Glitter as Rebellion…
Glitter tear makeup emerged on Chanel's Fall 2015 runway, coding the "walk of shame" through smudged under-eye sparkle. Burberry and Vogue Paris followed, oscillating between whimsy and dishevelment.
Today, glitter signals queer visibility, political affiliation (glitter ash protests), and even toxicity—Margaret Qualley's neon pink eyeshadow in The Substance (2025 Oscar winner) screams artificial femininity.
From runway rebellion to identity weapon, glitter proves cosmetic choices communicate philosophy louder than words.
The Glitter Tears Pipeline…
Queer goths adopted Euphoria's glitter tears first—not as trend, but visual conviction. Lemonhead LA saw 600% sales after the show. Stila, NYX launched "Euphoria-inspired" collections. 95% of matching eyeliners/eyeshadows sold out.
Industry calls this success. I call it extraction.
Glitter didn't start with Euphoria. David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust—heels, feathers, shaved brows—made it queer visual language decades ago. Gen Z uses trends as "connection infrastructure," spending $51-100 monthly on belonging, not just makeup.
Extraction sells glitter. Understanding sells loyalty.