Body shimmer powder is a staple makeup product that ensures that your body glitters and shines on stage.

Using the right shimmer face powder can transform your look and create a dazzling effect from stage lights and camera work. In this article, we will guide you through selecting the ideal body shimmer powder for your skin tone, applying it to highlight your best features, and using it on both face and body. Only with body shimmer powder can you truly accentuate and stand out properly on the stage.

Why Use Ben Nye For Shimmer Face Powder?

When it comes to finding the best shimmer face powder for the stage, Ben Nye is the best option. This brand, which has been a staple in the industry for decades, also offers a finely milled, lightweight range of shimmer powders that not only blends seamlessly but also allows for adjustable luminosity. Its ability to create a natural, dewy look without the harshness of glitter makes it a top choice for both amateurs and professionals.

Prior to using any form of makeup application, ensure that you have recognised whether to use primer or moisturiser first to ensure your skin remains fresh and agile.

How To Use Body Shimmer Powder: The Complete Guide

If you are interested in using body shimmer powder, here’s the step by step process on what you should do:

Step 1: Choosing The Right Shade For Your Skin

Selecting the ideal shimmer powder is crucial for improving your natural beauty, both on and off the stage. 

• Standard body shimmers: As a general rule of thumb for standard body shimmer powders, use ones that are fine, shiny, and do not contain flakey visible glitter features. The right shimmer will ensure that the skin appears glowy and dewy, as opposed to glittery.
• Shimmers for darker skin: For those with darker or tan skin, opt for bronze or golden shades of body shimmer powder. These rich colours complement your skin tone, adding a warm glow that highlights your features. 
• Shimmers for lighter skin: If your complexion is lighter, silver, champagne, or soft pink face shimmer powder are your best bet. These shades impart a subtle radiance without overpowering, perfect for a sleek evening glow or a gentle daytime shine.

Step 2: Applying Shimmer Powder

The key to flawless shimmer face powder application is timing and technique. Always apply your shimmer makeup as the final step in your beauty regimen. The light, delicate nature of shimmer powder makes it ideal for a finishing touch, subtly enhancing your features without overwhelming them.

To begin, select a small, fluffy makeup brush suitable for precise application, such as a blush brush. Choosing the best makeup brushes for your makeup methods will determine the quality and long lasting effects of them. 

Lightly dip the brush into your face shimmer powder, tapping off any excess to avoid over-application. This preparation prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, even layer.

Step 3: Highlighting Facial Features

Now that the initial face shimmer powder has been added, it’s now a matter of adding more detail to each area of your face.

• Eyes: Start by applying shimmer to your brow bone. Gentle horizontal strokes between your eyebrows and eyelids set the base, while additional light sweeps help blend the shimmer, subtly catching the light and enhancing your eyes.
• Cheekbones: Identify the high point of your cheekbones, just beneath the eyes. Pat the shimmer lightly on top, then blend it along your cheekbones towards your mouth using a circular motion. This technique highlights your bone structure, creating a lifted, youthful appearance.
• Nose: For a more defined, slender nose, run your brush along the bridge with a thin layer of shimmer. This simple trick draws the eye along your nose, making it appear straighter and more refined.
• Jawline: Enhance your jawline by starting at one earlobe and sweeping the brush diagonally across to the chin. Repeat on the other side. This method not only defines the jawline but also adds a subtle contour to your face, perfect for stage makeup where lights tend to flatten facial features.
• Inner Eye Corners: A small dab of shimmer in the inner corners of your eyes can work wonders. Use a small angled brush or even your pinky finger to apply. This brightens the eyes, making them appear larger and more awake, a crucial tip for performers under harsh stage lighting.

You can learn more about facial makeup techniques with our article on how to contour your face.

Advanced Tips

To add further detail with your body shimmer powder, try these methods: 

• Layering: Build up the shimmer in areas you want to emphasise more, but always start with a light hand.
• Mixing shades: For an extra dimension, consider using a slightly different shade of shimmer on certain areas, like a warmer tone on the cheeks and a cooler tone on the brow bone.

Adding Shimmer Powder To Your Body

Remember, this step is optional, depending on the purpose of the shimmer powder for the stage. Nevertheless, applying shimmer powder to your body should be done differently to how you would to your face.

