Vain Glorious Glitter for Grown-Ups

Courtesy of Dior

From Dior Haute Couture to the fall 2011 collections of Giles and Vena Cava, one thing is clear: glitter is unavoidable this season. And that’s a good thing. When applied correctly, the sparkly stuff can impart a bright, youthful energy to any look, without being juvenile. Here, the Dior celebrity makeup artist Ricky Wilson explains how.

Pair Wisely
To best incorporate glitter into your look, first make references to what you’re wearing. Makeup is an accessory, so you’ll want to avoid pairing glitter with bold patterns or reflective textures (like sequins) as the result can be, well, tacky. Instead, use a sweep of sparkle to brighten your lash line, nails or cheekbones when wearing rich, jewel-tone velvets or delicate, flesh-colored chiffons.

Contrast is key when it comes to your makeup, too. Unexpected finishes, like matte skin, a brushed brow and dewy, non-metallic lips keep the look modern and age appropriate.

Try: Chanel Lumière Sculptée de Chanel Highlighting Powder ($72, chanel.com); Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Bad Romance ($18, lippmanncollection.com); L’Oréal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara ($8.76, drugstore.com).

Layer Your Look
Avoid an overly theatrical finish by layering a glitter-infused pencil, shadow or pigment over a classic, complementary base. For a more natural look soccer jerseys cheap, try a wash of shimmering nude eye shadow topped with champagne-colored, loose glitter in only the inner corners. Have a flair for the dramatic? Create a cat eye using liquid liner, then trace over the outer “v” with a matching, sparkle-infused formula.

Try: Nars Glitter Pencil in Mudd Club ($24, narscosmetics.com) over Le Metier de Beaute Dualistic Eye Pencil in Champagne ($36, lemetierdebeaute.com); Sephora Collection Glitter Eyeliner in Black ($12, sephora.com) atop any shade from the Dior Blue Tie Palette ($70, dior.com).

Have Scotch on Hand
Tape, not single malt (sadly). It’s the best way to remove stray flecks of glitter. Another key investment is a small flat brush, which ensures optimal application. Glitter loves movement, so if the brush is too big or fluffy, things will likely get messy — fast.

Try: M.A.C. #212 Flat Definer Brush ($22.50, maccosmetics.com).