says, “Glitter makeup is a fantasy we are all attracted to
because of the sheer joy and pretty feeling we get from staring at such a
concentration of brilliance and glow. The times to indulge is during Halloween,
since it’s fun and there are so many thematic parties. The only rule is no
longer being sensible and meeting certain acceptable beauty standards, but
rather to have fun!” Preach.
Lower
eyelids are prime real estate for glitter placement
eyelids are prime real estate for glitter placement
As Tardif notes, “Glitter
is strongly associated with youth, fun, and glamour. Therefore, its usage can
often be misinterpreted as [a] ‘mutton dressed like lamb’ type of scenario and
denote a certain immaturity.” Basically, if you wear too much glitter and
in the wrong spot, you will look like you are trying to find the fountain of
youth but failing epically. Tardif strongly advises against putting glitter on
your cheeks, since it “looks terribly tacky and, in certain light, can
appear almost like dirt or debris on skin, since glitter specks are much larger
than shimmer.”
is strongly associated with youth, fun, and glamour. Therefore, its usage can
often be misinterpreted as [a] ‘mutton dressed like lamb’ type of scenario and
denote a certain immaturity.” Basically, if you wear too much glitter and
in the wrong spot, you will look like you are trying to find the fountain of
youth but failing epically. Tardif strongly advises against putting glitter on
your cheeks, since it “looks terribly tacky and, in certain light, can
appear almost like dirt or debris on skin, since glitter specks are much larger
than shimmer.”
Therefore, instead of a
glittery blush, pop some glitter along your lower lashline, especially for
nighttime activities, such as a date or dinner with friends or a club
excursion. It will bring out those eyes and essentially provides built-in
lighting. “Glitter tends to render more effectively in the absence of
bright lights and gives way to a magical aura,” Tardif says.
glittery blush, pop some glitter along your lower lashline, especially for
nighttime activities, such as a date or dinner with friends or a club
excursion. It will bring out those eyes and essentially provides built-in
lighting. “Glitter tends to render more effectively in the absence of
bright lights and gives way to a magical aura,” Tardif says.
You
can wear glitter when it’s the right brand
can wear glitter when it’s the right brand
Cheap glitter will look like…
cheap glitter. As Ardency Inn’s director of product development Erin McCarthy
claims, “The trick is to apply the right product and in good taste.”
There are sophisticated glitters on the market, with primo ingredients. That
can make all the difference when it comes to the end result. McCarthy says,
“Some prestige makeup brands make a glitter alternative that uses high
quality pearls. Ardency Inn Modster Light Catching Eye Powder in Friendly Fire
is great because it uses the highest quality borosilicate pearls that reflect
different tones, so you get even more sparkle than traditional glitter. But the
result is much more classy and modern.” Classy and modern glitter? Where’s
the signup sheet for that?
cheap glitter. As Ardency Inn’s director of product development Erin McCarthy
claims, “The trick is to apply the right product and in good taste.”
There are sophisticated glitters on the market, with primo ingredients. That
can make all the difference when it comes to the end result. McCarthy says,
“Some prestige makeup brands make a glitter alternative that uses high
quality pearls. Ardency Inn Modster Light Catching Eye Powder in Friendly Fire
is great because it uses the highest quality borosilicate pearls that reflect
different tones, so you get even more sparkle than traditional glitter. But the
result is much more classy and modern.” Classy and modern glitter? Where’s
the signup sheet for that?
Black
eyeliner and glitter is a total “do”
eyeliner and glitter is a total “do”
McCarthy reminds us that less
is way, way more with glitter. In her opinion, “you can’t go wrong with a
black liquid liner topped with glitter, or a splash of glitter at the inner
tear duct.”
is way, way more with glitter. In her opinion, “you can’t go wrong with a
black liquid liner topped with glitter, or a splash of glitter at the inner
tear duct.”
However, if it’s drama you
seek but want to avoid “looking like you belong in the circus,”
McCarthy offers this tip: “You can do a great dramatic smoky eye with
black eye shadow, then go back in and highlight the eyelid, using a solid
application of glitter. When the shadow is well smoked out, whatever you put in
the center of the lid will look great.”
seek but want to avoid “looking like you belong in the circus,”
McCarthy offers this tip: “You can do a great dramatic smoky eye with
black eye shadow, then go back in and highlight the eyelid, using a solid
application of glitter. When the shadow is well smoked out, whatever you put in
the center of the lid will look great.”
McCarthy also encourages
letting your natural complexion stand out by doing “a bold, solid glitter
lip in a dark shade, which always looks killer.” A solid glitter pucker
will pop against a fresh, bare face.
letting your natural complexion stand out by doing “a bold, solid glitter
lip in a dark shade, which always looks killer.” A solid glitter pucker
will pop against a fresh, bare face.
Finer
is better
is better
Sparkle can be fine at any
age. But glam glitter requires that you check yourself. Paris Manning, founder
of Velvet 59 Cosmetics, notes that “glitter can be a challenge when you
are over a certain age because you don’t want to seem like a middle schooler
who just discovered makeup.” But there are ways to circumvent that
conundrum. “The best way to avoid that is to make sure the glitter is
cleanly and properly placed on the face, which is usually the eyelids, and
always use a very fine sparkle,” Manning says. “Make sure the rest of
your makeup is age-appropriate.” That is, don’t do a full face of glitter.
Rather, use it to enhance.
age. But glam glitter requires that you check yourself. Paris Manning, founder
of Velvet 59 Cosmetics, notes that “glitter can be a challenge when you
are over a certain age because you don’t want to seem like a middle schooler
who just discovered makeup.” But there are ways to circumvent that
conundrum. “The best way to avoid that is to make sure the glitter is
cleanly and properly placed on the face, which is usually the eyelids, and
always use a very fine sparkle,” Manning says. “Make sure the rest of
your makeup is age-appropriate.” That is, don’t do a full face of glitter.
Rather, use it to enhance.
Glitter-izing
your lotion is totally acceptable
your lotion is totally acceptable
Want to add some shimmer to
your body, like your arms and legs, for an all-day music festival, block party,
or BBQ? You can mix some microfine glitter pigments into your body lotion or
body oil for an added glimmer and glow. You can let go and just glow in this
situation.
your body, like your arms and legs, for an all-day music festival, block party,
or BBQ? You can mix some microfine glitter pigments into your body lotion or
body oil for an added glimmer and glow. You can let go and just glow in this
situation.
Sparkle, glow, repeat. Glitter
has many iterations and applications, all of them fun. Let go and let glow!
has many iterations and applications, all of them fun. Let go and let glow!
SOURCE:
THELIST
THELIST
Kayode Emmanuel Ojo is the Co-Founder and Managing Director at SHEFFA Limited. He is presently studying Computer Science at the National Open University, Victoria Island, Lagos.