What types of glitter makeup are there?

With glitter, you can create a variety of creative looks. Glittery eye makeup is particularly popular, but you can also create a sparkling result with glitter eyeliner, lip gloss, or highlighter. With body glitter, you can add great highlights to your collarbones and upper body for a festival look or a special costume.

How do I get glitter off properly again?

The easiest and most effective way to remove a glittery look is with an oil-based cleanser. By double cleansing, i.e., following up with a water-based cleanser, you can perfectly remove all residues.

Glittery makeup: Helpful tips for a sparkling look

Q: Do I need a primer for glitter?

Not every glitter product requires a primer. Loose glitter pigments often need a tacky base to adhere.

Glitter makeup is the perfect choice for special occasions like parties and events. Above all, glittery makeup is ideal for Christmas and New Year's Eve. But what should you keep in mind when creating a glittery look? You'll find all the important and helpful tips for a successful sparkly look here!

What is so special about glitter makeup?

Glitter makeup is a special look that will make you shine beautifully. Glitter can be used in many ways on the face: on the eyelids with eyeshadow or eyeliner, or even as a glittery lipstick.

For particularly creative looks, for example for themed parties, you can apply glitter anywhere on your face you like.

Difference between glitter and shimmer

Many people equate glitter with shimmer, but there's a subtle difference. Glitter is coarser and consists of larger particles that sparkle together.

Shimmer, on the other hand, is based on fine powder that doesn't sparkle directly but creates a soft, subtle sheen.

But both glitter and shimmer products are perfect for a sparkling look. It's entirely up to you which result you prefer.

Inspiration for glitter makeup

Close-up of a woman with glittering smokey eye makeup, pearl hair clips and glossy lips.

Woman with golden glitter eye makeup next to a close-up of a brush with shimmering gold particles.

How do I apply glitter makeup correctly?

How you apply glitter makeup depends entirely on your product and its texture.

Gel and cream textures can be applied with a small brush or your finger – these are also perfect if you haven't created many glitter looks before.

Loose glitter pigments and powder products require some practice and the right base, such as a primer.

It's best to apply them with a densely packed brush or even your finger.

Close-up of glossy lips with shimmering lip gloss; person holds the gloss close to their mouth.

Glitter lip gloss or highlighter with fine shimmer particles are a great choice for a subtle sparkle – a nice alternative to glittery eyeshadow.

Karla Cosmetics – Glitter Pot

Loose, holographic glitter pigments.

5.0

( 100 )

Karla Cosmetics Glitter Pot

11,90 €

with the code

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Latest lowest price: 11,90 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

LH Cosmetics – Sparkl

Multifunctional eyeshadow with a beautiful shimmer effect.

5.0

( 100 )

LH Cosmetics Sparkl

27,90 €

with the code

-0%

22.1g - 1.262,44 €/kg

Latest lowest price: 22,32 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Karla Cosmetics – Opal Multichrome Loose Eyeshadow

Multicolor particles that can be applied as eyeshadow or highlighter.

5.0

( 100 )

Karla Cosmetics Opal Multichrome Loose Eyeshadow

~~24,90 €~~ 16,00 €

with the code

-36%

1g - 16.000,00 €/kg

Latest lowest price: 16,00 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Danessa Myricks Beauty – Infinite Chrome Flakes

Smudge-proof flakes that adhere without any primer.

Last Chance

5.0

( 100 )

Danessa Myricks Beauty Infinite Chrome Flakes

36,90 €

with the code

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Latest lowest price: 25,83 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Lethal Cosmetics – Adventure Time Liquid Eyeliner

Intensely sparkling eyeliner for a special look.

Last Chance

5.0

( 100 )

Lethal Cosmetics Adventure Time Liquid Eyeliner

13,90 €

with the code

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Latest lowest price: 13,90 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Lethal Cosmetics - Adventure Time Lip Gloss

Lip gloss with a special shimmer finish.

Last Chance

5.0

( 100 )

Lethal Cosmetics Adventure Time Lip Gloss

15,90 €

with the code

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Latest lowest price: 15,90 €

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Lethal Cosmetics – The SpongeBob Movie Palette

Highly pigmented shades with matte, metallic, duo & multichrome finishes.

5.0

( 100 )

Lethal Cosmetics The SpongeBob Movie Palette

49,90 €

with the code

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15g - 3.326,67 €/kg

Latest lowest price: 42,41 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

NABLA Cosmetics – Glorious Lights Glitter Palette

Intensely sparkling glitter palette with four shades that can be easily applied with your fingers.

