How to Wear Shimmer (In Real Life)

 

 

If there were an official list of the top five most difficult makeup looks of all time, I imagine that wearing shimmer would be pretty high on the list (right behind applying false lashes and finding a red lipstick). But even the biggest makeup klutz can pull off a sparkly look without heading into disco-ball territory—just stick with these simple rules.

Look for little particles
Contrary to what gymnasts and Justin Bieber fans will have you believe glittery makeup can look grownup. The trick: Use products with tiny flecks of shimmer—they’re more subtle and sophisticated than big, chunks. Another plus: less mess!

Pick one place to shine 
To avoid overdoing it, apply shimmery makeup to one feature at a time. For a pretty combo, do bright, colorful metallic lids with a pinky-nude lip gloss. If you can’t get away with full-on bold shadow at work, go with this cubicle-friendly option: Trace dark brown eye pencil along your top lash lines then layer a sparkly liquid liner on top.

Mix textures on your lips
Let’s face it, most of us aren’t blessed with Angelina’s lips, but there’s a quick way to get a shimmer fix and fake fullness. Apply a creamy lipstick then dab a metallic gloss just on the center of your pout. Pair it with tons of mascara (a seductive gaze is optional).

Make friends with highlighter
One creamy highlighter can do so much for your face—and it’s fast. Smudge a little bit above your cheekbones for an instant glow, or put some underneath your brows or in the inner corner of your eyes to make them pop. Try a champagne colored highlighter if you have fair or medium skin; if your skin is dark go with copper or bronze.

When is the last time you wore shimmery makeup?

Written by:  Baze Mpinja
Makeup.com

What to Keep in Your Office Beauty Kit

 

Sure, you’ve got a stash of paper clips and staples at your desk, but how about blotting paper and hair elastics? Keep these beauty essentials tucked away in your office so you’ll always be boardroom—and cocktail hour—ready.

Blotting paper
These slim sheets are just as convenient as Post-its. To completely erase afternoon shine simply press one (like Shu Uemura Face Paper) on your nose, cheeks, and forehead where oil tends to build up.

Clear elastics and bobbi pins
Keep a pile of these handy to create a quick, dinner date-worthy chignon or sleek pony. Try: Sephora Collection Snag-Free Hair Elastics and Goody ColorCollection Metallic Finish Bobby Pins.

Dry shampoo
If strands tend to get greasy or limp by day’s end, sprinkle some dry shampoo onto your roots to soak up oil and give hair an instant volume boost. One we like: Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder.

Clear polish and remover wipes
Freshen up a days-old mani with a coat of fast-drying clear polish like L’Oréal Paris Pro Nail Polish in Clear while you’re on a conference call (you can also use it to seal a run in your stockings). For already chipped lacquer, keep single-use pads drenched in remover, like Cutex Essential Care One Step Nail Polish Remover Pads, to start fresh.


Roll on Perfume
A petite version of your favorite scent is easy to reapply onto pulse points before dashing out for evening engagements. This one smells like a powder-dipped rose: Chloé Chloé Rollerball.


Shimmer powder
Use your pinky finger to press this universal enhancer onto the inner corner of your eyes, along your browbones, or just above your cupid’s bow to instantly transform your look from day to night. Try: Stila Eyeshadow Pan in Kitten.

What product is a mainstay in your office beauty stash?

Article written:  by:Roopika Malhotra
Makeup.com