Sometimes I yearn for those tween years when I would open up my massive Caboodles trunk and whip out perfectly pigmented hues of pink, purple and gold glittered makeup. Even now, wearing sparkling makeup brings back those same feelings of confidence, adventure and enthusiasm I felt as I ventured off to my first junior prom.
Though entering into the workforce as a newly-minted Millennial professional does mean retiring the Wet N' Wild eye shadows, the glitter makeup trend can—and should—still be a part of our daily makeup routine.
Here are some foolproof ways to incorporate a sophisticated shimmer into your life:
1. Mix it in foundation for an all-over glow.
We all want that radiant glow usually reserved for pregnant women or small children. A finely-shimmered primer or radiant boosting cream highlighter can add that subtle glittering effect so you can achieve that just-leaving-the-spa effect every day. Try mixing it into your foundation as a base coat or adding it to the high points of your face.
What you'll need: Charlotte Tillbury Wonderglow, $55, Nordstrom or NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator, $7.50, Amazon
2. Use a pigmented highlighter and shine like Karlie Kloss.
Anyone who's seen a Kardashian-style tutorial on YouTube knows a thing or two about contouring and highlighting. Adding a sublet yet pigmented highlighter to the cheekbones, brow bones and just above the eyebrows will enhance your facial features. When the light hits your face just right, you'll dazzle.
What you'll need: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, $23, Amazon or Benefit High Beam, $26, Sephora
3. Go bold with dramatic eyes.
Celebrating a birthday, wedding or just a night out with girlfriends? Don't be afraid to layer on the glitter for a dramatic eye look.
First, prime your eyes to ensure the makeup will stick. Then, using your finger or a small tapered brush, pat the loose glitter onto your eyelid. As long as you keep the rest of your face matte and shimmer free, your look won't be overdone or tacky.
What you'll need: Make Up For Ever Glitters, $15, Sephora or Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow, $6, Amazon
4. Make your body so dazzling, Edward Cullen will be jealous.
Slathering loose glitter onto your body may seem a bit crazy, but when you're wearing skin-baring clothes, shimmered products can add the most lustrous effect to your skin. You'll be happy to stain your hands in the process.
What you'll need: MAC Glitter, $22, MAC Cosmetics or bareMinerals Glimmer Eyeshadow, $15, Ulta
5. When all else fails, say it with your nails
Being chained to a computer all day can make for some truly drab scenery. Give yourself something sparkly to look at by using glitter polishes or loose glitter to add a twist to your regular mani.
What you'll need: LAQA&co Gold Fleck and Green Manicure Duo, $17, LAQA&co or Whim Bold Glitters Nail Lacquer Collection, $10, Ulta
