Glitter Vs Shimmer: What's The Difference?

If you’re a lover of all things sparkly, then you’ve probably wondered what the difference is between glitter and shimmer.

Both types have their unique look, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between glitter and shimmer makeup products and help you figure out which one is best for your needs.

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What Is Shimmer?

Shimmer makeup products contain tiny particles that reflect light. These particles are usually smooth, so they provide a subtle radiant look.

This eyeshadow in the picture down below, for example, has a shimmery finish. It gives the eyes a lovely sheen and works perfectly to create a smokey eye or a glamorous evening look.

Shimmer products are available in various makeup products, including eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, and highlighter.

What Is Glitter?

Glitter makeup also contains tiny particles that reflect light. However, these particles are larger and less smooth than those found in shimmery products.

This can make glitter products appear more “sparkly” than shimmer products.

This eyeshadow, for example, has a glittery finish. It’s perfect for creating a fun and festive look and works great for creating a dramatic, attention-grabbing look too.

As you can see, the chunky particles of glitter can make it appear more dramatic than a shimmery eyeshadow.

Glitter is available in various makeup products, including eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, highlighters, and even lipglosses.

The Difference Between Shimmer And Glitter

Now that you know what shimmer and glitter are let’s look at the key differences between these two types of products.

Glitter is usually larger and chunkier than shimmer, which gives it a more dramatic effect. Shimmer is finer, which can be more subtle.
Shimmer has tiny particles that can reflect the light. These particles are smooth, so they don’t have the same sparkle as glitter, and glitter has larger pieces that provide shine.

Related: Matte Vs Shimmery Bronzer

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Shimmer is a great way to add a subtle glow to your look, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit of shine without looking too over the top.

For a more dramatic, attention-grabbing look, glitter is the better option.

Of course, you can always use both types of products to create a unique look that’s all your own. Experiment with combinations of shimmer and glitter to find the perfect look.

For example, you can use a shimmery eyeshadow all over the eyelid and add a pop of glitter to the center of the lid. The glitter can add some extra drama and make your eyes stand out.

Or, you can use matte lipstick and apply a shimmery lip gloss to the center of the lower lip. This will give your lips a bit of dimension and make them look fuller.

The possibilities are endless! So have fun exploring all the different ways you can use shimmer and glitter to create a stunning makeup look.

Best Shimmer Eyeshadow Palettes

Here are some of our favorites if you’re looking for a great eyeshadow palette with some shimmery eyeshadows.

Persona Identity Eyeshadow Palette

This palette has 12 beautiful shimmery shades that range from light to dark. You can use them to create a natural look or a smoky eye.

There are six shimmery shades, and the shadows are highly pigmented. They have a velvety texture and are easy to blend, so you’ll have no trouble creating a gorgeous makeup look.

I like to use this palette to create an everyday makeup look or a smokey eye for a night out.

It has all you need to create a complete look as it contains some transition shades for the eye crease and a shimmery shade to highlight the brow bone.

For more swatches and details, check this full review of the Persona Palette.

Maybelline The City Mini Palette In Rooftop Bronzes

maybelline eyeshadow palette in rooftop bronze

This palette contains six beautiful shades that range from light to dark. The shadows are all shimmery, so they’ll add some sparkle and shine to your look.

They are highly pigmented and have a smooth, velvety texture. They’re also easy to blend to create every day or a night-out look.

This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable eyeshadow palette.

I like to use it with a primer underneath to make the shadows pop and last all day long.

Tarte Tartelette Juicy Amazonian Clay Palette

This palette has five beautiful shades, two of which have a gorgeous shimmery finish.

This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a palette with both matte and shimmery shadows.

The shadows are all very pigmented and have a smooth texture. They’re also easy to blend, so you’ll have no trouble creating an everyday natural makeup look.

I like to use this palette to create a minimal eye makeup look, and I apply the matte beige shade all over the eyelid to cancel any discoloration and then use the light brown shade on the crease as a transition shade.

After that, I apply the pink shimmery shade all over the eyelid to add some dimension.

Shimmer Vs Glitter Nail Polish

When it comes to nail polish, there is a big difference between shimmer and glitter. Glitter has chunky particles you can see in the bottle, whereas shimmer has some tiny particles reflecting light and providing a soft and shiny effect.

The nail polish in the picture below has a glittery finish, giving the nails a lot of shine and sparkle.

If you want a softer look, you can use shimmery nail polish. This nail polish has smaller particles reflecting the light, giving the nails a shiny finish.

The purple nail polish in the picture down below has a shimmery finish. As you can see, the small shimmery particles reflect the light and give the nails a glowy finish.

So, if you’re looking for a nail polish that will provide your nails with some sparkle and shine, go for glittery nail polish. If you want a softer look, opt for shimmery nail polish instead.

Shimmer Vs Mettalic

Metallic makeup products have a finish that looks like ‘metal,’ giving the skin a foiled effect. They usually have a pigmented formula with silver or gold undertones.

Both metallic and shimmer makeup products can add some shine to your look. However, metallic eyeshadows and makeup products are usually more pigmented and shinier, whereas shimmer makeup products are more subtle.

You can see an example of a metallic eyeshadow in the picture down below:

If you want to add so much shine to your look, you can go for a metallic makeup product.

Metallic highlighters and eyeshadows are perfect for creating a ‘night out’ look, whereas shimmer makeup products are perfect to achieve a more natural finish.

The picture down below shows an example of a metallic makeup product and a shimmery one. As you can see, metallic is more intense and shiny, whereas shimmer is more subtle.

Conclusion

Both glitter and shimmer can add some shine to your look. However, there is a big difference between the two. Glitter has larger, chunky particles, whereas shimmer has smaller particles that can reflect the light.

So, if you’re looking for a product with a lot of sparkle and shine, go for a glittery product. If you want a softer look, opt for a shimmery effect instead.