Glitter eyeshadow can really make your eyes pop. In this post, I’ll share a few easy methods to apply glitter eyeshadow. I’ve included methods to apply glitter eyeshadow without glue, without primer, and without making a mess!

How to Apply Glitter Eyeshadow Without Glue

The key to applying glitter eyeshadow without using glue is to use a setting spray!

You will also need glitter and a fluffy eyeshadow brush. For this technique, a fluffy brush works better than a flat brush because it catches more glitter. Setting sprays can either be aerosol or pump. Both work with this technique.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

Step 1: First, apply your eyeshadow, including your eyeliner. Do not apply mascara or lashes until the very end.

Step 2: Now, spray the setting spray onto the fluffy eyeshadow brush for one second or one pump.

Step 3: Immediately dip the eyeshadow brush into the loose glitter or the glitter on an eyeshadow pallet, packing it on the brush.

Step 4: Take the brush and press the glitter onto the eye until you have the amount of glitter you want.

Step 5: Finish the rest of your makeup, including your lashes and any other details.

Step 6: Finally, be sure to use the setting spray all over your face, including over the glitter eyeshadow, and you’re done!

Check out the video below to see this step-by-step tutorial in action:

How to Apply Glitter Eyeshadow Without Making a Mess

The best way to apply glitter eyeshadow without making a mess is to add some loose powder under your eyes. The powder keeps the glitter from sticking to your face so that you can brush it away effortlessly! The powder will not affect your look, whether you are doing your eyes first or after you apply your base makeup.

You will also need glitter, glitter glue, an eyeshadow primer, and a small detail brush. You can apply your full face of makeup before or after working on your eyes.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

Step 1: First, apply an eyeshadow primer over your eye area. If you are using a colorful or black glitter, use an eyeshadow primer in that color to make the color pop.

Step 2: Apply your eyeshadow look, including your eyeliner. Do not apply mascara or lashes until the very end.

Step 3: Now, before you open the glitter, use a powder brush and apply a light dusting of loose powder under your eyes and on your cheeks directly below the eyes.

Step 4: Glitter glue comes in different forms. Some glitter glue is liquid and has a brush like a nail polish bottle. Another kind of glitter glue is white and creamy. We will discuss the application of both forms of glitter glue.

Step 5: Apply a half pea size of creamy glitter glue onto a small, detail brush. If you are using a liquid, be sure to wipe the excess off from the brush onto the side of the bottle to avoid using too much glue.

Step 6: Brush a very light layer of glue lightly over the part of your eye where you want to apply glitter.

Step 7: Using the same brush, apply another half pea size of glue or dip the top of the brush into the liquid glue.

Step 8: Dip the brush in the glitter, coating the brush, then press that brush against the area where you applied the glue the first time until you have the desired amount of glitter for your look.

Step 9: Once you are done applying the glitter, put another half pea size glue on the brush or dip the top of the brush in the liquid glue.

Step 10: Lightly apply that glue on top of the glitter to lock it in.

Step 11: Finally, finish your look with your mascara or lashes, and you’re done!

How to Apply Glitter Eyeshadow without Primer

The easiest way to apply glitter eyeshadow without primer is to press the glitter directly onto your eyes after you’ve applied your eyeshadow. The eyeshadow acts as the “adhesive’ for the glitter.

Of course, you can also use glitter glue, as described in the above sections.

For this technique, you only need your finger for the glitter part, and it does not require a brush!  Pressed glitter on an eyeshadow pallet works better, but you can also use loose glitter.

Here’s What You Need To Do:

Step 1: First, apply your eyeshadow, including your eyeliner. Do not apply mascara or lashes until the very end.

Step 2: Then, press your finger onto the glitter in your eyeshadow pallet or the loose glitter.

Step 3: Take your finger and press the glitter onto the area of your eye where you want to create the effect. Repeat this until you have the amount of glitter that you desire.

Step 4: That’s it! Just apply your mascara or lashes and finish your look!

How to Apply Chunky Glitter To Eyes

Chunky glitter works best on a cut crease look and this tutorial will walk you through the steps on applying chunky glitter with a cut crease eyeshadow look.

Before you start, ensure that you have cleaned your face. You should also apply and finish your brow makeup before proceeding.

Note you will need 2 types of glitter. A finer glitter powder and “chunky glitter”, which are bigger individual pieces of glitter. You can also use glitter eyeshadow if you don’t want to use glitter powder.

What You Will Need:

• Glitter powder & Eyeliner Gel or Glitter Eyeshadow
• Chunky glitter
• Glitter Glue
• Eyeshadow Palette
• Eyelid Primer

Step 1: Prime your lids – Apply your eyelid primer. The primer will provide a smooth surface for your eye makeup and allow them to stick better.

Step 2: Apply your eyeshadow – The palette that you choose for your eyeshadow will serve as the base color for your chunky glitter. I suggest choosing a palette that can compliment your chucky glitter.

For example, if you are planning to apply pink chunky glitter, choose a palette with a color close to pink (like rose) and a darker base color (like purple).

Apply the darker color closer to your eyelids and blend to the lighter color towards your brow bone. This will create a gradient effect that lifts your eyes, giving your lids a great base color for the chunky glitter.

Step 3: Cut the crease – Apply an eyeliner gel from the bottom of your brow bone to your lash line. You should choose a lighter shade than your eyeshadow. Following the example in step 2, if you have chosen rose and purple for your eyeshadow, you can try to apply satin silver eyeliner gel.

Chunky glitter is all about being bold, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors.

You can use glitter eyeshadow instead for this step. If you choose to use glitter eyeshadow, skip step 4 below.

Step 4: Apply the glitter powder – While your eyeliner gel that you’ve applied in step 3 is still damp and tacky, apply your glitter powder onto your eyelids by dabbing them directly on top of the eyeliner gel.

To do this, wet a small flat brush slightly and then dab it into your glitter powder. Your brush will pick up the glitter. Dab the brush with the glitter on your eyelids where you’ve applied the eyeliner gel.

Step 5: Apply glitter glue and chunky glitter– Using the applicator that comes with the glitter glue, dab a bit of the glue onto the lid where you want to stick your chunky glitter. Use tweezers to pick up the chucky glitter pieces and stick them onto the glue.

Step 6: Finish the look – Finish the rest of the look by applying eyeliner, mascara and face makeup. The type of eyelid you have might affect the style of eyeliner or eye makeup you choose to finish off the look. I suggest a winged liner with black mascara on your lashes for this look.

If you want to explore other options that might work for you. Check out my post: 5 Common Types of Eyelids (How to Recognize + Makeup Tips)