<p>Keep reading for all 13 of my favorite glitter eyeshadows I’ve tested, including new favorites and oldies that still work like a charm, from brands like MAC, Stila, Half Magic, Urban Decay, and more.</p>” />
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1
Best Glitter Eyeshadow Overall
Bodyography Glitter Pigments
1
Best Glitter Eyeshadow Overall
Bodyography Glitter Pigments
Pros
- My favorite glitter eyeshadow I’ve tested
- Comes in 13 shades, from deep green to iridescent white
Cons
- Some reviewers said it looked a bit flaky and dry on their eyes
Of all the glitter eyeshadows I’ve swiped across my lids, Bodyography’s are hands down the simplest to use. They’re pressed firmly into the pan (aka no mess) but the shimmers are still really easy to pick up on a shader brush or my fingers. My favorite way to wear them though? As a shiny topper over a matte-black eyeshadow. Hello, easiest smokey eye ever.
THE REVIEWS: “This company really did a great job with these, very sparkly and doesn’t flake easily,” writes one tester. “I have nearly every color! It stays on all day, worth the $$! Would highly recommend! Five stars!
2
Best Chunky Glitter Eyeshadow
Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes Multichrome Gel
2
Best Chunky Glitter Eyeshadow
Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes Multichrome Gel
Pros
- I don’t need a primer to get the flakes to stick
Cons
- Can be hard to dig your finger in the pot, per my testing
Sometimes I want an imperfect, smudgey glittery eye, á la the early ’00s. For those times, these are the perfect glitter eyeshadows to get the look. Inside the pot is a mix of fine and chunky glitters, suspended in a gel that makes them really easy to just swipe on with my finger or a brush. I personally opt for silicone glitter brush for these—it applies the flakes with a bit more precision and is easy af to clean afterward.
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “I do not have words to describe how shiny chrome flakes are!! Laser Beam is def my fav shade. Yes, at first you need to learn how to best apply it, but let me tell you when you get the hang of it, you discover how versatile this product is and how it’s impossible to live without! I love using it to pop my makeup looks in certain spots that I need more reflection but also as the main color in a neutral look.”
3
Best Drugstore Glitter Eyeshadow
E.l.f. Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
3
Best Drugstore Glitter Eyeshadow
E.l.f. Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
Pros
- Widely available at most drugstores
- Easy to apply straight from the tube, IMO
Cons
- Dried up in six months for me
I’ll be real: Glitter eyeshadows at the drugstore were once basically children’s makeup, IMO. But these E.l.f. liquid glitters have converted me (ahem, they have a whopping 7,400+ five-star reviews). I just dab the doe-foot applicator where I want a little bit of glitter—and it’s that simple. I don’t need a primer or a special brush, making these legit genius for packing in a makeup bag.
THE REVIEWS: “This is one of my products that I keep re-purchasing, because I love it. It adds a perfect amount of sparkle to your eye look and I always get compliments every single time I wear it,” writes one reviewer.
4
Best Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
4
Best Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
Pros
- Testers raved about how long it lasts on their eyes
Cons
- A few reviews said they had to do multiple swipes for opaque color
Meet the O.G. glitter eyeshadow. In college, I collected these lil tubes like figurines (at one point, I owned every single shade—you could consider me a stan). They were the first product that made glitter eye looks feel easy, thanks to the simple doe-foot applicator and liquid formula that is filled with a mix of ultra-fine shimmers and slighly chunkier glitters that give my lids some major shine.
THE REVIEWS: “This applies very easily for glitter makeup—you don’t have to press hard to get it to stick, for example,” one review reads. “It also lasts fairly long, although admittedly I didn’t really wear it for more than a couple of hours at a time. Essentially, this will last a long time on your face so you don’t have to continually reapply like you would some other eye shadows.”
5
Best Glitter Eyeshadow Stick
Iconic London Glaze Dual Ended Eyeshadow Crayon Goddess
5
Best Glitter Eyeshadow Stick
Iconic London Glaze Dual Ended Eyeshadow Crayon Goddess
Pros
- Has a crayon on one end to brighten or deepen your look
- I get virtually no fall-out (thanks to the ultra-fine liquid glitter)
Cons
- Some of the shades can be a little patchier than others
I keep a few shades of this glitter eyeshadow stick at my office desk because they are so easy to just swipe on to take my look from day to night before a happy hour or dinner date. I’ll use the crayon side to add some brightness to my inner corners and then dab the glitter on the center of my lids for a lil extra drama. It’s so easy to apply with the doe-foot tip, plus the liquid is filled with fine glitters that don’t give me legit any fall-out.
THE REVIEWS: A reviewer wrote, “Love this product! The crayon is very smooth and easy to apply. Once it’s applied, the eyeshadow would not budge. Beautiful, and just the right accent I was looking for my eyes that an eyeshadow cannot do.”
