Imaxtree
Shimmery makeup is a polarizing subject. To many, high shine is a relic, a beauty memento of the days when Britney Spears dominated your discman. But just because you smeared metallic silver eyeshadow up to your brows in the late ’90s, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear shimmer in 2015 and still look like an adult. Whether the shimmer is on your cheeks or your lids, the key to wearing it in a modern way is all in how you apply it. We went to superstar makeup artist and butter LONDON’s Global Color Ambassador Katie Jane Hughes to learn exactly how to wear shimmery makeup—plus what not to do.
Let shimmery eyeshadow be your statement.
If you’re swiping shine on your lids, let that be the focal point of your beauty look. “Wear shimmery shadow all on its own to look more current and modern,” Katie says. “Too many shimmery elements will look retro, and not in a good way.” Opt for a neutral shade that’s easier to work with and goes well with bold lipsticks.
Use water with your eyeshadow.
To make your shimmery shadow even more modern, Hughes suggests using a dampened makeup brush to apply it. She says it will look like liquid metal once applied—and it’ll stay even longer on your skin. “Add a red lip for an extra touch of glamour that looks unexpectedly cool,” she adds.
Wear shimmery shadow with the same lipstick shade.
Who didn’t have a shimmer lip gloss back in the day? While we still reminisce over the finish on our lips, Hughes says getting it right can be really hard. Instead, she says to wear a shimmery eyeshadow and coordinate your look by pairing it with a lipstick shade in the same color family. She suggests trying out berry toned shadows with a matte velvet lipstick to match, like Moisture Matte by butter LONDON ($22, ulta.com), and setting it with a loose powder.
Pick a cheek shimmer that matches your skin tone.
To give your complexion a hint of sparkle, Hughes says you can apply a bit of finely-milled loose shimmer in a shade close to your skin tone on your cheeks and cheekbones. “To apply, take a small fan brush and dip into product, tap of excess, then dust over cheeks and cheek bones” Katie tells us.. “You want to be particularly light-handed so you don’t overdo it.” And be sure to avoid shimmer powders that are white or golden—those can look robot-like outside the confines of your bathroom!
Don’t use multiple shimmery products.
If you’re applying a face shimmer or highlighter, stick to using just one solitary product with the same fine texture. “If you use multiple products that have different textures/consistencies—ie. different size glitters—it can start to look cheap,” she says.
Yes, you can do body shimmer!
But there’s a catch. Hughes says that the product needs to be finely milled—so no big chunks of glitter on your skin—in order for it to be chic. Try an oil-based body shimmer to give your skin some hydration with your glow; Katie loves Egyptian Magic ($39, birchbox.com) for its gorgeous, modern shine.
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