Before Instagram became a KiraKira-ified sparkle-fest, makeup artist Michael Anthony, who works with Katy Perry and Brooke Candy, perfected the art of glittering (without help from filters). When it comes to dreaming up shiny new tour looks for Perry and co., Anthony looks to iconic glitter moments throughout history—Pat McGrath-era Dior, Showgirls, and Cher by Kevyn Aucoin. Here, Anthony and some of his fellow makeup pros weigh in on the best glitter shadows for IRL shine.
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Urban Decay
Urban Decay's glitter shadows are "pigmented enough to use for details like liner or a graphic shape, but can still be used softly with a fluffy brush to light up a look," Anthony says.
"Stila Glitter and Go Liquid Eyeshadow is amazing if you’re adding sparkle to the eyes," says makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan. "Since it’s applied w an applicator and starts out liquid there is little room for sparkles and glitter to fall on the face. It’s easy and there are a good range of colors."
Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, $24; sephora.com
"For loose glitter, I tend to choose Make Up Forever glitters," adds Deenihan. "There are a ton of colors and sizes of actual glitter for whatever you may be using it for. A fun way to play with glitter is to choose a shade the same as your lipstick and add a bit of glitter on top of your lipstick to add a little sparkle."
Celebrity makeup artist Mary Wiles says to use a silicone brush to "pick up and 'stamp' the glitter onto the skin." She then uses a fixer ("Make Up Forever Mix and Fix is great") to mist before and after to help set the glitter. Finally, Wiles uses a lint roller to take off the glitter or else, "you will be finding it all over for weeks!"
"Make Up Forever Graphic Glitters are my super favorite, " Oquendo adds. "There are about 4-5 different unique shapes from very bold to finer and more glam." Oquendo also recommends using the Inglot Duraline as a "mixing medium for any glitter or loose shadow to prevent any fallout and increase the wear of the product tremendously."
"I’m obsessed with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics glitters in Mirror Ball," Oquendo says. "I mean who doesn’t want to look like they have a disco ball on their eye? It is silver but the rainbow reflections make it the perfect topcoat to any eyeshadow combination."
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Glitter in Mirror Ball, $15; occmakeup.com