How to Apply Glitter Eyeshadow?

Glitter eyeshadow looks excellent, yet many avoid this type of eyeshadow in their makeup because it seems complicated to apply it without fallout. Besides, glitter eyeshadow is rumored to stay not long enough and result in untidy makeup. All this is true, as long as you do not know the basic rules and do not have a chance to try out proven techniques of glitter application. Great news! Our experts have compiled a detailed guide that will teach you to apply glitter eyeshadow, even if you do not have skills in this makeup type just yet. So, you are welcome to check out our detailed guide and test our tips!

With or without mess?

First of all, here is a critical thing to consider. It is essential to avoid mess when applying glitter eyeshadow because it may be challenging to remove fallouts. Here are some tips from makeup pros that will help you make clean glitter eyeshadow makeup.

• Every time you work with glitter, make sure to apply loose powder under your eyes. When you are done with makeup, you can just brush away the loose powder and the remains of glitter. So, the glitter will not stay under your eyes where you do not need it.
• Under-eye masks catch unneeded particles of your eye shadows; another great feature of eye patches is extra hydration. They nourish the skin under the eyes and minimize small lines, making skin moisturized. This method has a drawback, as it may be challenging to create an even layer.
• Masking tape will save the makeup if there is some mess. Use this method when the glitter is applied, and you still see some particles left under the eyes. Just take some masking tape and roll it over the particles. So, the masking tape will take extra particles and remove that messy and untidy look.

Applying glitter on eyelids: step-by-step instruction

Well, there are many great approaches to applying glitter eyeshadow. These methods vary depending on the glitter type you plan on using. So, we will provide several options to select the variant that you want to try by yourself. Also, you may need to use different types of primers and bases that will stick glitter to the eyelid. So, we will provide other techniques, and you can select the one that sounds better for you.

How to apply glitter eyeshadow without glue

1. Prep the eyelid. First, apply eye shadow base on the eyelid. When done, check out the color of glitter you plan to use. If it is a dark or very bright color, it is a good idea to apply loose eyeshadow in color close to the color of the glitter.
2. If you plan to use eyeliner, do it right after you are done with the eyeshadows. Do not apply mascara yet; you will do eyelashes after the glitter is applied. If you plan to use fake lashes in your makeup, do not apply them yet as well.
3. Now, it’s time to take care of the clean glitter application. So, apply eye patches under the eyes if that is the method you want to try. As an alternative, you can use a loose setting powder. Apply it genuinely under the eyes so that it could catch extra particles of glitter.
4. It’s time to put your hands on the glitter. If you have loose glitter, you need something that will make it stay on the eyelid. And if we plan on working without glue, we will use alternative methods. One of them is setting spray. Spray it over the eyeshadow brush for 1-2 seconds, and then immediately dip it into the glitter. Next, apply glitter starting from the inner corner of your eye and moving to the middle of your eyelid. The amount of glitter used should get less as you move to the outer corner of your eye. In such a way, you will make your eyes pop.
5. If you do have a setting spray, you can use creamy eyeshadow in a neutral (light beige) or is close to the color of the glitter that you plan to apply, if the glitter is dark or bright. Note that you will need to work fast to not let the creamy eyeshadow dry before using the glitter. So, you will need to apply creamy eyeshadow (Paint Pot by Mac is a great and universal option) and apply it to your eyelid. And while the eyeshadow is freshly applied, press your finger onto the glitter and then onto the area of your eye where you want it to stay. When you use the amount of glitter you desire, just wipe off extra glitter with a brush.
6. If you plan to use liquid eyeshadow (like Kitten Karma by Stila), you do not need glue to apply it. You can apply liquid eyeshadows using the applicator or a synthetic brush for better blending. The process is just the same: start with the inner corner of the eye and move to the middle, making the amount of glitter eyeshadow you apply less. Next, use your synthetic brush or finger to blend it.
7. When the glitter is applied, it’s time to clean up the mess. So, swipe away the remains of glitter you have under your eye.
8. Next, finish the eye makeup by applying mascara and/or faux eyelashes.

