Glitter tears are hands-down one of the most iconic festival beauty trends that have taken over Instagram this year. I mean, who doesn’t want to look like a glittery alien queen sobbing fabulousness all night long? Whether you’re going to Coachella or just having your own festival vibes at home with your squad, glitter tears are the secret sauce your look needs.
Some say it’s giving Euphoria vibes (thank you, Jules and Rue), but let’s be real—it’s giving EVERYTHING. It’s like, the perfect mix of “I’m emotional, but also, WHO’S GONNA STOP ME?” LOL.
So grab your best brushes, your sparkliest glitter, and LET’S GOOOO! By the end of this post, you’re gonna be a full-on glitter tears pro. Trust the process, fam.
The Origin of Glitter Tears 🤩✨
Ok, so you’ve probably seen the surge of glitter looks, especially glitter tears, and thought: “Did someone just start crying 4th of July fireworks out of nowhere?” Well, kinda, LOL. The real roots of this trend go all the way back to runway shows and editorials and then, INEVITABLY, TikTok latched on, and the rest is history.
Glitter tears got SUPER huge after Euphoria aired—the show single-handedly defined an entire makeup aesthetic that gave us the courage to say “Nah, I’m not crying normal tears. I sparkle when I cry now.”
Like, we love Jules and Rue throwing down with the most dramatic yet effortless makeup looks. These gals really had everyone rethinking what makeup could be, blending emotions with pigment #ArtGoals
And let’s talk about festivals here for a sec: You can’t go to any festival these days without seeing someone rocking glitter tears. Think Coachella, EDC, Burning Man… or even just your everyday Saturday night out at your local hangout.
“People will stare. Make it worth their while.”—Harry Winston
Ya heard the man. If people are gonna look, give ‘em a reason to drool. That’s why glitter tears are where it’s at!
Choosing Your Glitter: Because Not All Glitter is BFF Material
So you can’t just grab any ol’ glitter and slap it under your eyes. Sorry, bestie! Here’s TEA: not all glitter is made for the face, and some glitters are a little sus (looking at you, craft glitter). Be kind to your eyes, okay?! Stick to cosmetic-grade glitter that won’t have you rubbing your face raw by the end of the night, or worse… dealing with glitter scratches 😱
Here’s a cheat sheet on the types of glitter you can use for these TEAR-ific looks (see what I did there?😭✨):
| Type of Glitter | Description |
|---|---|
| Fine Glitter | Tiny glitter particles; gives a softer, fairy dust shimmer. Ideal for classy, minimal glitter tears. |
| Chunky Glitter | Large glitter bits; perfect for a statement, look-at-me shine. Festival must-have! |
| Holo Glitter | Reflects all rainbow colors in the light; you’re basically a walking disco ball. |
| Biodegradable Glitter | Planet-friendly and guilt-free. Save the planet AND slay at the same time. |
If you’re extra (which, no shame—same), throw in some holographic bits or shapes, like little stars or hearts. Cute, RIGHT?
Application: Making Those Tears Fall Like Magic, Hunny 🎨
Now that we know our glitter types, let’s get into the application sitch. This is lowkey the fun part, but also where some people end up looking like they got in a fight with a bottle of Elmer’s Glue. NO MA’AM, we want precision here. Sharp. Snatched. Messy but in a totally-controlled-chaos kind of way.
First of all, base face makeup is optional for a glitter tears look. You can either go bare-faced and fresh, or beat that face to the GAWDS. Your choice. Just make sure you set it down because we don’t want our glitter tears blending with oily skin. Not the vibe.
Okay, step by step:
Step 1: Prime Time, Baby!
You’ll need a sticky primer or glitter glue—no, not the kind you used in 3rd grade art class. We’re talking legit makeup glue, like NYX Glitter Primer or some kind of tacky base. WHY? Because glitter falls into the “I did not ask to be here” category, so give it a reason to stick and STAY.
