How to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to make your eyes sparkle? Wearing eye makeup that contains glitter is a great way to increase your glam factor. Glitter is a fun way to dress up your everyday look. You can choose to make the look subtle, or use it as the focal point of your whole makeup scheme. Take care to learn to properly apply glitter eye makeup.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Creating a Smoky Eye

PDF download Download Article
  1. Creating a smoky eye using glitter shadow is a great way to create a sultry, dramatic look. There is a wide array of glittery eye-shadows from which you can choose. One of the most important things to consider is which color of shadow you want. For example, if you are trying to create a more subtle look, try a shadow that closely matches your natural skin tone. This method will make your eyes appear to sparkle.
    • Keep in mind that you will need 3 shades of the same color for a smoky eye look. For example, you could use a cream, a light brown, and glittery dark brown.
    • If you want to highlight your eye color, glitter eye-shadow can help you do that. To make brown eyes pop, use a cream shade. To make green eyes glow, try a shadow with a reddish tint. If you have blue eyes, try a sparkling gold or copper color.
    • Any of these color palettes can be used to create a smoky eye. Gray is also great for smoky eyes, and works well on many skin tones. For warm skin tones, opt for a brown eyeshadow.
    • Glitter eye makeup comes in many different forms. You can buy eyeshadow pencils, powders, or gels.
    • If this is your first time using glitter, try purchasing an eyeshadow palette. This will let you experiment with multiple shades.
  2. Once you have chosen the right glitter shadow, it is time to achieve the look you want. Take a couple of minutes to make sure that you have everything you need. To start with, you'll need the shadow and a tool to help you apply it. [1]
    • You can apply eye shadow using your finger, a sponge, a brush, or a Q-tip. Many people prefer using a silicone brush as it is sturdier and can better handle the weight of a glitter shadow.
    • Have tissues nearby to help you clean up any stray glitter.
    • Make sure that you have a gentle eye-makeup remover handy in case you need to remove the shadow and start over.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup
    A primer is a base that you apply before putting on your actual makeup. It will typically be a clear liquid, but is sometimes in powder or gel form. Using your finger, apply a small amount of shadow primer to each of your eyelids. This will create a smooth palette for your shadow and make it last longer. [2]
    • You can purchase eyeshadow primer at any drugstore or department store. Remember, a little goes a long way.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup
    Once your eyes and your tools are ready, it is time to put the glitter shadow on your eyes. Try using several different shades to create a dramatic effect. Begin by applying a charcoal gray shadow. Use a medium brush to cover your lid with shadow. [3]
  5. 5
    Use a slightly darker shade to color the outer corner of your eyes. This will help to create a contour. Then, dab a bit of the lighter shade onto the inner corner of your eyelid to highlight it.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup
    Different shades are what create the smoky look. Next, you want to apply the darkest of your shadows, which is the same color you applied to your outer eyelid. Using a brush, apply a thin line of dark shadow across the crease of your eyelid. This will help create the smoky effect.
    • Remember, it is easier to add more shadow than to take it away. Start with less than you think you might need. You can always apply more.
    • Blend the colors. Blending the complimentary colors will help create a softer, yet still dramatic, look. For this step, you can use either your finger or a brush. Lightly smudge each of the colors together so that they are no longer sharply defined. [5]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup
    To create a true smoky eye, you need to focus on your lower lid, too. Use a gunmetal shade for this step. Use a small, firm brush and press shadow along your lower lid line. [6]
    • To keep the look from being too severe, use a light silver shadow to lighten the overall effect.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making a Glittery Cat Eye

PDF download Download Article
  1. A cat eye can add an extra wow factor to your look. To make the cat eye pop even more, use eyeliners with glitter in them. To create the perfect cat eye, you will need two different kinds of liner. [7]
    • You will need a gel eyeliner pot. You will also need an eyeliner brush.
    • Additionally, you will need a felt-tipped liquid liner. One or both of these liners can be glittery.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup
    Start with the gel liner and the eyebrow brush. Dip the brush in the pot of liner. Draw a line with the brush from the outer corner of your eye towards your temple. Try drawing a line approximately 1/8 of an inch long that angles up and out. You can make it longer if you want. [8]
    • This is the "tail" of your cat eye.
    • Using the same gel liner, create a series of dots along your upper lash line. Start the dots about 1/4 of the way in from the inner corner of your eye.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup
    Now you are ready to fill in the outline that you have begun. Using the gel liner again, draw dashes between the dots. This creates a solid line of eyeliner across your lid. [9]
    • Now it is time to connect the tail and the line. Using the gel liner, return to the tail. Draw a small triangle that connects to the line of dots and dashes. This should be a diagonal line that comes off of the tail and angles towards the line across your lid.
    • Fill in the triangle shape using the felt-tipped liquid liner.
  4. You don't want to end up with glitter on the rest of your face. Your look will look best if the glitter stays on your eyes. Take steps to keep the glitter from drifting down onto the rest of your face. [10]
    • As you are applying the eyeshadow with one hand, hold a tissue beneath your eye with the other hand. This will catch any fallout that occurs.
    • Do your eye makeup first. That way, if you make a mistake, you can start over without having to reapply your foundation, blush, or lipstick.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Multiple Glittery Products

