The Grown-up Glitter Guide

glitter

by Elizabeth Bennett |
Published on

Glitter has earned itself a bad rep. Whether it’s bad memories of applying Claire's glitter gel for the school disco, or loading up on the Barry M dazzle dust at a festival, glitter is firmly planted in our minds as tacky and outdated.

However, on the AW16 catwalks this year, glitter was having a major moment. From Burberry’s sparkling ‘tears’ to the understated twinkle at Stella McCartney, glitter was everywhere, and this time around it’s surprisingly wearable.

The festive season is the perfect excuse to integrate some glitter into your makeup bag, and if you’re looking for some inspiration, you’re in luck. Scroll down to see five glittering catwalk looks you can create at home.

Burberry’s Twinkling Tears

glitter

For a statement glitter look that isn't too OTT, take your cue from the Burberry AW16 runway. Wendy Rowe created Bowie-esque ‘tears of joy’ using iridescent flecks of gold and navy glitter for a finish that was polished meets rock’n’roll . To recreate, apply vaseline under your eye and tap on loose glitter using your smallest finger. Keep the rest of your makeup simple with a scribble of dark brown kohl and a swipe of nude lipstick.

Burberry Shimmer Dust, £20

Versace’s Dark Berry Lips

glitter

A big trend for 2016, glitter lips come into their own for party season. Red-wine proof *and * suitably sparkly, if you can’t coat your lips in glitter at Christmas time, when can you? The glitter lip kits used by Pat McGrath on the Versace catwalk caused a sellout storm, but if you didn’t nab yourself the cult item, you can easily recreate the look with a dark berry hued lipstick and some loose glitter.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Night Crimson, £23

MAC glitter, £16

Roberto Cavalli’s Shimmery Smokey Eye

glitter

If you fancy dabbling with a spot of glitter without going the whole hog, why not consider a glittering smokey eye? Take inspiration from the Roberto Cavalli’s AW16 show and buff a shimmering yet highly pigmented black eyeshadow over your whole lid before coating your lashes in volumising mascara.

Nars Night Series Eyeshadow in Night Clubbing, £18

Lancome Hypnose Mascara, £23.50

Stella McCartney’s Pop of Subtle Sparkle

glitter

At Stella McCartney glitter was used in a minimalistic away to create a subtle flicker of sparkle. To master the look, take a shimmering silver eye pencil and draw a V-shape line in the inner corner of eye before blending with a smudger brush. Complete by lining the waterline with a nude pencil and lengthening black mascara. Ideal when you’ve had one too many late nights, this luminesce look will instantly brighten tired eyes.

3ina The Eye Pencil Colour 207, £6.95

Rimmel kohl eyeliner in nude, £3.99

Rodarte’s Glitter Cuticles

glitter

While glitter nails are hardly a groundbreaking look for party season, it’s the easiest way to add a touch of sparkle to your ensemble. For a fresh twist on the classic, try glitter cuticles. For Rodarte’s AW16 show manicurist Tracylee painted model’s nails in a nude polish and then used a small brush to trace the line of the nail with gold glitter. You’ll need patience and a steady hand for this one.

Essie Limo Scene, £7.99

Nails Inc Chelsea Embankment, £15

READ MORE: Five Classic Beauty Looks To Channel At Your Christmas Party

READ MORE: Glitter Lip Liner Is Here To Make Your Christmas

READ MORE: MAC’s Mariah Carey Christmas Collection Is Everything We Could Have Hoped For

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us