This $12 Glitter Eye Shadow Is Trending on TikTok Right Now, and I Just Tried It

I spend hours upon hours scrolling through TikTok for two main reasons: to get a good giggle or two in before bed and to add the latest viral beauty products to my basket (if they aren't already sold out, which is usually the case). Over the past year, we've seen the likes of everything from the Nyx Professional Makeup Shine Loud Lip Gloss to KVD Beauty's Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm go viral in just a matter of hours. I've basically made it my mission to try to get ahead of the game with the latest trending beauty products.

So when I came across TikTok makeup artist Mikayla Nogueira talking about an eye shadow she was obsessed with (that comes in more shades than you could imagine), I was intrigued. The first of several videos show Nogueira talking about her recent purchase of 17 dazzling eye shadows that look like glitter pigments but are actually shimmery eye shadow flakes. And when I discovered that the product was formulated by an indie brand in the UK, I was even more invested. Enter Kaima Cosmetics Chameleon Eyeshadow Flakes.

I was more than ready to check out with my chosen shades after watching Nogueira's reviews, but it seemed as though everyone else had the same idea. All shades of the eye shadow were sold out for weeks—I'm not surprised; they're a literal TikTok sensation—but as soon as they restocked, I jumped straight onto the website and hit the jackpot. I purchased the Chameleon Eyeshadow Flakes in Monarch ($12), the Chameleon Eyeshadow Flakes in Limelight ($12), and the recommended Glistening Pigment Mix ($8), which I'll explain in more detail later.

But were they worth the hype? Keep scrolling for my honest review.

Vanese Maddix wearing Kaima Cosmetics Chameleon Eyeshadow Flakes in Monarch.

The Chameleon Eyeshadow Flakes are described as the ultimate product for glitter lovers. They have unique flake pigments that don't use harsh glitter particles. Unlike other forms of glitter particles, these are said to be soft, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. As for the application? It's quite a unique process. To begin, you take the Glistening Pigment Mix, place two small drops into a bowl, mix it with your Eyeshadow Flakes, and you should be left with a lightweight glitter mixture. Taking a small flat brush, slowly begin to paint the mixture onto your eyes and build it up as you desire—make sure you let it set until it feels dry on your eyes.

I have to admit it took me a couple of tries before I managed to get the flakes and the mix to work together. On the first two attempts, the mixture became soap-like, which I think was due to not having enough flakes in the mix. Thankfully, on the third try, I felt like a pro. I began by blending some of my Lime Crime Eyeshadow Palette Venus III ($38) into the crease of my eye and the lid for a base color. I then popped some of the flake mix onto a small eye shadow brush and began painting it onto my eye, and wow, It's not often that I'm lost for words when it comes to trying out new beauty products, but this one really got me. The finished look is something out of a dream—popping glittery specs that look like they've taken hours to put on when in fact a few simple swipes do the job.

One thing I will say is that the flakes do feel slightly heavy when first applied—not the kind of heavy where you feel as though you need to take it off, but more so you're aware that something is on your eyes. I found that after an hour, it settled down and felt lightweight like a usual shimmery eye shadow.

I found it to be super long-lasting without any budging. While there was a bit of glitter fallout upon application, it never fell while I was wearing it. This is a product that I highly recommend you try if you're looking to add a hard-to-miss sparkle to your eyes. Each shade is unique with a pop of color. Believe me—even the raving reviews don't do this justice. These eye shadows are seriously worth their viral status.

Shop more of my favorite shimmery eye shadows…