Last Chance

5.0

( 100 )

NABLA Cosmetics Glorious Lights Glitter Palette

~~28,90 €~~ 20,23 €

with the code

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4g - 5.057,50 €/kg

Latest lowest price: 28,90 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Do I need a primer for glitter?

A primer is the ideal choice to ensure the glitter adheres well and doesn't fall into your eyes.

Especially with loose glitter pigments, the primer acts like a kind of glue, making the particles stick together nicely. Therefore, I would definitely recommend using a primer if you're using loose or powder glitter.

Apply glitter wet or dry

Apply wet: You can either apply loose glitter to the still-wet glitter primer or spray an eyeshadow brush with a little setting spray and then apply the powder eyeshadow. This creates an intense color and glitter effect.
Apply dry: This makes loose particles less likely to adhere and results in a softer, shimmering finish for powder textures.

Karla Cosmetics – Fix Potion

Fixes glitter and pigments for a long-lasting hold and without slipping.

Sold out

5.0

( 100 )

Karla Cosmetics Fix Potion

21,90 €

with the code

-0%

Latest lowest price: 21,90 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Can I apply glitter without a base?

If you only want a subtle shimmer and not an intensely glittery look, you don't need to apply a base. This will make the result less intense. A base is also unnecessary with glittery gel textures, such as gel eyeshadow or eyeliner.

How do I prevent fallout?

With loose glitter products and glitter powders, falling particles are a common problem.

It's especially frustrating when your face makeup is already done, as it's a real shame when tiny particles fall onto your cheeks and you accidentally wipe away your foundation and blush while removing it.

To prevent fallout, a sticky primer is absolutely essential. This keeps everything in place.

For best results, apply the glitter using a dabbing motion - for maximum hold without fallout.

Karla Cosmetics – K1: Eye & Lip Glitter Pigment Brush

Innovative silicone brush for easy application of pigments and glitter.

5.0

( 100 )

Karla Cosmetics Eye & Lip Glitter Pigment Brush

11,90 €

with the code

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11,90 € each

Latest lowest price: 11,90 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Made by Mitchell – Blursh Lights

Creates a glow with a wow effect.

Last Chance

5.0

( 100 )

Made by Mitchell Blursh Lights

~~17,90 €~~ 12,53 €

with the code

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6ml - 2.088,33 €/L

Latest lowest price: 12,53 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Mesauda Beauty - Flush of Light

Weightless, liquid highlighter for a great glow.

5.0

( 100 )

Mesauda Beauty Flush of Light

23,90 €

with the code

-0%

8ml - 2.987,50 €/L

Latest lowest price: 23,90 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Tips for glitter makeup

Start with glittery eye makeup before applying the rest of your makeup. That way, if any particles fall off, you can remove them easily and without leaving any residue .

You can remove any fallen glitter particles with a cotton swab or a small piece of adhesive tape.

Close-up of closed eyes with shimmering, glittering eyeshadow, individual strands of hair on the face.

Using a setting or fixing spray can make the entire look last even longer and fix it in place.

Especially for beginners, liquid and cream eyeshadows with glitter are much more suitable and easier to apply.

Lethal Cosmetics – The SpongeBob Movie 16 Hours Later Setting Spray

A long-lasting setting spray with a fresh glow finish that lasts up to 16 hours.

5.0

( 100 )

Lethal Cosmetics The SpongeBob Movie 16 Hours Later Setting Spray

16,90 €

with the code

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100ml - 169,00 €/L

Latest lowest price: 14,36 €

(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)

Is glitter makeup safe for the eyes?

You should only use glitter for your glitter makeup that is actually suitable for that area.

You can check the product label to see if it's suitable for the eye area. Please only use glitter on the areas it's intended for!

Which glitter is the safest?

Glitter specifically designed for makeup is considered the safest option. If you have sensitive skin, you can look for products that have been dermatologically tested.

Generally, all cosmetic glitter must meet certain EU requirements and is therefore considered safe.

Before using a new glitter product, you should perform a patch test and test the texture on an inconspicuous area, e.g., on your arm.

Ingredients in glitter: Is it always plastic?

Since October 2023, glitter products made from fine microplastic particles have been banned from sale in Germany. So you'll find plastic-free glitter here.

Removing glitter makeup: Here's the easiest way to get rid of the glitter look

When removing makeup, be sure to use an oil-based cleanser; this will also remove stubborn glitter.
Place a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover on your eyelid and gently loosen the glitter from your skin.
Double cleansing (an oil-based and a water-based cleanser) effectively removes residues from the skin.

I hope this blog post about glitter makeup has inspired you and that my tips have been helpful. Feel free to let me know if you have any further questions or comments!