Step 2: Mapping Your Tears
Decide where you want those glitter tears to fall. You’re creating GLAM DRAMA, so take a deep breath and think, “How hard am I crying? Like sad rom-com cry or full-blown meltdown?!” Just kidding. But seriously, think about how intense you want the look. The glitter can “drip” from your lower lashes or full-on streak down to your jawline if you’re feeling dramatic.
Step 3: Dip It and Grip It
Use a flat shader brush (or your fingers if you’re like me) to load up the glitter and DAB—don’t swipe! Be gentle like you’re whispering sweet nothings to your face. Start from the inner corner of your eye and move downwards. More pressure = more glitter. Light taps = subtle shine.
If you’re working with multiple glitters, start with a fine glitter first, and layer chunkier bits on the bottom for that “I’m crying magic” effect.
Step 4: Set the Drama
We stan a look that stays ALL DAY. Use setting spray. Use A LOT of setting spray if you want those tears to look like they’ll last through even The Notebook feels. Hairspray is also weirdly effective in making glitter not budge; just spritz a little (don’t overdo it unless you’re reenacting the ’80s).
That’s it. You’ve officially mastered glitter tears.
Pro Tips for Glitter Crybabies 😭✨
Because we love shortcuts and saving our skin (literally), here are a few life-saving pro tips from your glitter-lovin’ gal over here:
Don’t Forget: The Q-Tip Trick
Girl, things CAN get a bit messy. A Q-tip dipped in micellar water is gonna be your bestie for fixing smudges. Correct mistakes without having to redo your whole face.
Catch the Glitter Fall
No one wants glitter in their foundation—like, ever. So, if you’re doing glitter post-foundation, hold a tissue or blotting paper under your eye to catch any fallout. Trust me, otherwise you’ll be doing battle to get those micro-particles off your chin for hours.
Feeling Bold? Match Your Tears
Take it to another level by matching your glitter tears with a sudden burst of COLOR. I’ve seen people do pink glitter tears over pink eyeshadow or blue glitter streaks to match blue wing liner. It looks SO bomb—and it’s giving futuristic fairy galaxy vibes. 🙌
Where Can You Wear Glitter Tears? 🔥
Girl, please. Literally anywhere you feel like shining. But, okay, realistically… here’s where they’re seriously POPPIN’:
1. Festivals (!Duh!)
This feels like the glitter tears kingdom. Festivals are your go-to for expressive, out-there makeup. No need to feel shy here—shine like the human disco ball you are.
2. Raves/Club Nights
You’re gonna need that wow factor under club lights or at raves where (literally!) EVERYTHING is covered in sparkle. Glitter tears under UV lights? That’s next-level.
3. Concerts
Same energy as festivals. Create a look that’ll make you stand out in a crowd of thousands. Picture the stage lights bouncing off your glitter as you sing along with your fave artist #MainCharacterEnergy
4. Photoshoots
Aesthetically obsessed? Just doing it for the vibe on Insta, TikTok, or Snapchat? YES girl, bring out the glitter tears. Everyone’s gonna hit you with the heart eyes emoji.
5. A Casual Slay Day
Who says you need a big night out to glow up? Sometimes we just vibe HARD with our makeup. Throw on glitter tears for a picnic, shopping trip, or coffee run. If people stare, it’s only because you look amazing.
Final Thoughts on Glitter Tears (Because They’re Everything)
Okay, SO, glitter tears are not just a makeup trend; they’re a whole mood right now. Whether it’s gonna be a wild festival, an emotional night out, or just a lil cry sesh at home (we feel you), this trend lets you cry in sparkles. What could be better?
It’s rebellious but glam at the same time. It’s messy, but so intentional, and it’s everything makeup should be right now: fun, eye-catching, and kinda unpredictable. Basically, it’s the real LEWK.
Go bless your face, bestie: get your glitter on and let the GLAM radar go full-tilt! You’re a star, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise 😜
