We have a machinist from New Jersey to thank for the invention of modern-day glitter. In 1934, Henry Ruschmann devised a way to crush up plastic to produce large quantities of the shiny stuff. He created a manufacturing company — Meadowbrook Glitter — to double down on his brainchild and now, decades later, that crushed up shiny stuff is everywhere in makeup aisles, from lipglosses to eyeliners, and most definitely eyeshadows.
But there is one big downside of wearing glittery eyeshadow: That shit gets everywhere. Thankfully, some brands have come to realize that we definitely don't want to be wiping glitter out of our hair, bathroom tiles, and clothes every day, and have opted for improved technology and things like eyeshadow creams and gels.
We can't thank them enough. Ahead, check out our favorite foolproof glitter shadows that won't be haunting you and all of your belongings days after wearing it.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
ColourPop Disco Lady
Put away the glitter glue, because you won't need it with this gel. Sheer it out with a few dabs of your finger for some major shine, or pile it on for a metallic foiled look.
Kaja Moon Crystal Sparkling Eye Pigment
Just try and tear yourself away from the mirror after swiping on this unique eye shimmer, which has a mix of crystal powders and metallic-coated pearls that reflects light like nobody's business. The pigmented jelly goes on like a gel but dries down to a mess-free powder finish.
Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow
This high-impact shadow won a Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Award for a reason: The long-wearing formula is loaded with fine glitter that dries down to a budge-proof finish. (Drag queens love it, too, and they know their stuff.)
Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eye Shadow
Ever since debuting at Sephora, this Hourglass glitter eyeshadow is never not selling out. With its fine glitter texture and finish that allows you to blend different shades together on your eyelids, fans have dubbed this a potted version of that beloved Stila liquid shadow, above.
Tom Ford Cream Color For Eyes
Leave it to Tom Ford to formulate an array of smooth cream shadows in ultra-pigmented metallic shades like deep bronze and sea-inspired blue that make the steep $46 price tag seem not that unreasonable.
RMS Beauty Eye Polish
Now that we've raved about RMS Beauty's natural-finish Living Luminizer highlighter, it's time you meet the brand's glossy eye polish, which comes in both metallic and satin finishes.
Pat McGrath Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette - Bronze Seduction
If you love glitter and you're looking to splurge, this palette is right up your alley. As seen on Cardi B, Amandla Stenberg, and SZA at the 2018 VMAs, Pat McGrath's palette includes 10 richly-pigmented shades that seriously don't budge.
Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner
There's a shade in Urban Decay's collection of glitter liners for everyone, whether you're looking for silver, purple, pink, or gold. We love wearing it solo or layering it over the entire lid for a more graphic effect.
Touch In Sol Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eye Shadow Duo
This versatile eyeshadow duo features a metallic liquid shadow on one end, and a tacky chunky glitter on the other.
Lemonhead LA Houdinin Highlite Spacepaste
Hate loose glitter with a burning passion? Try Lemonhead's Space Paste instead. They're loaded with a mix of fine and chunky particles and once they're set, they're not transferring onto anything.
Wet n Wild Color Icon Glitter Single
We like to think of this glitter gel as a gateway drug into more intense glitters. It'll set you back just $1 and comes in five wearable shades. There's one caveat, though: Unlike some of the other shadows in this roundup, this one doesn't last too long on its own, so we suggest laying a primer down underneath to improve wear-time.
Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art
Not sure how intense you want to go? Reach for one of Revlon's new PhotoReady Eye Arts. The double-sided tubes hold a metallic liquid shadow on one end and a glittery gel on the other. Both of the shades can be worn solo or mixed and matched for custom looks.
E.L.F. Cosmetics Pop of Glitter Gel
One swipe of this e.l.f. gel provides a sheer veil of sparkle, but two or three will take you into high-shine territory. Just make sure to let each layer dry before going in for more.
Flesh Beauty Fleshpot Eye & Cheek Gloss in Disco Nap
Prefer to take the subtle route when it comes to makeup? Slather this featherlight Flesh gloss onto your lids, your cheekbones — hell — anywhere you want a sexy flash of shimmer. It will make you gleam, but not in a disco-ball way.