Watch them sparkle :-) (MAC Glitter)

Member Name: mu_reviews4u

Product:	MAC Glitter
Date:	02/12/08 (390 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great value, Lots of uses, Easy to use, Huge range of shades.

Disadvantages: Not reccommend for eye use.

I discovered MAC's "Glitters" whilst searching for a bright, highly reflective silver glitterliner to wear for Christmas :-) Most glitterliners I tried were not pigmented enough for my taste - the glitters were few and far between with an almost dull finish. I wanted something that really stood out so I decided to try mixing MAC's loose glitter into them for a little more 'oomph.'
I picked up '3D Silver' and with it began a huge addiction!

MAC describe these as 'high level glitter' that 'add sparkle effects to all areas of the face, skin and hair.' Although some of the shades with larger glitter particles are not recommended for use on the eyes. MAC "Glitter" can be applied directly to the skin or combined with other products for a different effect / application.
They are currently available in 36 different shades at the Pro Store, for being limited edition for the time being. From 'neutral' golds, coppers and browns, to limes, oranges and blues there is definitely a MAC glitter for every body and all occasions.
They retail at £15.00 per 7.5g and last an incredibly long time - I have owned a few of my glitters for years now and have barely made a dent. Amazing value!

They are sold in small clear pots with black screw top lids. The same packaging as the MAC "Pigments" incase anyone is familiar with those :-) A small plastic insert is included inside the lid, simply to help stop the glitters from flying everywhere when you open the lid. I also find it best to sweep your brush across this insert to pick up the glitter when using, instead of dipping it into the actual jar. Doesn't cause as much mess or fallout :-)

As mentioned, there are many different uses and ways to apply this product - the opportunities are endless with a little imagination, but here are the uses I am most familiar with -


~ As I said above, MAC personally do not recommend these for use directly on the eye area. However, I have used them on my eyes with no problems many times. As long as I stick them to the lid extremely well I experience no fall out, and have seen many MAC staff themselves using them this way too.
It's just a matter of personal opinion really, if you feel comfortable doing so, then give it a try! If not, no one is forcing you too :-)
Either way I mix a tiny amount of "Glitter" with MAC's "Mixing Medium's" - Either the Water Based or Eyeliner formula, depending on which type of look I want to achieve. Mix with a small brush until a paste of even consistency is formed and apply softly wherever you require.
Be sure to remove gently with a good cleanser should you decide to wear them here.

~ Glitters can be pressed onto the skin for dramatic / Avant Garde makeup too. It's useful to apply some sort of sticky base first though since they do not adhere well to dry skin. Anything works - Creme Blushes, Liquid Highlighters, Moisturisers etc, not to mention the products MAC themselves make for this specific use. Fingertips or flat brushes work best for this :-)

~ They can also be mixed with Lipglosses / MAC Lipmix, to create unique, super sparkly lips! Lasts well, but can feel a little uncomfortable after a while so I only do this for special occasions.

~ Can be added to clear nail polishes for your own custom shades. With a top coat these last a long time - comparable to any polish available on the market in my opinion. I also add to the tips of my nails only for a fun twist on the classic 'French Manicure.' Adheres best when the polish is only slightly tacky.

~ Sprinkle throughout the hair for added drama. Especially useful for Halloween / Fancy Dress!


The Glitters come in not only a huge selection of colours, but different finishes and 'effects' too. I'll write a short description of all four to help distinguish between them -

~ The '3D' range - Copper, Gold and Silver - have the largest particles of glitter. Chunky and heavier than the others, but have a much more sparkly, obvious effect.

~ The 'Reflects' are much smaller, more finely milled glitters which have a softer, 'dustier' touch. They feature a base shade which then reflects a lot of other colours in certain lights / angles. Equally dramatic if applied heavily, but can be sheered out with a light hand to make them even work friendly! My favourite and mostly recommended :-)

~ The 'Crystallised' Glitters are also made up of smaller pieces, but with an almost 'transparent' finish. Change from very pale, barely there colours to bright and eye-catching as they catch the light.

~ That leaves the regular glitters - Blue, Chartreuse, Copper, Fuchsia, Gold, Light Blue, Purple, Red, Silver and Turquoise. These are simple, run of the mill colours that are of a medium size particle. Equally as bright and useful as the other, more fancy named Glitters :-)


What more can I say? Except that overall, I highly recommend these. SO many uses, great quality and really good value. Perhaps not for lovers of neutral, 'barely there' makeup, but a lot of fun regardless! - Perhaps get a sample from MAC before committing to see how you get along with them :-)

Summary: Essential for Makeup Artists and Party Lovers!