Understated can be classy. Bold can be beautiful. But what about going all out with sparkle, glitter, shimmer, and shine? Whether you’re updating a classic style or giving a full face of glow, adding glittering elements to your makeup helps you create one-of-a-kind looks. Below, we'll break down some of the best ways to incorporate glitter and metallics into your looks.
10 Twinkling Makeup Looks to Try
1. Mix With Mattes
If you're going for a dramatic look, look no further than pairing a bold matte color with neutral shimmers. For daytime, pair our Electric Slide Eyeshadow and Brush Stick in XOXO, a soft nude sparkle, with sky-blue OMG or lavender Whatever for a pretty pastel combo. Try layering your pastel shade over the nude to create a graphic liner look with an updated nude lid color.
We also love using a dark matte eyeshadow, such as blue or deep purple, and adding a coordinating glitter shade as an inner corner highlight. Our Venus XS Blue Opal Eye Shadow Palette gives you four curated colors for ethereal nighttime glam.
2. Soften Up
Glitter and sparkle don't have to be in your face. Instead, focus on neutrals and earth tones for a softer color story. Our Venus XL 2 palette features soft pinks, greens, and bronzes in a variety of shimmering finishes that are perfect for every season. Mix reflective foils, iridescent toppers, and pearlescent textures for a look that’s uniquely yours.
3. Glow Golden
Create a sunrise-inspired ombre that makes your whole face glow. Start with Nymph, Eros, and Triumph from our Prelude Chroma Eye and Face Palette for a gorgeous transition from copper and yellow gold on the lids to a shimmering champagne highlight. Add a warm sheen with our Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Sticks—we especially love Beachy Keen, Oasis, and Maui for an all-in-one blush and highlighter effect
4. Add Unexpected Dimension
Adding dimension to a makeup look isn’t just about creating shadows. Incorporating glitter creates a stunning optical effect, no matter where you apply it. Our Diamond Dust Iridescent Eye and Brow Topper is the perfect solution for a hint of sparkle over your favorite eyeshadow or as a creative twist on brow gel.
5. Monochromatic Metals
Nothing catches the light and everyone else's attention quite like a bold monochromatic look featuring metallic finishes. It’s also a simple look to pull off. The glow and sparkle matte shades in our Greatest Hits Classics palette are the perfect pairings for your favorite red lipstick. Or brighten up your look with the pinks and purples of the Venus 3 palette and a pretty pink lip.
6. Editorial Eye and Lip Looks
Go beyond everyday glam with bold metallic shadows and dramatic lips. The neutrals in our Venus Immortalis palette are cool in every sense of the word, with finishes ranging from soft sparkling iridescents to mirror-like metallics. Swipe on any of our ultra-moody lip colors for a look that’s fit for the September issue of any magazine.
7. Go Solo
A metallic look can be striking, and who doesn't love a pared-down routine? Simply apply a rich metallic eyeshadow color with your fingertips for maximum sparkle, and finish the look with a soft matte lipstick or gloss.
8. Get the Wet Look
Shimmery blues and greens immediately make us think of water, so use your makeup to create a wet look. Sea Foam and Saturn are the aquatic all-stars in the Prelude Chroma palette. Frame your face with the Bushy Brow Gel in Clear for groomed, separated brows that won’t budge. Complete the effect with Wet Cherry lip gloss in the clear Extra Poppin’ or Naked Cherry or Bitter Cherry for your perfect nude sheen.
9. Go For the Bronze
Gold might be the winning trophy in sports, but we like to think bronze is the winning look in makeup. The Venus XL and Venus XL2 palettes are packed with warm shades that give you an alluring glow. Our Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Sticks in Cabana, Cove, and Bondi were made for face and body bronzing. Get the beach babe look without the harsh sun!
10. Put On the Glitz
Attending a music festival? Headed to the beach? Keep your look simple with a bit of shimmer to your cheeks and glossy lips. Let holographic face and eye stickers do all the hard work, whether you want a winged liner look or some gleaming accents.
Whatever look you're going for, adding some glitter is always the answer. We say embrace your inner sparkle and let it shine! Light up your Instagram feed, and discover the next great look on TikTok.
