The Best Glitter Makeup for Grownups

In the days of school dances and weekend slumber parties, we couldn’t get enough glitter makeup. We’d slather sparkles on every inch of exposed skin. And the chunkier, gooier the glitter, the more we loved it. As our makeup routines matured, many of us left OTT sparkle behind in favor of subtler shimmer products. If you haven’t gone back to glitter yet, it’s time to get reacquainted, because the newest glitter beauty products have a decidedly grown-up feel. The glitter of today isn’t the sparkly stuff we loved as tweens. Modern formulas are smooth and silky and offer a multifaceted glow, courtesy of duochrome finishes or cutting-edge pearl technology. The result is shimmer worthy of a red carpet. What’s more, the latest glitter products aren’t suspended in sticky substances. They’re available in powders and liquids that are genuinely comfortable to wear. Glitter makeup is a natural fit for your holiday party look but it can also easily be incorporated into a sexy smoky eye for date night. When used sparingly, glitter can even be used to add some added dimension to soft daytime looks. Get ready to embrace the new, more mature version of sparkle with these grown-up glitter beauty products that are the right blend of sophisticated and shimmery.

[ Next: 25 Easy Ways to Wear Glitter Makeup IRL ]

13 Grownup Glitter Beauty Products

13 Grownup Glitter Beauty Products #1

Glitter makeup has come a long way since your middle school days. Read on for 13 ways to make your beauty look shine this season.

Image: Imaxtree
Prismatic Pout

Kat Von D Everlasting Glimmer Veil Liquid Lipstick, $22 at Sephora

Bid adieu to that standard matte liquid lipstick and try this 3-D-effect glimmer one instead. The formula contains a gel base with reflective micro-pearls and mirror-crystals for a layered effect. The pigmented metallic color lasts up to 24 hours, so it will stay on throughout the party and after-party.
Golden Glow

Bbrowbar Gold Brow Glitter, $22.34 at Bbrowbar

There are many wild ways to define brows (hello, brow carving), but brow glitter is actually a flattering option. Swipe on the gel formula to groom arches and deposit a subtle gold shimmer — no need to follow up with an eye highlighter.
Mer-mazing Eyes

Stila Mermaid Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, $24 at Ulta

If mermaids wore eyeshadow, it would definitely look like this iridescent option. The shadow has a watery base (of course) that combines pearl and glitter for a multifaceted finish.
Foiled Finish

Touch In Sol Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eyeshadow Duo, $25 at Sephora

Comfortable glitter eyeshadows do exist and this duo is proof. Wear them singly or mix them together for a fierce foiled gaze in a few swipes.
Bright Eyes

Butter London Glazen Lustrous Liner Disco, $19 at Butter London

Swap your basic black eyeliner for this glitter liner and get ready to dial up the glam. Use it to create a winged look a la Tom Ford Spring 2018 and all eyes will be on you.
Chic Shine

Natasha Denona All Over Glow Face & Body Shimmer in Powder, $38 at Sephora

This powder deposits a natural radiance to the face and body, thanks to real crushed pearls. Unlike that chunky body glitter stick, this reflective powder is difficult to overdo.
Lustrous Locks

Captain Blankenship Golden Waves Sea Salt Shimmer Spray, $28 at Captain Blankenship

Spray on this organic sea salt hairspray for a soft golden glow and extra texture. The result is shimmering mermaid hair with a hint of sparkle.
Shimmering Stripe

Tarte Limited-Edition Metallic Treats Glitter Liner Set, $29 at Tarte

One glitter liner is fabulous, but three are way better. This double-ended product has a liquid liner on one end and a coordinating glitter top coat on the other. Mix and match the white gold, silver and rose gold shades for a makeup look that is uniquely yours.
Dark and Dazzling

Bite Beauty Prismatic Pearl Crème Lip Gloss, $22 at Sephora

The latest generation of glitter products don't rely on chunks of sparkle, they use foiled finishes for mega impact. This metallic lip gloss has a cool black pearl effect.
Fairy Dust

Inglot Sparkling Dust Loose Powder, $17 at Macy's

Glow from head to toe with this loose powder. The formula leaves behind a flattering glow when dabbed on your cheeks, décolletage, nose and more. Mix it with moisturizer, foundation and even nail polish for a luminous look.
Soft Shine

A'Pieu Eye Glitter, $10 at A'Pieu

Meet the eye glitter that's subtle enough to wear every day. The water base has glitter and pearl particles that look gorgeous on bare skin or paired with a colorful eyeshadow.
Strobed Hair

IGK Preparty Hair Strobing Glitter Spray, $16 at Sephora

Who said strobing was only for skin? Get into the party spirit with IGK's Hair Strobing Glitter Spray. Spritz it on the part line for speedy glitter roots or apply it all over for an angelic finish. The versatile formula can be built up for even more shine. At the end of the celebration, it easily washes away.
Glossy Glitter

Milk Makeup Glitter Glaze Quad, $49 at Sephora

The latest evolution of glitter makeup combines glossy shine with sparkles. Try one of these creamy metallic shades for a soft sheen or layer them together for a proper lit-from-within look.