Who doesn't love a bit of glittery eyeshadow at this time of year? It's such an easy way to transition your winter makeup look from day to night, and is perfect for any festive parties coming up. That being said, I feel like glitter eyeshadow formulas get a bit of a bad rep. People often tell me that they avoid using them as they can be messy, hard to apply and don't give them the finish that they are after (i.e. clumps of glitter on their eyelids instead of a smooth, sparkling look).
However, I'm here to tell you that this doesn't need to be the case. As a beauty editor who has tested hundreds of glitter eyeshadows over the years, I can confirm that these formulas have come a long way. There are so many easy-to-use eyeshadows out there from high end brands such as Armani to high street favourites such as Elf. Not only do these eyeshadows glide on, but they give that dazzling finish that makes it look as if you've spent hours in the makeup chair.
Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, has tested hundreds of glitter eyeshadows over the years.
Not convinced? Below I've rounded up some of my favourite glitter eyeshadows that will be sure to take your Christmas makeup look to the next level. Plus, I've even included my top tips and tricks to help your eye makeup last all night. Just keep on scrolling...
13 of the Best Glitter Eyeshadows for Hypnotic Makeup Looks
Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, wearing Victoria Beckham Beauty's glitter eyeshadow.
Best Powder Glitter Eyeshadows
1. Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre
Victoria Beckham Beauty
Lid Lustre
First up is this shimmering formula from Victoria Beckham Beauty. This eyeshadow is great for those of you who really want to make an impact with your makeup. The crystal-infused shadow is incredibly fine pressed, so you don't need a lot in order to get results. It comes in eight sparkling shades that give a reflective finish. My top tip? Use your fingertips for smooth application.
Number of Shades: 8
Formula: Powder
Pros: Highly pigmented and shimmering finish
Cons: Applies better with fingers compared to a brush
2. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette - Pillow Talk
Charlotte Tilbury
Luxury Palette - Pillow Talk
This is my go-to palette when I want a more natural glitter finish. It comes with a subtle shimmer shadow and an impactful glitter shadow so you can mix and match to get your desired result. It also features two matte shades that are perfect for applying into the crease of your eyelid. The shimmery shadow can be swiped onto the lid with a finger or brush, but I recommend using a finger when applying the glitter shadow for easy application.
Number of Shades: 4
Formula: Powder
Pros: Comes with four shades to create a range of different looks
Cons: Gives more of a subtle finish
3. MAC Pop Dazzleshadow Eye Shadow
Mac
Pop Dazzleshadow Eye Shadow
Ok, so this eyeshadow is technically a powder, but the clever formula from Mac actually has a cream-like base to add the most glittery sheen to the lids. Each shade is super buildable, meaning you can create as much impact as you'd like with your makeup, and thanks to the creamy texture there is practically no fallout.
Number of Shades: 11
Formula: Cream-like powder
Pros: Buildable colour and super shimmery
Cons: Might not work as well on oily eyelids
4. Pat McGrath Labs Mothership XI: Sunlit Seduction
Pat McGrath Labs
Mothership Xi: Sunlit Seduction
This Pat McGrath palette is definitely an investment, but trust me when I say that the glittery eyeshadows are even more beautiful in real life. Each shadow has the most gorgeous warm undertone, making it the perfect palette for both summer and winter. The eyeshadows themselves feel super creamy and are easy to apply, and all add serious shine to the eyelids.
Number of Shades: 10
Formula: Powder
Pros: Creamy formula blends easily and each shade is super pigmented
Cons: More expensive and the colours in the palette might not work for everyone
5. Urban Decay 24/7 Mono Moondust Eyeshadow
Urban Decay
24/7 Mono Moondust Eyeshadow
This glitter eyeshadow has so many five-star reviews, and it's not hard to see why. The highly-pigmented formula delivers some serious sparkle to the lids, offering an impressive 16 hours of wear. It is buildable depending on what sort of finish you are after, but I would definitely recommend this shadow for those nights where you want to make a statement with your makeup.
Number of Shades: 10
Formula: Powder
Pros: Highly pigmented and lasts a long time
Cons: Have to buy each shade separately
6. NARS Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette
Nars
Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette
Another one of my favourite glitter eyeshadow palettes is this one from Nars. It was the shade range that sold me, but after trying it out I was seriously impressed by just how pigmented the glitter shadows were. They aren't as creamy as other options, so I have experienced a little bit of fallout from time to time, but the powder formulas work well with my oily eyelids so I really can't complain.
