Trust Me—These 8 Glitter Eye Shadows Look So Expensive

Disclaimer: Each year when party season arrives, I secretly rejoice that I finally have an excuse to wheel out my glitter makeup collection and sparkle pretty much constantly from November until New Year. While I might not have decided on my party hairstyle or dress (yes, you can bet that I've already spent hours daydreaming about the various combination of glitter eyeliners), sparkling shadows and colourful mascaras that I can step out in over the next few weeks.

Yes, while for some the thought of wearing anything other than a slick of mascara on their eyelids is enough to totally terrify them, I'm a total advocate for embracing the glitz. Luckily, this year there have been a whole host of incredible beauty launches offering up the perfect amount of party season sparkle but with a grown-up edge. Forget pots of loose glitter that look like something from your primary school arts and crafts table, this winter it's all about high-shine finishes, hints of sparkle and plenty of sheen when it comes to the new wave of glitter eye shadows.

Ahead, keep scrolling for eight of my favourite glitter eye shadows for grown-ups and plenty of inspiration on how to wear them.

Although this list of glitter eye makeup is in no particular order I have to say that the Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadows might just be my favourite formula for sparkly eyes. They're a luxurious cream texture which means there is no mess when you apply them and they look seriously expensive on the eyelids thanks to the grown-up colour palette and sheeny finish.

Ciaté London are one of the best brands for party season makeup solutions and this pot of ultra-fine cream glitter is ideal if you're looking for seriously sparkly lids. What I love about it you can wear it for a sheer, wet-look shine effect or you can build it up if you want more colour pay-off.

For a more couture approach to glitter, the new Marc Jacobs Beauty eye shadows are the high fashion solution to party season sparkle. As the name suggests, these boast a unique sequin-finish formula that is perfect if you're looking for proper glitter particles and maximum glitz.

When Victoria Beckham Beauty launched it was these crystal-infused eye shadows that first caught my eye—and I was right to be intrigued. They're a soft pressed powder formula with a gorgeous pearlescent finish and I'll be stocking up for Christmas parties this year.

If you're feeling bold and want to brave a colourful eye shadow with sparkle, then these handy duos from Stila are my favourite. You get two tonal shades in each palette—one more glittery and one more metallic. They look seriously radiant on the eyelids.

These Urban Decay glitter eyeliners are a bit of a throwback product for me. I've been using them since my teenage years but that's because they're that good. If you like the idea of glitter but aren't sure about a full sparkly eye then these buildable liners are made by infusing a clear base with super-fine sparkle. There are tons of colours available but Distortion gives a subtle holographic sheen that's perfect for glitter newbies.

Although it looks seriously sophisticated on the eyelids, the YSL eye shadow are best applied as if you're finger painting—pressed straight onto the eyelids. They're really pigmented, rich in colour and give your eyes a starry shine.

One of my favourite beauty launches of the year comes via Glossier Play and their teeny pots of glitter gel. The formula suspends proper, multi-dimensional glitter in a transparent gel base for major Studio 54 vibes. Press it all over your lids or use the detailer tool (£6) to create a sparkly liner instead.

Up next, I just asked Rosie HW's makeup artist how to get glowy skin that lasts all night.