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Face Painting Glitter
Everything you need to know before you sparkle!
The Good, the Bad & the Glittery
If there’s one thing that instantly makes a face painting design go from "ah nice" to “oh my gosh, wow!” it’s glitter. I remember the first time I used it, every kid in line wanted that same sparkle. But along the way I learned there’s way more to glitter than just dumping it on. It can make or break a design and safety seriously matters (just the shape of some glitters can cause serious damage if they get in the eyes). Don't panic though, I'll break it all down for you here and tell you everything I have learned!
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4 Main Types of Face Painting Glitter
Cream Glitter
It feels a kind of like chapstick or an oil balm.​
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Works awesome on top of finished designs, because oil sits on top of the water based paint and won’t reactivate/melt it! Warning, the cream gets a little melty in the extreme heat. Usable, but it might be a bit runny, I keep mine in a ziplock bag during transport.
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Application: Best applied with silicone or sponge wands.
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Removal: Use a hard plastic card or business card to scrape the cream off cleanly.
Gel Glitter
Think aloe vera type gels, with sparkle mixed in.​​
Great for festival vibes, glitter bars or around a design (do not use over paint or it will melt it). Because it’s water‑based, if you place it onto wet or dry face paint, it can melt the design by reactivating it. It dries almost invisible, so it’s lightweight even when you go bold.
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Application: Paint it on with brushes, apply with sponge or silicone wands and more.
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Removal: Use soap/water, coconut oil or a makeup removal wipe.
Loose Glitter
This classic sparkle option comes in ultra-fine, fine, chunky or mixed sizes.
Great for an added sparkle, fun chunky accents and designs like glitter tattoos or beard glitter. Ultra-fine glitter applied to wet paint can also help it dry faster, so you can go back over the design sooner.
Application: For best results, apply to wet paint or glue with a small puffy brush, the end of a sponge, or a puffer bottle. Consider saving loose glitter for things like glitter tattoos or beard glitter. A little trick I picked up, lightly spritz a finger dauber with water, then dip it in glitter and gently press it over the paint, not as easy as a brush, but it works in a pinch.
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Removal: Use soap/water, coconut oil or a makeup removal wipe.
​​Liquid Bling
Ultra fine glitter gel made for 3D designs.
Perfect for outlining butterfly wings, adding swirls, roses, dots and all those sparkly finishing touches that make a design pop, fun sparkles without the mess of loose glitter. Super easy to use, beginner-friendly and doesn't require any extra tools or brushes.
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Application: Comes in a small squeeze bottle with a fine tip, so you can hold it like a brush or pencil and lightly squeeze as you apply. Shake gel bottles before you use them so you don’t get clogs. Can take a little longer to dry than some other glitter products, so creating a thinner line/dot will help it dry faster.
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Removal: Use soap/water, coconut oil or a makeup removal wipe.
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​​Shimmer Mica Powder
A finely milled powder pigment that adds a soft, blended sheen rather than sharp sparkle.
Adding dimension and highlights over a matte base, like Starblends, without the texture or fallout of loose glitter. Great for contouring, subtle accents on sugar skulls, or giving a design that glowy finish without going full glitter. Also works great used with glue over glitter tattoo stencils, instead of traditional glitter options, with gorgeous colors and easy cleanup!
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Application: Apply dry with a fluffy brush for a soft wash of shimmer, or activate with a light spritz for more opacity and a bolder pop of color. Build it up in thin layers rather than one heavy pass, it blends more smoothly that way.
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Removal: Use soap/water, coconut oil or a makeup removal wipe.​​​
Safety Warning: Why Craft Glitter is NOT Safe for Cosmetic Use
Face paint comes in a few different forms, and each one behaves a little differently on the skin. Knowing the types and how they work will help you choose the right paint for the design you want to create and save you from surprises on the job.
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I cannot stress this enough....only use cosmetic-grade glitter, never craft glitter. Craft Glitter This is the cheap stuff you find for a few dollars at the craft store. It looks similar to cosmetic grade, but trust me, they are not created equal.
​What's the difference?
Craft Glitter
Cut in irregular shapes with sharp edges that actually scratch skin and eyes and leech dyes into your bases (I mixed my own when I first started and was still practicing and oh my good gracious, the blue and black gel glitters turned the gel so dark you could hardly see the glitter through the darkened gel, yuck!).
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Cosmetic Glitter
Cut in shapes that won't damage the eye is totally safe on skin, comes in a variety of gorgeous colors and it won't damage anyone's eyes if a stray piece gets close.
Yes, it will cost a bit more for the good stuff, but always keep in mind when buying your supplies: your being paid for your PROFESSIONAL services, so always use PROFESSIONAL products.
