Sometimes, our makeup looks can simply feel mundane. After using the same full-coverage foundation for years (and, the same swipe of mascara and neutral eyeshadow), it’s not uncommon to want a little change.
Enter glitter eyeliners. There aren’t too many on the market, and using one is a surefire way to add some shimmer and sparkle to your everyday look. Plus, they’re a secret weapon for festive occasions where you want a fresh flair.
“Right now, people are enjoying all colors and textures of glitter eyeliner, and narrowing it down to the most popular would be challenging,” Robert Sesnek, celebrity makeup artist, told the New York Post. “However, if I had to pick one, I’d say black eyeliner with silver flecks seems to be the most classic.”
Much like your favorite liquid eyeliners and eyeliner pencils, your best option is based on preference in both shade and pigmentation.
To help make your shopping experience easier, we interviewed celebrity makeup artists to share their 12 ultimate picks. (TLDR: pick up one — or more — of these to amp up your eye look.)
For more tips and tricks, from how to apply glitter eyeliner, how to remove it and what looks you can create, check out our in-depth FAQ section following these expert-approved picks.
“My favorite and probably most used in my glitter eyeliner stash is the Urban Decay Moondust Liquid Glitter Eyeliner,” Sesneck told The Post. His reasoning? This particular formulation has the “best shades and textures” to unveil a shimmery pop of color.
“This is one of my personal favorites,” said Katie Mellinger, fashion and celebrity makeup artist. “It’s a liquid eyeliner, so it’s great for making a statement, and it comes in a bunch of fun and versatile colors!”
Amanda Wilson, celebrity makeup artist, also recommended this rockstar product. In short: it’s a fan-favorite.
According to Sesnek, the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick has “great shades and texture.” Not only that, but it seamlessly glides on. No doubt it deserves a spot in your makeup bag and — drumroll, please — is less than $10.
According to Wilson, the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil is one of her all-time favorites, namely for its impeccable shade range and ability to glide on smoothly. Not to mention, it’ll be your secret weapon for all types of eye looks (and, its formulation is well-pigmented).
“SEPHORA COLLECTION has a very impressive glitter eyeliner line,” said Sesnek, calling it “cost-effective and affordable.” Plus, you’ll find yourself mesmerized at not only its glitter options but its matte and shimmer finishes as well.
Another tip: if you’re a novice to glitter eyeliner, this budget-friendly, easy-to-use option is a great place to start.
“If you want something more subtle, you can try Sephora’s Waterproof 12 Hour Contour Pencil Eyeliner in ‘Glitter Black,'” Mellinger said. “Line it on the top and bottom lash line and smudge it for the perfect, simple, glitter smokey eye.”
“Ulta Beauty’s Gel Eyeliner Pencils come in several colors with glitter finishes,” Mellinger said. “Pencils are an easy way to experiment with glitter without going full disco.”
At just $9 each, you’ll enjoy experimenting with these shades for a glammed-up wing or a shimmery pop of color.
“This is another great brand with affordable reasonable prices,” Sesnek said. “Its color palette always seems to be growing, which is a good thing.”
Wilson recommended the MAC Cosmetics Glitter for a customizable option (and, spoiler alert: we do, too). It differs slightly from your usual liquid or pencil applicator, and all you need is an angled brush and a quick tap into this pot for a stellar, pigmented glittery look that’ll make you feel like a makeup pro.
What’s more, the brand offers a color variety as rich as its formula, with options spanning from iridescent hot pink to sparkling white with turquoise.
According to Sesnek, the Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Glitter Eyeliner is “one of the originals.” Or, if you’re a millennial or Gen Z, “the OG” of glitter eyeliner.
Aside from its “great shade options and product,” he noted, the sparkle-infused option is just $5 for you to grab and not think twice about. Prepare to be amazed without spending more than a handful of dollars.
“KIKO MILANO is a fantastic brand based out of Italy with budget friendly products,” Mellinger said, recommending its bedazzled eyeliner formula. “Its Glitter Eyeliner in Multicolor looks great on all skin tones!”
