Make-Up Artist Judy Wong Shares Glitter Secrets

Make-up artist Judy Wong shares her sparkling secrets to wearing glitter with great effect.

Shimmer, twinkle, diamonds, strobe… whatever you call it, when it comes to festive make-up, glitter and the party season are totally incomplete without each other. Once December hoves into view, the need for a bit of sparkle is paramount.

GLITTER IS AN ESPECIALLY BIG TREND AT THE MOMENT, RIGHT?

Anyone who loves the magic of Christmas knows that it is far more than a trend. As a make-up artist, I can say that glitter is a surefire way to bring a smile to a client, a lift to a face, and a glow that you only ever know about if you have been glitter-bombed!

WHICH CELEBRITIES WEAR GLITTER WELL?

Elizabeth Taylor was an iconic early adaptor, whose glitter was famously auctioned off for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Her modern counterpart, Mariah Carey, is the ultimate current queen, although she uses her diamonds as glitter! Michael Jackson was always fond of a bit of sparkle, and then a special shout out to Britney Spears, for her infamous nude bodysuit studded with Swarovski crystals.

FOR A FULL-ON, PARTY PRINCESS APPROACH TO GLITTER, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?

I love it when foundation looks weightless, yet has beautiful coverage. A base like Dior Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation, €52.50, is superb – it’s like the sophisticated, older sister of MAC Face and Body with a silky, semi-matt effect. Then, buff H&M Beauty Gel Liner in Dark Chocolate, €7.99, on the eyelid in small amounts, working up from the base of the lid. Build a few layers slowly, and use a smaller brush to apply it onto the waterline, and smudge it under the eyes too. Add a soft bronze brown shadow on the eyelid and use your bronzer colour in the socket to blend out the shadow. For that essential touch of sparkle, apply Sara Hill Glitter, €16.85, on the centre of your lower eye lid.

This creates a beautiful illusion of light on the eyes, and it becomes a gorgeous highlight to your make-up artistry. For additional effect, finish the eyes with waterproof blue mascara on your top and bottom lashes, and layer, layer, layer. Add No 7 Skin Illuminator, €17.50, on the top of your cheekbones, then tap your favourite red or pink lippie on the apple of your cheek (smile for the best way to find your apples!), and let the colour diffuse out. For the ultimate party princess look, use a peach lipgloss (I love Catrice’s Volumizing Lip Booster in Stay Apri-cosy, €3.95). I swear it blurs the lines from your lips and gives you the roundest, Botoxed-lip look without effort.

IF YOU ARE OF A MORE MATURE AGE, HOW CAN YOU ROCK A GLITTER LOOK THAT IS AGE APPROPRIATE?

Age-appropriate glitter depends entirely on attitude and confidence. I believe glitter is ageless, but for a more ladylike effect, use it to highlight the inner eyes with MAC Glitter in Silver, or draw a thin black liquid line on your lid and rest a skinny glitter liner look on top of the black line with a glitter/metallic pen. Easy. Effective. Ladylike. Totally elegant.

ANY TIPS FOR PREVENTING FALL DOWN, WHEN IT COMES TO GLITTER EYE SHADOW?

I love how tactile I can be with MAC Glitter in Reflects Gold. Apply by dabbing the finger into the pot, then with the head leaned back, close the eyes and press directly onto the lid, or wherever you want glitter – et voila!

HOW DO YOU HOLD GLITTER IN PLACE, TO LAST ALL NIGHT?

I use MAC Prep + Prime Fix+, €22, plus hairspray to help grip glitter on the face; a light spritz of non-sticky Elnett works a treat.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE GLITTER PRODUCT RIGHT NOW?

ArtDeco Glam Stars Liquid Liner, €14.75. It’s a refined, precision liner with unbelievable staying power.

HOW WILL YOU WEAR GLITTER THIS PARTY SEASON?

I love a rudimental deep lip tone and nude eyes, bejewelled with gold or silver sequins – DUO Striplash Adhesive, €5.99, is ideal for this. And a L’Oreal brow gel that has glitter through it.