​But Jenny, I had all these dreams of creating my own custom colors, are you saying I can't ever make unique blends? Of course you can!
Here are two great ways to create your own custom glitter colors:
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Mix colors of the same type/brand - yup I've done this one a few times. Took a bit of 5 different brightly colored Fusion cream glitters to create a stunning tropical rainbow mix, which is always a hit in the summer!
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Go online to your favorite professional face paint reseller and buy a cosmetic gel or cream base, then grab some fun dry glitter blends and mix them together and create any combo your heart desires. Just make sure every single component you start with is skin-safe!
Placement of Glitter
Even cosmetic glitter isn't 100% risk free, especially if it gets into eyes. The smaller, softer cuts are what most face painters stick to when working near the eye, and big chunky glitters are best kept away from delicate areas.
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I try not to place any glitters too close to the under eye area, because kids will inevitably rub, and you don't want that sparkle turning into eye irritation. Loose glitter can absolutely fall everywhere, that's why I usually reserve straight loose glitter for glitter tattoos, glitter beards, or designs where staying power is less critical.
And yes, size matters: fine and ultra-fine glitters give that subtle shimmer and are better near sensitive areas, while chunkier glitters give you the wow factor but shouldn't be used right around the eye area.
A little sparkle goes a long way. Placed well, it makes your art pop and won't hit your bottom line, so no need to go out and buy every color that catches your eye, just start with a few high contract mixes and a soft colored mix and add from there.​​​
Glitter & Shimmer Tattoos (lasts 3-5 days)
Glitter and shimmer tattoos are one of the easiest ways to add some sparkle to a design without a ton of extra time (or expertise). They work great as a stand alone accent or layered right over your face paint for a little added shine! Just keep them on the body and avoid the face, as removal takes soap, water, oil and lots scrubbing, not ideal for the face.
What types of sparkles should I use?
Glitter vs Mica: What's the Difference
​Glitter gives you that classic sparkle, tiny reflective particles that catch the light and shine bright. Mica gives you more of a soft shimmer or glow, less sparkle and more subtle color shift.
Glitter: Ultra fine cosmetic glitter is the best for glitter tattoos, as it adheres to the glue easily, while chunky falls right off. The best glitter is cosmetic grade, as the particles are small, smooth and safe near eyes (if the kids should rub it in their eyes somehow). Craft glitter or anything not labeled cosmetic grade is a no, the edges are too sharp and it's not meant for skin contact.
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Shimmer Powder: Mica shimmer powder comes from a natural mineral and gives off a soft, pearly glow instead of a bold sparkle. It's often mixed into face paint (metallic and shimmer paints) or used on its own for a subtle glam look (I even dust it over paint to make it POP). Mica comes in tons of shades and finishes, from soft pastels to deep metallics. Great for anti-glitter households and for venues where you can't leave a sparkling mess behind!​​
Shimmer (top) & Glitter
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Both Combined
How to Apply Glitter Tattoos
Step 1
Clean and dry the skin first, glitter won't stick well to oily or sweaty ski. I use alcohol wipes.
Step 2
Place your stencil where you want the design and press down on all the edges so they stick well.
Step 3
Apply a thin, even layer of cosmetic safe glitter tattoo adhesive over the stencil.
Step 4
Let the adhesive sit for 30 seconds to a minute, or until it turns tacky.
Step 5
Dust your ultra fine glitter over the glue directly or use a soft brush, tapping it down gently.
Step 6
Knock off the extra glitter with a large dry wide kabuki brush.
Step 7
Carefully peel back the stencil to reveal a clean sparkly design!
Tips for Longevity
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Let the adhesive get tacky enough before adding glitter or it won't hold
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Avoid touching or rubbing the area while it's still wet
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A light layer of setting spray or finishing sealant can help it last longer
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Keep it away from water and heavy sweating for the best wear time
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Store glitter tattoo kits in a cool dry place so the adhesive doesn't dry out early
How to Remove Glitter Tattoos
Glitter tattoos come off pretty easily with a little bit of effort, no harsh scrubbing needed. Left alone, most glitter tattoos naturally lift and fade within 3 to 7 days as skin cells turn over.
Step 1
Soak a cotton pad or washcloth in warm water with a gentle cleanser or baby oil.
Step 2
Hold it over the design for a few seconds to loosen the adhesive.​
Step 3
Wipe away gently, baby oil or coconut oil works especially well since it breaks down the glue without irritating skin.​
Step 4
If glitter still clings on, repeat the process rather than picking at it.
Step 5
Use a gentle exfoliating cloth for any stragglers left behind
Step 6
Avoid scrubbing hard, it can cause redness or irritation, especially on sensitive skin like a child's face