Step 4: Preparation and Application

To achieve a seamless and stunning glow with body shimmer powder, it’s crucial to apply the product correctly. Start by ensuring your skin is completely dry, especially if you’ve just showered. This helps the shimmer adhere better and stay longer.

Step 5: Applying Shimmer to Key Body Areas

Ensure to target these key areas of your body when using body shimmer powder: 

• Neck and Collarbone: Utilise a large, fluffy body brush for broad strokes. Tap off excess shimmer powder to prevent over-application. Gently brush the powder down your neck and along your collarbone. These areas naturally catch light, making them ideal for highlighting with shimmer, enhancing your natural contours and giving a subtle yet impactful radiance.
• Chest and Cleavage: If your outfit features a low neckline, apply shimmer along the top of your chest and cleavage. Light strokes with a body brush can elevate this area, adding a touch of glamour and drawing attention to your upper body with a tasteful sparkle.
• Legs: To create the illusion of longer, slimmer legs, start at the bottom of your knee and brush shimmer powder downwards along the shin bone. This application catches the light along the length of your legs, making them appear more defined.

Using Shimmer For Your Hair

Shimmer isn’t just for your skin; it can also elevate your hairstyle. 

Lightly dust some body shimmer powder onto a brush and gently tap it over your hair. This technique works best on dry hair without styling products. Remember, a small amount goes a long way—too much shimmer can overwhelm your look.

How To Remove Shimmer Powder

Whilst it is relatively easy to apply body shimmer powder to your body, removing it from clothing and skin can sometimes cause issues (especially if glitter has been involved, too). Here, we have broken down how you can effectively remove shimmer powder as well as glitter after your performance. 

Removing Shimmer and Glitter from Clothing

Glitter and shimmer can be notoriously difficult to remove from clothing. 

A practical and effective method is using tape or a lint roller to pick up loose particles. For a more thorough clean, especially with stubborn glitter, try this unique tip: spray the garment with aerosol hairspray, allow it to dry, and then launder the item separately. This method helps to fix the glitter particles to the fabric temporarily, making them easier to wash away without spreading.

Cleansing Glitter and Shimmer Face Powder from Skin

Removing shimmer face powder or glitter from your skin requires a gentle yet effective approach to avoid irritation. 

Start by oiling up—using a light oil like baby oil or coconut oil. Apply the oil to your skin and rub gently in circular motions; this technique loosens and lifts the glitter. Afterward, use a damp wipe or a cotton pad soaked in water to remove the oil and glitter residues, leaving your skin clean and glitter-free.

Clearing Shimmer Face Powder and Glitter from Hair

For hair shimmer or glitter, oil is again your best bet. 

Apply a generous amount of high-quality oil, such as olive oil, to your hair. Gently massage it through your strands and scalp to break down the glitter. After allowing it to sit for about ten minutes, thoroughly rinse your hair. This not only removes the glitter but also conditions your hair, leaving it soft and smooth.

For more exciting face and body painting for the stage, check out our range today for fast delivery.

Use Shimmer Makeup For The Stage

In conclusion, shimmer powders such as face shimmer powder and body shimmer powder offer a versatile and glamorous addition to your beauty arsenal. By choosing the right shade, applying it correctly, and using it strategically on the face and body, you can achieve a radiant and defined look. Remember, the right techniques for application and removal are key to maximising the benefits of shimmer makeup, ensuring a flawless glow and easy cleanup after use.

If you want to learn more about glitter makeup, view this guide that offers advice on essential glitter hacks.

FAQs

How does shimmer effect work?

The shimmer effect is created by using reflective particles in makeup or paint that catch and reflect light, giving a sparkling or glowing appearance.

What are the side effects of shimmer?

Potential side effects of shimmer products, particularly makeup, include skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially if the particles are inhaled or enter the eyes.

When can you use shimmer?

Shimmer can be used in makeup or crafts to enhance visual appeal, typically for parties, performances, or festive occasions to add a touch of glamour or sparkle.

Sources

Shunatona, B., (2017) 13 Essential Glitter Hacks for Girls Who Are Actually Unicorns Inside. Seventeen. [online] Available at: https://www.seventeen.com/beauty/makeup-skincare/a46451/glitter-hacks/ [accessed 17/05/24]