40 Glitter Eyeshadow Looks to Try, From Subtle to Super Sparkly

From subtle shimmer to brilliant and sparkly, glitter has stood the test of time when it comes to creating chic, exquisite makeup looks. While glitter might not be something you utilize every day when applying your eye makeup, it's a great idea to have some on hand in case you feel like getting creative—or want to try something new just for the fun of it. While glitter comes in all colors, shapes, sizes and finishes, the most important thing to remember is to not let glitter intimidate you—there are plenty of ways to easily wear it that don't require a full-blown course in makeup school. Ahead, we've rounded up quite an extensive list of glittery eye makeup looks, from subtle to spectacular, that you'll most certainly enjoy and be motivated to try.

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Silver Dream

Excuse us while we pick our jaws up off the floor, this silver glitter eyeshadow is everything we need and more to get inspired for a sparkly look. Keeping the glitter on the lid with the liner traced around it as an accent is a genius idea for abstract expression in the name of everything that shimmers. MAC Silver Hologram Glitter ($22) is a great product to use to re-create this look.

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Flashing Stars

Beautiful golden shimmery shadow with metallic stars add a playful dimension to this glittery shadow look, and the use of decals is perfectly executed. Placing the stars on the outer corners of the eyes allows for a balance between all textures, not to mention the touch of gold glitter in the brow sets this look apart.

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Subtle Chic

Golden-bronze glitter graces the eyelids for the ultimate eyeshadow look while utilizing a more natural hue instead of something bold. This is the perfect example of an eyeshadow look for anyone wanting to experiment with glitter but prefers more natural colors on the lids.

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Blue Jean Baby

Where do we begin with the goodness of this shadow? A metallic blue blended on the top lid and under the lashline sets the tone for the sparkliest silver glitter added on top. A beautiful contrast that is also versatile on several different skin tones, everything sparkles together.

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Bold and Beautiful

Deep purple lids with violet sparkle pair beautifully with red, sparkly lips, proving that glitter doesn't have to stay on the eyelids to make a statement. Finding the same colors in glitter to pair with the eyeshadows you already own is an easy way to experiment with this trend. Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Loose Glitter in shade In the Moment ($15) is a lovely purple to try for this look.

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Confetti Party

Pieces of confetti-like glitter can be applied to the eyelids, the holographic shimmer allows for a wide range of colors to come through when the light hits them at different angles. Wearing a soft blush and lip color can balance the look without taking any attention off the eyes.

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Emerald Cut

Emerald lids with the accent of black eyeliner create a chic 60s vibe. When wearing glitter, it's okay to incorporate other textures like liquid eyeliner to help create vivid shapes and definition. Apply glitter to the eyelids and add the liner in last to tie the look together. Lemonhead L.A. Seapunk Spacejam Glitter Balm ($28) is the product responsible for this aqua-marine dream of a look.

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Diamond Details

Perfectly placed glitter and gemstones create an eyeshadow look that needs no introduction. Use eyeliner as a guide for where to adhere the stones if you're attempting it for the first time and need some assistance.

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Fun and Foiled

Foiled, iridescent eyelids play well with glitter that's placed perfectly on the inner corners. Just the tiniest touch of shimmer can change your makeup in an instant—the holographic tones are simply beautiful and can be brilliant in the sunlight.

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Neon Pop

What's better than neon eye makeup and glitter combined? The eyeliner along the lash line paired with a fully glistening lid is playful and fun—we want to wear this makeup look all day long.

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Chic Accents

Proving that glitter doesn't need to be over-the-top, this tiny accent above the crease shows how a simple detail can change an entire look for the better. Experiment with any colors you feel like—the opportunities here are endless.

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Gold and Gorgeous

More gold, please. The gemstones paired with gold and glittery shadow create an elevated eye makeup look that will certainly turn heads. The accent of the liner and how it outlines the shape of the wing is truly mesmerizing. Applying glitter pigments like MAKE UP FOR EVER Star Lit Diamond Powder in Golden ($26) can help you achieve the gold shimmering tones.

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Cosmic Creation

If the constellations are any inspiration (the answer to that is yes), you'll love this star-studded glitter look with cosmic, outer space vibes. The tiniest gold stars add a whole other layer to the chunky glitter pieces that perfectly frame the eyes. What could be better?

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Vibrant Hues

Mixing bold colors and glitter allows for endless color play while showcasing all the sparkles you want. Vibrant green eyeliner applied to the lashline with bold yellow accents in the crease is giving us all the creative feels.

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Just the Line

Glitter doesn't have to be everywhere, you can simply line your eyes with it yet still benefit from all it has to offer. You can opt for an eyeliner that already has glitter in it if you're pressed for time, or place actual glitter on top of liner depending on the look you want. Slayfire Psychedelic Glitter Gel ($15) can help get your eyeliner sparkly, stat,

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Statement Crease

Swipe on glitter in the crease for an easy way to wear this trend without needing to do much else. Finish with a few coats of your favorite mascara and let the good times roll.

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Inner Beauty

This look is the perfect example of how adding the tiniest detail of glitter in the inner corners of the eyes can make such a difference. A subtle way to wear glitter, the shimmer adds a wonderful touch to an already ethereal makeup look.

