15 best glitter eyeshadow formulas to make a statement this party season
I'm a firm believer that glitter eyeshadow makes for a striking look all-year-round, but with party season in full swing, bringing the glitz and the glam to your eyelids is pretty much non-negotiable. It's one of the easiest way to ‘zhuzh’ up your makeup in a matter of seconds, leaving you with a look worthy of an equally stunning party dress to celebrate the arrival of 2025 in style.
Whether you're in the mood for something more subtle to add a little bit of dimension or if you're team “all-out sparkle”, the good news is that today's glitter eyeshadows are versatile enough to offer a variety of finishes and pigment levels to please every preference. And unlike the old-school glitter formulas, you won't have to deal with issues like fall-out or flaking, either.
Eyeshadow palettes are, of course, a solid choice for those of us who want to experiment with glitter while also enjoying the neutral shades that you can revisit for a day-to-day look. Not to mention, such palettes make superb beauty gifts to pamper a fellow makeup lover. But, if your makeup bag is already filled to the brim with eyeshadow, you can always rely on an individual glitter pot that you can whip out should an occasion call for something a bit extra. They're way less bulky than palettes for carrying around.
Bottom line: glitter eyeshadow really isn't as intimidating as you may think. To help you pick the best option, I've taken the time to curate a definitive guide while relying on my personal expertise as a beauty journalist. From affordable finds to the more premium formulas, rest assured because you'll definitely find something that will tick all the boxes for you. I've also included a few handy tips that I always rely on when it comes to application and getting my eyeshadow to last. So, without any further ado, here's everything you need to know.
SKIP TO: How to apply glitter eyeshadow | Liquid vs powder – which glitter eyeshadow is best for you? | How to get your glitter eyeshadow to last | How we test.
Best glitter eyeshadows 2025 – our top picks:
- Best Overall: Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Duos, £37
- Best Palette: Huda Beauty Icy Nude Eyeshadow Palette, £62
- Best Individual Glitter Eyeshadow: Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotising Pop Shots, £25
- Best Liquid Formula: R.E.M. Beauty Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow, £16
- Best Affordable: Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow Glitter Effect, £7.99
Ahead, the best glitter eyeshadows, tried & tested…
Best glitter eyeshadow overall
- Available shades: 5 (including gold, silver, pink, brown and rose gold)
- Type: palette.
Why we love it: Having just launched earlier this year, he Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Duos sure did make a lot of noise on the realms of TikTok, and with good reason. Available in 5 different iterations, you can treat yourself to a truly quality formula that glides on like butter, creating the most ethereal look. Featuring light-reflecting pigments for high-impact shimmer, this eyeshadow duo is bound to become your go-to this festive season.
Save when shopping for best glitter eyeshadow using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best eyeshadow palette with glitter
- Available shades: 18 (including cool-toned shades and neutral essentials).
- Type: palette.
Why we love it: Let's face it, Huda Beauty eyeshadow palettes are unbeatable when it comes to offering a versatile range of shades, including blinding glitter pigments. Having just dropped ahead of this festive season, the Icy Nude palette will help you create the most gorgeous frosted look with the help of cool-toned hues and blinding glitter pigments. Huda Kattan also announced that the Icy Nude palette also happens to be the last of its kind, so once it's gone, it's g-o-n-e, people – run, don't walk.
Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotising Pop Shots
- Available shades: 9 (including neutral metallics and bolder statement colours).
- Type: individual eyeshadow.
Why we love it: There's no arguing that Charlotte Tilbury is one of the best makeup brands around, period. Naturally, we can always rely on CT to deliver a quality eyeshadow formula, such as the viral Hypnotising Pop Shots. Available in 9 gorgeous shades, this unique formula glides on like cream and easily blends into a beautiful shimmery finish that will elevate your makeup in seconds.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre
- Available shades: 9 (including neutral and colourful hues).
- Type: individual pot.
Why we love it: What makes the VB Lid Lustre shimmer eyeshadow pots so different, you say? Well, to start, they're made with actual crystals (yep, really), delivering a luxurious illuminating effect. And if that wasn't enough, they're also packed with kin-loving ingredients such as squalane, guava leaf and magnolia bark extracts to ensure comfortable wear. A win.
