Glitter/ Metallic Eyeshadow Tips and Tricks

Glitter and metallic eyeshadows are really trending!

There are a few simples tricks and products that help the look along.  Above, I have a metallic eye look using two of M.A.C's products on the lid that gives this overall effect.  The products I like for the metallic look are all of the M.A.C "reflects ..." colors.  In this photo, I am wearing reflects bronze and the pigment gold under it.  Trust me on the "reflects" glitters; they are amazing.  The glitter itself is a very small particle, so it gives the look of and overall wet sheen more than chunks of glitter.  I'm obsessed with these.  Just think of every eyeshadow you've ever bought that had sparkles in it but didn't look that way on.  Well, this does! I put it on my makeups like Jim Gaffigan decorates his food with bacon. 

 Prrriiiinnnggg! Baconnnnnn.... I mean, Glitterrrrrrr!!!!

I digress...

Since the reflects glitters are so tiny, they should not be based.  The base coats the glitter and makes it lose its sparkle.  On the other hand, a glitter eyeshadow look should be based to keep the glitter from getting all over your face.

Glitter is the sand of the makeup world: "Once you get it in there, you can't get it out" according to Stewie Griffin.

Anywho...

When applying a glitter eye, the trick is to make your lid the color of the glitter before applying it.  This will fill in any holes and keep you from having to keep applying glitter until your eye looks like a paper mache project and your face like you've been to a dark place and now smell like cotton candy.  For example, your glitter is purple. Step one, base eyeshadow. Two, apply purple eyeshadow. Three, use glitter liner or glitter gel to base eyelid.  Four, glitter!!!!

"How do you base the glitter," you ask.  Anything gel-ish that will hold glitter onto your lid works.  It could be a glitter liner, that cheap glitter body gel we used to get from Claire's for mixers in the 90's... you get the idea.  Its will be similar to hair gel in texture and be wet when first applied.  This is when you apply the glitter.  It gives it something to stick to and adheres it to the lid when it dries.  Its probably best to do your eyeliner before and touch it up after.  Glitter should be close to the last step before mascara.  

A really helpful hint when dealing with glitter is to put a ton of setting powder or blot powder on the face, especially under the eyes, before applying glitter.  This keeps the glitter from sticking to your face and making it look like you've been comforting a crying drag queen or making out with Tinkerbell.  

"What glitter is best?" you ask.  There is no need to break the bank.  Unless going for the subtle, metallic look, it doesn't matter too much.  Cosmetic glitter is easier to work with, but I have actually used glitter from Michael's before.  (I'm not recommending that btw, seriously, it kind of hurts.)  If the wall of glitter eyelid is the look you're going for, have a blast! and remember... powder your face first.

Fake Lashes:

One of the best ways to bump up your look without starting to venture into clown or drag queen territory are fake lashes.  With so many options it's hard to know which one to choose.  Here are some simple tips and tricks that make lashes easier and more comfortable.

1. Trim Them!!! Not the length of the eyelashes but at the base of the band to make them more comfortable on the eyelid.  If it pokes the inner corner of your eye when you blink, the strip is too long. The lash band is the part of the lash that you apply glue to, or the part that sits against your eyeliner.

2. Less glue is more.  Don't coat those suckers in glue! It ends up looking crusty!  Use a less is more strategy when applying the glue to the lash.  I like to carry my glue with me in case they lift throughout the night.  Believe me, caking it on won't necessarily help that.

3. Its like landing an airplane: neither straight down or straight in.  Think of the way a plane lands on a runway, this is the motion most helpful when placing the lash on the eye.

4.  A thinner lash band is more comfortable.  When selecting a lash think of how it will make your eye feel throughout the evening.  You could have the most beautiful fake lashes ever, but if the are uncomfortable and make your eyes water all anyone will notice is the makeup running down your face. Trimming them is, once again, a large part of the comfort factor.

5. A shorter lash band is more comfortable.  Some companies make "Corners" or half lash bands.  These go on the outer corner of the lash line and give that Marilyn Monroe look with almost no discomfort.  If I'm gonna be in lashes all day, they are my first choice.

6.  Natural hair lashes tend to be more comfortable and wear better than synthetic lashes.  Yes, they are more expensive, but you can wear the good ones more than once. Plus the cheap ones almost always have a rough edge somewhere that ends up driving me nuts after an hour of wear.

7.  Individual lashes are, in my opinion, over-hyped.  They are almost impossible to apply, end up crooked, and almost undetectable.  With so many companies competing to make a natural lash why bother with individuals?  If you would like a natural looking lash, go for a shorter, less full, brown lash with a clear lash band.  Think wispy and less uniform.  The more perfect a lash looks, the faker it will look.

I hope these tips help! Let me know if there is anything I missed.  The lashes featured in my photo are from House of Lashes and can be ordered online.  They are the most comfortable full strip I have ever worn, and the three-packs are a steal.  Free shipping in the U.S. on orders over $25.  Its worth it; check em out!  www.thehouseoflashes.com