6
Best Pressed Glitter Eyeshadow
Valentino Dreamdust Glitter Eyeshadow
6
Best Pressed Glitter Eyeshadow
Valentino Dreamdust Glitter Eyeshadow
Pros
- I love how pigmented these shades are
- Comes in four stunning shades, including silver, gold, blue, and green
Cons
- Most expensive glitter eyeshadow on this list
- Without the stopper-style lid, the formula can be messy
These pressed glitters have a little bit of pigment in the formula, so they make legit the easiest one-shadow look. TBH, I love this glitter eyeshadow so much, I topped my lids with it for my ~very-special~ 26th birthday dinner last year. I just dabbed a glitter primer on my eyes where I wanted to place the glitter, then patted it on with a flat shader brush until it was the opacity I wanted. Word to the wise tho: Don’t lose the stopper that comes inside the jar, as it helps keep the glitter pressed and firm so it doesn’t flake or get messy.
THE REVIEWS: “Beautiful formula that you can apply in layers to make as intense as you like,” one reviewer writes. “Doesn’t smudge or fall but comes off easily with good face wash.”
7
Best Colorful Glitter Eyeshadow
Half Magic Chromaddiction Shimmer Eye Paint + Eyeliner
7
Best Colorful Glitter Eyeshadow
Half Magic Chromaddiction Shimmer Eye Paint + Eyeliner
Pros
- Available in eight duo and multichrome shades
Cons
- Can apply a little patchy, IMO
These liquid shimmers come in a handful of vivid colors (see: neon green and bright purple), all with a duo or multichrome feel that makes them look so unique. Turn your head, and you’ll see an array of glitter flecks in a bunch of different shades, all from one product. No wonder I saw so many people wearing these beauties at Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour.
THE REVIEWS: According to one review, ” STUNNING! The product is BEYOND. I’ve never seen a more beautiful, pigmented and delicious color in my life. Looks fab on all skin tones. wish I could wear this every day!”
8
Best Fine Glitter Eyeshadow
Gxve By Gwen Sefani Eye See In Sparkle Clean Multi-Dimensional Glitter Eyeshadow
8
Best Fine Glitter Eyeshadow
Gxve By Gwen Sefani Eye See In Sparkle Clean Multi-Dimensional Glitter Eyeshadow
Pros
- Testers *love* the fine, super-sparkly shimmers
Cons
- Some reviewers said they felt the jar design wasted some product
I had to literally force myself to stop using these loose glitter eyeshadows when they launched fall 2022. They have such a fine shimmer that makes my eyelids look so glowy and wet-like, whether I brush it all over primed lids or on top of a matte cream eyeshadow. Because they’re so fine, though, there can be a little prone to fall-out. I always do my eyes first, so I can wipe away any glitter bits with a micellar water before blending on my foundation.
THE REVIEWS: “As a lover of all things sparkle, I have to say these are the best eye glitters I’ve ever used,” one review reads. “So much so, I’ve ordered all the colors. I hope she extends the shades! All sparkle glam with NO fall-out.”
9
Best Biodegradable Glitter Eyeshadow
TooD BioGlitter Body Glitter
9
Best Biodegradable Glitter Eyeshadow
TooD BioGlitter Body Glitter
Pros
- Free of potentially polluting plastics and foils
- Has a tacky, gel formula that sticks without primer
Cons
- I wish it came in a few lighter shades
Fun fact: Glitter is a microplastic, meaning it can be a big source of air, water, and soil pollution. Which is why I looove TooD’s BioGlitter, a biodegradable glitter that’s plastic and foil free and degrades in as little as 28 days. But don’t worry, it’s just as rich and sparkly as all of my other faves.
THE REVIEWS: “The perfect addition to my makeup collection,” writes one tester. “A quick dab on my eyelids and cheeks totally elevated an otherwise basic look.”
10
Best Glitter Eyeshadow Gel
Lemonhead L.A. Spacepaste
10
Best Glitter Eyeshadow Gel
Lemonhead L.A. Spacepaste
Pros
- I love how long-wearing these glitter gels are
- Easy to smudge on with your finger or a brush
Cons
- Can be hard to blend on top of powder eyeshadow, per my testing
Wondering which glitter eyeshadow they used in Euphoria? You’re lookin’ at it. Makeup artist Donni Davy swears by these Lemonhead L.A. glitter gels because they stay the f put (according to an IG caption). Plus, they’re hella pigmented, so you don’t really need to pair them with anything to make them pop on your eyes, cheeks, lips—wherever you wanna shine. And FWIW, this is the glitter eyeshadow I used to create the Lover album heart look when I went to Eras Tour. The compliments were *endless*.
THE REVIEWS: “So perfect and sparkly! I wore this on my eyes and it didn’t budge all day,” writes one reviewer.
