What is glitter? That was the question answered in a recent article published by The New York Times. The TL;DR recap: glitter is a man-made micro-plastic that, surprise surprise, is not good for the environment. One materials science and engineering professor quoted in the piece shared that it would take 1,000 years for glitter to naturally break down in our ecosystem.

So what’s a glitter lover to do? Be mindful about your glitter consumption. Consider how, when and why you use glitter. If you already have makeup with traditional glitter in it (which is likely), consider purchasing a biodegradable option when it’s finished. If you love your traditional products, do you really need five glitter eyeliners or can you get by with one?

If you are going to pick one night of the year to wear glitter, New Year’s Eve is it. Here are five ways inspired by recent runway looks. 

 

GLITTER LINER

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Ralph & Russo Spring 2018 (Photo: Imaxtree)

Using a glittery eyeliner is an easy and mess-free way to add glitter to any makeup look. Whether you are bold enough to do a dramatic wing or just want to add an accent near the inner corner of the eye, liner keeps things targeted and allows you to be the most minimalistic in your glitter approach. 

 

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From left: Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Midnight Cowboy ($23), at urbandecay.ca; Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in (GEM)stoned ($31), at sephora.ca; MAC Dazzleliner Shiny Pretty Things in Statuesque ($25), at maccosmetics.ca. 

 

LOOSE GLITTER

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Kate Spade Spring 2019 (Photo: Imaxtree)

First things first: A good glitter glue is key to working with loose glitter. (We like the NYX one, below.) Even then, expect it to get everywhere—don’t bother trying to be precise. 

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From left: MAC Glitter in Iridescent White ($26), at maccosmetics.ca; Anastasia Beverly Hills Loose Glitter in Party ($22), at sephora.ca; NYX Cosmetics Face & Body Glitter ($9), at nyxcosmetics.ca; NYX Cosmetics Glitter Primer ($8), at nyxcosmetics.ca. 

 

 

GLITTER EYESHADOW

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Halpern Spring 2019 (Photo: Imaxtree)

Glitter eyeshadow is the best way to achieve an opaque-level of sparkle on the eyelid. We’re a fan of the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow: it applies like a liquid lipstick and one swipe gives you full-coverage eyeshadow that dries down quickly and lasts the whole night. 

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From left: NARS Single Eyeshadow in Tropic ($23), at sephora.ca; Marc Jacobs Beauty See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow in Flashlight 80 ($35), at sephora.ca; Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Molten Midnight ($31), at sephora.ca. 

 

 

GLITTER LIPS

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Jeremy Scott Spring 2019 (Photo: Imaxtree)

You don’t have to go full-on metallic like at the recent Jeremy Scott show (makeup artists actually used foil to get this look!), but applying a gloss with some glitter in it will give a similar effect. 

 

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From left: NYX Cosmetics Glitter Goals Liquid Lipstick in Shimmy ($9), at nyxcosmetics.ca; Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminzer in Diamond Milk and FU$Y ($23), at sephora.ca; Jouer Cosmetics Long-Wear Lip Topper in Rose Gold ($20), at sephora.ca. 

 

 

GLITTER HIGHLIGHT

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Chanel Spring 2017 and Ricostru Sping 2018 (Photo: Imaxtree) 

Applying a glitter highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones and along your temples is a great way to bling-out your favourite makeup look. It’s also fairly subtle—until you step into the light.

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From left: Cover FX Glitter Drops in Mirage ($54), at sephora.ca; Shiseido Aura Dew Face, Eyes, Lip in Lunar ($38), at sephora.ca; Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil ($46), at sephora.ca; Milk Makeup Glitter Stick in Techno ($36), at sephora.ca.