How to apply eye shadow without primer

You can use many other products to substitute eye primers. You will be surprised how many options you have! One of them is right near you as long as you are ready to create bright and vibrant makeup with glitter eyeshadows. Here is a secret of this technique.

1. Clean and prepare the eyelid. You can use micellar water to do that. Just make sure your skin is clean and does not contain tiny grease particles typically produced by human skin.
2. Prep the eyelid. You can use powder eyeshadows in colors that are close to the color of your glitter.
   Apply loose powder under your eyes, as it will catch the unneeded glitter and help you quickly remove it when the makeup is ready.
3. Now it’s time to talk about the eye primer substitution. People use it because it is the product that makes glitter stay on the eyelid. So, when you know this basic rule, you know how to replace it with something different. It can be creamy eyeshadow, makeup setting spray, or even creamy concealer (it will work as long as you plan to apply the neutral color of glitter: beige, creamy, silver, light gold, light peachy, or pink). Sure thing, you can use glitter right on the eyelid without extra primer, just as is. But get ready for that messy look, as the glitter will constantly fall and remain under your eyes.
4. When the glitter is applied, put mascara on your eyelashes. Next, if you wish, you can apply fake lashes.

How to apply pressed glitter eyeshadow

Pressed glitter eyeshadow is much easier to work with (compared to loose glitter eyeshadow). That’s because of the structure of this eyeshadow, which contains way smaller glitter particles. As a result, they better stick to the eyelid and are easier to work with. Still, there are some things to keep in mind when working with pressed glitter eyeshadow in your makeup. We have covered these details and small tips in the detailed instruction below.

1. Prepare eyelids for makeup application. To do that, make sure the skin is clean and nourished.
2. Apply loose powder under your eyes so that it can catch the extra particles of your eyeshadow and glitter.
3. Now, it’s time to work with eyeshadow. Create the makeup using the eyeshadows in the colors you plan on using.
4. Before applying pressed glitter eyeshadow, it is good to use a primer to make your eyeshadows stay in place.
5. Next, apply pressed glitter to your eyelid. You can use your finger or a synthetic brush. So, pack your finger onto the glitter and then onto the area of your eye where you want it to stay. Alternatively, use a synthetic eyeshadow brush to blend the pressed glitter into the eyelid.
6. Next, remove the loose powder you have under your eyes and the remains of eyeshadow and glitter.
7. Finish the look with eyelash makeup by applying mascara or faux eyelashes.

How to apply glue for glitter eyeshadow

Many people think it is hard to work with glitter and glue when creating vibrant and glamorous eye makeup. Yet, you will realize that there’s nothing complicated, just when you try. Here is a quick guide that will explain how to work with glitter and glue.

1. Prep the eyelid. Make sure the skin is clean and moisturized.
2. Next, apply eyeshadows, the primary layer for your eye makeup.
3. If you have glitter primer, make sure to use it. As a result, you will benefit from that glitter playoff.
4. Now it’s time to apply glitter glue. Here you will need to work quickly and apply glitter onto the layer of glue before it dries out.
5. Use a flat-headed synthetic brush to press glitter to the adhesive to ensure it stays.
6. Next, remove the glitter that falls under the eyes. When done, complete the makeup.

Why is it hard to apply glitter?

Many people say that glitter is very hard to work with for eye makeup. Well, here are the main reasons why people say so. Knowing what may be a problem for others, you will quickly fix it.

• Glitter is messy to work with. That is true, as long as you do not apply anything under your eyes. Glitter falls under the eyes, and it may be challenging to remove the leftovers. Yet, you will not have this problem if you use loose powder to catch these particles or apply patches under the eyes while applying glitter.
• Glitter eyeshadow does not stay long on the eyelid and quickly fades away. That’s true, as long as you apply it without glue, primer, or another method that helps particles stay on the skin for a long time.
• Quality glitter is expensive. Well, that’s not obviously true, as the word ‘expensive’ is different for everyone. To be more specific, you can buy excellent glitter eyeshadow on Amazon for under $20.

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