Putting on the glitz is a sure-fire way to get in the mood for a good time. Like the pop of a champagne cork, there's something celebratory about shiny stuff. Even if you're not the type to wear sequins and stilettos to the end-of-year work do, consider bringing a touch of bling to your beauty look. It provides an instant uplift.
This can be as simple as applying a sweep of gold or silver eyeliner or eyeshadow, or a lick of high-shine crystal lip gloss. You don't want to look like a Christmas tree, so the trick to mining metallics is to keep a balance between sheen and clean. Pare back on unnecessary titivation in favour of feature decoration. Here are four ways to simply sparkle.
THE BLING BROW
Last week I went to the supermarket wearing three little pewter-coloured studs. I was test-driving the latest beauty trend, the bling brow. If fellow shoppers noticed them behind my glasses, they probably thought I was a middle-aged mum with half-hidden piercings, but worn the right way - without a trolley filled with groceries as an accessory - there's a lot to like about this look.
Come festival and ball seasons, I expect we will be seeing more blinged-up brows. They tap into that fun, DIY boho vibe, without the obvious ethnic referencing of wearing the likes of henna tattoos. On the runway, we've seen brows dyed and gilded, so bejewelled for the red carpet seems an obvious extension.
Benefit is pioneering bling brow services at its 1400 counters globally, with three distinct styles designed to enhance your arches. The company that began the brow bar phenomenon had its global services spokesperson, Jared Bailey, in Auckland last week to explain more about the power of enhancing the brow. He's a brow-shaping guru and says the secret to successful brow bling is to use it to add drama to a well-defined brow in a way that suits the style of the wearer. Benefit uses Swarovski crystals in varying sizes and eight colours, placing them either beneath, above or in the brow.
I chose a single shade and Bailey placed graduated sizes from the high-point of the arch. Application is quick and easy, although an expert eye helps place the stones evenly. Bailey reckons they will stay on two to three days. If you want to re-use them, they can be re-attached with lash glue.
Benefit's bling brow service costs from $6 to $29, depending on which crystals you select and how many are needed for your chosen look. Bookings are available for a limited time from now into the holiday season at Smith & Caughey's stores and Auckland International Airport (airside). Benefit also sells a Bling Brow kit for $47, comprising a tin of crystals, tweezers and instructions.
THE GLAM LIP
Clear shine or classic red, these are our picks for evening allure. Bright lipsticks are fun by day, but by night, it's time for old-school glamour. If you're blinging it up elsewhere, it is best to keep your lips lightly luminescent or deeply but softly matte. Buff first for a smooth finish (with a facecloth is fine), then rub in a little balm and allow to absorb before applying your choice of a high-shine gloss containing micro-pearlescent particles such as Dior Addict to ensure a sheer, non-tacky finish or a more pigmented lipstick in a moisturising matte or semi-matte formula.
For gloss opt for clear, nude, pale pink, peach or mauve shades depending on what best matches and enhances your natural lip colour. For a more intense lip look, find the red lipstick that works best on your skin, from those with a pinkish tinge, through true and bluish reds to burgundy or orange tinted hues.
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Advertise with NZME.For women who shy from the full coverage look and feel of lipstick, try a lipstain. These brush-ons are less dramatic and lasting than lipstick, but have more staying power and strength of shade than a gloss can provide. Try Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres selection of Haute Couture Dangerous Reds, or Revlon's new ColorStay Moisture Stain in Shanghai Sizzle.
THE TWISTED PONY
The pony tail and the chignon are runway and party favourite hair-styles for good reason. They're relatively easy to make look sleekly successful, especially if hair is prepped first to build volume and smoothness. A hybrid of the two styles is showing strongly this season, with the knotted pony tail or loose twist being a casual way of achieving a pulled-together look.
We like the relaxed way Guido Paulo styled the updo for Redken at Bottega Veneta (pictured), using a dry finishing spray for texture. At Lanvin a gold slide was placed beneath a mid-height bun, bringing the focus back to the nape of the neck. For your own finishing touch, use similar clips or metal pony cuffs or try a sparkly slide (Check out Via and Mita stands in selected pharmacies and department stores).
THE METALLIC NAIL
Tip your nail colour, French manicure-style, in gold or silver or instead highlight the cuticle moon to bring a decorative edge to your polish. Go all-over metallic or work in a little glitter with nail art or a feature nail.
Try classic combinations such as gold and red or work your nail look back to match your outfit.
With metallic and glitter polishes, base and top coats are really worth the effort. As well as helping the look last, a base coat makes removal easier and a top coat helps smooth the surface.
