How To DIY Glitter Lips

Unless you don't use this thing called the internet, chances are you've seen shiny, glitter-pressed mouths on your social-media feeds over the past few months. Thanks to makeup artist Pat McGrath, who unveiled her Lust 004 lip kits to the world through a sequence of celeb-filled, glitter-coated Instagram posts — you could say I (and the beauty junkies of the web) became obsessed. But here's the thing: as fun as sparkly, disco-ball lips are, I was never willing to pay $60 dollars for a kit that I'd end up using twice. So instead, I lived vicariously through Bella Hadid, Shay Mitchell, and every other celebrity that rocked glitter lips, also known as the most iconic lip of 2016.

Then, I met celebrity makeup artist Angel Merino at Bustle's Beautycon booth in NYC. If you take one look at his Instagram, you'll see he's a dramatic smoky eye pro and a glitter connoisseur. We chatted about all things beauty (including the launch of Beautycon's fall beauty box, which he co-curated with beauty blogger, Shayla), took some fun Polaroid pictures, and then parted ways. A month later, he was back in NYC and offered to show me an easy way to up my glitter-lip game by using makeup I already had at home. We decided to create a look that was sparkly but still wearable IRL. All you'll need is a lip conditioner, lip liner, liquid lipstick, a flat brush and lots of glitter.

Prepping Is Key

You'll want to nourish your lips with some kind of conditioner before layering on a butt-load of glitter. Angel used the Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer which contains vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba oil to guarantee all-day moisture. (It's also one of the products included in the fall Beautycon box.)

Line Those Lips

Technically, this step is optional, but I find that it's fun to over-draw my lips to be slightly bigger than they are. Since we're going for a wearable look, Angel used a creamy, nude lip liner that was a tad darker than the natural color of my lips. Then, he traced the outside of my lips just enough to see a difference.

Apply Liquid Lipstick

It's important to use liquid lipstck in order to pull this off. Angel used the Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in In Demand. It's infused with a primer oil complex that gives lips a smooth, nondrying finish. And the shape of the applicator guarantees precision.

Glitter Time

Now comes the fun part: shiny, sparkly glitter. You'll want to have your flat brush and glitter ready because it's important to press it on before the moisture from the liquid lipstick sets. The glitter will adhere to the lips and dry simultaneously with the liquid lipstick. Angel used MAC glitter in Reflects Gold for a super-natural look.

Add Some More Shine...

To tie the look together, dust a little highlighter to the high points of your cheeks, the bridge and tip of your nose, your brow bone, and your Cupid's bow. Angel used a highlighter from his own personal line called Artist Couture Diamond Glow Powder in Gold Digger.

And that's it. Now go on and experiment with your newfound glitter-lipped wisdom!

And of course, cheers to my glittery guardian Angel!

Images: Lauren Perlstein