Diorshow 5 Couleurs Christmas Limited Edition Palette
- Available shades: 5 cool-toned shades.
- Type: palette.
Why we love it: As part of its limited edition holiday collection, Dior has also released a beautiful palette with subtle yet eye-catching shades that scream luxury. Cased inside stunning gold packaging, this palette offers five cool-toned shades to help you create the most show-stopping festive look.
Save when shopping for best glitter eyeshadow with these Sephora discount codes.
Lisa Eldridge Bianca Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow
- Available shades: 9 metallic shades (from rose gold to bronze and silver).
- Type: liquid eyeshadow.
Why we love it: Are you looking for something a bit more subtle? Not a fan of bright colours and blinding pigment? Check out this luxurious liquid eyeshadow from Lisa Eldridge, which provides a subtle wet look with a durable shine. And if that's not enough, it's also talc-free, fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free. An easy 10/10.
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Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes
- Available shades: 14 (including bold and playful hues like pink, orange, green, blue and more).
- Type: multi-chrome flakes.
Why we love it: They're self-setting, they're easy-to-apply and they offer a buildable finish, the Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes are nothing short of impressive. Featuring an innovative, water-based formula with multi-coloured chrome flakes, this product can be worn as either a topper (no glue required) or as a standalone eyeshadow for that intense prism effect. Talk about a wow factor.
Makeup By Mario Ethereal Moonlight Eyeshadow Palette
- Available shades: 12 cool-toned shades.
- Type: palettes.
Why we love it: The legendary Mario Dedivanovic doesn't play around when it comes to eyeshadow. One of our most recent favourites? The limited edition Makeup By Mario Ethereal Moonlight Eyeshadow Palette, which offers 12 unique cool-toned shades, including three metallic hues that could work for just about any makeup look. Each shade offers impressive pigment and blends like a dream – what's not to love?
Rom&nd Better Than Palette 00 Light & Glitter Garden
- Available shades: 10 pastel and neutral glittery hues.
- Type: palette.
Why we love it: After a look to rival a K-pop idol? Say less. The Rom&nd Better Than Palette delivers exactly that. Featuring 10 beautiful shimmers, this eyeshadow formula has ultra fine texture that's incredibly easy to blend. From neutral gold and rose gold hues to pastel pinks, silvers and purple shades, it's safe to say that you'll have plenty of shades to experiment with.
e.l.f. Fine as Fleck Glitter Eyeshadow
- Available shades: 6 (including wearable shades of brown, gold, silver and more).
- Type: individual eyeshadow.
Why we love it: Having just launched earlier this year, this individual glitter eyeshadow from e.l.f. Cosmetics is already hailed as one of the best formulas around, courtesy of Tiktok, and we couldn't agree more. Available in six wearable shimmery shades, this eyeshadow features micro-fine glitter flecks and an easy-to-blend formula that glides on like butter.
R.E.M. Beauty Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow
- Available shades: 8 iridescent shades, from gold, silver, pink, purple to black.
- Type: liquid eyeshadow.
Why we love it: If there's one product where Ariana Grande's R.E.M. Beauty truly shines, it's the brand's Midnight Shadows Lustrous Liquid Eyeshadow. This liquid formula is long-wearing, highly pigmented and comes in a range of metallic, iridescent and space-like hues. Wear it on its own or use it as a topper for your eyeshadow look, this one-of-a-kind eyeshadow will become your go-to in no time.
Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow
- Available shades: 5.
- Type: individual eyeshadow.
Why we love it: Vegan, caffeine-infused and super-charged colour? Sign us up. This eyeshadow provides buildable coverage for a more intense shimmer or a diffused glow for a more ‘subtle’ eye look. Pair it with Urban Decay bestsellers such as the Eyeshadow Primer Potion and the All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray to make it nice and smudge-proof. (P.S. we highly recommend checking out the viral shade called Space Cowboy – thank us later.)
