on glitter

Overall, I do think the best makeup is "no makeup makeup". But sometimes "lots of makeup makeup" is the only option. Sometimes I can no longer keep up the pretense of being sophisticated (HA). Sometimes overstated triumphs over understated. And all of those times are fine times to douse oneself in iridescent particles and let your head become a mobile disco ball. The most important thing about wearing makeup is to have fun, and in my eyes there is nothing more fun than glitter.
What lots of plebs don't know is that glitter can be done somewhat subtly (as well as the also charming assault-on-the-eyeballs look). Glitter can be for life, not just for Christmas.

Maybelline Baby Lips Crystal in Pink Quartz, Wet n Wild Mega Brilliant Lip Gloss in Crushed Grapes, Topshop Glitter in Periwinkle, Barry M Fine Glitter Dazzle Dust in 7, Ebay glitters, Bourjois Intense Eyeshadow in 03, Topshop Chameleons in Shuffle the Cards and Wax & Wane.

Here are the prods that work best, ranging from fine shimmery sparkle to sizeable holographic chunks. On the eyes, the best "wearable" glitter I've found (although all glitter is "wearable", you just have to wear it) is the Bourjois eyeshadow. It's a great peachy nude colour which is similar to the colour of my eyelids, except packed with tiny silver glitters. When applied liberally it actually looks like you've got glossy, wet eyelids like a fresh-faced cherub. One step up on the sparkly scale are these ace Topshop eyeshadows (called "chameleons" for no discernible reason). When applied wet they look almost foiled, but can also be used lightly as a more unusual highlight on the inner corners etc. The reason these are so good is because they are glitters running through quite normal, nudey eyeshadow colours. Shuffle the Cards is a peach-nude with lots of gold and pink sparkle, while Wax & Wane is a darker taupe with purple and blues. There was a tan and lime green one which I didn't buy at the time and now can't find, which is probably a regret I shall take to my grave. These are surprisingly easy to wear, particularly over a brownish eyeshadow base to do a boring old brown smokey eye but better.

Now onto glitters for experts. The Barry M Glitter Dazzle Dusts should come in about 50 more colours, but still, this pink and silver one is a good time. I like it on the eyelids for a pink-eye-but-glittery look. I also, in a moment of weakness bought 15 pots of multi-coloured glitters on ebay. I now have every colour I could possibly need, but my favourites are the white and the silver holographic. Applied with a wet brush on eyelids and cheekbones they can make you look like an ethereal cult leader. And the Topshop loose glitter in Periwinkle is perhaps the most ridiculous of all the glitters. The iridescent pieces in every shade of white are huge and certainly eye-catching, but perhaps not one for your everyday makeup bag.

 Of course, you can always just smear something glittery on your lips and call it a day. I like these Maybelline and Wet n Wild options because they are garish, articifically scented and, most importantly, cheap. As the photo captures (or more accurately, doesn't), these are actually surprisingly subtle, and good in a fix to smear anywhere on your face where you want more shine (eyelids, cupids bow, cheekbones, you get it).

The one and only downside to glitter is the aftermath. Expect yourself to find bits in inconceivable places for the rest of your life. Instead of being annoyed by it, embrace it. There's something charming and ethereal about leaving a spangly trail behind wherever you go, no?