ABH Glisten Eyeshadow Review Swatches and Dupes

If you’ve been hunting for ABH Glisten eyeshadow, you’re definitely not alone—this champagne-gold stunner has earned its spot as one of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ most coveted shades. Whether you first fell for it in the Soft Glam palette or spotted it as a single, Glisten delivers that blinding metallic shine everyone can’t stop talking about. In 2025, it’s still turning heads, but availability can be tricky, and the hype is real—so if you want the lowdown on how it performs, how it looks on every skin tone, and where to snag it before it sells out, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into everything you need to know about this iconic eyeshadow shade.

Product Overview & Current Availability (2025 Update)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glisten is an intense metallic single eyeshadow that packs a serious punch with its blinding champagne gold finish. Officially named “Glisten”, this shade delivers a buttery, foil-effect metallic shimmer that instantly lifts your eye look. The compact comes in a 0.08 oz pan, priced around $23 retail—a splurge, but typical for ABH quality.

As of 2025, Glisten is consistently in high demand and often sells out quickly, especially during Sephora and Ulta sales. Stock drops tend to be brief, so if you’ve got this on your wishlist, keep alert.

Compared to its older counterpart in the Soft Glam palette, the Glisten single is noticeably more intense and metallic. Soft Glam’s champagne shade leans softer and less blinding, making Glisten the go-to if you want serious impact in a single swipe rather than a subtle glimmer. The single is also slightly more buttery and reflective, making it a worthwhile upgrade if you love metallic finishes.

Formula & Performance Breakdown

ABH Glisten delivers intense pigmentation right from the first swipe—no need to layer multiple times for that rich champagne gold finish. The texture is smooth and buttery, making it super easy to blend without much fallout. Whether you use your finger or a brush, the color applies evenly and stays true.

Wear Time (10–12 Hour Test)

Compared to older ABH metallic shadows, Glisten feels fresher and less chalky. The formula is creamier and sticks better, which means less fallout and longer wear overall. Compared to newer metallic formulas from ABH, Glisten holds its own with that classic buttery smoothness and a strong punch of shine.

If you’re used to ABH metallics, Glisten is a solid step up in ease of use and performance—especially if you want a shade that glistens without looking gritty or glittery.

ABH Glisten Swatches on 6 Skin Tones

ABH Glisten looks stunning across all skin tones—from fair to very deep. On fair and light skin, it gives off a bright, champagne gold shimmer that really pops. On medium and tan tones, that metallic finish turns warmer and richer, making the eyeshadow feel like a true golden highlight. For deep and very deep skin, Glisten’s metallic sparkle shines beautifully without looking ashy, giving a radiant glow that’s perfect for both day and night.

Indoor vs Natural Daylight vs Flash

• Indoor lighting: The shine is more subdued but still noticeable, great for everyday wear without being overpowering.
• Natural daylight: This brings out the full metallic intensity, making the shade look radiant and multidimensional.
• Flash: The shimmer really pops, reflecting light beautifully in photos—ideal for events and weddings.

Finger Swatch vs Brush Swatch

• Finger swatch: Gives the most intense, creamy payoff in one swipe, perfect for a bold, wet-look finish.
• Brush swatch: More buildable and blendable with a softer effect, allowing for layering and more delicate looks.

Overall, Glisten adapts well whether you want a subtle glow or an all-out metallic shine, working great on all skin tones and in different lighting conditions.

How to Apply Glisten for Maximum Impact

To get the most out of ABH Glisten’s intense metallic finish, the way you apply it really matters. Here’s a quick guide with tips and brush picks that work great for different budgets.

Best Brushes for Glisten

• Budget Friendly: e.l.f. Small Shadow Brush – great for packing on color without breaking the bank.
• Mid-Range: Real Techniques Setting Brush – perfect for precise placement and effortless blending.
• Splurge: Sigma E55 Eye Shading Brush – dense and soft, ideal for building intense shimmer.

Dry vs Wet Application

• Dry: Gives a smooth, luminous champagne gold finish that works well for everyday looks. It’s easy to blend and perfect if you want a subtler shimmer.
• Wet: Using a damp brush amps up the metallic shine and gets you that wet-look effect instantly. Just spritz your brush lightly with setting spray or water before dipping into the shadow.

Application Techniques

• Inner Corner Highlight: Dab a small amount of Glisten with your fingertip or a tiny brush on the inner corners to brighten and open up your eyes.
• Lid: Apply on the eyelid with a flat brush or finger for that high-impact metallic pop. For long-lasting wear, use a primer underneath.
• One-Shadow Look: Sweep Glisten all over the lid and blend softly into the crease for a simple but stunning glow.
• Cut Crease: Use a concealer with a small brush to carve your crease, then press Glisten on the cut area with a damp brush for sharp contrast and a dramatic metallic finish.

These methods help you maximize Glisten’s shine and versatility, whether you want something soft and everyday or bold and attention-grabbing.

7 Wearable Eye Looks Using ABH Glisten

Here are seven easy and versatile ways to rock ABH Glisten, whether you want a casual or glam vibe.

