The Unexpected Way To Wear Glitter for the Holiday Season

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© Nadya Wasylko 2015© Nadya Wasylko 2015

It’s official: Glitter is all grown up, and its evolution has even the most notorious minimalists going a bit art school on the eyes.

It all began backstage at Rodarte’s fall 2015 show, where beauty master James Kaliardos used lash adhesive, tweezers, and surgical precision to decorate the oft-neglected lower lash line with a sparkling string of 10 Swarovski crystals.

The result? A subversively chic way of adorning eyes without taking the flashy factor too far. “We wanted it to appear magical, so we took a more subtle approach,” James notes.

“Done right, the girls still seem delicate and pretty.”

© Nadya Wasylko 2015© Nadya Wasylko 2015

Eyes continued to shine at the spring 2016 shows: A dash of electric blue glitter applied like liner lent a spark to the ethereal models at Dries Van Noten. And on the runway at Giambattista Valli, sweeps of brightly colored shimmer hovered just below the brow to scintillating ’80s-era-glamour effect, offering fitting inspiration for an end-of-year fete.

Photo by Nadya Wasylko © 2015Photo by Nadya Wasylko © 2015

But before attempting the crystallized look with a tube of glue and Miley-like abandon, take a cue from the pros and map out the placement of each gem. (Anyone who requires assistance applying decoration to their visages can pop by a Benefit Brow Bar or boutique through January 1 for expert application.)

© Nadya Wasylko 2015© Nadya Wasylko 2015

“To take it down a notch in real life, just add a little bit of sparkle on your lids,” says Tracy Alfajora, the mastermind behind Teen Vogue’s spin on the trend. Whatever your eye jewelry of choice, Tracy advises keeping the rest of your face pared down. “Leave it nice and raw and bare to offset the bling.”

Recreate these dazzling looks at home with ease—with the help of these pro-recommended products.

Tweezerman Pink Perfection Slant Tweezer, $23. sephora.com. Urban Decay Perversion False Lashes in Glitter Dip, $15. ulta.com. Benefit Bling Brow, $15 for 48 self-adhesive crystals. benefitcosmetics.com. Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe in Black, $4. walgreens.com.

On right ear: Loewe earring, $325. loewe.com. Uncommon Matters earrings, $105. uncommonmatters.com. MICHAEL Michael Kors Black/White sequin top, Price Upon Request, Similar styles available at select Michael Kors stores. Sonia Rykiel Embroidered Pin Striped Sequins Halter Dress, $2770, Saks. On left ear: Loewe earring, $450. loewe.com. Minkpink dress, $129. Ohlin/D turtleneck, $270. Claire's stud, $11 for set of nine pairs. Charlotte Chesnais earrings, $260-$315 each.French Connection dress, $228. M Missoni dress (worn underneath). Charlotte Chesnais earrings.

Related: The Official Winter Beauty Drugstore Guide