I Want My Eyes to Sparkle Like the Night Sky, So I Tried Every Glitter Eyeshadow I Possibly Could

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's favourite glitter eyeshadows

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

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, applying a glitter eyeshadow

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, wearing Victoria Beckham Beauty's glitter eyeshadow.

Best Powder Glitter Eyeshadows

1. Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre

2. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette - Pillow Talk

3. MAC Pop Dazzleshadow Eye Shadow

4. Pat McGrath Labs Mothership XI: Sunlit Seduction

5. Urban Decay 24/7 Mono Moondust Eyeshadow

6. NARS Afterglow Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette

7. Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes

8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Sugar Palette

Best Liquid and Cream Glitter Eyeshadows

9. Armani Eye Tint

10. Beauty Pie Wondercolour Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

11. R.E.M. Beauty Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow

12. Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow Smoke

13. E.l.f. Cosmetics Duochrome Liquid Eyeshadow

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. "There can be a large amount of fallout involved with both shimmery eyeshadow and glitter itself," says Leandra Kis, makeup artist at Beam "A good primer is a must as this will ensure that the product has something to adhere to. The best way to apply shimmery eyeshadow is to start by placing the product on the centre of the lid and then gently pat it to the outer edges so some of the product gets deposited there."

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.

Opening Image: @sarah_novio

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Grace Lindsay
Junior Beauty Editor

Grace Lindsay is the junior beauty editor at Who What Wear UK. At the age of 18 she decided to train as a makeup artist before going on to study english and media at Goldsmiths University. It was during that time that she explored her love for journalism by interning at a small beauty start-up based in Shoreditch. Since then, she has worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire and Hello!, where her love for all things beauty continued to grow.

As Who What Wear UK's junior beauty editor, she covers everything from the latest hair trends to the stand-out makeup products of the season.