- Available shades: 14, including everything from neutral, gold, silver and colourful hues.
- Type: duo palette.
Why we love it: Looking for a compact eyeshadow that you can pop in your handbag to use on-the-go? This is it. It has a waterproof and crease-proof formula and a silky texture. And even if you don't have your brush set handy, you can apply it on your lids with just your fingertips – sooo convenient. Let's not talk about how beautiful and slick the packaging is.
Save when you shop for the best glitter eyeshadows using these Selfridges discount codes.
Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow Glitter Effect
- Available shades: 19, ranging from classic shimmers to high-shine flakes.
- Type: individual eyeshadow.
Why we love it: Sephora Collection offers one of the best affordable glitter eyeshadows on the market, and it's not too hard to see as to why. Great for using on its own or layered over your usual eyeshadow look, this formula is versatile enough to create a range of looks – be it a minimal soft-glam moment or an “all out” look.
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- Available shades: 11, including light and dark neutral shimmers.
- Type: cream and liquid formula.
Why we love it: This 2-in-1 formula from Iconic London features a liquid glitter on one end and a heavenly-rich eyeshadow crayon on the other, making it super intuitive to apply and blend. It's infused with fine, reflective pearls for a glossy finish – perfect for a party-ready look with minimal effort.
Save when you shop for the best glitter eyeshadows using these Look Fantastic discount codes.
How to apply glitter eyeshadow
Similar to any other form of makeup, there's no “black and white” rule for how you should apply glitter eyeshadow. After all, it's all about experimenting. However, depending on your desired finish, you may want to consider the following options:
- Fingers: As many celebrity makeup artists would say, fingers are your best makeup tools, particularly when it comes to eyeshadow. If you want a highly pigmented finish, simply press your finger on the product and gently dab or swipe over your lid.
- Brush: While there's no strict rule, it's generally recommended to use a small flat brush to pick up eyeshadow as opposed to a fluffy makeup brush. Make sure not to swipe it around as this may result in product fall-out. Simply pick up the pigment by gently pressing the brush and use a subtle dabbing motion to apply it.
Liquid vs powder – which glitter eyeshadow is best for you?
When choosing between different forms of glitter eyeshadow, it all comes down to your personal preferences. Liquid is not necessarily better than powder and vice versa, however, your desired finish may determine as to which will work best for you.
Liquid or creamy eyeshadow applies seamlessly, and the good news is that it doesn't result in any product fall-out. Plus, they're also great if you're after a fresh, dewy finish. Some liquid formulas are also more subtle and less “in your face,” so if you're not someone who loves an extra-pigmented look, you may want to opt for a cream or a liquid.
Powder is the more traditional form of glitter eyeshadow, be it in form of palettes or individual pots. They're incredibly easy to apply and blend, making them super intuitive to use even for a novice. Plus, they're unmatched when it comes to pigment.
How to get your glitter eyeshadow to last
- Setting spray: One of the best hacks to get your glitter eyeshadow to stick better and last longer is to incorporate setting spray when applying the product. Simply spray your flat brush prior to applying and swipe it across your lid as you normally would. The wet brush will also pick up more product, resulting in a more pigmented result.
- Eyeshadow primer: A quality eyeshadow primer goes a long way in ensuring a lasting makeup look, and that's no exception when it comes to glitter eyeshadow. Make sure to prep your lids with a small amount prior to application.
- Layering: If you're heading out for a special occasion, layering your eyeshadow could help prolong your makeup wear. Try using a liquid glitter eyeshadow first, then set it with a powder formula. Just make sure that both shades complement each other and you're golden.
How we tested glitter eyeshadow
Over the years, the GLAMOUR editors have tested hundreds of eyeshadows – from palettes to individual pots (liquids and powders alike). When reviewing each formula, we always take careful note of factors such as longevity, pigment level and how easy was it to apply/blend out. It's also important for us to make sure that all glitter eyeshadow that we recommend to our readers is biodegradable. During the testing process, our editors try to create different makeup looks that would suit a variety of skin tones and preferences.
For more shoppable makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
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