Dig out the eyelash glue and bring out the rhinestone box: New Year's Eve is almost here. It's the one night of the year when we're officially allowed to look like a disco ball and no one will tell you it's 'a bit much'. A bit much? That's exactly what we're after. So this week we've rounded up those little festive follies that turn a sensible face into a glitter machine, and as always, we're telling you what lasts, what sparkles and what's worth the money.

The eyes take centre stage

Let's start with our eyes, because that's where it all happens on 31 December. Shimmer Twins offers fun false lashes — hearts, stars or more understated styles — for a look that's playful and polished, just enough. The idea? A beauty wink at the corner of the eyelid, worn alone or under a line of liner. It's the kind of accessory that only gets used twice a year, and we're completely at peace with that.

If you'd rather go for an intense eye, there's this little pot of ultra-pigmented black, metallic finish, perfect for a pronounced smoky eye — Illamasqua, available in several shades. One small caveat: the shimmer often comes from mica, whose extraction is regularly questioned in some producing countries, so it's worth looking at formulas that acknowledge this or mica-free alternatives.

Glass pots of biodegradable glitter in gold, copper and pearl, with a few flakes spilled

And then there are the Eye Rock eye ornaments: little Swarovski crystals to stick around the eyes, or wherever you fancy. It's the classic cheap-as-chips trick that changes everything in a photo. Finally, for a doe-eyed look, Illamasqua also makes long, flexible, full false lashes that can be reused several times.

Young mixed-race woman seen from three-quarters behind with a wavy plum and copper wig
Eye made up with a glitter liner stroke and small rhinestones placed in the inner corner

Lips you won't miss

When it comes to lips, two approaches go head to head. The first is Illamasqua's dolly-pink gloss in shade 'Divine': a glamorous little tube for bold, glossy lips that catch the light with every kiss on the cheek. It's the easy, effective choice, and let's be honest, the one that stays reasonably presentable longest after the first drink.

Glossy berry-tinted lips, enhanced with a gold cream shadow in the centre

The other, more radical: temporary lip tattoos from Violent Lips. A pop-inspired, unapologetic idea, to wear if you're ready for your mouth to be the only thing anyone looks at all evening. A word of warning: between applying it, how it holds up to champagne and removing it, you won't get perfect lips back afterwards. It's a one-off, but what a one-off!

Small self-adhesive face crystals arranged in a dish, near a compact mirror

As for eyelids and cheekbones, we're after pigment that lasts. A cherry-red jelly from Pixi brings a nuanced flush to the cheeks: light, translucent shades that add colour gently and give you a doll-like glow. If you go for an ultra-pigmented formula like Illamasqua's black pot, the darkest shade in a smoky eye, apply in small blended touches towards the temple — no harsh lines when you hit the dance floor!

Cheekbone made up with a bright pink pigment blended towards the temple, a small pot blurred in the foreground

Hands and hair: the unexpected touch

For hands, glitter takes up residence in Pop nail varnish bottles, for party nails worthy of a Christmas bauble — several shades to choose from, so go for it! If you prefer a ready-made kit, Nail Rock's rock-inspired false nails go for star, python or striped prints, to stick on in ten minutes while following a tutorial. Honestly, for a New Year's Eve when you'll be holding a glass all evening, it's an honest compromise between style and unapologetic laziness.

A finger dabs a glitter gel onto a woman's cheekbone in natural light

For hair, two quick transformation ideas. First, Hershesons' clip-in extensions, available in several shades, to add a touch of colour without touching your lengths. Then, if you really want to play, the bob wigs from Annabelle's Wigs — fringe, glossy hair and four colourways that are properly bold — can be worn for one evening, then packed away. One detail not to forget: an ill-fitting wig pulls, itches and is immediately obvious. Take the time to check the size, otherwise the glamorous effect melts as fast as an ice cube in a cocktail.

Small glass pot of pink blush jelly, with a dab of product spread with a finger on light linen
Rear view of a young woman clipping a copper extension into her hair, clip visible
Shiny pink gloss, applicator resting on a small dish, on beige linen

Not all glitter is equal on the face: those sold for crafts are not cosmetics and have no place on the skin, let alone near the eyes. For the eye area, stick to products intended for it, and remove with oil, without rubbing.

Hands with pink and silver chrome nails, a nail file resting on silky fabric

Budget

Expect to pay around £10 for a glitter nail varnish or a false nail kit, between £9 and £18 for a pair of false lashes or a gloss, and more like £22 to £40 for clip-in extensions or a coloured wig. What pushes the price up? The brand, the material and the number of pieces: a reusable accessory pays for itself over two or three evenings, whereas a model costing a few pounds often comes unstuck more quickly. For loose glitter, favour glitter labelled biodegradable, to be disposed of with your waste rather than rinsed down the sink. It costs more per unit, but at least you know how to dispose of it. You'll find most of it in beauty halls, supermarkets and party accessory shops; if New Year's Eve is close, check delivery times before relying on it.

Sources

  • Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products.
  • Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), US Department of Labor, List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor — mica, India and Madagascar.