How to embrace sparkling make-up now

Light-reflecting makeup has always been associated with party season (which is quickly approaching), but this year the shimmer and shine comes with an extra dose of creativity: good news for those who enjoy the thrill of a more experimental makeup routine this year. A glittery golden eyelid always feels right in December, but now there’s a whole spectrum of shades to dive into.

The Spring/Summer 2023 catwalks offered several fresh ways to enjoy shine, from the subtle to the statement-making — and trust us, there’s something that’s taking all of us away from the tried-and-true matte neutrals.

“It’s all about consuming without caution, isn’t it?” says Dame Pat McGrath: Words of Brand from the Queen of Couture Impact. But even a magpie like McGrath can appreciate the power of subtlety: sometimes a demure touch of liner or a hint of translucent shimmer can elevate the look a notch higher without stealing focus. “Incorporating sparkle is similar to accessorizing your look with jewels. Want to make a statement or add a subtle accent?” she asks.

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Those who fall into the latter camp will be heartened by the fact that even the fashion industry’s most minimalist designers have embraced a touch of shimmer this season. At The Row, McGrath lent a lighter, more feminine feel to the design duo’s impeccable tailoring with a warm, translucent taupe sparkle above the eyes, while precisely placed flashes of gold dominated blockbuster shows employed by everyone from Giorgio Armani to Dries Van Noten molten metal.

Away from the catwalks, the A-list continues to show the joy of striking makeup: Cynthia Erivo is frequently tagged for her striking metallic looks, while Naomi Campbell remains the queen of the striking eye.

Here you will find all the inspiration you need to inspire your festive party looks this season.

Keep it neutral

“For a subtle sparkle, use a shade that complements your skin tone to create a natural glow on the eyelids or brow bone,” says McGrath. “For a more subversive glow, use a satin matte to sculpt the eye’s natural contours and apply a lustrous metallic to the eyelid for that big megawatt glow.”

Simply choose a warm taupe or peach eyeshadow bursting with finely ground sparkle and press onto clean lids with the pad of your finger. “You can do it with a brush, but your finger is fine — just sweep over the entire lid. It’s just a feast for the eye, like an accessory: you don’t have to be particularly skilled to do this,” says McGrath. Complete the look with clean skin and a clear lip gloss (yes, it’s big again).

Draw a line

Shimmer and shine can be used sparingly while still making an impact: a sparkling liner flash is a modern nod to the trend. A striking touch of cobalt or emerald green keeps the rest of the eyelid clean and can completely change the feel of a party look and offer a quirky alternative to classic glam. “Just take a liner brush and sweep along the lash line,” advises McGrath.

subtle improvement

Sometimes less really is more – even when it comes to party makeup. Much easier than mastering this multicolored smoky eye, a simple stroke of silver or gold placed at the inner corners is all you need.

A soft kohl pencil or a well-pigmented powder shadow will provide the right effect, but for added impact there’s a smart tool in McGrath’s own line. The Intensifeyes Artistry Wand is a blending liquid that you can apply directly to the skin to turn any powder into a jewel-like liquid. “Put a small dot on the inner corner of your eye, take your shine and touch it over it. The wand grabs the pigment and intensifies the color, giving you a flash of glitter.”

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statement lip

In 2016, the postbox red glitter lips McGrath created for Versace dominated the couture season and is still cited as one of the greatest beauty moments in runway history.

McGrath’s very own Blitztrance Lipstick is the easiest shortcut to embracing shimmery lips now: the glittering pigment sits as comfortably as a traditional lipstick and is easy to refill throughout the night. Pair with bare lids and mascara for the most impactful result.

embrace color

Forget what you’ve been told: there are no rules or restrictions when it comes to wearing color: on the Versace SS23 catwalk, McGrath painted 60 girls of all skin tones in the same shade of purple, and the result was electrifying every time. Try a cobalt blue against a little black or use glittery greens to inject new energy into tailoring. McGrath sums up the mood of the season: “People don’t get bogged down by too many rules anymore – we’re here to have fun.”