Top 10 Glitter Eyeshadows
Glitter Eyeshadow Season Is Here—These Are The Best Formulas You Can Buy
Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best styles according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
The holidays are arguably the best time of year for the beauty-obsessed because, among other things (read: jaw-dropping beauty gift sets and an endless excuse to wear red lipstick), it's the one time of year we can go as wild as we want with glitter eyeshadow, and it won't come off as too costumey, kitschy, or cheap. With that in mind, we're ringing in the season of all things sparkly with an algorithm-approved list of the best glitter eyeshadows on the shelves. Whether you want an easy-to-apply cream, a dusting of shimmering powder, or a super opaque, prismatic finish, the list ahead has a top-ranked glitter eyeshadow for every beauty mood and budget.
How We Found The Best Glitter Eyeshadows
To round up this list, we turned to the help of our data-driven algorithm. This unique tool factors in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more to find and rank the best products on the internet. The 10 shimmering shades below will serve you well from holiday soirées to girlfriend gift swaps, and don't worry—we threw in some subtle options for everyday wear as well. From the celeb-favorite Stila find that will never crease to a long-wearing formula that's sure to last through every tear induced by your favorite Hallmark holiday movie, keep scrolling to shop the best glitter eyeshadows money can buy.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Holiday Nail Colors. Opening image: glossier.com
December 6, 2021
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid+Line+Lash
BEST MULTITASKING
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: First of all, this drugstore formula was featured in Euphoria, and it stayed on Zendaya's pretty lids scene after scene. If that doesn't tell you how great this stuff is, then we don't know what will. But it's also super unique in that it's a shadow-liner duo—it has a shimmery base on one side and a thick, glittery gel on the other.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: We know you're wondering—the specific shade used in the show was "Desert Dazzle."
NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow
BEST LONGWEAR
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Ever used an eyeshadow only to find that it looks way prettier in the package than it does on your lids? This one isn't like that. Thanks to Pigment Powder Suspension technology, just one swipe delivers long-wearing, high-impact color. Plus, you can use it wet or dry, and it works as a liner too.
USER REVIEW: "I'm not big on writing reviews, but this eyeshadow deserves it. I don't wear eyeshadow much because I'm so basic—like one eyeshadow for the whole lid, some mascara, and then I'm good. With some shadows, you can't really do that and need more. But this baby!!!!! It's all you need. I get compliments allll the time when I wear it."
Colourpop Super Shock Shadow
BEST BUDGET POWDER
WHO IT'S FOR: If you want to play with color or are simply new to the glitter eyeshadow game, look no further. Super Shock Shadow is available in a whopping 21 shades, including a range of neutrals and brights alike. They're a low-commitment way to stock up and experiment at just $6 a pop, and the pigmented, blendable formulas feel way pricier than that.
APPLICATION TIP: For a max coverage, one-and-done eye look, simply use your fingertip and tap the shadow onto the eyelid.
Glossier Lidstar
BEST SHEER
WHO IT'S FOR: Want something a little subtler? Go with Glossier's cult-favorite Lidstar. The buttery formula is sheer, blendable, and beautiful on eye colors, and the doe-foot applicator makes it a breeze to apply.
AS SEEN ON: See Beyoncé and Taraji P. Henson in Fawn and Tracee Ellis Ross in Cub.
Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow
BEST SPLURGE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: These fan-favorite eyeshadow pots bring serious glam and glitter to the eyes without ever looking messy or chunky. Plus, they're buildable—you can go from a sheer, crystal-like shimmer to an opaque, prismatic glitter finish with just a few additional swipes.
APPLICATION TIP: While this works well as a one-and-done shadow, you can also apply it on top of a lackluster eye look for an instant upgrade.
E.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
BEST BUDGET LIQUID
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Don't underestimate this $5 shadow. Infused with multi-dimensional glitter and pearls, one swipe provides opaque, fallout-free coverage. We'd go ahead and grab a few shades if we were you.
APPLICATION TIP: For a layered topper, use Disco Queen or Bling Bling. For a vibrant, full-coverage shadow, go with Flirty Birdy, Copper Pop, Dirty Martini, 24K Gold, Ocean Eyes, or Black Magic.
Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow
BEST VEGAN
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: According to the reviews, these gorgeous shadows provide that stunning, wet-looking shimmer all day long—we're talking 16 hours, people.
USER REVIEW: "I am not exaggerating when I say these are some of the most beautiful eyeshadows I own. I bought the shades Space Cowboy, Lithium, and Solstice after swatching in store, and I will probably get them all. They are hands down the most sparkly, reflective, wet-looking eyeshadows."
Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
BEST LIQUID
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: There's a reason this glitter shadow is cult. Loved by influencers and makeup artists alike, it's packed with pigment but super lightweight, and it comes in tons of one-of-a-kind colors.
APPLICATION TIP: Glide it on the inner corners of your eyes for that subtle pop, or use it all over your eyelids for an intense sparkle.
Ulta Eyeshadow Single
BEST SHADE RANGE
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Available in matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes in a range of neutrals and brights alike, there's an Ulta eyeshadow single to suit every beauty mood. Plus, the formula is so high-quality—you'd never guess it rings up under $10.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: The innovative packaging boasts a removable magnetic pan, making it easy to customize your own palette.
MAC Eyeshadow
BEST OVERALL
WHY IT MADE THE LIST: With potent color payoff that applies evenly, blends well, and can be used wet or dry, you simply can't beat MAC's selection of glitter eyeshadows. And with shades ranging from subtle neutrals to bold blues and pinks, we have a feeling you'll want to pick up more than one.
USER REVIEW: "I cannot truly express how much I love this eyeshadow. It does not matter if I wear it during the day in an office setting or go a little over the top for going out at night, whether I happen to be dressed down or dressed up, people tell me how great my eyes look in this color (Satin Taupe). I can honestly say that I've had strangers come up and ask me what color/brand I'm wearing when I use this eyeshadow."
The Latest
.png&w=828&q=75)
.png&w=828&q=75)
From Our Partners
.png&w=3840&q=75)
.png&w=3840&q=75)
.png&w=3840&q=75)
.png&w=3840&q=75)
.png&w=3840&q=75)