Nothing says sparkle season like glittering eyeshadow. Much like our wardrobes are full of seasonal sequins, our festive makeup game should also be full of sparkle as glitter eyeshadow is trending hugely this year. But applying glitter isn’t without its challenges – carpet left shimmering until summer when a pot of loose glitter upended itself onto the floor and on more than one occasion we’ve gone out with glitter in places we did not mean to apply it.

But, you don’t need Euphoria levels of makeup skills to achieve this look. Here’s how to apply glitter eyeshadow like a pro to create the perfect sparkly eye with none of the usual mishaps.

Choosing the Right Formula

Thankfully, the days of large and chunky loose glitter eyeshadow are no more as today’s super sparkly glitter comes in more refined formulas. Liquids, pressed powders and gel-like glitter shadows are everywhere, and can be applied without pesky product drop off landing on your face. Loose glitter pots remain available but are better for anyone a bit more adept at makeup. Pressed glitter powder adheres better to the eyelids and it’s perfect for beginners.

Smaller particles look more sophisticated than chunky glitter and you can use as much as you like – whether to catch the light along the lashes with a liquid glitter liner, or go full-on with a sparkly eyelid. And while a light dusting of clear or silver glitter is trending for Christmas, we say bring on the colour!

The Perfect Application Method

Beauty expert Maria Mukaranda at Cosmetify has a glitter eyeshadow hack to satisfy your inner diva in a single step. She says the simplest trick is to create a smoky eye with added glitter. “Creating a smoky glitter lid eye look combines the drama of a classic smoky eye with the sparkle of glitter, the perfect way to incorporate a disco eye look for any glamour event you may have coming up.” A smoky eye will be your base, and depending on how confident you are you can create your eye look before or after putting on your foundation and concealer. She advises the following steps:

• Focus firstly on the smoky eye element: take a medium-toned shade (dark brown or grey) and apply it to the crease and the outer ‘V’ of your eye, blending it outwards for a smoky effect.
• Build the intensity and once you are happy with your smoky eye, apply a glitter primer or a tacky eyeshadow base directly to the centre and inner portion of your eyelid.
• Press the glitter onto the centre and inner portion of your lid, keeping it focused in the middle to create a spotlight effect.
• Then, go back to the dark shadow you used in the outer corner and lightly blend the edges of the glitter and shadow.

Clean Up Hack

Don’t worry if you get some drop-off and glitter ends up on your cheeks or nose, it happens. If you have left your base until after, use a reusable cotton pad and some makeup remover to lift off the glitter, and continue. If your foundation and concealer are already in place, get a cotton bud and soak it in makeup remover and roll it across the glitter to lift it away without taking off too much of your face base. Touch up where necessary with a little concealer.

Glitter Eyeshadow Secret Weapon

The surefire way to set a glitter eyeshadow in place and keep it there all night is to use an eye primer with glycerin to act as a base for the glitter. This lock the particles down in a way that concealer often doesn’t.

• Spread a primer across the lid and allow it to get a little tacky but do not apply powder on top.
• When it’s tacky, move in with the glitter and press it into place.
• When your makeup is finished, spritz everything with a mist of setting spray.

What to Products Buy

To create a glitter eyeshadow look for every party, girl’s night out and date night this Christmas and New Year, these are the essentials to stock up on.

Eye Primers: MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base, €26 and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original, €26 are cult buys when it comes to any eye look you want to achieve.

Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow: For zero drop off and intense sparkle, Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Diamond Dust, €30 and Iconic London Glaze Crayon in Nectar Rose Gold, €28 are star buys for Christmas 2024. There are multiple shades in each.

Pressed Glitter Shadow: For when you want a touch of sparkle for a night out or a full-on disco look, we love Victoria Beckham Lid Lustre in Tea Rose, €42 (eight shades) and Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotising Pop Shot in Cosmic Rocks, €30 (nine shades)

Makeup Setting Spray: For a glowing skin and makeup finish, NARS Light Reflecting Mist, €37.29/100ml is a stunning buy and Lisa Eldridge Skin and Makeup Enhancing Mist, €45/200ml hydrates the skin and sets makeup in place for the day.

Eye Makeup Remover: A bi-phase eye makeup remover is best for taking away a glitter eyeshadow at the end of the night. We rate Lancôme Bi-Facil Makeup Remover, €30.51/125ml and Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover, €28/125ml for how quickly the dissolve even waterproof mascara.

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