Have you ever wondered why are we so attracted to sparkles? The explanation of this peculiar phenomenon is simpler than you might think. We love glitter and all things sparkling because of our survival instinct. Glitter reminds us of something that we can't live without and it is water! Water is just as beautiful and reflective as glitter particles so why not add a pinch of this to our summer looks?

Some may be afraid or hesitant at using glitter and think it may be only for teeny boppers or not suited for adults! This is absolutely not true. There's so many elegant and grown up ways to use glitter and it doesn't always have to be bold and in your face, even adding a small accent adds that sparkly element without being OTT (over the top).

Check out these sparkly and edgy looks and discover new ways to use glitter this summer season!

GILDED

When going glam, you can never go wrong with a gilded gold lid! Gilded is when the majority of the lid is covered with gold. This can be with eyeshadow, glitter and even eyeshadow pigments and can range from sheer to full on metallic!

Gilded Metallic Glam Tutorial

The lids can be thinly covered with glitter for an iridescent, soft glam effect.

When paired with a soft neutral or rose hued eyeshadow underneath, you get a beautiful rose gold, ethereal effect when the two shades combine.

Rose Gold Glam Tutorial

You can build up the glitter for an ombre gradient effect which is starting with little to no glitter in the inner corners and gradually building up the intensity towards the center of the lid. 

Sexy Sultry

When paired with a smokey eye, the look is stunning as the dark matte hues in the outer corners really make the glitter pop even more!

Glittery Smokey

If you're really feeling bold, you can go all out by combing techniques such as a smokey eye and a cut crease for a sexy and dramatic combination.

Gilded Makeup Tutorial

Any time you're going for a gilded lid, make sure you define the crease and outer 'v' with a matte shade especially when you'll be taking lots of photos as flash photography will otherwise wash out any light reflecting particles such as glitter.

Dark, matte liner (along the upper lashline) compliments glitter really well and is a must especially for photoshoots. Lashes also compliment glittery lids and bring dimension back into the look. If you aren't a fan of false lashes, invest in a really good mascara when going for the gilded look.

HD Party Makeup

COLORFUL GLITTER:

When it comes to glitter, the most common shades that come in mind are gold and silver. Although these classic shades are timeless and always compliment everything, there's no harm in being a little festive and exploring different color palettes! Glitter also comes in many types and colors and there's so many ways to rock this look!

When you're going for a specific color, try a monochrome color palette. Monochrome is sticking to just one color and using complimentary shades in the same color family to add dimension and depth to the look.

You can create a beauiful halo or gilded eye look with a monochrome color palette. So the look doesn't fall flat and to keep the look visually appealing, add a pair of false lashes for a glam effect.

Monochrome Berry

To tszuj up silver or iridescent glitter, try adding a bright, vivid or neon shade in the crease for a whimsical and fun look! Since silver is considered a neutral shade, you can choose any pop of color here to compliment the look.

Color Play

Play up an earthy or neutral smokey or halo eye with colorful glitter in the center of the lid. This will add interest to the look and will add a pop of fun color, too.

Full on Glam

If you're really feeling artsy and are ready to take things to next level, try adding glitter flakes, rhinestones, stones or foil to your look!  You can use lash glue to make sure these stick to the lid. If you really want to add multifaceted dimension, try holographic or multi-colored sparkles.

Sparkles X Rainbow Cut Crease

GLITTER EYELINER

Forget about boring matte and neutral eyeshadows and try out sparkly eyeliner because is going to be one of the hottest makeup trends this summer! You can play around with crazy eyeliner shapes and colors but the main ingredient is a heavy glitter accent. 

We have an entire post dedicated to glitter eyeliner looks to try so be sure to check it out.

Purple Cut Crease & Glitter Eyeliner

GLITTERY ACCENT:

If you're hesitant at adding glitter and don't want to look like an OTT disco ball, then you should try adding a subtle, glittery accent to your look.

Play up your everyday neutral or monochrome lid with a pearlescent eyeshadow pigment. You still get that sparkly element, yet it's grown up and not chunky and in your face sparkles. The easiest way to add this is to your inner corners or just beneath the brows for a subtle glowing highlight. It's wearable, glam and adds a nice touch of sparkle.

Glitter Highlighter Accent

Another subtle approach is adding a pearlescent dust on the lids. This can be layered over shadow or worn alone. 


Amethyst

Sprinkling even the smallest amount of glitter over a neutral or monochrome lid adds a nice touch. Try to keep the glitter below the crease so it's more of an accent rather than a statement look.

Mocha Gold with Sparkles, Please

If you're feeling bold,  you can amp up your smokey eye with a finely milled glitter in the inner corners in an ivory or champagne lid, then add a colored accent glitter to the center of the lids for a pop of color. Adding the smallest amount still creates impact and adds oomph to the look.

