This most magical time of year demands unapologetically dazzling makeup. Let us show you four shimmering looks that prove glitter can be for grown-ups.

Photography by Marie Rainville. Hair and Makeup by Olicia Colacci/Oribe/M.A.C Cosmetics/JudyInc.com.

1. Everything is Illuminated

The secret's out. If you want to fake a healthy glow, grab the highlighter. For a lit-from-within radiance, mix your foundation with a pea-sized drop of liquid highlighter before applying. If you're a real glow-getter, dust a shimmery powder onto the tops of your cheekbones, then blend. The golden rule is to choose a highlighter that's the right shade for your skin tone: silvery pink for fair skin, gold for olive colouring and bronze for darker complexions.

Get the look 

Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition Beautiful Color Bold Illuminating Liquid Highlighter in Golden Kiss, $32, elizabetharden.ca. Art Deco Golden Bronze Oil Drops, $30, shoppersdrugmart.ca. L'Oreal Paris Tru Match Lumi Liquid Glow Illuminator in Ice, $17.50, lorealparis.ca. Joe Fresh Highlighter Powder in Luster, $8, shoppersdrugmart.ca. Make Up For Ever Pro Light Fusion in 1, $43, sephora.ca. 

2. Amuse-Bouche

It may be 2016, but in the lipstick department, it feels a lot like 12996. Shimmering lip shades are back in full force, only this time around, they're less frosted and more metallic. A good entry point to this look is layering glittery gloss over red lipstick. Once you feel comfortable, upgrade to a metallic liquid lipstick and keep the rest of the makeup soft and pretty.

Get the look 

Vichy-Idealia Bb Cream SPF 25, $37, vichy.ca. Nyx Cosmic Metals Lip Cream in Speed of Light, $10, nyxcosmetics.ca. Maybelline New York Shine Shot Prismatic Lip Topcoat, $12, maybelline.ca. Caryl Baker Visage Eye Shadow in Pixie, $18, carylbakervisage.com. Fresh FreshFace Instant Glow Luminizer, $59, sephora.ca. 

3. Walk the Line

Don't let cringe-worthy flashbacks of middle-school beauty blunders turn you off of glitter forever. Sparkle doesn't have to be gaudy; when used strategically, and in moderation, it can look ethereal and sophisticated. We especially love turquoise glitter layered over a thick cat eye for a little extra glitz.

Get the look 

M.A.C Cosmetics Glitter in Reflects Turquatic, $26, maccosmetics.ca. Bite Beauty Multistick in Gelato, $28, sephora.ca. Lise Watier Smokey Kohl Velours in Nude Velours, $23, lisewatier.com. Urban Decay Razor Sharp Liquid Eyeliner in Seep End, $27, urbandecay.ca. Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Long Wear Luminour Eyeshadow in Ocean Light, $41, chanel.com. Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Lip Tint in Whisper, $29, sephora.ca. 

4. Golden Hour

There's a reason metallics are a holiday favourite: They make you sparkle. Draw attention to your eyes with a twinkling wash of golden shadow. Skip harsh yellow-tinged tones and, instead, swipe your lids with a cool gold or rich copper shade. Pair with polished skin, a light-pink pout and an unfussy hairstyle.

Get the look 

Cover FX Perfect Light Highlighting Powder in Candlelight, $42, sephora.ca. M.A.C Cosmetics Foiled Shadow in Enchanted Forest, $24, maccosmetics.ca. Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Kitten, $42, sephora.ca. Make Up For Ever Star Lit Powder in 12 and 14, $25 each, sephora.ca. Kiss Gel Fantasy Nail Kit in To the Max, $11, kissura.com.