How to Apply Glitter Eyeshadow Like A Pro

Glitter Eyeshadow

Be still our 8th grade, glitter-loving hearts! Shimmery, glitter eyeshadow is making a major comeback, and we’re here to help guide you through the glitter. We believe that you don’t have to look like you’re in junior high to enjoy sparkly eyeshadow. In fact, there are ways you can apply it and look like a fresh, fabulous adult!

Here are some go-to glitter eye makeup tips and tricks to satisfy any glitter-loving person’s heart!

Proper eye skincare

To achieve the best eye makeup results for any eyeshadow look, your eyes should be well cared for. This means treating the delicate skin surrounding your eye with the TLC it deserves. Always wash the area gently, pat it dry, and apply eye creams or moisturizers with your ring fingers – the skin surrounding the eye is almost tissue-paper thin, and we tend to be a little rougher with our forefingers.

Prep the area

Make sure your eyelids are clean, fresh, and primed. There are a variety of eye makeup primers available, from liquids to lotions. Priming the area helps your eye makeup cling to your eyelids and stay picture-perfect all day (or night) long.

Get the right type and shade

Cosmetic glitter is different from the craft glitter sitting in your junk drawer or Christmas crafting bin. You’re going to want to make sure the glitter you’re using is a glitter eyeshadow or specifically categorized as cosmetic glitter, even if it’s a loose powder.

If you’re unsure about using a glitter in a vibrant, bold shade, then find one that’s neutral (metallics like gold, silver, and rose gold, or a nude shade) or close to your typical daily eye shadows. Switching up your sparkle is a fun change, and you don’t have to go all out if you’re not comfortable!

Simply use a little along your lash line rather than your whole eyelid, if you’re looking for a more subtle shimmer.

A little goes a long way

You don’t have to be generous when applying a shimmer of glitter to your eyes. A little dab usually goes a long way, and it’s much easier to add more if you’d prefer a brighter look than it is to take away or remove a layer of glitter.

In order to prevent glitter from going everywhere or spreading to other areas of your face, just hold a clean tissue below your lower lash line when applying. Also using a slightly damp brush and dabbing it in the glitter will help it stay in place exactly where you want it on your lids.

Set it and shimmer all night long

Using a makeup setting spray will help keep your sparkle intact all night long. As we like to say, “set it and forget it!”

Removing your glamorous glitter

Gently swipe a clean brush over your eyes a few times to help remove any loose glitter powder. Scotch tape can help with this too, just be gentle when pulling and try to avoid any glitter actually getting into your eyes.

An oil-based eye makeup remover will also do the trick when it comes to heavy-duty makeup removal. Just be gentle when removing no matter how you choose to remove it to prevent irritation. Wash gently afterward, too.

With glitter makeup making a huge comeback, we want you to know that you don’t have to look like you’re in junior high to enjoy sparkly eyeshadow. In fact, there are ways you can apply it and look like a fresh, fabulous adult! We’ve compiled some tips for proper adult application.

Guest post by Alana Mitchell – a beauty and skincare expert and licensed esthetician. Skincare by Alana is a popular online skincare shop for famous brands like Rhonda Allison and Dermalogica skin care.