Smokey Glitter

You can add one swipe of glitter liner to the outer edge of your cut crease for a fun graphic element.

Purple Cut Crease

For a whimsical look, you can add chunky glitter flakes as a highlighter to add light and luminosity to the eyes!

Graphic Cut Crease

We're obsessed with this next look as it's so different yet fun and the aquatic glitter shade literally has summer written all over it!!! The placement of this glitter really frames the eyes and the bright color adds a nice pop of color.

Glitter Eyeliner

GLITTER HALO:

One of our fave ways to rock the glitter trend is using the halo spotlight technique! Adding glitter to the center of a halo eye instantly adds sparkle and that glam element.

We added halo eyes as the quintessential glam look in our Prom Makeup Ideas post, check it out for similar look ideas.

Rose Gold Halo

You can add instant drama by adding glitter to the very center of the lid and surrounding the inner and outer corners with a dark matte shade. 

Glitter Halo

The darker the matte shade in the outer and inner corners, the more dramatic the look will be.

Smokey Halo

You can create a sunset halo eye which is perfect for summer using an orange, red and burgundy color palette topped off with gold glitter.

Rose Gold Halo

Amp up your glittery halo by dampening your brush with water, Fix+ or a finishing spray which will give you a glistening metallic effect.

Metallic Glam

Combine trends for a bold and fun look! We love this neon halo eye incorporating the glitter cut crease and glitter tears all into one look!

Gitter Halo X Cut Crease

GLITTER TEARS:

Glitter tears are another recent rising trend and is basically a bunch of glitter below the eye to emulate 'tears.'

Black & Gold Glitter Tears

Glitter tears instantly glam up a matte eye makeup look. Although this look is very pretty and great for the Insta feed and summer festivals and carnivals, it's not wearable for everyday.

Festival Vibes

You can add multi sized and multicolored glitter for different effects and dimension.

Rainbows, Confetti & Gitter

Add glitter flakes to the center of the lid as well as below for a dramatic glitter tears look!

Ultra Violet Foiled Glam Tutorial

GET THE LOOK:

All you need to get those sad yet beautiful glitter tears is to smudge eyeshadow under your eyes, add adhesive or lash glue and dab a bit of glitter. To complete the look, draw cat eyeliner and don't forget to add false eyelashes for that glam effect.

Don't worry about fall out, you can always remove unwanted glitter with a piece of tape or makeup remover.  

Play around with different shapes, sizes, color, and textures for a one of a kind look!

Artsy

GLITTER LIPS:

Glitter lips can make your everyday lips more festive. But what is the best way to wear glitter on your lips? Applying glitter on your lips can be a very difficult task but the secret is simpler, than you think.

Glittery Red Lips

GET THE LOOK:

First of all, you need to find soft, fine cosmetics grade glitter that won't feel like heavy sand paper on the lips! Make sure to line your lips and apply a highly pigmented liquid lipstick. Grab a small synthetic brush, dip it in the glitter powder and apply it on your lips. Set the glitter on your lips with a makeup setting spray.

Bronzed Copper

Begin with an ombre lip and then add add glitter on top for a multifaceted look. You can even combine two or more shades for more dimension and shine!

Insta Baddie Lip Tutorial

Take your glitter lips to next level by embellishing the look with rhinestones, studs and crystals.

Bold Red Lips & Glittery Lips

So many different ways to incorporate glitter and embellish your lip art! 

GLITTERY MANI:

Why limit your eyes and lips to glitter when you can rock a bold and glitzy mani!  There's nothing quite like a holographic manicure especially in the summertime.

Glitzy Spring Manicure

If you'd like to embellish a holo nail art look, you can add a french tip design to the tips for a graphic touch.

Glittery Holo

Not all holos are created equal and come in different shapes, textures and colors! Check out this look with silver holographic galaxy glitters and a rainbow of color shifting chrome flakies.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

The easiest way to wear glitter on your nails is the accent finger and there's so many combinations and look ideas to try here!

Sparkles & Bows

Finally, you can combine different looks and trends into your manicure as well, such as this look below which incorporates the glitter accent and is heavily embellished with studs and rhinestones. This look goes to show that glitter doesn't always have to pretty and girly and can have an edge to it at the same time.

Elaborate Coffin Manicure

We all must be thankful to American machinist Henry Ruschmann and his work accident for inventing the glitter machine. This invention allows us to enjoy sparkling makeup looks and supports our glitter obsession. 

What is your favorite sparkly look?

Upload your looks here or share your makeup looks with us on Instagram with #GlamExpress

View more posts from Glam Express here

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