• Everyday Soft Glam: Sweep Glisten lightly all over the lid for a subtle shimmer that brightens your eyes without going over the top. Perfect for work or brunch.
• Classic Champagne Halo: Apply Glisten to the center of your lid and blend a matte taupe or warm brown on the outer corners to create that iconic halo effect. It catches light beautifully for any daytime event.
• Golden Smoky (with Burnt Orange & Cyprus Umber): Layer Glisten over a smoky base made with warm mattes like Burnt Orange and Cyprus Umber. This combo adds depth and a rich golden pop that’s great for date nights or dinners.
• Wedding/Bridal Look: Use Glisten as the star shimmer on the lid paired with soft pinks or nude mattes. It’s a dreamy, elegant choice that photographs like a pro.
• Festival Full-Glam Cut Crease: For a bold statement, build up Glisten wet for max intensity in a sharp cut crease. Add glitter liner or rhinestones if you want to elevate it even more.
• Editorial Wet-Look Lid: Wet-apply Glisten all over the lid then top with a clear gloss (yes, for eyes!) to get that trendy, glossy effect seen on runways and fashion editorials.
• Subtle Wet-Glitter Topper Over Matte Looks: Dab Glisten with a wet brush gently on top of any matte shadows for a quick “lit-from-within” shine. This works well with neutral or warm matte palettes to jazz up everyday looks.

Each of these techniques plays to Glisten’s intense metallic finish, making it a go-to single shadow in your collection.

Dupes & Alternatives for ABH Glisten (2025 Updated)

If you love ABH Glisten but want other options, here’s a quick rundown:

Exact Dupes:

• ColourPop Glass Bull – very similar champagne gold shimmer with great payoff and a budget-friendly price.
• Natasha Denona Golden Beige – a luxe alternative with a slightly softer metallic finish but equally stunning.

Drugstore Options Under $10:

• Maybelline Expert Eyes Metallics in Champagne – affordable and decent pigment for everyday shimmer.
• L’Oréal Colour Riche Monos in Amber Rush – offers a warm gold metallic look close to Glisten without breaking the bank.

Luxury Alternatives:

• Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Bronze Seduction Palette (shade: Bronze Deposit) – rich, creamy metallic with intense shine.
• Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize in Marie Antoinette – smooth, pearlized champagne gold that wears well.

These options cover a range of budgets and preferences, from affordable drugstore picks to deluxe brands, making it easy to find a Glisten-style eyeshadow that fits your style and wallet.

Pros & Cons of ABH Glisten (No Sugarcoating)

Pros:

• Insane payoff with just one swipe—this champagne gold eyeshadow delivers bold, metallic shine every time.
• Super versatile for all kinds of looks, from everyday soft glam to full-on festival glam.
• Photographs beautifully, making it a favorite for weddings and special occasions.
• Blendable and smooth texture makes application easy for beginners and pros alike.

Cons:

• Can crease on very oily lids, so a good primer is a must for longer wear.
• Pricey compared to some drugstore options, especially considering the smaller pan size.
• Sometimes sells out quickly, making it hard to restock immediately.

Overall, Glisten offers top-tier metallic glow but works best if you prep your lids well and don’t mind investing a bit more for quality.

Is ABH Glisten Worth Buying in 2025?

If you love a rich, intense metallic champagne gold that works for almost any look, ABH Glisten is definitely worth considering in 2025. It’s perfect if you want a versatile single shadow that delivers insane payoff right out of the pan—no layering needed. Makeup lovers who don’t have the Soft Glam palette or who are looking for a more intense metallic finish will find Glisten a solid addition.

On the other hand, if you already own Soft Glam, you might not need Glisten since the Soft Glam version offers a softer, less metallic shimmer in a similar shade. Also, if you’ve collected popular dupes like ColourPop’s Glass Bull or Natasha Denona’s Golden Beige, you might want to skip it unless you’re picky about formula or brand loyalty. For those on a tighter budget or who prioritize quantity, there are drugstore alternatives that come close without the higher price tag.

In short, buy ABH Glisten if you want that luxe metallic champagne gold with top-tier pigmentation and don’t mind splurging a bit. Skip it if you already have similar shades in good formulas or want a more affordable option.

Where to Buy + Current Discounts

You can find ABH Glisten at major retailers like Ulta and Sephora, both in-store and online. It usually sells out quickly, so keep an eye out for restocks.

• Ulta: If you’re an Ulta Platinum or Diamond member, you can score extra points on your purchase, which adds up for future discounts. Look out for their 20% off sitewide events—Glisten often goes into these sales.
• Sephora: Sephora’s seasonal sales (like the Spring and Holiday Sales) are the best times to grab Glisten with 10-15% off if you’re a Beauty Insider or Rouge member. They don’t often run direct coupon codes, but stacking with free shipping offers helps.
• Direct Links: Always check ABH’s official website for the latest restock updates and exclusive bundles that sometimes include Glisten.

No current universal coupon codes, but sign up for newsletters from these sites to get early sale alerts or exclusive promos tailored to you.

If you want to avoid sold-out frustration, set alerts on apps like ShopTagr or Honey to notify you the moment ABH Glisten is back in stock.

Final Verdict & Rating

I give the ABH Glisten eyeshadow 4.5 out of 5 stars. It delivers insane payoff with its intense metallic finish, is super versatile for all skin tones, and photographs beautifully. If you want a luxury champagne gold eyeshadow that stands out, Glisten is definitely worth grabbing in 2025. Just watch out for occasional creasing on very oily lids and factor in the price, especially if you already own similar shades like in the Soft Glam palette. Overall, it’s a top pick for anyone looking to add a stunning metallic shimmer to their collection.