How to Wear Glitter on Your Face

Co-authored by JoAnn Solomon

Last Updated: June 18, 2021 References

Glitter makes just about everything better. Whether you are secretly a mermaid or just like all things sparkly, you can't go wrong with adding a little bit of glitter to your makeup routine. While using crafting glitter can irritate your skin, cosmetic-grade glitter is a safe alternative. You can find it online and in well-stocked beauty shops. The application process is quick, simple, and totally picture-worthy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Glitter to Your Eyelids

1
Apply your base makeup first, if you will be wearing any. If you plan on wearing foundation or eyeshadow, now is the time to apply them. Set your look with setting powder or setting spray, but hold off on the mascara and eyeliner. Doing this stuff first reduces the chances of you accidentally rubbing the glitter off and messing up your look.
2
Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to your eyelids. You can also apply the petroleum jelly to your brow bone instead for a different look. If you don't have petroleum jelly or if you don't want to use it, try clear lip balm or clear lip gloss instead.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- For a bolder look, use a Q-tip or thin makeup brush to apply the petroleum jelly to your crease. Flare it out in a wing-tip or cat eye.
- For a more subtle look, use a thin, liner brush to apply eyelash adhesive to your upper lash line. Do not apply it to your waterline, however.
Advertisement
3
Choose cosmetic-grade glitter that goes well with your makeup. You can find this type of glitter online and in a beauty supply shop. A fine-grained glitter would be even better because it would be less likely to fall off. Do not use regular glitter from the arts and crafts store.
- For a subtle look, try a neutral color, such as ivory, iridescent, peach, or gold.
- For a bold look, try an unnatural color, such as orange, red, blue, purple, etc.
- If you are already wearing eyeshadow, choose glitter in a similar color.
- Glitter is best for the evening.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
4
Pat the glitter onto your eyelid with an eyeshadow brush. Dip an eyeshadow brush (preferably one with firm bristles) into the pot of glitter first. Close your eyes and tilt your head back. Gently pat the brush against your eyelid, focusing on the area where you applied the petroleum jelly.
- If you are applying glitter to your lash line, use a damp Q-tip to pick up and apply the glitter.
5
Finish and clean up the look. Use a Q-tip to sharpen any corners or edges, such as wing-tips. If you got glitter some place where you did not want it, press a piece of clear tape against your skin where the unwanted glitter is, then pull it off.^{[3]
X
Research source} Apply a coat of mascara, if desired, but skip the eyeliner, otherwise the glitter may come off.
- If you applied the glitter to just your crease or brow bone, you can apply some eyeliner for a more glamorous look.
6
Avoid rubbing your eyes while wearing glitter. The glitter may shed during the day, but not rubbing or touching your eyes will reduce the chances of this happening. If you do get glitter in your eye, use eye drops to get it out. You can also irrigate your eyes to rinse the glitter out instead.^{[4]
X
Research source}
7
Use an oil-based eye makeup remover to wipe the glitter off at night. Soak a cotton round in an oil-based makeup remover it, then swipe it across your eyelid. If you did not get all of the glitter off, use the other (clean) side to swipe your eyelid again. If you got glitter between your lashes, use a Q-tip dipped in an oil-based makeup remover, to lightly pick it off.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Glitter to Your Lips

1
Exfoliate your lips for extra smoothness, if desired. Dampen your lips with water first. Next, gently exfoliate them with a soft toothbrush or a sugar lip scrub for a few seconds. Rinse your lips with water again, pat them dry, then apply a lip balm.
- You don't have to do this, but it will make the lipstick and glitter application easier, especially if your lips are chapped.
2
Apply your choice of lipstick. Apply a coat of lipstick with a lip brush or straight from the tube. Blot it with a tissue, then apply a second coat. Do not blot this second coat; you need the wet lipstick in order for the glitter to adhere.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Use a creamy lipstick that comes in a tube rather than liquid lipstick or lip stain, otherwise the glitter may not stick.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
3
Choose a cosmetic-grade glitter that matches your lipstick color. You can find cosmetic-grade glitter in beauty supply shops and online; don't use glitter from the craft store. For a smoother look, use the finest glitter that you can find. If the glitter is too chunky, your finished look may look gritty or grainy.
- If you can't find a matching color, try using iridescent instead. You can also pair gold glitter with warm colors (such as red) and silver glitter for cool colors (such as blue).
4
Use your finger or a lipstick brush to pat the glitter onto your lips. Dip your finger or lipstick brush into the glitter, then firmly pat it onto your lips. Keep repeating this step until your lips are all covered.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- If the glitter is not sticking to your lips, apply some petroleum jelly or clear clip gloss/lip balm, then try again.
5
Press your lips together to seal the glitter in place. Do not press a napkin between your lips like you normally would with lipstick, or you will remove the glitter. Simply press your lips together into a thin line for a second or two, then open them again.^{[9]
X
Research source}
6
Blot the lipstick and glitter with your finger. Stick your finger into your mouth, then slowly pull it out. Be sure to purse your lips while doing so. This will remove any glitter that got caught inside your lips without accidentally removing the glitter that's already on your lips.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Use a piece of tape to pick off any stray bits of glitter caught outside your lip line.
- Do not blot your lips with a tissue.
7
Use an oil-based remover to remove the glitter at the end of the day. Soak a tissue or cotton round in an oil-based makeup remover, then wipe it across your lips. If you did not get all of the glitter off on the first wipe, use the other side of the cotton round. Once you get the glitter off, you can remove the lipstick with a tissue.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying Glitter to Your Cheeks and Forehead

