The 12 Best Glitter Eyeshadows, According to Beauty Editors and Makeup Artists

For a decade of my life, I've worn exclusively glitter pigments. I love sparkles, but my reasoning is a bit more nuanced. There is no eyeshadow easier and more foolproof to apply than one of the best glitter eyeshadows. No makeup brushes are necessary; it’s just a little finger swipe for a quick and easy statement. And, so long as you pick the right product, there’s no fallout.

With my very vast knowledge of glitter application and an overflowing pile of shadows, I’ve compiled the crème de la crème of glitter eyeshadows for your shopping pleasure. From finger-friendly, densely packed cream eyeshadow pots that don't crease to sheerer liquids that allow you to swipe on a chunky, albeit translucent wash, here are the best glitter eyeshadows in the game.

The Best Glitter Eyeshadows

The Best Glitter Eyeshadows

The Best Glitter Eyeshadow Overall

Bodyography Glitter Pigment

I love this glitter pigment so much, that I've practically worn it every day for five years straight. But, I'm far from the only fan—it has makeup artist Jonet Williamson's endorsement, too. “They’re very fine, so you can really build them up or wear them lightly dusted across the lid," she says. "Even though it’s a loose pigment, you can pick it up nicely with your finger or a brush and won’t experience a lot of fallout.” I’m partial to shades Off the Hook, Stellar, and Mood.

Pros: Makeup artist-approved; No fallout; No creasing; Large shade selection

Cons: None

The Best Cream Glitter Eyeshadow

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow

This beginner-friendly eyeshadow can transform from a barely-there wash of color to a high-impact shadow in about three layers. Depending on the lighting, it can look like a true glitter or a shimmer, but it's pretty opaque regardless. Burnish is one of the prettiest everyday colors, and Vivid made me a green shadow convert.

Pros: Buildable; Great shade selection; Iridescent

Cons: Color fades throughout the day

Valentino Dream Dust Glitter Eyeshadow

If you’re a swipe-and-go kind of girl who can’t be bothered with brushes, a cream texture, like this Valentino formula, is the way to go. The flecks are going to stick right to your finger and one swipe will give you an intense color payoff. The densely packed particles also make this a great eyeliner option. Go bold with the green or blue shade, or keep things subtle with the gold and silver.

Pros: No fallout, Intense color payoff

Cons: Small shade selection

The Best Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

This formula has been around since 2016—and it remains one of the most popular options on the market to this day. “It’s a beautiful formula if you want to apply glitter as a liner or do a little, sheer wash in the inner corner," says Williamson. If you do decide to go for more of a high-impact look, it might just take a few layers of product.

Pros: Makeup artist-approved; Great for liner and accents; Large color selection

Cons: Need a lot of product to build up to full coverage

Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre Crystal Infused Eyeshadow

Straddling the line between a shimmery cream and true glitter pigment, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s pots are some of the most hydrating, pearlescent shades I’ve ever seen. Real crystals and multi-dimensional pearls have been infused into each of the 10 shades to create a gilded finish that catches light. There’s also hydrating squalane and guava leaf extract in the mix, which makes this shadow perfect for dry eyelids.

Pros: Great shade selection; Pearlescent finish

Cons: Lacks chunky glitter

Iconic London Glaze Dual Ended Eyeshadow Crayon

Multi-finish glitters are hard to come by, but this Iconic London product serves dimension up on a silver platter. The dual-ended stick, which is available in 10 shades, pairs a cream glitter crayon with the accompanying glitter liquid. Pop the liquid on the center of your lid, use it in your inner corner, or drag it along your lower lash line to create an iridescent illusion.

Pros: Two-in-one; Large shade selection

Cons: Requires touch-ups throughout the day

Also Recommended

Eyeshadow Palette 5.4g

This six-pan palette makes a smoky glitter eye easy, which is exactly why it's makeup artist Suzy Gerstein's favorite. "They apply so seamlessly onto the lids and seductively catch the light," she shares. I tend to apply them with my fingertips or a brush misted with some of Lisa’s setting mist. They are certainly on the more refined, sophisticated end of the glitter spectrum."

