Whether you've been in the Christmas spirit since early November or are just now coming to terms with the fact that it really is happening, there's one thing that will plunge you into the festive spirit without fail: glitter lipstick. That's right, the beauty trend that took the world by storm in 2016 (largely thanks to Pat McGrath's sell-out glitter lip kits) is back. And it's not just for Christmas.
Glitter lipsticks, whether they have just a hint of shine or full-on glitz, are naturally imbued with Christmas spirit. After all, this time of year has been giving adults an excuse to pour glitter on themselves for decades, without judgement. And while there is a wealth of products to choose from right now, it's worth noting that this looks set to be A Thing next season, too. Yes, when the memory of those Brexit arguments at the Christmas dinner table are but a distant memory, the glitter you were wearing on your lips might just be a mainstay of your makeup bag. That is, if Gucci has any say in the matter.
Gucci's lipsticks launched to much fanfare back in early November, the highlight being the outrageously glitteryGoldie Redand the slightly harder to wearFay Turquoise. The brand also showed glittery lips as part of its Cruise 2020 show, fully cementing the trend as more than just a flash-in-the-pan. I've actually been wearing Gucci's red to every party to which anyone cares to invite me and – not-even-a-humble-brag – it's gone down a storm. It's actually not as glittery on your lips as you might expect, meaning it's very wearable indeed. I've been layering a slick ofChanel's Rouge Coco Glossover the top for an even bigger impact and I haven't looked back.
Similarly, Charlotte Tilbury brought out a shimmering new version of her signature Pillow Talk lipstick this year – Pillow Talk Diamonds. Available in two different shades, it's sheer enough to wear during the day but could also be built up for a more intense look.
As well as Gucci, Dior is introducing a new long-wear, sparkling lipstick for the new year, YSL has its Rouge Volupte Rock'n Shine collection (the glitter is encased in a tiny star on the tip of the lipstick), while Givenchy also has three new glitter shades in its spring beauty collection. The latter come in fresh pink, red and orange, which certainly feel appropriate for a new (non-Christmas) season.
For the uninitiated, glitter lipstick can seem daunting, if not faintly ridiculous. But if you stick on the subtle side of Cher on tour, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the results. For New Year's Eve, however, I'd probably employ the mantra favoured by reality TV contestants the world over: Go hard or go home.
SHOP: The Best Glitter Lipsticks (For Everyday And Evening)
The Best Glitter Lipsticks (For Everyday And Evening)
1 of 8Pat McGrath Labs, Lip Fetish Lip Balm in Bronze Astral, £37
Queen of glitter lips, Pat McGrath, has developed this product to deliver all the benefits of skincare fused with the brilliance of a pearlescent colour. You can, therefore, use this as a balm to hydrate lips, but it also works on top of slightly more sheer lipsticks to give a wonderful glitter finish.
2 of 8Charlotte Tilbury, Pillow Talk Diamonds, £25
This is easy to wear as an everyday lipstick, thanks to the fact that it is fairly sheer and, therefore, low maintenance. It gives a perfect, pink-tinged shimmer and doesn't require regular touch-ups.
3 of 8Gucci, Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison Lipstick in Goldie Red, £39
For a lipstick, this is not cheap. But I would argue it's entirely worth it. It doesn't actually look as glittery as you might think, but it is fast becoming my favourite red lipstick. You only need one coat to last you for hours – ideal for dancing the night away.
4 of 8NARS, Sex Shuffle Lipstick, £22
What I love about this is that it lends a really pretty, iridescent quality to lips, which is ideal for wearing during the day. It has a very subtle shimmer to it, so is definitely one for people still a bit dubious about glitter lipstick in general.
5 of 8Chantecaille, Rubellite Lip Cristal, £47
What was I saying about go hard or go home? This might be the answer. It has amazing pigment, so is probably best for those seeking full-on glamour. There are multiple shades available but this pinky/purple hue is a delight.
6 of 8Ciaté London, Glitter Storm Lipstick, £19
This has one of the most glittery pay-offs I've seen. While the red feels entirely appropriate for New Year's Eve, there are pink, purple and bronze shades that will look like a lovely, fresh update on a classic red lip come spring.
7 of 8Givenchy Le Rouge Night Noir In Night In Red, £29
While we have to wait for Givenchy's new spring collection, the Le Rouge Night Noir range is still available. This is glitter lipstick for grown-ups as, while the packaging is the shiniest thing I've seen, the actually lipstick is incredibly subtle and very wearable.
8 of 8MAC, Kiss Of Stars, £19
On its own, this gives sheer super shimmer but, layered over another lipstick, it gives you an amazing, high-voltage look. MAC doesn't do things by halves and this looks as good in the bullet as it does on your lips.