With festive season just around the corner, glitter eyeshadow is a go-to for a pretty party look. However, it can be tricky to apply it – and keep it – in the right places.
We caught up with Suzanne Potts, Founder and Principal here at AR Media Make Up School in Manchester, to get her top tips for the perfect glitter eye application, so you can join the ‘glitterati’.
Plan Your Look
If you didn’t know already then you’re about to learn that glitter can get everywhere. It might be better to start with the eyes. That way, you won’t find yourself having to reapply your face make up further down the line.
Prepare for Take Off
Once you’re happy with the rest of your eye makeup, the first port of call is to prep your lids. Make sure your glitter kind of matches the eye shadow it’s going over and you’ve got a suitable glitter glue/primer. MAC and NYX both do great eye primers that will do the trick. But a cream based shadow or sticky lip balm can be used as an alternative, if your kit is limited.
Set the Scene
The next key tip is to apply loose glitter with the right brush. You want a flat headed brush that will allow you to ‘dab’ the glitter on. This will allow you to press the glitter into place, rather than sweeping it over the lid. Give each lid time to set, keeping your eye closed or looking down to avoid building glitter up in the crease.
Finishing Touch
Glitter tends to be a bit more stubborn than eyeshadow. It might take more than to be simply swept away with a clean brush! So, if you have a little mess to clean up afterwards, then using sticky tape (not too sticky of course) to peel away excess glitter like a lint roller is a good trick.
Images by Irina Gromovataya from Pixabay
PRO MUA TIP
If you’re using an eye-shadow that already contains glitter, then the best tip I can give to make sure you don’t look like you’ve had a run-in with a unicorn, is to make sure you apply to a cream base. This could be something like a liquid concealer to help it stay in place. Also, don’t tap excess shadow off your brush before applying.
It’s much easier to build and blend shadow when you have a good amount stuck onto the cream base. Then gradually blend edges, shaping as you go. These dramatic looks can’t be rushed, so allow yourself plenty of time.
