This rhinestone makeup tutorial proves there’s nothing more festive than gluing stuff to your face

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, holiday season is in full swing, and I’m thrilled. Sure, there are lots of things to be excited about — catching up with family and friends, filling up on second and third helpings at Christmas dinner, and opening all of those presents that I’ve marked “To: Me, From: Me,” but you know what really is the best thing about this season? It’s sparkle time.

If you’re a magpie like me, you’ve been looking forward to the holidays all year long. Now’s your moment to go all out with all things glittery, shiny and shimmery. While looking like a disco ball may be frowned upon during any other month, December is the time we’re given a pass to don sequin mini dresses, sweep shimmer on our decolletes and let our manicurists know to apply another coat of glitter polish.

As someone who loves to glimmer under the party lights, I’ve grown fond of adorning myself with craft-store crystals over the years. Applied with tweezers, eyelash glue and a little bit of patience, I’ve stuck Swarovski stones along my collarbone, my brows, and for this specific tutorial, at the edges of my lash line. This eye look make seem complicated, but it only takes about 20 minutes of pre-party prep to get the statement-making look. So grab a festive cocktail and your makeup bag, and let’s get down to work, shall we?

Step 1: Create a base for the look by using a black eyeliner pencil to darken the lash line and add definition.

Step 2: Use an angled liner brush and a creamy black pigment (like M.A.C Pro Longer Paint Pot in “Background“), which has a slight shimmer that’s perfect for holiday makeup. Sketch the outliner of a winged shape at the outer edges of the eye line and extend the line to reach along the crease and down to the inner corners of the eyes.

Step 3: When you’re happy with your outline, fill it in with the pigment until you have a graphic, opaque winged shape.

Step 4: Squeeze a few drops of lash glue onto a clean surface. Use tweezers to pick up individual flat-back crystals (available at craft stores) and dip into the lash glue. Allow a few moments for the glue to become tacky, not wet, and then press onto the outer corner of your eye.

Step 5: Continue applying the crystals in the pattern of your choice. You can dot them all along the lash line or use them as an accent on the wing like I did.

Step 6: Nude lipstick and a few coats of mascara are all you need to finish the look; the eyes make quite a statement on their own. That said, don’t be afraid to add more sparkle to the rest of your outfit. Shimmery chandelier earrings or a rhinestone necklace will make sure everyone has their eyes on you. Happy holidays!

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