Best Micro-Glitters for the Holidays

Let it glow!

Nov 15, 2024

Can you still wear glitter if you’re over 45?

YES!

Whoever says otherwise doesn’t understand mature makeup. Period.

Sparkle season has begun and it is by far my favorite makeup season of the year. And as a self proclaimed micro-glitter connoisseur, I have made it my business to find the best formulas for over 45 lids.

So what are the criteria when it comes to sparkle over 45? We need formulas that will perform well on skin with laxity, fine lines, and texture. We need low base pigment, high micro glitter to provide a scattered light ethereal effect, rather than a high base pigment heavily foiled metallic that will cling to every imperfection. The latter will age you, while micro-glitter will give you a sophisticated sparkle that will make you ready for any holiday fête.

I am giving you my current favorite formulas (in no particular order) across all price points. I included high pigment swatches so you can see texture as well as video clips of them sheered out in their micro-glitter form.

1. Kulfi Zari Eyes

These little pots of creamy goodness are so full of product you will have them for the rest of your life. You need VERY little and once it dries down it’s not going to move. There are several shades, but my favorite is Sona Sona, a beautiful champagne perfect for the holidays. A few others I love are Sitara Sparkles which is a sugar plum fairy pink and Bronze Brocade which is a beautiful true bronze.

Kulfi Zari Eyes in Sona Sona diffused swatch:

2. Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eye Illusion Eyeshadow Duos

These are newer to me and I did a full review of them here if you want a deeper dive. Not all of these are created equal, but there are 3 color ways that give the most micro of all the micro-glitters. We Need Better Lighting, Do You Know Who I am and Still at the Club are by far the superior pay off. I do recommend a glitter glue as there are no binders in this formula and there will be fall out. It is definitely worth it though. The sparkle is next level.

Patrick Ta eyeshadow duo in Do You Know Who I Am diffued swatch:

3. Alora Cosmetics Dazzle Shadows

We love supporting women owned small businesses especially when they make a killer product for an affordable price. The Dazzle Shadows are so beautiful and will absolutely have people asking what is on your eyes. Always tap, never swipe that will give you the prettiest splattering of fairy dust goodness. My favorite shades are Devine Dazzle, a deep gold and Gigi Sparkles which is a beautiful sparkly pink. You can use code SWANLATTE for a discount!

Alora Cosmetics Dazzle Shadow in 24k diffused swatch:

4. KVD Dazzle Shadow Stick (Left)

If you are a lazy makeup girl you will LOVE these Dazzle Sticks. These give maximum micro glitter in one swipe. You can wear the full intesity or diffuse these out and where most sticks like this are dry, this formula is SUPER creamy. It locks down but doesn’t get crusty.

5. Urban Decay Moondust in Space Cowboy (right)

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the OG of micro glitter. Space Cowboy continues to be the magical sparkle it’s always been. The beauty of this one is you can wear it during the day tapped on the lid with bronzer in the crease or you can add drama by layering it for night.

KVD Diffused Swatch:

Urban Decay Diffused Swatch:

6. Colourpop Supershock Shadow

If you love the Urban Decay Moondust but don’t love the price point then you will LOVE Colourpop Supershocks. At $7 the shade Mightly Morphin is a STUNNINGLY beautiful Champagne with gold and pink sparkle.

The thing to look out for with Supershocks is that they do not all have the same finish. So you need to look at the bottom and make sure the label says ‘ultra glitter’ on the bottom. A few other shades I love Ritz (an exact dupe for space cowboy) and Lady Bird .