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Beauty/Makeup/Eyes/Eyeshadows

Top 10 Glitter Eyeshadows

Glitter Eyeshadow Season Is Here—These Are The Best Formulas You Can Buy

Image credits: glossier

The holidays are arguably the best time of year for the beauty-obsessed because, among other things (read: jaw-dropping beauty gift sets and an endless excuse to wear red lipstick), it's the one time of year you can go as wild as you want with glitter eyeshadow, and it won't come off as too costumey, kitschy, or cheap. Be it an all-over shimmery lid or a dash of glitter strategically placed at the inner corners, a sparkly eye look is always a great way to get into the festive mood. With that in mind, we're ringing in the season of all things glitz and glam with an algorithm-approved list of the best glitter eyeshadows on the shelves. Whether you want an easy-to-apply cream, a dusting of shimmering powder, or a super opaque, prismatic finish, the list ahead has a top-ranked glitter eyeshadow for every beauty mood and budget.

How We Found The Best Glitter Eyeshadows

To round up this list, we turned to the help of our data-driven algorithm. This unique tool factors in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more to find and rank the best products on the internet. The 10 shimmering shades below will serve you well from holiday soirées to girlfriend gift swaps, and don't worry—we threw in some subtle options for everyday wear as well. From the celeb-favorite Stila find that will never crease to a long-wearing formula that's sure to last through every tear induced by your favorite Hallmark holiday movie, keep scrolling to shop the best glitter eyeshadows money can buy.

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December 4, 2023

Written By:Meredith Rimmer

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

Ulta Eyeshadow Single

Overall Score

4.35

10

Ulta Eyeshadow Single

4.2

2536 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

1

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Glitter Eyeshadow With Interchangeable Pan

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Available in matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes in a range of neutrals and brights alike, there's an Ulta eyeshadow single to suit every beauty mood. Plus, the formula is so high-quality—you'd never guess it rings up under $10.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The innovative packaging boasts a removable magnetic pan, making it easy to customize your own palette.

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Glossier Lidstar

Overall Score

4.45

09

Glossier Lidstar

3.87

1509 User Reviews

3.2

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Sheer Glitter Eyeshadow

WHO IT'S FOR
Want something a little subtler? Go with Glossier's cult-favorite Lidstar. The buttery formula is sheer, blendable, and beautiful on eye colors, and the doe-foot applicator makes it a breeze to apply.

AS SEEN ON
See Beyoncé and Taraji P. Henson in Fawn and Tracee Ellis Ross in Cub.

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NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow

Overall Score

4.45

08

NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow

4.34

341 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Glitter Eyeshadow With Metallic Finish

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Ever used an eyeshadow only to find that it looks way prettier in the package than it does on your lids? This one isn't like that. Thanks to Pigment Powder Suspension technology, just one swipe delivers long-wearing, high-impact color. Plus, you can use it wet or dry, and it works as a liner too.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I'm not big on writing reviews, but this eyeshadow deserves it. I don't wear eyeshadow much because I'm so basic—like one eyeshadow for the whole lid, some mascara, and then I'm good. With some shadows, you can't really do that and need more. But this baby!!!!! It's all you need. I get compliments allll the time when I wear it."

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Covergirl Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

Overall Score

4.55

07

Covergirl Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

4.33

4148 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Non-Sticky Glitter Eyeshadow

WHO'S IT FOR
Sometimes glitter has a reputation for being sticky and, well, causing more of a mess than one would like to admit. However, that’s not the case with Covergirl’s ​​Exhibitionist Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow. It’s formulated so it goes on smooth, dries quickly, and stays put. Plus, it’s lightweight, so it won’t leave your lids feeling heavy. 

BEAUTY TIP
For a really bold look, apply this liquid glitter eyeshadow on top of your favorite holiday shadows. 

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E.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

Overall Score

4.75

06

E.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

4.33

16793 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Glitter Gel Eyeshadow

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Don't underestimate this $5 shadow. Infused with multi-dimensional glitter and pearls, one swipe provides opaque, fallout-free coverage. We'd go ahead and grab a few shades if we were you.

APPLICATION TIP
For a layered topper, use Disco Queen or Bling Bling. For a vibrant, full-coverage shadow, go with Flirty Birdy, Copper Pop, Dirty Martini, 24K Gold, Ocean Eyes, or Black Magic.

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Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow

Overall Score

4.8

05

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow

4.54

784 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Weightless Glitter Eyeshadow

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
These fan-favorite eyeshadow pots bring serious glam and glitter to the eyes without ever looking messy or chunky. Plus, they're buildable—you can go from a sheer, crystal-like shimmer to an opaque, prismatic glitter finish with just a few additional swipes.

APPLICATION TIP
While this works well as a one-and-done shadow, you can also apply it on top of a lackluster eye look for an instant upgrade.

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Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

Overall Score

4.8

04

Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow

4.57

7689 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
There's a reason this glitter shadow is a cult favorite. Loved by influencers and makeup artists alike, it's packed with pigment but super lightweight and comes in tons of one-of-a-kind colors.

APPLICATION TIP
Glide it on the inner corners of your eyes for that subtle pop, or use it all over your eyelids for an intense sparkle.

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Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow

Overall Score

4.85

03

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow

4.7

12235 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best High-Impact Glitter Eyeshadow

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
According to the reviews, these gorgeous shadows provide that stunning, wet-looking shimmer all day long—we're talking 16 hours, people.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I am not exaggerating when I say these are some of the most beautiful eyeshadows I own. I bought the shades Space Cowboy, Lithium, and Solstice after swatching in store, and I will probably get them all. They are hands down the most sparkly, reflective, wet-looking eyeshadows."

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Colourpop Super Shock Shadow

Overall Score

4.85

02

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow

4.78

22278 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Cream-To-Powder Glitter Eyeshadow

WHO IT'S FOR
If you want to play with color or are simply new to the glitter eyeshadow game, look no further. Super Shock Shadow is available in a whopping 21 shades, including a range of neutrals and brights alike. They're a low-commitment way to stock up and experiment at just $6 a pop, and the pigmented, blendable formulas feel way pricier than that.

APPLICATION TIP
For a max coverage, one-and-done eye look, simply use your fingertip and tap the shadow onto the eyelid.

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MAC Eyeshadow

Overall Score

4.95

01

MAC Eyeshadow

4.68

3789 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Glitter Eyeshadow Overall

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
With potent color payoff that applies evenly, blends well, and can be used wet or dry, you simply can't beat MAC's selection of glitter eyeshadows. And with shades ranging from subtle neutrals to bold blues and pinks, we have a feeling you'll want to pick up more than one.

PROMISING REVIEW
"I cannot truly express how much I love this eyeshadow. It does not matter if I wear it during the day in an office setting or go a little over the top for going out at night, whether I happen to be dressed down or dressed up, people tell me how great my eyes look in this color (Satin Taupe). I can honestly say that I've had strangers come up and ask me what color/brand I'm wearing when I use this eyeshadow."

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