When you hear glitter eyeliner, you probably automatically visualize disco balls, New Year’s countdowns, and endless hours on a dance floor. Now you are right to assume that glitter eyeliner can be the perfect accessory for a night out, but it also is a classic way to show the world just how confident and daring you are.
Glitter eyeliner is the perfect — and may we add necessary— beauty staple that you can take from day to night with a few luminous swipes. It can make any of these cool eyeliner looks even cooler! Just a few quick glides on your eyelids can transform any ordinary look into a Vogue-worthy masterpiece in an instant.
Despite the glowing benefits, it is important to note that there is a fine line between a chic look and a revision of your teenage years. In order for you to prevent your look from being a cautionary tale, read the tips below to ensure you are rocking this look in all its glory.
Tips for Glitter Eyeliner
Tip #1: It’s All About the Formula Baby
An immaculate eyeliner does not equate to an expensive price tag. To keep your makeup feeling fresh and modern, we suggest looking for fine glitters and shimmers rather than chunky formulas.
Tip #2: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
There is no need to rush. It is important that you follow a routine to ensure your glittery look remains polished and fresh. To make things easy and fulfill your glitter liner fix, follow these solid steps.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a light, oil-free moisturizer. It is important to give the moisturizer time to absorb before applying the make-up.
- Apply most of your other make-up first, so that you can apply your glitter eyeliner as the ideal send-off to your time out and about. For instance, you want to apply your foundation, concealer, loose powder, highlighter, and eyeshadow before applying the eyeliner.
- With your eyes as the focal point, we encourage you to keep the rest of your make-up clean and simple with a nude lip and very light blush.
- Special note that powdered eyeshadows are best when using glitter eyeliner, as gel or creams tend to slip and slide across your eyelid for a ride.
- Stroke a single line of glitter eyeliner over the top, starting just short of the inner corner of your upper lid and moving outward for a slight wing at the outer corner.
- Avoid the inner corner of your eyelid to prevent specks of glitter from entering your eyes.
- Glitter eyeliner and standout lashes just got together like PB&J. Your glamorous look wouldn’t be complete without a few coats of black mascara to really make your eyes the talk of the town.
Tip #3: Color is Your Friend
We officially give you permission to turn up the heat. It is okay to escape the usual black and blue glitter hues for a more fun look. If you’re going for a bold color, search out high-pigment options. These will provide a pop of color and simultaneously are guaranteed to stand the test of time so that you’re not left with a basic finish.
Now that we convinced you to let your eyes shine and are equipped with the steps we laid out, feel free to create a fun, confident look with one or more of our glitter eyeliner suggestions below.
The Best Glitter Eyeliners for You
#1 e.l.f. Cosmetics Stardust Glitter Eyeliner in Shimmering Gold
The gold formula blends effortlessly for a warm, chic look. The swirled shimmery hues just scream effortless glow.
Try the eyeliner with a darker eyeshadow underneath to create a bronzed smokey eye, or add it to your favorite smudgy, goth eyeliner look for a slight pop of color!
#2 Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Catcall
Did we mention color is your friend? This medium-dark red with a glitter finish will be your bestie in no time. Due to the water-based formula, the eyeliner has a thin, gel-like texture that is buildable and contains super-fine glitters that dry quickly.
#3 Kingdom of Lashes Diamond Glitter Eyeliner
Don’t want to feel limited in your glittery exploration? Then look no further, Kingdom of Lashes has created a glitter eyeliner line that lets you pick and play with a vast assortment of colors that will leave you feeling flirty and free.
The gel-based texture delivers a long-lasting intense diamond-like sparkle that can be applied as a top coat over a regular eyeliner.
#4 Maybelline New York Hyper Ink Glitz Eyeliner, Cosmic Black
Want to elevate your look, yet remain classic? Then Maybelline New York’s Hyper Ink Glitz Eyeliner is your perfect match.
Create a confidence-oozing statement with this highly-pigmented, long-lasting formula which is infused with microfine glitters.
#5 Rimmel Wonder’ Swipe 2-in-1 Liner to Shadow
Talk about a dream product. You get a bold look and get to save a little time. Rimmel Wonder’s Swipe 2-in-1 Liner to Shadow brings you a 2-in-1 liner and eye shadow.
The smudge-proof product comes in 16 highly concentrated, metallic shades. Did we mention the eyeliner stays on for up to 10 hours? You absolutely cannot beat that.
#6 Lancome Drama Liqui Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner
Lancome’s Drama Liqui Pencil Waterproof Eyeliners let your eyes sparkle with its richly pigmented formula.
The transfer-proof product comes in eight show-stopping hues. You know we love options, so we are also happy to say that the solution comes in three different finishes – glitter, metallic, and matte.
#7 Nyx Slim Eyeliner Pencil in Green Glitter
Money, Money, Money, Money…Moneeeyy!! That is exactly what you will look like with this vibrant eyeliner pencil from Nyx. The Nyx glitter eyeliner comes in several glittering shades, but the bright green shade is our absolute fav.
#8 E.L.F. Cosmetics Stardust Glitter Eyeliner
Apply a thin layer of the super-fine, silver sparkles to your lash lines for the ultimate pop! E.L.F. ranks #1 on our list of best cheap makeup brands, so you can look like a star while keeping your pockets flowing with this affordable product.
#9 NYX Face & Body Glitter in Gunmetal
We warn you that there may be an extra few steps you will have to take with this glitter greatness, but we promise you it is worth every second of your time.
You will first have to use Nyx’s Glitter Primer so that the gem-like specs can adhere to your skin. The loose particles will require a steady hand and an angled brush.
#10 Fenty Eclipse 2-in-1 Glitter Release Eyeliner in Alien Bae
Rihanna always sang that we should “shine bright like a diamond” and this formula is no different. This oil-free eyeliner will give you high pigment and have you feeling yourself day in and day out.
#11 Tarte Tartiest Pro Glitter Liner in Rose Gold
Enhance your glow with this dual-end eyeliner. This double-sided tube has a classic pink metallic liner on one end and then matching glitter flecks in a non-sticky clear gel on the other.
#12 Too Faced Glitter Pop! Peel-Off Eyeliner in Hey Mr. DJ
We love eyeliner that is beautiful and stress-free. Not only do the gold sparkles look amazing with every eye color, but the peel-off formula also lets you take it off as quickly as you put it on.
The peel-off effect makes this a great option for more temporary looks like butterfly eyeliner that you would usually only wear for an event!
#13 Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash, Topaz Twinkle
Live your celebrity dreams by letting the streets know just how modelesque you are with Revlon’s PhotoReady Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash. Whether you want to highlight your eyelids with a satin finish or add a little hint of shimmer to your lash line, this formula is for you.
Final Thoughts on Glitter Eyeliner
We have seen the plethora of glittery choices we can explore and tap into and glide across our eyelids! For an extra splash of flitter, you can use these sparkling eyeliners on the inner corners of your eyes as seen on our list of best graphic eyeliners!
If we learned anything today, it is that we should let our make-up match the beautiful energy and confidence that lies inside of us. Don’t be shy friends, we encourage you to give this new look a try.
Jasmine Banks is a full-time educator who moonlights as a creative in the world of written language. Jasmine’s passion for makeup and beauty products is only rivaled by her love of poetry. She also enjoys editing, blogging, and giving readers a balance of useful information and a dose of inspiration to live a life of authenticity and joy.