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A lot of times, our go-to makeup looks tend to be an all-natural, keep-it-simple vibe that can work for a number of occasions without much touch-up. But what about those moments when we want to spice it up a little, like on a GNO, at a summer festival or during the holiday season? That’s where glitter comes in. The sparkle is beyond intriguing (ooooh!) and the instant glam of it all — you just can’t get that with any other product. But glitter can be intimidating because of the mess that usually (okay, pretty much always) comes along with it. So here, I’m sharing all I know about glitter to better equip you to experiment with the sparkly stuff and get the looks out of it you really want. From the types of glitter to the right tools to best apply it with to how to make it last the longest while looking as vibrant as it can be, here are the basics you need to know about wearing glitter makeup:
Depending on the longevity, depth and overall vibe you’re going for, you need to know the differences between the types of glitters, primers and tools you can use to get your desired look.
Loose glitter is just a vial of colored glitter that does not have any pigmented shadow mixed into it. This formula can work alone or be layered over an eyeshadow to enhance the vibrancy or color of the glitter specks. Even though this looks similar to the craft glitter you used in school, be aware that it is
the same thing. In fact, using glitter that is not approved as safe for your face, skin and eyes can be really dangerous and cause cuts on your skin and eyes — so don’t do it!
Types of Glitter
Loose Pigmented Glitter Shadow: This is similar to the loose glitter except it also has an eyeshadow pigment mixed in with the glitter specks that will give more natural-looking hue.
Pressed Powder/Cream Glitter: Typically this is a hybrid of powder, cream and glitter.
Cream Glitter: This formula contains only a cream with glitter in it. While one may think that this is easier to use, it can get a little chunky if not applied properly.
No Primer: You can apply glitter directly to your skin without anything underneath, but you may have a difficult time keeping it on. If you want a more random, very subtle look, then you can apply any of the glitter types mentioned above to your skin directly. If nothing else, you at least want to use your foundation or tinted moisturizer as a base for your glitter to adhere to. This will give you a step up from using no primer at all.
Primer vs No Primer
The two glitter primers that I swear by for different reasons are
($20) when you want a more general placement and Urban Decay Bondage Weightless Makeup Adhesive ($14) when dealing with a more focused look. These primers will not only hold the glitter in place, but will also help the pigment and depth of the glitter pop!
Your fingers are actually a really great way to apply all of these glitter formulas! It is challenging to get precise placement with your fingertips though, so you will want to look into these brushes if you decide to go for a more strategic look.
