Versace Atelier, Fall 2016 Couture Collection, Getty Image
Thank makeup artist Pat McGrath for the recent popularity of the glitzy beauty look. Her Insta-popular products that appropriately come nestled in a plastic pouch of sequins have brought runway looks like bedazzled vermillion lips and saturated metallic cat eyes to the street. Since her product kits regularly sell out and holiday party season is around the corner, I enlisted the expertise of makeup artist Kristofer Buckle, who works on famous faces like Jessica Chastain, Blake Lively and Kate Bekinsale to hack the trend and impart the best tips and techniques.
Accent One Feature
“Glitter can go from gorgeous to gaudy really quickly if you don't take precautions. For streetwear, it’s best to keep the glitter to one feature only — eyes or lip — the rest of the makeup should be neutral and minimal.”
Makeup Novices Should Go for the Lip
“The glitter lip is the easiest of the looks. Just spill some fine glitter onto a tissue and press finger into it and then press the glitter into the lipstick that is already on your lips. A formula with some moisture is key so that the glitter actually stays in place. Don't purse your lips together afterwards; this will just blur the shiny surface of the glitter and result in a dull lip.” Try Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick in Four Hundred For All a universal red or Tom Ford’s Soleil Lip Foil in Seadragon, a lush wine.
Use Lip Balm and Cream Eyeshadow as Glue
A glitter eye requires a bit of lip balm to help make it stick or a color-coordinating cream eye shadow. Paint the cream makeup or balm wherever you want to add sparkle. Use a small, flat brush and press into the loose glitter, and then press into the moist makeup where you want to place the glitter.” A great option is a petroleum-free balm that is comprised of just olive oil, grapefruit and shea butter like Olio E Osso #1 or try Burberry Eye Colour Cream in Gold Copper.
Avoid Mistakes with Post-Its
“For glitter that falls below your eye, I like to use a piece of scotch tape or the sticky part of a Post It note to lift off glitter in unwanted areas.”
Turn to the Art Store
“The glitter I always use is by Martha Stewart Crafts Essential Colors. It's sold in craft stores and you can buy 24 very cool colors from subtle to bold for the price of one that's being sold as a cosmetic. I also use a flat brush from the art store. The nylon bristles lend more control.”
Work Inward for the Perfect Cat Eye
“The best way to apply eye liner for a perfect cat eye is to paint a line from the outer corner of eye up and out to the length of the wing you want. Then, working inward from that line, connect it to the lash line. At that point, you can continue the line to the inner corner of the eye. It can be difficult to always get that perfect flick, so I created an eyeliner that comes with an attached eraser. The formulation is also extremely opaque, so you’ll always get a deep, black color without having to trace back over the line to darken it up.” Buckle’s new eyeliner launches in January 2017. In the interim, try Nars Eyeliner Stylo in Nuku Hiva or Koala .
It's OK to Explore Other Textures and Colors
“You can achieve a cat eye with a pencil too, but it's best to smudge it to give a softer, less defined smoky look. Look for long-wear formulas like 24/7 by Urban Decay or Infallible by L’Oreal. Also remember that a cat eye doesn't have to be black. Try deep browns, bronzes and plums for a modern take.”
