The Grown-Up Guide To Glitter
Glitter—love it or loathe it—has officially reclaimed its spot on the beauty throne. But don’t panic. This isn’t the chunky, kid-at-a-craft-table kind of glitter. We’re talking chic, sophisticated sparkle that says, “I own my glow” rather than “I fell into the Christmas decoration box!” The festive season is the perfect time to add a little shimmer to your look, but here’s the trick: it’s all about balance.
Glitter can be elegant, ethereal, and totally grown-up if you know how to wield it. Think subtle sheen on the eyes, a whisper of sparkle on the cheeks, or a twinkling accent in your hair. Ready to glow up without looking like a disco ball? Jamie Coombes, Dior Pro Artist tells us how…
4 ways to glitter like a pro
1. Pick your playground
Glitter is like red lipstick—pick one feature to focus on. Going bold on the eyes? Keep the lips subtle. Rocking a glitter lip? Dial down the eyes. The goal is to enhance, not overwhelm.
2. Go for fine-milled sparkle
The key to grown-up glitter is all in the texture. Chunky glitter screams middle school dance, but ultra-fine shimmer looks luminous and refined. Look for products labelled “micro-glitter” or “pearlescent.”
3. Stick to a strategic colour palette
Golds & bronzes: Perfect for warm undertones. They give a sunlit glow that flatters every festive outfit.
Silvers & icy whites: Ideal for cooler skin tones and adds a wintery, frosted vibe.
Rose golds & soft pinks: Universally flattering and oh-so-chic.
Subtle pops of colour: Deep emeralds, smoky purples, or sapphire blues can be stunning on the eyes if kept soft and blended.
4. Less is more
Glitter should be a finishing touch, not the main event. Think of it as an accent—a little sparkle on the lids, a dab on the cupid’s bow, or a pop in the inner corner of your eyes.
Always consider glitter an accessory—a reflection of your outfit and mood.
The best glitter combos for your skin type
While there’s no ‘rule’ that says what you should or shouldn’t try, there are some hue combos that look undeniably incredible. Silvers, icy pinks, and soft lavenders flatter cool undertones and fair skin beautifully. Meanwhile, golds, coppers, and rose tones bring out the natural warmth of olive skin. Rich bronzes, jewel tones, and golden glitters pop gorgeously look a million bucks on darker tones.
Best places to apply glitter
Eyes
A soft glitter lid is a classic festive look. Pair a creamy eyeshadow base with a touch of shimmer patted onto the centre of your lids for dimension. Or go for a glitter eyeliner for a sleek, sparkly twist on the classic cat eye. Use your finger to press glitter onto the lid—it warms up the product for better adhesion.
Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, £24 Liquid glitter that’s mess-free and dazzling.
Cheeks
For a grown-up glow, avoid chunky highlighters and opt for finely milled powder with a pearlescent finish. Apply sparingly to the tops of your cheekbones for a lit-from-within look.
Lips
A glittery lip is bold, festive, and oh-so-fun—but keep the rest of your makeup understated. Pair a glitter gloss with a matching lipstick for a dimensional pout.
Hair
A hint of glitter gel worked into your parting or the ends of a sleek ponytail is playful without being childish. Plus, it catches the light beautifully at holiday parties.
Try: IGK Preparty Hair Strobing Glitter Spray, £21 Adds subtle sparkle to strands without weighing them down; Curlsmith Hair Makeup Gold, £13 for molten metallic hair.
Sheen vs. shine: The art of subtle glow
If glitter feels too much for you, go for a dewy sheen instead. This is all about radiant, hydrated skin that glows without glitter overload. Focus on cream or liquid highlighters and illuminating primers that blend seamlessly into the skin.
Top Tip: Stick to areas that naturally catch the light—cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose.
If glitter feels too bold, there are subtle ways to add sparkle: opt for illuminating primers or highlighters with a delicate shimmer.
Pro tips
Primer is non-negotiable: Always use a primer (or glitter adhesive for loose glitter) to avoid fallout and keep everything in place.
Use the right tools: For loose glitter, use a flat brush or your fingertip for precise application. For pressed glitter, go straight in with your finger for max payoff.
Keep it clean: A bit of glitter fallout is inevitable. Use a piece of cello tape to pick up stray flecks without smudging your makeup.
Set it and forget it: Lightly mist your face with setting spray to lock your look in place for the night.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