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True Blue

Bold blue glitter makes us really happy. Bold blue glitter all over the eyelids? Even more so. This simple swipe of color creates something so vivid and beautiful in an instant, what's not to love?

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Violet Magic

Two shades of violet shadow blended on the lids and under the bottom lashes create a contrast that is ideal when wanting to wear bolder, chunkier glitter pieces. The application of glitter on the lids ties the look together for something that's dramatic yet feels extremely right.

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Gleaming Glitter

Glitter comes in all forms and this shimmering metallic shadow look is an example of glitter that has finer particles versus larger ones. The two different tones of blue and purple blended together create a lovely variation for an eyeshadow look that keeps us wanting to come back for more.

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Delicate Details

Winged eyeliner can take on many forms, and this glittery look shows how the tiniest touches of glitter along the lashes can take any makeup look to the next level. Perfect for beginners who want to try something more adventurous but aren't ready to do a full glitter look just yet.

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Hearts on Fire

Heart-shaped glitter applied all over the lids and into the crease is as visually pleasing as it is fun. Whether it's stars, hearts, or any other shape you prefer, there are always creative ways to explore wearing colors and patterns of glitter for memorable makeup looks.

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Whimsical Feels

Scattered perfectly across the eyelids and the inner corners, this glitter look is extremely creative yet simple at the same time. Paired with bold brows and sculpted highlighted cheeks, it's a lovely way to showcase some shine.

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Midas Touch

Gold is a favorite amongst makeup artists for the versatility in shades and the ability to work on all skin tones. This glittering gold eyeshadow look gives us another reason to add to our long list of why wearing gold is an excellent choice, always.

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Razor Sharp

Razor-sharp wings paired with black glitter give instant drama to this eyeshadow look. Black glitter adds an instant glam effect and works beautifully with the rest of the makeup.

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Golden Hour

If golden hour were a makeup look, we're convinced this would be it. Not only is this a breathtaking use of glitter on the eyes, but it also looks even more glorious on the cheeks as a highlighter. Glitter doesn't have to stay on the eyes for it to make a bold, powerful statement.

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Center of Attention

Placing glitter in the center of the eyelid is an ideal way to show it off for everyone to see. The mix of colors in this eyeshadow complement each other, leaving room for the glitter to be the star of the show.

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All That Glitters

An abstract curve, line, or wing on the eyes can instantly brighten your day, the glittery finish in this detail is minimal yet powerful in making a statement. Using a waterproof formula to create this is helpful in preventing creasing and smudging.

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Think Pink

Pink is always a great idea, and pink eyeshadow paired with glitter is an even better one. While this look shows a soft-toned choice in glitter to not compete with the eyeshadow, you can wear different tones with pink such as silver or gold glitters to amplify the eyes.

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Ethereal Edge

Mint green glitter paired with bold lips gives this ethereal makeup look an instant edge. Glitter applied to the lids is the easiest way to re-create this, followed up with bold brows, mascara and lipstick of your choice.

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Mermaid Sparkle

These shadow colors paired with glitter gems are putting out some serious mermaid vibes and we adore it. Creating glittery eyeshadow looks that have a theme to them is even more fun when you can choose bold colors. More Than Magic Face & Body Gem Set ($5) has easy-to-use stick-on gemstone decals for helping to re-create this look.

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Go Green

Applying gemstones to the lids in the same color theme shows how creative you can be with shapes, colors, and glitter. This gradient colorway looks gorgeous and is a total show-stopper.

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Smoky Quartz

Smoky eyeshadow looks equipped with glitter bring a new dimension that is most welcomed. The crease has ample glitter blended in it to help define the eyes and make them pop.

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Just a Hint

Just a hint of glitter on the lids elevates your eyeshadow look even though it's very simple. The tiniest details can make all the difference when wearing different textures on the eyes.

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Flecks of Color

This glitter seems to be doing a happy dance on these eyelids, from the different sizes to colors and placement, it's a playful take on wearing glitter that works extremely well. The inner corners of the eyes are highlighted beautifully—we'd love to see this sparkle in the sunlight.

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Heavy Metal

Smudged, charcoal shadow with accents of silver and black glitter gives this eyeshadow look all the smoky drama it needs while pairing beautifully with natural face makeup. The smokier the better in our book! Stila's Glitter and Glow Liquid eyeshadow in Molten Midnight ($24) can help achieve this look.

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Fresh Florals

These tiny glittery gemstones almost look like flowers paired with hot pink shadow and lipstick. The variation in colors is exquisite along with the attention to detail makes this look all the more special.

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Divine Drama

Deep smoky eyeshadow and gemstones make way for the eyes to steal the entire show, while the added touch of green liner brings a pop of color that is memorable. We can't stop staring at every little detail.

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Watercolor Gems

Soft eyeshadow colors in pink and yellow create a watercolor feel for this shadow look, while the glitter and gemstones add the right kind of details in the inner corners and under the eyes. Add as few or as many gems as you want and enjoy creating art.

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The Perfect Shimmer

Silver metallic and glitter accents paired with this abstract purple eyeliner look work to enhance the eyeliner along with the color. While the glitter isn't extremely noticeable, it provides a subtle shimmer that's just right.

Next Up: 25 Effortlessly Cool Ways to Wear Eyeliner