Gliterally irresistible: The seasonal joys of glitter

Calls by some scientists for a ban on glitter for the sake of the environment were received with panic last week. Those who are particularly fond of drenching themselves in the sparkly stuff during the party season (they are legion) could no more envisage a sparkle-free Christmas than they could wear a beige outfit to the office Christmas party.

While glitter is still around for us to take immense joy in, here are some of the best glitter products for the party season.

Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Rose Gold Retro

(€28 from beautybay.com)

Sparkly finishes in a liquid formula are the easiest to apply, have the longest staying power and ensure little to no product fall-down, which can ruin the rest of your makeup. The finish of this eyeshadow is so luxuriantly rich and light-reflective that it looks almost wet. Rose Gold Retro is a beautiful warm metallic hue, but there are several to choose from.

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MAC Glitter in Reflects Gold

(€22 from brownthomas.com)

Classic loose glitter can be applied to eyes (it will cling better when applied atop a primer or cream shadow) or lips, if you’re feeling particularly brave. It isn’t subtle, but it is wildly glamorous. If you’re going for it with a full-on glitter eye, why not choose a kick-in-the-face holographic glitter like this one?

Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss in Excitation Top Coat

(€30)

A sparkling, glossy gold top coat for lips. Wear it alone or over other lip products for added seasonal oomph.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Adora

(€21 from Debenhams)

More of a rich shimmer than an outright glitter, Adora is a widely loved red lipstick from Kat Von D. It is a nice option if a red lip doesn’t seem quite intense enough for you this party season. To amp it up a level of obscenity, smooth a generous layer of clear gloss over the top.

NYX Professional Makeup Face & Body Glitter

(€7 from Boots)

For a more budget-friendly loose glitter, this range is excellent. Choose from gold or crystal shades, or something more seasonal like a ruby red or teal green.

Victoria Beckham X Estée Lauder Fired Crystal Lip Gloss

(€34 from Brown Thomas)

Fired Crystal gloss has a delicious holographic effect that looks as good worn alone on the lips or over lipstick. It looks subtly plumping in daylight, and catches the light beautifully at night.

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadow

(€32 from Brown Thomas)

A more grown-up and sophisticated take on the glitter trend – choose one of the more understated and natural shades, champagnes and taupes – from Bobbi Brown. Apply a touch to the centre of the eyelid for an enhanced sparkly eye that doesn’t have the disco ball effect.

Nails Inc Diamond Arcade Polish

(€18 from Brown Thomas Beauty Lounge)

For a glitter nail that you might have some chance of wearing again, choose a top coat. You can layer it several times for an intense and opaque glitter finish, or pop a whisper of it over your chosen nail shade for a more festive feel.