11
Easiest Glitter Eyeshadow to Apply
Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner
11
Easiest Glitter Eyeshadow to Apply
Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner
Pros
- Easy to get precise applicator, thanks to brush tip
Cons
- Can be a bit hard to remove, according to testers
Okay, yes, technically, this is a glitter eyeliner, not an eyeshadow. But I’m a rule breaker and constantly tap the brush applicator onto my lids and wear this as eyeshadow. Why? Because it’s so freakin’ easy. I don’t have to fuss with any brushes or my fingers to dab it on. And since it’s suspended in this liquid/gel situation to go on as a liner, I don’t need glitter primer to make the color stick, meaning there’s virtually no fallout. If you’re intimidated by glitter, just put a few dots of this right in the center of your eyelid to add some shine.
THE REVIEWS: One tester’s review reads, “I used this as an eyeshadow, and it was shimmery and wonderful. It lasted all night and didn’t smudge.”
Pros
- Offers a mix of fine and chunky glitter options
- Loved by makeup artists and pros
Cons
- Some shades are pro-only
Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Makeup artists have been dabbing these ultra-fine loose glitters on lids and cheekbones for decades to create shimmery, reflective looks. These glitters aren’t scratchy at all, and they don’t feel too costume-y or like an art project. I personally love playing with the reflects shades, which are fully transparent with various colored shimmers throughout that give your look a ton of dimension when it hits the light.
THE REVIEWS: “MAC by far makes the best glitter,” one reviewer writes. “This is worth the purchase. It’s a great way to glam up any look.”
13
Best Budget Glitter Eyeshadow
Moira Eye Shadow Diamond Daze Liquid Eyeshadow
13
Best Budget Glitter Eyeshadow
Moira Eye Shadow Diamond Daze Liquid Eyeshadow
Pros
- Less than $10 (!)
- Comes in a whopping 34 shades
Cons
- Some shades are more pigmented than others, according to reviews
After I saw these liquid glitters all over TikTok and YouTube, I had to try them myself. They come in so many colors (34, to be exact) and are surprisingly pigmented, making for a v simple eye look when I smudge it all over my eyelids and through my crease. But the #1 reason I’m obsessed? They’re less than $10 bucks. Sold.
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “Super creamy, applies smoothly, stays put, does not crease, and lasted me two full days but would have longer had I left it—even through gardening in the heat!!!—and came off easily. I wanted something to be simple, as much or as little as I wanted depending on my upcoming day, and this product is exactly that! AWESOME!”
Is liquid glitter eyeshadow better than powder?
No, liquid glitter eyeshadow isn’t “better” than powder or loose glitter, per se, but it can be way easier to apply. Because liquid glitter shadows are suspended in a gel or liquid solution, they usually adhere to your eyes much more easily than a loose or pressed situation (more on that below). But they also are usually more pigmented, because they’re combined with other pigments to give them a more opaque look on your eyes.
How do you get loose glitter to stick to your eyes?
To get loose glitter to stick to your eyes, you’ll want to dab on a tacky base, like a glitter primer or eyelash glue. My faves are NYX Long-Lasting Glitter Primer and Valentino Beauty Stick With Me Glitter Primer, which both really help loose glitters adhere to my eyes without making my eyes feel tight or dry. If you want a really precise application, dab on the primer with a small, angled brush, then stick your glitter on. This’ll help reduce some fall-out (but if you do end up getting some—it’s glitter, after all—try wrapping a piece of tape around your finger then patting it on your skin to pick up the loose glitter remnants).
How to choose the best glitter eyeshadow for you:
Decide on your application preference.
If you’re new to glitter eyeshadows, you’ll likely prefer a liquid or gel formula (Hi, Lemonhead L.A. Spacepaste Glitter and Stila Glitter and Glow Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow) that glides onto your eyes effortlessly without having to layer on primers and other shadows to get a full look. But loose glitter eyeshadows (like Gxve Beauty’s Eye See in Sparkle Glitter Eyeshadow) make great topper shades for a subtle look, or to give a matte eyeshadow some more ~drama~.
Assess your skills.
Don’t have a precise hand? No worries, opt for a liquid glitter eyeliner as eyeshadow, like Urban Decay’s Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner. It has a fine, brush-tip applicator that makes doing detailed work like inner corners and graphic lines majorly easy, even if you’re not v experienced. On the other hand, feel free to play around with MAC’s Glitter when you want a bit more of a challenge—just keep a tacky glitter primer, a synthetic brush, and a micellar water for clean-ups on hand.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing makeup stories that range from magnetic lashes to setting powders to bronzing drops. She’s an authority in all makeup categories, but is an expert when it comes to glitter eyeshadows, thanks to years of testing nearly every formula on the market on her own eyeballs. She regularly tests and analyzes glitter eyeshadows for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top makeup artists to assess new formulas and brands.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
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