By Polly, Local Contributor, English

Polly is a 22-year old recent graduate who hails from England. She studied East Asian studies, so she learned some Japanese and even spent six weeks in Japan last summer–she loved it and hopes to return one day.

She currently lives with her family and waitresses while trying to decide on her future career. Polly is fortunate to have a wonderful boyfriend who spends countless hours with her at Boots and makeup counters–even if it is done so begrudgingly! Check out her blog, Beauty Mish Mash!

Pink Gold, Charcoal, Gold Iridescent,
Fine Glitter Dust in Silver, Old Gold, Winter Berry

How Barry M Dazzle Dusts Changed my Life – and 5 Ways to use Them

The title may sound a little melodramatic, but I always wonder whether my life would be just a little different if Barry M’s Dazzle Dusts (£4.59) hadn’t sparked my make up obsession. Would I be like the rest of my family, who can all fit their make up collection in one small, neat, fuss-free make up bag? What would I have done instead of spending hours obsessively searching for swatches on the computer? And, perhaps the most painful question of all, how much money would I have saved? Whatever the answers may be, if I could go back in time I certainly wouldn’t tell my 16-year-old self to carry on walking past the pretty, sparkly colors at the Barry M stand.  I still can’t tell my 22-year-old self to keep walking either, no matter how empty my purse is!

So, in a tribute to Barry M’s Dazzle Dusts, I am going to dedicate this post to them and share five ways in which I use them!

1. Eyeshadow

There are so many colors to choose from that I can’t imagine running out of new combinations for the eyes! And despite the image that Barry M is all about bright colors–as I have come to know the brand–I’ve realized that there are quite a few subtler ones that you can easily use for everyday! In my look below, I used Dazzle Dusts in Gold Iridescent and Old Gold to create a really basic, toned down look.

2. Eyeliner

It is so easy to make any eyeliner color imaginable by using a mixing medium (I use Illamasqua Sealing Gel (£10.50)) and combining it with a Dazzle Dust. Use an eyelining brush to apply the mixture for your very own customized color of eyeliner! My favourite colors to use are bright blues or rich chocolate browns. I used the Charcoal Dazzle Dust to make the eyeliner in my look below!

3. Blusher

The Pink Gold Dazzle Dust makes for a beautiful rosy glow on my skin, as it is a peachy-pink with a lovely gold sheen–you can see it applied as a blusher in my look below. If you want a really glittery highlighter, try the Gold Iridescent Dazzle Dust!

4. Lipgloss

To make a colored lipgloss, simply take a clear lipgloss and mix it with a Dazzle Dust. There are so many pinks and reds to choose from. In my look below I used Winter Berry, which makes a gorgeous vampy shade for the lips.

5. Nail Varnish

You can use Barry M Dazzle Dusts/Fine Glitter Dusts with nail varnish to create an effect like the one shown below. I used Barry M Cyan Blue Nail Varnish (£2.99) and then blew Barry M’s Fine Glitter Dust in Silver (£4.59) over the base of the nail.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the five ways I use Barry M’s Dazzle Dust! I’d love to hear about your favourite colours from the range, or if you’ve ever tried any of these methods!

Check out swatches and see these in action! 

Barry M Fine Glitter Dust in Silver, Barry M Dazzle Dust in Old Gold,
Barry M Dazzle Dust in Gold Iridescent, Barry M Dazzle Dust in Pink Gold,
Barry M Dazzle Dust in Winter Berry, Barry M Dazzle Dust in Winter Berry mixed with clear lipgloss,
Barry M Dazzle Dust in Charcoal, Barry M Dazzle Dust in Charcoal mixed with Illamasqua Sealing Gel