Face Glitter

Which glitter can you use around the eyes?

Not every face paint glitter is suitable for use around the eyes. Some glitters may go there, others are best kept away from the eyes. That depends on the type of glitter and the brand.

Pressed cosmetic glitter

According to Grimas, the Grimas Pressed Cosmetic Glitter may be used around the eyes. This glitter is also suitable for children.

The glitter comes pressed in a small container, so you do not have to sprinkle loose particles. You simply apply it with a damp brush or your fingers. No special glue is needed.

Fine loose glitter

Fine loose glitters, such as the Superstar Fine Glitter, are not used on or close to the eyelids.

These small particles can easily get into the eyes. That is unpleasant and hard to get out again. So keep this glitter away from the eyes.

Chunky glitter and glitter cream

Chunky glitter consists of larger flakes. You do not use it directly around the eyes.

That applies, for example, to the Superstar Chunky Glitter. With glitter creams, too, keep enough distance from the eyes. Never apply them to the waterline (the edge right along the eye).

Please note: always check the instructions of the glitter you buy. Not every glitter is suitable for the same places on the face.

What is face paint glitter?

Face paint glitter is cosmetic glitter for the skin: face, neck, arms, shoulders and hair. It comes in five forms, and the form decides how you use it: fine loose glitter, chunky glitter (coarse flakes), chunky glitter in a cream, glitter gel and pressed glitter. This category holds all of them, from Grimas Pressed Cosmetic Glitter and the Grimas Pearlite pearl powders to the Superstar Sparkling Glitter, the Superstar Glitter Gel and the PXP Chunky Glitter Cream. Want to read how to choose first? Our blog has everything about face paint glitter (in Dutch).

Why choose cosmetic glitter and not craft glitter?

Craft glitter is not made for the skin: the particles can have sharp edges and the dyes have not been assessed for cosmetic use. The glitters here are placed on the market as cosmetics, each with the manufacturer's instructions. What is allowed around the eyes differs per type; that is explained per form above.

How do you apply glitter to your face?

Press fine loose glitter into face paint that is still slightly damp. If the paint has already dried, carefully dampen it again with a spray bottle, or work with a slightly damp brush. For glitter on bare skin, use an adhesive layer: the Ben Nye Glitter Glue (a glue made for loose glitter, dries clear), a glitter gel or a fixing gel. Chunky glitter is easiest applied from the cream: dab it on with your finger or a silicone applicator, done. Glitter gel and glitter cream are ready to use. Take care with glitter gel over water-based face paint: the gel can reactivate the paint and smudge it; a glitter cream does not.

How do you remove glitter from the skin?

To keep glitter particles out of the environment, first remove the glitter with a cotton pad and a skin-friendly oil. Then lift the last glitter gently off the skin with painter's tape or masking tape. Dispose of the used tape and glitter residue with the general waste. If the glitter is in a cream, wash off the cream layer afterwards with lukewarm water and a flannel.

Which glitter can you choose?

• Fine loose glitter, such as Superstar Fine Glitter and Sparkling Glitter: for an even shine over an area, with gel or fixing gel.
• Chunky glitter, loose from Superstar: coarse flakes for festival looks, away from the immediate eye area.
• Chunky glitter in a cream, from Superstar and PXP: sticks by itself, does not dry out, does not smudge water-based face paint. The largest group in this category.
• Glitter gel, from Superstar: glitter in a gel, straight from the pot, also for the hair.
• Pressed glitter, the Grimas Pressed Cosmetic Glitter: like a face paint colour in a container, plastic-free, the only one in this category for which the manufacturer specifies use around the eyes.
• Pearl shine without glitter particles: the Grimas Pearlite powders and Tipcremes for a soft shine.

What do you use face paint glitter for?

• A glitter accent on a children's design: butterfly, princess, unicorn, mermaid
• Festival and party looks with chunky glitter on the cheekbones
• Carnival and King's Day: glitter in the colours of your outfit
• Halloween: glitter in a wound or over a skull for a glam effect
• Body paint and photo shoots: shine over larger areas

Tips from SchminkenGrime.nl

Add glitter as the last step, over dry face paint, so your design stays crisp. Painting children? Choose pressed glitter or a glitter cream and keep the eye area clear; children rub their eyes. For a full day, take a cream: it does not dry out and keeps the glitter in place. How to work glitter neatly into a design is shown in our free lesson on glitter (in Dutch).

Frequently asked questions about face paint glitter

What can I use to make glitter stick to my face?
Still-damp face paint, a glitter glue such as the Ben Nye Glitter Glue, a glitter gel or a fixing gel. A glitter cream needs no adhesive layer. Vaseline works too, but combines poorly with water-based face paint.

Is glitter safe near the eyes?
That differs per type and per brand. Grimas specifies that the Pressed Cosmetic Glitter may be used around the eyes; fine and coarse loose glitter is kept out of the immediate eye area. Always check the product itself.

Which glitter is suitable for children?
Pressed glitter by Grimas (declared suitable for children by the manufacturer) or a chunky glitter cream on the cheeks, away from the eyes. Preferably no loose fine glitter on small children.

What is the difference between glitter gel and glitter cream?
Glitter gel is water-based and can reactivate the face paint underneath; glitter cream is oil-based, does not dry out and leaves your face paint alone. Over face paint, choose the cream.

Can I apply glitter over water-based face paint?
Yes. Press loose glitter into the still-damp paint, or work with a glitter cream over the dry paint. Glitter gel over water-based paint can smudge.

How do I get glitter off the skin?
With a cotton pad and skin-friendly oil, then the last particles with masking tape. Tape and glitter residue go in the general waste, so no glitter ends up in the drain.

Is face paint glitter the same as glitter tattoo glitter?
They are the same cosmetic glitters, but for a glitter tattoo you work with skin glue and a stencil. Those kits, glue and stencils are under Glitter Tattoos.

Want to get properly started with face paint?

Our free 4-part face painting mini series (in Dutch) sends you a mail with techniques, videos and examples for four days. Just starting? Have a look at the starter sets too.