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Glitter Eye Makeup
    Glittery eyebrows are a major fashion trend right now. You can accomplish the look as long as you have a few specific tools. You will need an eyebrow brush, eyeshadow brush, a glitter base (or lash glue) and make-up grade glitter. Do not use glitter that is intended for crafts or other uses. [11]
    • Brush your brows into place with the brow brush. Next, use the shadow brush to completely cover your brows with the glitter base.
    • Dip the shadow brush into the glitter and press onto your eyebrow. Cover your brows with glitter.
    • Use the brow brush to comb through the glitter, making sure your entire brow is covered.
    Rihanna, Founder, Fenty Beauty

    Using makeup is empowering. "Makeup is like a secret weapon. Depending on my mood, my look, or the occasion, makeup can go from very subtle to a complete transformation, and that’s the fun in makeup: being able to play and create in endless ways."

  2. Once you have a perfectly shadowed eye, it is time to apply the rest of your makeup. For extra pop, consider using an eyeliner with a glittery shimmer. This will enhance your look, even if you are not doing a cat eye or smoky eye.
    • Use a lighter liner if you want to make the glitter eyeshadow the focal point. Use a dramatic black liner if you are going for more of a sultry look.
    • Using a glitter liner is a great way to experiment without committing to a full glittery eye.
  3. Your eyelashes are a great way to get creative with glitter. You can try a mascara that contains a little bit of sparkle. These products come in different colors, and have different amounts of glitter. Try swiping a coat on your lashes for some extra sparkle. [12]
    • If you want to ease into using glitter, apply one coat of your normal mascara. After allowing it to dry for 10 seconds, follow with a coat of glitter mascara.
    • Try pairing the glittery mascara with a sparkly lipstick. Your look will be festive and fun.
    4. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you make your eyeshadow look natural?
    Tymia Yvette
    Makeup & Lash Artist
    Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
    Tymia Yvette
    Makeup & Lash Artist
    Expert Answer
    Using light-reflecting glitter shadows can help enhance and emphasize your eye shape. For instance, if your eyes are deep set or close together, using a light-colored glitter eyeshadow on the inner corners can help balance their shape.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What are the best occasions to use glitter eye makeup?
    Tymia Yvette
    Makeup & Lash Artist
    Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
    Tymia Yvette
    Makeup & Lash Artist
    Expert Answer
    There's no right or wrong way to wear makeup; that's the great thing about having artistic expression. However, do consider your lifestyle habits—if you don't normally wear makeup, glitter eyeshadow might be a bold look for a coffee date with friends, whereas it might be perfect on someone who wears a lot of makeup if they're going out for the weekend.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Does eye shimmer require glue and primer or can the pack be applied without glue and primer?
    Annastacia S.
    Community Answer
    You usually only need one or the other. Really it's whatever you like. I personally like primer better, but it is up to you. Try both and see which one you like best. If you use primer and glue the results might not look as good.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Apply Makeup
      How to
      Apply Eye Makeup for Deep Set Eyes
      How to
      Determine Eye Shape
      How to
      Cover a Black Eye
      16 Tips and Tricks for Applying Ageless Eye Makeup (For Women Over 50)
      How to
      Clean Out a Mascara Tube
      How to
      Make Hazel Eyes Look Greener, Bluer, or More Golden
      How to
      Apply Eyelid Tape
      What Do Green Eyes Symbolize?
      People with Big Eyes: What Are They Like, and Are They More Attractive?
      How to
      Remove Eyeliner
      How to
      Get Rid of Black Circles Under Your Eyes
      How to
      Use Liquid Eyeshadow
      The Best Ways to Lighten Your Eye Color From Home
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.beautylish.com/a/vmiia/glitter-grabbers-the-best-application-tools-to-apply-sparkle
      2. ↑ https://michellephan.com/glitter-eye-makeup-tips-how-to-apply-remove-glitter-eye-shadow/
      3. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a17538/vegas-nay-glitter-gold-eyes/
      4. ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
      5. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a17538/vegas-nay-glitter-gold-eyes/
      6. ↑ http://www.instyle.com/beauty/5-steps-perfect-smoky-eye
      7. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a17882/cat-eye-liner-makeup-tutorial/
      8. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a17882/cat-eye-liner-makeup-tutorial/
      9. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a17882/cat-eye-liner-makeup-tutorial/
      1. ↑ https://michellephan.com/glitter-eye-makeup-tips-how-to-apply-remove-glitter-eye-shadow/
      2. ↑ http://www.beautylish.com/a/vxnij/diy-glitter-eyebrows
      3. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/dec/12/christmas-day-treats-sali-hughes-beauty
      4. ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Glitter eye makeup will give your eyes an extra sparkle for a big night out. To apply glitter eye makeup, first apply some primer to your eyelids to help the glitter stick. Next, apply your glittery eyeshadow with a medium brush. For a smoky look, use multiple shades of eyeshadow. You can use a slightly darker shade in the outer corners of your eyes to create a contouring effect. Then, apply a thin line of your darkest shade across the crease of your eyelids and use a lighter shade for your bottom lid. You can apply a glittery gel eyeliner on top of your normal eyeliner for a cat eye effect. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to make your eyebrows glittery, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 218,988 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Quin Maryam

        Feb 17, 2017

        "Really helpful. I'm a pro now."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement