The Glitter Edit: your guide to the best Christmas makeup looks and nails
Seriously, is it even Christmas without glitter?
The countdown to Christmas is ON. And even though things are going to be very different this year, you’ll still want to look your festive best.
So what better way to rock your Christmas look than with glitter… and lots of it! We’ve rounded up the sparkly makeup trends and nail designs you’ll want to try this December.
The glitter smokey eye
If you’re out and about this Christmas, your face mask will be covering your mouth and cheeks. Which means you need to make your Christmas eye makeup totally stand out.
Why not try a dramatic smokey eye with touches of glitter, a look that was seen on the AW 20/21 catwalk at Tom Ford and Nicole Miller.
Penny Williams, Makeup Artist at Blush! Beauty and Hair says, “The classic smokey eye never goes out of fashion, but this year amp it up to megawatt levels with the addition of festive gold glitter.
“From a subtle pop of gold in the inner corners of the eyes, to a full on two tone black and gold eye, glitter is your friend this Christmas.”
“A sparkly gold eyeliner adds drama especially when layered as a thin line over a more theatrical black wing.”
The glitter lip
Christmas is a time to experiment with rich colours. So along with a classic red, why not make an impression on your Zoom office party call by rocking a glitter lip.
It’s up to whether you opt for a glitter glow or go full sparkle. Here’s how to create your glitter-perfect look…
Exfoliate your lips then apply a lip balm to moisturise. Use lip liner to outline your lips before applying glitter lip gloss. If you’re going for full on sparkle, apply clear gloss instead. Then use a dry makeup brush to pick up some glitter and tap gently over your lips.
Pssst…. for an expert beauty hack, use tape to remove any unwanted glitter around your lips.
Christmas glitter nails
With the prospect of no Christmas parties on the horizon, use your nails to get you in the festive mood. Solid gold or a polish with opaque glitters bring sparkle and light, says Clare Winter (aka Pixie) who runs Lil Pixie Nails.
And to paint your nails like a pro, Pixie has these tips:
1. Sit at a table with good overhead lighting.
2. Prep the natural nail first by wiping it down with a wipe soaked with nail polish remover to remove any oil from the nail first. (Don’t use cotton wool as it leaves fibres behind.)
3. Always use a base coat to protect nails from staining - it makes polish last longer too.
4. Rest both elbows on the table to minimise wobbles.
5. Make sure the angle of the brush is low. Go for 30 degrees as opposed to a more vertical angle. This helps you avoid brush strokes and streaks.
6. Use two coats of polish for an even look.
7. Always use nail topcoat for extra protection and shine.
Here are a few glitter-tastic nail designs to try at home…
We love glitter! Why not keep up to date with the latest trends over on our facebook? Or, take a look at some more of our top tips in our Beauty by You section.