It’s also a worthwhile Amazon beauty purchase thanks to its iridescent hue and glide-on applicator for that sought-after radiant line.
If you’re on the hunt for a dreamy, ultra-pigmented glitter eyeliner (and, perhaps a full repertoire of shades), the NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Goals Cream Pro Palette is a makeup artist-recommended option — on behalf of Wilson — that proves you don’t have to pick just one.
With a solid assortment of neutrals and vibrant shades alike, the glam possibilities are endless. Oh, and we can’t stop looking at that yellow shade that’ll make any eye color sparkle.
While not an eyeliner per se, Sesnek recommended the Stila Cosmetics Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow as a worthy pick-me-up for anyone who wants a little dazzle to their lids.
“This is a favorite I’ve been using these for a while,” he said. “It has a great effect on the eyes. Use as-is for eyeshadow or use with its own precision applicator for a full line, and then apply to your own eyeliner brush for smaller, more precise lines.”
The beauty of the Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix is in its versatility, per Wilson. Sure, it’ll do the job of securing glitter on your eyes, but it’ll also offer a fresh coat of shimmer to the apples of your cheeks (think: cream highlight) or the middle of your lips for a fuller effect. For $20, we’re running to this product, too.
According to Sesnek, the KVD Beauty Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner is “a little bit pricey, but worth every cent.” Oh, and if you’re seeking a stay-all-day liner, he noted that this one has “great longevity” once it’s swiped on.
“It has a great shade selection and impressive unique shades. Plus, this eyeliner is like bulletproof, no joke,” he said. “It’s great for oily lids or people with eye makeup that bleeds or disappears in a few hours.”
Below, find the real deal on glitter eyeliners, as explained by our expert team of celebrity makeup artists, so you can feel good before you go all glitter.
“Beyond the fact that it’s super beautiful, glitter reflects light, which makes it shine and sparkle,” Wilson told The Post. “So, that kind of different texture around your eye looks beautiful under brights lights on stage and in sunlight.”
Additionally, it gives your makeup a more 3D effect, in the sense that it “pops instead of looking flat like traditional eyeliner,” Wilson said. It can also give a “wet effect” if placed correctly.
We’re huge fans of prepping the eyelids prior to any color eyeshadow or eyeliner, and our experts share how to do it right.
“Prep by using an eyeshadow priming base, as this maintains both truer colors in both shadows and liner,” Sesnek said, walking us through his mastery. “Then, set lightly with translucent powder, and then add your eyeliner either after eyeshadow application or, if doing a cat eye or flick, just apply.”
Because some of these pencils incorporate smaller flecks of glitter, avoid over-blending, as this could irritate the eye. “Use another kohl eyeliner, blend and then add glitter eyeliner,” he said.
With the length of the brush laid across the length of your eye, you can also brush the liner across the lash line moving outward, creating the desired shape.
“Build the shape as necessary until the desired finish is created,” Mellinger said, sharing another tactic. “For a pencil, draw along the lash line and smudge as desired.”
If you’re using a waterproof pencil, make sure to smudge shortly after applying and before it sets, as waterproof pencils tend to set fairly quickly.
Wilson gave us her top looks to create, aside from the traditional line-and-sparkle maneuver:
“In today’s world, people are playing and being more experimental with makeup more than ever before because of social media and shows that inspire, like ‘Euphoria,'” Wilson said. “I think it just depends what look you are going for.”
That said, try a black shade if you want to up the ante on your daily look, or opt for a colorful shade that plays on seasonality. For example, a light green glitter can tap into springtime, while burnt oranges and deeper plums play into fall and winter more.
Applying glitter eyeliner may have a learning curve for some, but the real skill is in removing all of the sparkles completely from the eye area.
“The best way to remove glitter, depending on the formula, is to either use a dry spolie to lightly brush it off, or painter’s tape, or any tape, to use as a lint roller for your face,” Wilson said. Just be careful, as your skin is delicate around the eyes.
If you’re working with just a pencil or liquid eyeliner that’s more flat glitter-based, use a good waterproof makeup remover or even coconut oil.
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