Shimmer Goes Here

No shimmer over 40, shimmer only on collar bones and cheek highlights, only on the pout of the lip. No shimmer or full shimmer? Why is it so confusing? Why so many rules?

First of all, we need less people saying you can’t do this or that. Do whatever makes you happy and feels good. We all need to be less judgmental. If you want some guidance, read on.

Shimmer is a term used for makeup items that reflect small particles of light. They dance and twinkle. Not as large as a sequin, not as smooth and consistent as a pearl. A shimmer product creates a gossamer effect on the skin that attracts attention. Just like a sequin outfit draws attention because it is capturing and reflecting light, so does a shimmer makeup product. Like moths we are drawn to light.

If light hits it, it will reflect, we will focus on it.

Because shimmer reflects light, it is most beneficial when it is placed where light is. When talking about the face, this is usually the top of the cheek, rounded part of the lip and the eyes. The eyes are the easiest and best place for shimmer so we will start there.

Why? First of all because finding shimmer eyeshadows is easy. They are so prevalent and come in such a wide range of colors. This is the most accessible way to wear shimmer. The second I’d think is in lip glosses, and I love a shimmery lipgloss!

Secondly because we put shimmer in areas where we want more focus and most of like to have our eyes stand out. So it makes sense that this would be the place for it.

Shimmer draws and reflects light. That light reflection creates interest and other eyes are drawn to it. Think about sitting by a lake and watching the sun dance across the water. Same effect. We want other peoples eyes to “dance” across our faces, notice our eyes and stay there. It is a way for us to hold and get attention.

This is short and sweet, I know. But the information is solid. You want to put shimmer on your eyes in the place where it does the most for you. Most of us want our eyes to stand out, not our brows, not our creases. So first of all, most shimmer is going to go on the eyelid, as close to the lashes as we can be.

Now, where on the lid depends on a couple of things. Do you want basic? Then put the shimmer across the entire lid. Do you want lift? Perhaps you are hooded? Then put the shimmer right over the iris. (Called the “Showgirl”.) This is also a great trick if you have a flatter eye as when paired with mattes on each side it creates a rounder eye. (Called a “Halo”.)