1
Have your base makeup done. You don't have to do your lips or eye makeup yet, but you should do your primer and foundation first. If you want to set your makeup with setting powder or setting spray, do so now. If you apply either of these products after you apply the glitter, you risk removing the glitter.
- You can also skip the foundation and primer altogether for a simpler, fresh-faced look.
2
Choose a skin-safe adhesive. Hair gel is a great, cheap choice for most people, including those with sensitive skin.^{[11]
X
Research source} You can also use a special adhesive made specifically for adhering glitter to skin. Aloe vera gel and petroleum jelly may also work.
- You can buy special adhesives for cosmetic-grade glitter online and in beauty supply shops.
3
Pick a cosmetic-grade glitter color. You can use extra-fine glitter or even chunky glitter, but it must be cosmetic-grade. You can find this stuff online and in beauty supply shops; do not use crafting glitter. Think about how the glitter will look with the rest of your makeup and outfit. Choose colors that will go well with your overall look.
- For a more unique look, consider getting extra-fine glitter and body sequins/rhinestones. This way, you can layer the two together.
4
Use a small makeup brush to apply the adhesive. Choose a makeup brush with stiffer bristles, such as a lipstick brush. Apply a thin coat of adhesive wherever you want the glitter to go. If you will be applying to glitter to both sides of your face, do just one side for right now.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- It is better to work in small areas rather than large ones, otherwise the adhesive will dry out too fast.
- You can do a random design, such as a streak, or you can do a specific design, such as a heart. You can even use stencils for something more intricate.
5
Use the same brush to pat the glitter into the adhesive. Dip the brush into your pot of cosmetic-grade glitter, then gently pat it against the adhesive. Keep repeating this step until you get the glitter all over the adhesive.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- If you are working with extra-fine glitter, you may have to use a clean, soft makeup brush instead.
6
Apply additional layers of glitter to create dimension, if desired. At this point, you can call it a day and go to show off your new glittered look, or you can keep adding more layers. Use a thin brush to add dots of adhesive onto already-glittered parts, then add skin-safe sequins or body glitter.
7
Use an oil-based makeup remover to clean the glitter off. Soak a cotton round in an oil-based makeup remover, then wipe it across the glittered parts of your face. If you need to get more glitter off, use the other side of the cotton round.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is it okay to put glitter on your face?

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
JoAnn Solomon is a Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Beauty Consultant, and Founder of JoAnn Solomon Beauty, a beauty service in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience, JoAnn specializes in beauty consulting and writing, makeup and hair artistry, product training, and creative directing. She is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician and is certified in Airbrush Makeup. JoAnn has been published in Glamour Magazine and Lipstick.com. She is also a beauty contributor for Condé Nast, The List, Essence, Style Bistro, Family Circle, and Nylon Magazine. Her looks have been showcased in editorial, fashion, television, and red carpet events. A few of JoAnn’s celebrity clients include Beyoncé Knowles, Dr. Joe Biden, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones.

JoAnn Solomon

Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Yes! Generally, glitter is advised for the evening, though you can use smaller glitter during the day or something shimmery with a light bit of glitter highlighter. You can also use a tiny bit of glitter in the evening on your upper cheekbones for some sheen, and in the corner of your eyes to open them up.
Question

How do you apply glitter on your face?

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
JoAnn Solomon is a Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Beauty Consultant, and Founder of JoAnn Solomon Beauty, a beauty service in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience, JoAnn specializes in beauty consulting and writing, makeup and hair artistry, product training, and creative directing. She is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician and is certified in Airbrush Makeup. JoAnn has been published in Glamour Magazine and Lipstick.com. She is also a beauty contributor for Condé Nast, The List, Essence, Style Bistro, Family Circle, and Nylon Magazine. Her looks have been showcased in editorial, fashion, television, and red carpet events. A few of JoAnn’s celebrity clients include Beyoncé Knowles, Dr. Joe Biden, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones.

JoAnn Solomon

Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Use your finger or a synthetic brush when applying the glitter, as a natural hair brush can cause the product to scatter around on your skin.
Question

Can I use craft glitter if I don't have cosmetic glitter?

Community Answer

No! It's not intended for your body and isn't safe for your skin. If you get a craft glitter particle in your eye, it could scratch your cornea and cause damage. Cosmetic glitter is usually very fine and round-milled. Also, the dyes on craft glitter could leach out (because of the glue or whatever chemical) onto your skin.

Warnings

Do not rub your face or eyes while wearing glitter.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
Never apply crafting glitter on your face, including the extra-fine glitter.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Never apply glitter (including cosmetic-grade) to your waterline. Doing so greatly increases the risk that you’ll get glitter in your eyes.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2