Get dazzling without looking like a disco ball

One of the simplest (and funnest) ways to amp up your makeup look for a special occasion is to add some sparkles or glitter to your look.

Because sparkly makeup has the ability to draw attention to wherever it's being worn, it's an excellent way to enhance your best features. On the other hand, sparkles can be so eye-catching that they tend to look garish if you go overboard and wear them from head to toe (a.k.a. the "discoball effect").

One of the easiest guidelines to follow when stepping up your glam factor with glitter is to choose just one (or maybe two) features to enhance with sparkly makeup. Any more than that and you're probably venturing into the dreaded disco ball territory.

Also, be sure to choose a part of your face or body that you love, so that you can use your makeup to show it off.

1. Make your kisser twinkle

An easy way to add a little sparkle to your makeup look is to simply wear a sparkling lip gloss. You can wear it either by itself or over your lipstick. If you want a more subtle look that will also make your lips look more plump and luscious, try dabbing just a bit of shimmering gloss to the center of your bottom lip.

2. Add some bling to your blink

One of the most popular and effective ways to create a special makeup look is to add sparkle to your eyes.

While you can really load up on a sparkly shadow to create an ultra-dramatic look, my favorite way to wear it is to concentrate a sparkly shadow just on the center of the lid. Every time you blink, you'll show off a nice bit of sparkle without looking over the top.

If you want something more subtle, swap out your regular eyeliner for a sparkly shade or layer a glittery liquid liner over your regular liner.

For the more adventurous, try giving eyelashes their own dose of sparkle with the help of a shimmery mascara (try Beautifully Luminous Lashes by Bare Escentuals, $15 at Sephora).

3. Give blush a boost

Another easy way to amp up your makeup look is to wear a sparkly blush (I'm loving NARS Super Orgasm, $25 at Sephora).

Alternatively, you can give your cheeks a boost by brushing on a layer of shimmery highlighting powder over your regular blush. To create the illusion of higher cheekbones and draw attention to the eyes, try sweeping a shimmery highlighter just over the tops of your cheekbones.

4. Heavenly hair and glitzy gams

When considering a sparkly makeup look for a special occasion, don't forget that you can also wear it on the rest of your body! Shimmery body lotions, powders and gels are all excellent options for adding a little glitz to your party look. To look extra alluring, try adding some shimmer to your decolletage, shoulders and even your legs.

You can even add the look of super tiny diamonds to your 'do by using a sparkly hairspray (try Frederic Fekkai Spray On Hair Crystals, $18.50 at Sephora)

You glow, girls!

Whether you want to go subtly shimmery or all-out glittery glam, the choice is, of course, up to you. If you play up one of your favorite features, you'll be sure to shine!