Ready to make your eyes sparkle like never before? Discover the secrets to perfect your glitter eye makeup with ease!

Making your eyes sparkle and shine under the disco lines can sometimes be the highlight of your night, but how do you perfect glitter eyeshadow makeup? In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of how to apply glitter eyeshadow flawlessly, as well as five additional tips on how you can use glitter makeup to your advantage in any setting. From prepping your lids to achieving a vibrant finish without the mess, learn how to master this dazzling look. 

Key Points:

Prep Your Eyelids For Glitter Eyeshadow Makeup

Before beginning your glitter eye makeup routine, remember to always start with a clean and hydrated canvas. Ensure your skin is fresh and ready for what’s next. 

Follow this with a soothing oil free moisturiser lotion to maintain the moisture balance without making your eyelids look greasy. Doing this will aid in keeping the glitter in place.

Next, you need to prime and get your eyelids prepped for glitter eye makeup. Do this by starting with a base shadow. 

Opt for light shades like nude or pale pink to create a neutral base or choose a light blue for a touch of fun. This initial layer helps to make your glitter eyeshadow makeup more vibrant and, of course, glittery. 

Afterwards, apply an eyeshadow primer; using this will be perfect for securing the glitter, ensuring it clings all day or night without any mess.

How to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup

Once you have fully prepped and primed your eyelids, you can begin creating your glitter eye makeup. Follow the steps below for the best results with your makeup glitter:

a. Start with a Base

After your primer sets, apply a matte shadow over it to act as a coloured base. This technique helps to intensify the glitter’s effect and keeps it from smudging. 

Expert tip: Choose a colour that complements the glitter you plan to use.

b. Apply the Glitter

If you’re using loose glitter, prepare a mixing medium such as Mehron Mixing Liquid to bind the glitter. Dip a cotton swab into the mixture, roll it into the glitter, and then gently pat it onto your lid. Start by applying the glitter near the lash line for a glitter eyeliner effect or cover the entire lid for a more dramatic look. Use patting motions to apply glitter more precisely and avoid fallout.

Expert tip: For a bold look, cover the whole lid or create a glitter liner by sticking close to the lash line.

Is glitter makeup harmful to your eyes? Reassure yourself now.

c. Manage Fallout

Before any glitter application, position an under-eye shield or patch to catch fallout. This saves you from having to clean up glitter from your face later. 

It’s an easy step that makes a significant difference in keeping your under-eye area clean.

d. Blending

After applying the glitter, use a darker shadow at the outer corners of your eyes. This adds depth and dimension to your look. 

Choose a shade that complements your glitter, such as a darker brown or a bold navy, and blend it into the crease and along the outer edges of your eye.

e. Additional Glitter

Of course, you can choose to increase the intensity by adding more glitter. If your base has settled, reinforce it with a bit of glitter primer or a light dab of concealer before applying more glitter. This ensures everything stays in place.

f. Highlighting

Brighten up your brow bone and inner corner of your eyes with a light, reflective eyeshadow or a highlighter. This step brings light to your eyes, making them appear larger and more awake. 

Expert tip: For an extra pop, add a thin line of glitter under your eyebrows to echo the sparkle on your lids.

g. Eyeliner and Mascara

Add extra definition to your eyes with eyeliner. A winged eyeliner, for example, can elevate your look, making it more refined and glamorous. 

Alternatively, a simple coat of mascara can improve your lashes without overpowering the glitter.

h. Under-Eye Sparkle

If you would prefer a more cohesive look, simply apply a glittery liner beneath your lower lashes. 

If you used a winged eyeliner on top, mirror that with a subtle glitter line underneath to balance the sparkle.

j. Finish Your Look

Complete your eye makeup with a darker shade at the corner of your eyes to add depth and dimension. 

Blend well to ensure a seamless transition between the glitter and the shadow. 

Expert tip: Adding a touch of light shadow beneath your brows can also help highlight your eyes, making them pop.

k. Glitter Cleanup 

Glitter can be tricky to clean up and manage, but with proper preparation and quality products, you can achieve a stunning glitter eye makeup look without the hassle. 

Remember, when it’s time to remove your makeup, use a protective remover such as the xtra gentle eye area makeup remover treatment to ensure all traces of glitter are gently wiped away, keeping your skin clean and clear.

5 Tips To Master Your Glitter Eyeshadow Makeup

Now that you know how to correctly apply glitter eyeshadow makeup with our expert advice, here are five additional tips to consider and ensure that your glitter eyeshadow can shine in any environment that you find yourself in, on or off stage. 

1. Mastering the Light

Glitter thrives under the right lighting because it’s all about the sparkle and shine, which adds dimension to your makeup. 

When applying glitter eyeshadow, consider how the light hits your eyes. 

Expert tip: Use a mix of shades—lighter tones for areas you want to highlight and darker shades to deepen and define.

2. Layering Your Glitter

Glitter eye make-up is all about layers! 

For example, if you start with a base layer of fine glitter and then add larger particles or sequins for a textured look, this technique can create depth and prevent the glitter from appearing too flat. 

Think of your eyelid as a canvas where different sizes and colours of glitter can be combined to create a dynamic effect.

3. Be As Precise As Possible

Being precise with where you place glitter is vital for a clean and intentional look. Whether you’re accenting the inner corners of your eyes or going for a bold glitter lid, use a small brush for detailed application. Doing this ensures that every speck of glitter is exactly where you want it, and won’t appear too overwhelming.

4. Nothing Is Perfect

While precision is important, sometimes the beauty of glitter eye makeup lies in its imperfections. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment. 

A scattered application of glitter can mimic how whimsical freckles can appear, adding a playful and unexpected element to your makeup. This relaxed approach can make your glitter eye makeup feel more personal and unique.

5. No Rules, Just Play

Finally, remember that when it comes to glitter eye makeup, the rules are there to be broken; something that is a staple with punk makeup looks. 

Try mixing colours and textures that traditionally don’t go well together. Combine silver and gold, or add star-shaped glitter to elevate your look. 

Glitter is fun by nature, so let your creativity run wild. Play with different placements and combinations to discover what works best for you.

Further reading:

For more help regarding glitter makeup and other makeup tips, try these guides on our blog –

• How to use body shimmer powder
• Festival makeup ideas
• Sweat proof makeup

FAQs

Can I blend glitter eyeshadow?

Yes, you can blend glitter eyeshadow, but do it gently. Use a fluffy brush and lightly blend the edges of the glitter into your base eyeshadow. Avoid dragging the brush across the lid, as this can disperse the glitter unevenly.

How can I make my glitter eyeshadow last longer?

To make glitter eyeshadow last longer, use an eyeshadow primer or a thin layer of glitter glue over your primer before application. These products provide a tacky surface that holds the glitter in place. Optionally, setting spray can also help to set and seal the makeup.

What should I do if glitter gets into my eye?

If glitter gets into your eye, avoid rubbing your eye as this can cause irritation or scratch the cornea. Try to flush out the glitter gently with clean water or eye drops. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.

How do I remove glitter eyeshadow without making a mess?

To remove glitter eyeshadow effectively and without spreading glitter all over your face, use an oil-based makeup remover or a dedicated eye makeup remover. Apply the remover to a cotton pad, hold it against your eyelid for a few seconds to dissolve the glue, and then gently wipe away the glitter.

Sources

Barden, A., (2021) Is glitter makeup harmful to eyes? All About Vision. [online] Available at: http://allaboutvision.com/eye-care/cosmetic/glitter-eye-makeup/ [accessed 19/03/2025]