You’ve taken great care in decking your halls, your gifts, and maybe even a dress or two with the season’s signature twinkle. But when it comes to your makeup, there’s a fine line between the appropriate level of glitter and looking like you belong front row at a Justin Bieber concert. Think of this way: It’s not glitter—it’s sparkle, says makeup artist Sonia Kashuk. The shiny stuff present in makeup today is “more refined and delicate” than the body glitter and shimmer powder of decades past. And with the right application, a sweep of sparkle can add lift and youthful definition to wherever the light hits it. How can you make sure you’re picking up the product that’s right for you? Stick with a brand you trust, Kashuk suggests. “Lines that are geared toward adolescents will feature big pieces of glitter, or say the word ‘glitter’ in the name.” Beware of items that say “shimmer” as well; shimmer imparts a shine, where as grown-up glitter draws a soft wash of light-reflecting particles. “It draws just a twinkle of brightness, like someone sprinkled fairy dust.” Keep clicking to learn how to build a festive and fashionable holiday look. More from Prevention: The ABC’s of BB Creams, How to Prevent Your Lipstick From Smudging
- On your nails
No matter how much glitter you’ve got going on with your makeup, your hair, or your clothes, your nails can break all the rules. Glitter polish is more versatile than your average shade; just think about the layering possibilities. Whether you chose to sparkle-ify one finger, add it as a topcoat to your favorite red, or paint all 10 fingers confetti-colored, your nails are a neutral place to show off just how festive you really are. Here are some ideas. For the glitter-phobes: Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in Golden Ticket ($4.79; Target) Chromatic shades like this golden one look beautiful on all nail shapes and can accompany you to both business functions and informal holiday play. For the one who always wears baby pink: Revlon Nail Enamel in Popular ($5; drugstores) Upgrade your manicure staple to this one, infused with delicate sparkles and occasional pieces of large silver hexagon glitter. Every nail ends up its own unique pattern. We’ll be wearing this shade right into 2013…and beyond! For the party animal: OPI Nail Lacquer in The Living Daylights ($8; opi.com for salons) This mix of blue, silver, gold, and copper glitter looks like a celebration on your nails. Wear it over black for a more elegant look, over bright blue if you’re feeling wild, or layer it on solo and let the shimmer speak for itself.
