An Expert Guide to Wearing Glitter Makeup Like a Grown-Up - NewBeauty (2024)

The first product that comes to mind when thinking of glitter makeup is probably eyeshadow. The category is arguably one of the most diverse in terms of sparkly makeup. But shimmer isn’t relegated to just the eye area and can be used all over the face to create a fabulous makeup look. With the holiday season in full swing and viral glitter products being launched every week, you may be thinking of sporting a shimmery makeup look of your own. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to create a stunning look—especially if you have expert guidance. Below, we chatted with two makeup artists to learn all about the dos and don’ts of wearing glitter makeup as an adult.

Featured experts

• Jerrod Blandino is thechief creative officer and co-founder of Polite Society
• Gabriel Barse is a makeup artist for Flower Knows

How to shop for glitter makeup

When looking for glitter shadows, quality is important. “Powder products should be soft to the touch, smooth and easy to blend,” says chief creative officer and co-founder of Polite Society Jerrod Blandino. Ideally, you want to get as much payoff as possible without having to use loads of product, as glitter can get messy. The size and shape of the glitter pigments can also affect how they show up on the skin. “Fine glitter offers a subtle effect, making it ideal for soft-glam or special occasion makeup looks. Chunkier glitters tend to appear more artsy and are better for bold or elaborate looks,” adds Blandino.

How to apply glitter makeup

Pressed glitter

“For pressed glitter shadows, you get the best payoff by using your fingers to pick up pigment and pressing it onto the lid,” says Blandino. That’s not to say that traditional makeup tools are obsolete. If you prefer to use a brush, makeup artist Gabriel Barse recommends opting for a dense brush, which will allow you to press the glitter onto the skin.

Loose glitter

The trick here is to use some form of adhesive before applying to ensure the glitter actually stays on your skin. Once you’ve primed the area, Barse says a flat synthetic brush or tiny silicon spatula is best for applying the product. “The smooth, level shape means you have more control over where the glitter is applied.”

Shimmer pigments

These kinds of products are much more concentrated but can deliver a beautiful effect when applied correctly—think highlighters, eyeshadows and glowy setting powders. To get the best results, Barse notes that it’s best to apply with a damp brush or sponge. “This helps intensify the look while applying them dry produces more of a soft glow.”

Liquid and gel glitter

Since these products have a liquid-like consistency, precision is essential. For liquid products, you can use the built-in applicator or a fine brush, but you want to allow it to dry completely before moving on, says Barse. Once applied, you can build the intensity with layers or by adding a powder product on top.

Mistakes to avoid

If you’ve ever attempted a glitter makeup look, you know the hassle of dealing with specks of shimmer winding up in unintended places. Glitter is notoriously messy and can get everywhere. ”If you’re working with an eyeshadow, using a makeup primer is key to holding the glitter in place and avoiding fallout,” says Barse. Since glitter shadows tend to be looser than other formulas, they don’t always have the same wear time. Longevity is an issue a lot of people run into, but according to Barse, there’s a simple fix. “Along with priming your skin, you can lock your makeup into place with a setting spray,” she says.

However, some glitter products have the opposite problem, lasting for hours but being difficult to remove. For simple removal, Blandino suggests using an oil-based makeup remover before starting your nightly skin-care routine. “These help break down the makeup gently, so you shouldn’t have to harshly scrub around the sensitive eye area.”

Glitter makeup products to try

BUY NOW – $35

BUY NOW – $39

BUY NOW – $40