Simple Hacks to Apply Your Glitter Eyeshadow Like a Pro

Main Image – Live That Glow

Ahh the glitter eye.

Whether you prefer a light shimmer, bold colours, warm bronze and gold, or brilliant sparkles – the glitter eye has stood the test of time when it comes to glitzy party looks or understated glam.

While a glitter eye isn’t something most of us would wear day-to-day, with summer *officially* over and autumn on its way, loads of us will be applying glitzy eye looks for Halloween and Christmas.

Glitter eyeshadow can be a bit difficult to apply because of its crystallised texture that causes the particles to fall off the brush and onto your face. But fear not, you don’t need to be a makeup artist to take on this trend.

If you want to use the compacted glitter shade in your eyeshadow palette or that liquid glitter you got for Christmas and avoid finding speckles of glitter all over your beautifully applied base makeup, follow my foolproof step-by-step guide to give yourself a neat – yet sparkly – look!

 

*Before you start: If you use eyelash curlers WAIT until you have finished applying the glitter to allow an easier application overall!

 

 

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Glitter eyeshadow

The first look I will demonstrate will be created using glitter eyeshadow. For this, you’ll need an eyeshadow base, a concealer brush or small blending brush, a neutral-coloured eyeshadow and a glitter or shimmer eyeshadow.

So, let’s get glittering!

 

1. First, prep!

Apply an eyeshadow base to your eyes and tap in using your fingers or a concealer blending brush.

The eyeshadow base has a thick and tacky texture that will bond to the eyeshadow, prevent it from appearing patchy, give you a more intense colour and force the powder to stay put!

I’m using the P. Louise BASE in the shade ‘Rumour’ and Zoeva’s Rose Golden Vol.2 145 concealer blender brush.

 

 

2. Blend, blend, blend!

Take any neutral-coloured eyeshadow and apply it to the crease of your eye with a blending brush. Hold the end of the brush and use small circular motions from the middle to the end of your crease, blending outwards.

 

 

This will intensify the colours in the glitter you are using and make it really *pop*.

I’m using the shade ‘Burnt Orange’ from the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam palette. 

 

 

3. Add the glitter

Press your index finger on the glitter you are using and rub it on your eyelid. The warmth of your fingertip will smoothen out the crystals from the glitter and optimise the pigment of the shade to its full effect.

 

 

It’s a good idea to avoid using a brush to apply the glitter as the hairs will pick up small particles and spread them across your face, leaving specks EVERYWHERE!

For this, I’m using the shade ‘Bronze’ from the same palette. The glitter eyeshadow will remain where you put it and not mix with the crease shade, as shown below.

 

 

The final result?

A look that’s perfect for any autumn gathering, Halloween party, or Christmas event! 

You can switch up the colours depending on your outfit, but using this method will make sure that your glitter or shimmer stays in place all night.

 

 

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Liquid glitter

Liquid glitters have risen in popularity recently, and I’ve been seeing them all over my TikTok and Insta feeds!

In my opinion, liquid glitters are easier to apply over compact glitters and offer more *sparkle* – Yey! My personal fave is the Stila Glitter & Glow Eyeshadow in the shade ‘Kitten Karma’.

If you would rather use a liquid medium, follow the steps below!

 

1. Apply the liquid glitter

Using the wand, swipe the product across your eyelid. 

 

 

2. Spread and set the product

Then tap the product with your fingers to spread it wherever you desire.

I have kept mine on my eyelids and inner corners to offer a more subtle look.

 

 

The final result?

This liquid glitter look provides a bit more glam and sparkle and adding the glitter to the inner corners of your eyes will enhance them as well as giving a more wide-eyed look.

 

 

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The takeaway

Glitter eyeshadows are SUPER easy and quick to apply and, if you follow my steps, you’ll have a look that won’t shift!

Glitter eyeshadows are amazing for creating a more striking look with a bit of glam, plus, you can just use your fingertips to apply the product instead of those 5 additional brushes that you rely on for blending out matte eyeshadow looks!