June 01, 2022

How To Apply Glitter Eyeshadow Without Fallout

It ain’t easy bringing the wow factor, but someone’s gotta do it.

If there’s one thing we’ve noticed from the red carpets of the MET Gala and the Cannes Film Festival, it’s that bold eye makeup–and glitter eye makeup in particular–is back in a big way. Subtle no-makeup makeup is out and, in a post-pandemic creativity resurgence, boldness is back. Whether it’s a metallic, smokey moment or a fruity colour explosion, celebrities and influencers alike have been amping up the va va voom with a trip down shimmer street. As avid beauty-lovers, this is music to our ears.

But recreating a striking glitter eye makeup look is easier said than done. On top of finding an eyeshadow formula that will stay in place all day (and give you the colour payoff that you so rightly deserve), there is also the added nightmare that is fallout. 

Fallout

/ˈfɔːlaʊt/

Noun

  1. the remnants of glitter eyeshadow that fall off the lids and down the cheeks and cause immense frustration for the one applying their makeup who was meant to be ready 10 minutes ago.

Never fear, Gritty Pretty is here! Consider this your guide to applying glitter eyeshadow without the fallout (and the tantrum).

Choose Your Formula

Vital to the overall application (and staying power) of a glitter eyeshadow look is the formula you choose to work with. “I either choose a loose glitter and pop it on straight after eye primer or a really shimmery eyeshadow,” says makeup artist Meg Guthrie. “When it comes to glitter, you want to look for the perfect consistency–not too dry or too powdery and something that has a touch of stickiness to glide on.”

Our favourites include the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow and the Makeup By Mario Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette (hey, if it’s good enough for Kim K, it’s good enough for us).

 

Preventative Measures

To stop that pesky fallout, Guthrie recommends taking preventative measures (rather than cleaning up afterwards). “I like to pop a tissue under the eye to catch any remnants or use a powder puff to protect the under eye area.” She also recommends making sure you conceal the eye area first to ensure you have an even base for application.

Our hot tip is to do your eye makeup first (before you apply your base products) and pop on some hydrating eye masks while you do. Not only will this leave your under eye area moisturised and ready for concealer but they will also catch any pesky morsels of shimmer. Our favourites include the Dior Backstage Eye Reviver Patches and the Milk Makeup Cooling Water Undereye Patches.

Stick It

Key to a long-wearing glitter eye look is ensuring that you stick down the product. Loose glitter can be a little temperamental, after all. “I like to use a lip gloss over the eyelid and slightly blot it with a tissue,” says Guthrie. “Then apply glitter in a pressing (not rubbing) motion and use setting spray to lock it in.” Application-wise, this is also a good time to put down the brushes and use your fingers instead. Trust us, it helps with the pressing motion and you get a lot more colour payoff. 

But the most important thing to remember when it comes to glitter eyeshadow? Just have fun with it! Life is serious enough, so add a bit of sparkle.

Choose Your Formula

Vital to the overall application (and staying power) of a glitter eyeshadow look is the formula you choose to work with. “I either choose a loose glitter and pop it on straight after eye primer or a really shimmery eyeshadow,” says makeup artist Meg Guthrie. “When it comes to glitter, you want to look for the perfect consistency–not too dry or too powdery and something that has a touch of stickiness to glide on.”

Our favourites include the Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow and the Makeup By Mario Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette (hey, if it’s good enough for Kim K, it’s good enough for us).

 

Preventative Measures

To stop that pesky fallout, Guthrie recommends taking preventative measures (rather than cleaning up afterwards). “I like to pop a tissue under the eye to catch any remnants or use a powder puff to protect the under eye area.” She also recommends making sure you conceal the eye area first to ensure you have an even base for application.

Our hot tip is to do your eye makeup first (before you apply your base products) and pop on some hydrating eye masks while you do. Not only will this leave your under eye area moisturised and ready for concealer but they will also catch any pesky morsels of shimmer. Our favourites include the Dior Backstage Eye Reviver Patches and the Milk Makeup Cooling Water Undereye Patches.

Stick It

Key to a long-wearing glitter eye look is ensuring that you stick down the product. Loose glitter can be a little temperamental, after all. “I like to use a lip gloss over the eyelid and slightly blot it with a tissue,” says Guthrie. “Then apply glitter in a pressing (not rubbing) motion and use setting spray to lock it in.” Application-wise, this is also a good time to put down the brushes and use your fingers instead. Trust us, it helps with the pressing motion and you get a lot more colour payoff. 

But the most important thing to remember when it comes to glitter eyeshadow? Just have fun with it! Life is serious enough, so add a bit of sparkle.

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