Number of Shades: 16
Formula: Powder
Pros: Highly pigmented and beautiful shade range
Cons: May experience a little bit of fallout
7. Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Infinite Chrome Flakes
For those of you who want to create a seriously glittery makeup look, you can't go wrong with this eyeshadow from Danessa Myricks Beauty. As the name suggests, it gives more of a chrome-like finish rather than a subtle shimmer, so it's probably not something I would reach for everyday, but it's a great option for those special occasions. The water-based flakes can be used alone or on top of eyeshadow for even more wow factor. All you have to do is swipe onto the lid. Yep, it's that easy!
Number of Shades: 15
Formula: Water-based chrome flakes
Pros: Delivers serious shimmer and can be applied in one swipe
Cons: Not as subtle as other options
8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmos Eye Shadow Palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Cosmos Eye Shadow Palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills is such a great brand for glitter makeup looks. The Cosmos palette comes with lots of shimmery hues that deliver a crystal-like finish. Although the matte shadows can be applied to the lid with a brush, the brand recommends applying the glitter shadows with your fingers to ensure that they glide onto the lid smoothly.
Number of Shades: 12
Formula: Powder
Pros: Delivers a crystal-like finish
Cons: Can't be applied with a brush
Best Liquid and Cream Glitter Eyeshadows
9. Armani Eye Tint
If you prefer a liquid eyeshadow, you need to know about this product from Armani. Not only does it look chic, but this long-wearing formula takes just seconds to apply. Simply use the flat side of the applicator to apply to the lid and then blend. What I like about this product is that one coat adds a sheer shimmer, but you can also build it up for more impact.
Number of Shades: 24
Formula: Liquid
Pros: A range of shades, easy to apply and buildable colour
Cons: Might not last as long on oily eyelids
10. Beauty Pie Wondercolour Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick
Beauty Pie
Wondercolour Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick
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Beauty Pie's eyeshadow stick is practically foolproof. The formula glides onto the eyelids in seconds and the creamy texture is so easy to blend. The best bit is that it can also be used as a eyeliner, so you can create a range of looks.
Number of Shades: 8
Formula: Cream
Pros: Quick and easy to apply and comfortable to wear
Cons: Might not last as long on oily eyelids
11. R.E.M. Beauty Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow
R.E.M. Beauty
Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow
I haven't tried much from R.E.M. Beauty, but what I have tried has been seriously impressive. Case in point, this liquid eyeshadow. The gel-like formula comes in a pigmented, shimmery finish that is perfect for making your eyes pop. This is the product I reach for when I want my eyeshadow to stand out, but I still want to go for a more neutral shade.
Number of Shades: 11
Formula: Liquid gel
Pros: Really makes your eyes pop
Cons: Doesn't last as long as other options in this roundup
12. Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow Smoke
Hourglass
Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow Smoke
Believe it or not, this Hourglass eyeshadow is actually a hybrid cream formula. It has hundreds of five star reviews, with many people raving about its ability to blend easily and add an impressive sparkle to the lid. It features micro-glitter and light-reflecting pearls, so you can ensure that you're in for a shimmering finish.
Number of Shades: 9
Formula: Cream powder hybrid
Pros: Blends easily and adds serious glitter
Cons: A little more expensive and better applied with fingers
13. E.l.f. Cosmetics Duochrome Liquid Eyeshadow
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Duochrome Liquid Eyeshadow
Last but by no means least, let me introduce you to this affordable option from Elf. This liquid eyeshadow gives a glittery finish alongside a cool multidimensional, metallic effect. It's super pigmented and has a gel-like base that makes it easy to swipe across your lids.
Number of Shades: 4
Formula: Liquid
Pros: Affordable and easy to apply
Cons: More of a statement finish
How to Apply Glitter Eyeshadow
As you can see above, there are lots of different ways to apply glitter eyeshadow. In my experience, I find that finely pressed powders work best when applied with the fingertips, before going in with a brush to blend. Liquid eyeshadows often come with their own applicator so you can swipe these straight onto the lid, making the whole process a lot easier.
In order to make your eyeshadow last, many experts recommend using a primer beforehand. "Glittery eyeshadow can be tricky, due to the fallout involved with the product," says Ana Klein, co-founder of immersive makeup experience, Beam. "I’d highly recommend a good primer so that the glitter has something to adhere to. I'd focus on placing the glitter on the centre of the eye and then blending out, as this helps with brightening your complexion and avoiding heaviness."
How to Choose the Best Glitter Eyeshadow for You
Choosing the best glitter eyeshadow all depends on personal preference, but something I always advise keeping in mind is what skin type you have. Those of you with oily skin might find that powder eyeshadows last a lot longer, while those of you with dry skin might favour a liquid formula as they can be easier to blend. As someone with combination skin, I actually like to use a mix. I find that starting with a cream eyeshadow base and applying a powder on top is the best way to get a statement finish that lasts all night.
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