From The Straits Times    |

Credit: lalalalisa_m and twicetagram/Instagram

Leave pared-down beauty routines behind and bring on the drama.

Bejewelled makeup, which stole the spotlight in 2022 with sparkly face gems, is now ever more popular – thanks to celebrities like singer Taylor Swift, who flaunted a smattering of crystals on the inner corners of her eyes in her Bejeweled music video.

“People want to have more fun with their makeup now, especially with makeup brands churning out such products”, says makeup artist Sha Samsi. She lists Pat McGrath, Chanel and Dior as some examples.

Makeup artist Lasalle Lee shares that while the bejewelled trend isn’t new, “it’s no longer just on the eye area”. He adds: “The 2023 version is more dramatic. Think jewels all over the face, neck and even on the hair.”

However, you don’t have to go overboard with Swarovski crystals to make a statement. There are two ways to approach this trend – with “celestial stardust” or disco glam.

Celestial stardust involves sparkly, ethereal makeup in galactic colours such as purples, blues and pinks. You can pair a shimmery shade with a touch of glitter around the eyes for a look of celestial wonder.

Lasalle recommends always using an eyeshadow primer and a matte eye shadow base and depending on your mood, you can opt for either natural or vibrant colours. Then, follow up with cream glitter. Cream glitter tends to stick well, so apply it on your eyelids using your fingertip.

“If you’re using loose glitter, choose fine glitter and use a primer like Sephora’s Glitterguard so it doesn’t fall under your eyes,” he advises.

Where you apply the shimmer colours matters too, and according to Sha, this depends on your eye shape.

“For example, if you have hooded eyes, you probably don’t want to put too much shine on the centre of the eyes,” she explains. “Understanding your personal eye shape is key to getting this look right.”

Going disco glam? Reference the ‘70s with shimmer powder and frosted eyeshadows.

Lasalle suggests prepping your eyes with primer and eyeshadow first before using an eyelash glue to stick the sequins on the eyes, making sure to give the eyelid a few blinks to ensure that the sequins are secured.

To transform the disco-inspired makeup into a more wearable, everyday look, subtle colours will do the trick, says Sha. For instance, instead of a deep purple, you can opt for a lighter lavender.

And if you’re using glitter, Lasalle advises choosing fine glitter and lightly dusting it over your tear duct area or in the middle of your upper eyelid for a more muted and versatile look.

Product wise, Sha recommends palettes from Dior, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Pat McGrath and Fenty Beauty. “If you want to add jewels, ensure that they have a flat back as it’s easier for them to sit on the skin and for the glue to stick,” she says.

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