u could try using an ear bud with some eye makeup remover, and just clean over the lashes once u've finished with the eye shadow/glitter
I use mixing medium (by Mac) to apply my glitter. all u have to do is apply a bit of the mixing medium on to a flat brush then dip it into the glitter. It can also be used straight on to the lid, what ever way suits u. this will create less mess and prevent the glitter from falling (mind u this is a pro product and can only be brought from a Mac pro store).
If u was applying glitter on dark eye shadow then u could use mascara as a base for ur glitter. Just dab a bit of mascara onto the lid area where u want the glitter to be then just apply the glitter straight on top
hope it helps. on a separate note tho I love glittery eye lashes so long as the lids r plain and the emphasis r on the lashes