The Glitter Renaissance: Embracing Shine This Holiday Season
Glitter, once the polarizing darling of the beauty world, akin to pineapple on pizza in its divisiveness, is experiencing a remarkable comeback. Long relegated to the realms of juvenile aesthetics and festival circuits, its sparkle was further dimmed by environmental concerns surrounding microplastics. However, a new wave of biodegradable shimmer, cleaner formulations, and more sophisticated applications has paved the way for glitter’s redemption arc. This holiday season, it’s time to embrace a tasteful, rather than theatrical, luminosity – think the glamorous energy of Studio 54, refined for intimate, candlelit gatherings.
Dominic Skinner, Director of Makeup Artistry at MAC and a judge on the reality TV series Glow Up, notes a significant resurgence in the "hedonistic, carefree days of disco." He observes a fresh appeal in "frosts, sparkle, and luminosity," moving away from anything perceived as fussy. Alongside Rita Remark, Essie’s Global Ambassador, they offer insights into mastering shimmer for a sophisticated glint, not an overwhelming glitter bomb.
Illuminating the Eyes: A Canvas for Light
The eyes remain the most accessible and natural canvas for incorporating sparkle. Their inherent ability to play with light means even a subtle touch of shimmer can make a significant impact.
- Inner Corner Accent: Skinner suggests a fail-safe method: applying sparkle to the inner corner of the eye, around the tear duct. This draws focus and adds a touch of brightness without overwhelming the look.
- Hooded Eye Enhancement: For those with hooded eyes, applying an iridescent eyeshadow to the eyelid base, along the lash line, can create the illusion of larger eyes.
- Modern Textures: The beauty industry now offers effortless sparkle through modern textures. Think of MAC’s Dazzleshadow Liquid, creamy shadow sticks, and multi-chromatic formulas that shift colour with movement.
- Effortless Application: A simple yet effective technique involves applying a single colour shadow across the lid, followed by mascara. Skinner emphasizes not overthinking this approach for maximum payoff.
Radiant Skin: A Sophisticated Sheen
Moving beyond the over-highlighted trends of the 2010s, the modern interpretation of glowing skin is about achieving a natural radiance.
- The Essence of Radiance: Skinner describes radiant skin as embodying health, freshness, and a demimatte finish.
- Liquid Highlighter as Primer: A clever technique involves treating liquid highlighter as a primer. Applied to bare skin and allowed to dry before foundation, it creates a "soft-focus lift" that is more chic than dewy or sweaty.
- Disco Ball Chic: The goal is a subtle bounce of light that appears to emanate from within the skin, rather than looking like perspiration. MAC’s Skinfinish Lightstruck liquid highlighter is a prime example, offering an iridescent finish that mimics this effect. It’s like bottled party lighting.
Frosty Lips: A Y2K Comeback Reimagined
The Y2K era’s frosted lip look is making a return, but thankfully, it has been reimagined for a more modern and refined aesthetic.
- Smoother, Fresher Formulas: Today’s frosted lip products are characterized by smoother, more hydrating formulas.
- Grown-Up Shine Recipe: To achieve a sophisticated frosted lip, start with a plumping lip oil to condition and fullness. Blot the lips, then apply the frost over the top for a metallic sheen that flashes rather than flakes.
Nail the Shine: Festive Manicures
A holiday manicure is a cherished tradition and a form of self-expression, signaling the official commencement of party season. This year, deviate from the typical seasonal reds and greens and embrace more refined tones.
- Jewellery Tones: Remark recommends opting for "jewellery tones" such as molten gold, silver chrome, and gemstone hues for a polished effect.
- Effortless Nail Art: Glitter can serve as nail art without requiring extra tools or specialized skills.
- Intentional Sparkle: Remark’s approach emphasizes intentional application. Consider a glitter with a clear base for a subtle, dusted-on effect, or place just three glitter dots along the cuticle line for understated sparkle.
- Timeless French Manicure: For a classic look, apply glitter to the tips of the nails, creating a glitter French manicure rather than an ombré effect.
- Soft Shimmer Options: For a softer shine, layer opalescent or iridescent top coats, like those with a colour shift, over deep-hued polishes. Essie’s Set in Stones, Liquid Sunrise, and Ethereal Escape are excellent choices for achieving a manicure that feels like modern art, even with the smallest touch of shimmer.
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