Pros: Six color options; Flattering for all eye colors

Cons: More metallic than glitter

YSL Sequin Crush Mono Eyeshadow

There are very few shadows, let alone glitter shadows, that pack as much pigment into a singular swipe as this YSL pot. I’m partial to creating a monochromatic look with these, but they are designed to be layered on top of one another, so go forth and build dimension. You’ll want the Confident Nude shade on standby—it’s the perfect neutral highlighter.

Pros: Highly pigmented; Intense shimmer

Cons: Expensive

Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow

While most glitter shadows are prone to creasing, this Urban Decay doesn't budge one bit. It grips onto the lid instantly and maintains its color intensity all day. A brush application will give you a more diffused wash, and a finger application provides an intense color payoff. "The microfine glitter particles create an alluring wet look on lids," notes Gerstein. To really get a metallic wash, add setting spry to your brush.

Pros: Multiple finishes; Lasting power

Cons: Color really needs to be built up

M.A.C. Cosmetics Glitter

If you want a chunky glitter finish, there’s no better product for the job. Grab the brand’s Duo Adhesive to create a sticky base and gently pat the flecks onto your lid. How much you use is up to you, but I recommend erring on the lighter side or using it as an accent on the outer corner of the eye. You don’t want your lid to feel stiff.

Pros: Large glitter chunks; Tons of color options

Cons: Difficult to apply

Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes Multichrome Gel for Eyes & Face

These glitter eyeshadows have a major impact. Perfect for a concert, festival, themed party, or any other fun event, the pot is filled with super chunky glitter flecks that are on the larger side. It might make a tiny bit of a mess, so I recommend applying this before you apply foundation. You'll definitely want to use your fingers or a wet brush for this one.

Pros: High impact; Very reflective

Cons: A little heavy on the eyelid

What Size Glitter Is Best?

There’s nothing wrong with a metallic shadow, but when it comes to a true glitter shadow, you should be able to make out some separation in the flecks. “You want your product to be super pigmented and chunky,” says Williamson. It’s the differentiation between glitter specs that allows the shadow to catch the light.

What Texture Is Best for Glitter Eyeshadow?

You can’t go wrong with any texture, just know that the medium will alter the finish. “Liquid glitters space out a lot once you actually put it on your lid, so you have to do a lot of work to pack it on and actually get good coverage,” says Williamson. They can also double as eyeliner or a sparkly topper. Powders and creams, on the other hand, are best suited for a solid wash of color. “You can pick them up with a brush or your finger and it gives full coverage right away,” she adds.

Regardless of texture, make sure your product isn't too fast-drying. “You don't want something that's going to lock in place. Then, the next thing you know, your eye makeup is messed up, and you have to get micellar water," notes Williamson.

How to Apply Glitter Eyeshadow

The key to a fallout-free application is to start with a clean, no-fuss base. “Your lid naturally has a little bit of oil on it, so that's going to add to the grip of the glitter,” explains Williamson. “If you put down a powder first, you might get some fallout because it's not really sticking to your eyelid."

Once you open your pot or palette, pick up the glitter with your finger. "The warmth of my body melts the product into the skin," explains Gerstein. If a brush is more your speed, spray setting onto the bristles to help the glitter particles adhere. Should your glitter pigment be loose, Gerstein suggests mixing it with an emollient skincare formula, like the Revitalizing Eye Concentrate by Retrouvé.

Where Do You Apply Glitter Eyeshadow?

Where you place your glitter eyeshadow is totally your call. You can layer different shades for a full glitter eye, place a little in the center of your lid, or dab some at the inner corner. “If you’re new to wearing glitter, I recommend picking it up on a really thin brush and apply it on top of your eyeliner,” advises Williamson. “It’s a fun way to add a little hint without being too intense."

Meet the Experts

Jonet Williamson is a New York-based Pro Makeup Artist and Content Creator specializing in relatable beauty from a pro perspective. Her work has been featured in commercial campaigns for Dolce & Gabanna, Levis, L'Oreal, Shea Moisture, and more. If you follow her online you can expect to see lots of fresh skin, a vibrant use of color, striking graphic liner shapes, and soft glam looks fit for a red carpet.

Suzy Gerstein is a native New York. After spending. her junior year at Weslyn University in Madrid, she embraced makeup full time. Suzy finessed her technique and developed a distinctive style while assisting top makeup artists. Today, she is a sought-after celebrity makeup artist.

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