The Best Glitter Eyeshadows Create a Quick and Easy Statement Eye

I love this glitter pigment so much, that I've practically worn it every day for five years straight. But, I'm far from the only fan—it has makeup artist Jonet Williamson's endorsement, too. “They’re very fine, so you can really build them up or wear them lightly dusted across the lid," she says. "Even though it’s a loose pigment, you can pick it up nicely with your finger or a brush and won’t experience a lot of fallout.” I’m partial to shades Off the Hook, Stellar, and Mood.

Pros: Makeup artist-approved; No fallout; No creasing; Large shade selection

Cons: None

This beginner-friendly eyeshadow can transform from a barely-there wash of color to a high-impact shadow in about three layers. Depending on the lighting, it can look like a true glitter or a shimmer, but it's pretty opaque regardless. Burnish is one of the prettiest everyday colors, and Vivid made me a green shadow convert.

Pros: Buildable; Great shade selection; Iridescent

Cons: Color fades throughout the day

If you’re a swipe-and-go kind of girl who can’t be bothered with brushes, a cream texture, like this Valentino formula, is the way to go. The flecks are going to stick right to your finger and one swipe will give you an intense color payoff. The densely packed particles also make this a great eyeliner option. Go bold with the green or blue shade, or keep things subtle with the gold and silver.

Pros: No fallout, Intense color payoff

Cons: Small shade selection

This formula has been around since 2016—and it remains one of the most popular options on the market to this day. “It’s a beautiful formula if you want to apply glitter as a liner or do a little, sheer wash in the inner corner," says Williamson. If you do decide to go for more of a high-impact look, it might just take a few layers of product.

Pros: Makeup artist-approved; Great for liner and accents; Large color selection

Cons: Need a lot of product to build up to full coverage

Straddling the line between a shimmery cream and true glitter pigment, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s pots are some of the most hydrating, pearlescent shades I’ve ever seen. Real crystals and multi-dimensional pearls have been infused into each of the 10 shades to create a gilded finish that catches light. There’s also hydrating squalane and guava leaf extract in the mix, which makes this shadow perfect for dry eyelids.

Pros: Great shade selection; Pearlescent finish

Cons: Lacks chunky glitter

Multi-finish glitters are hard to come by, but this Iconic London product serves dimension up on a silver platter. The dual-ended stick, which is available in 10 shades, pairs a cream glitter crayon with the accompanying glitter liquid. Pop the liquid on the center of your lid, use it in your inner corner, or drag it along your lower lash line to create an iridescent illusion.

Pros: Two-in-one; Large shade selection

Cons: Requires touch-ups throughout the day

This six-pan palette makes a smoky glitter eye easy, which is exactly why it's makeup artist Suzy Gerstein's favorite. "They apply so seamlessly onto the lids and seductively catch the light," she shares. I tend to apply them with my fingertips or a brush misted with some of Lisa’s setting mist. They are certainly on the more refined, sophisticated end of the glitter spectrum."

Pros: Six color options; Flattering for all eye colors

Cons: More metallic than glitter

There are very few shadows, let alone glitter shadows, that pack as much pigment into a singular swipe as this YSL pot. I’m partial to creating a monochromatic look with these, but they are designed to be layered on top of one another, so go forth and build dimension. You’ll want the Confident Nude shade on standby—it’s the perfect neutral highlighter.

Pros: Highly pigmented; Intense shimmer

Cons: Expensive

While most glitter shadows are prone to creasing, this Urban Decay doesn't budge one bit. It grips onto the lid instantly and maintains its color intensity all day. A brush application will give you a more diffused wash, and a finger application provides an intense color payoff. "The microfine glitter particles create an alluring wet look on lids," notes Gerstein. To really get a metallic wash, add setting spry to your brush.

Pros: Multiple finishes; Lasting power

Cons: Color really needs to be built up

If you want a chunky glitter finish, there’s no better product for the job. Grab the brand’s Duo Adhesive to create a sticky base and gently pat the flecks onto your lid. How much you use is up to you, but I recommend erring on the lighter side or using it as an accent on the outer corner of the eye. You don’t want your lid to feel stiff.

Pros: Large glitter chunks; Tons of color options

Cons: Difficult to apply

These glitter eyeshadows have a major impact. Perfect for a concert, festival, themed party, or any other fun event, the pot is filled with super chunky glitter flecks that are on the larger side. It might make a tiny bit of a mess, so I recommend applying this before you apply foundation. You'll definitely want to use your fingers or a wet brush for this one.

Pros: High impact; Very reflective

Cons: A little heavy on the eyelid