Body Glitter: The Complete Guide to Types, Application, Safety and Making It Last
Body glitter has been having a moment for a few years now and it genuinely does not seem to be going anywhere. Festivals, parties, photo shoots, performance — it turns up everywhere, and the product options available have expanded considerably. But so has the confusion. Walk into any chemist or scroll through enough listings online and you will find products ranging from proper cosmetic-grade glitter creams to loose craft glitter dressed up in pretty packaging. The gap between those two things matters.
This guide covers everything you need to know about body glitter — the different formats it comes in, what cosmetic grade actually means and why it matters, how to apply it properly so it sticks and lasts, where on the body it works best, how to get it off without losing your mind, and the products Fusion Body Art carries across each category.
What Is Body Glitter?
Body glitter is decorative glitter that has been formulated specifically for use on skin. That sounds simple, but it is actually a meaningful distinction. Craft glitter — the kind you use for school projects and Christmas cards — is made with no consideration for skin contact. The particles can have sharp edges, the pigments and dyes used may not be suitable for cosmetic use, and the production process carries none of the standards that cosmetic manufacturing requires.
Body glitter, when it is the proper cosmetic-grade version, is made with rounded or smoothed particles, uses colorants approved for skin contact, and is tested with the intent of being worn on a human face or body without causing irritation. It is made to reflect light and create a sparkle effect — but the starting point is safety, not just shine.
Cosmetic grade body glitter comes in several formats, each with different application methods, different aesthetics, and different use cases. Understanding which format suits your situation is the most useful thing you can know before buying anything.
The Different Formats of Body Glitter
Walk through the glitter range at Fusion Body Art and you will find four distinct formats. They look different, feel different on the skin, and suit different situations.
Glitter Cream
Glitter cream is cosmetic glitter suspended in a wax-based cream. The cream acts as the adhesive — you apply it onto skin using a cosmetic applicator or brush and the wax holds the glitter in place. No separate glitter glue needed. No water. Just open the jar, pick up a small amount with your applicator, and press it where you want it.
This is the format that gives you the most control. Because you are pressing rather than spraying or brushing on loose glitter, it goes where you put it and mostly stays there. Glitter creams work well for precise placements — a dusting across the cheekbone, a concentrated spot on the collarbone, an accent on the shoulder or décolletage.
One practical advantage of glitter cream that often gets overlooked: the wax base is compatible with face paint. You can press glitter cream directly on top of dried face paint without disturbing the design underneath. The wax does not reactivate water-activated face paints and the press-and-hold application means you are not dragging or smearing anything. For face painters and body artists, this makes glitter cream the format of choice for adding sparkle on top of a completed design.
Fusion Body Art Glitter Cream
32 shades · 10mL jars
VIVID Gleam Glitter Cream
39 shades · 10g & 30g jars
Glitter Gel
Glitter gel is water-based rather than wax-based, which gives it a completely different texture and feel. The gel is clear or lightly tinted, chunky glitter is suspended throughout it, and you apply it with a brush or cosmetic applicator — a filbert or petal brush works well — pressing the gel onto the skin where you want the glitter to sit. The gel dries down and holds the glitter in place as it does.
Because the base is water-based, glitter gel tends to feel lighter on the skin than cream. It is also a slightly more forgiving format for larger coverage areas — you can spread it across a broader section of skin more easily than a wax cream. The tradeoff is that water-based formulas can feel tacky in humid conditions, and the gel tends to sit on top of the skin rather than pressing into it the way a cream does.
One important limitation to be aware of: glitter gel should not be applied directly over face paint. Because the base is water-activated, applying a water-based gel over dried face paint will reactivate the paint underneath, causing it to smear or bleed into the gel. If you are working over a face painted design, glitter cream is the right choice. Glitter gel works best on bare skin or over a non-water-activated base.
Art Factory Festival Chunky Glitter Gel
15 shades · 35mL jars
Glitter Pump Spray
A glitter pump spray is loose cosmetic glitter in a pump-spray bottle that disperses the glitter as a fine mist onto the skin. You hold the bottle a few centimetres from the surface and spray — the glitter lands and clings to the natural moisture on the skin or to a light layer of moisturiser you have applied first.
Spray is the format for large-coverage situations. Covering both arms, a section of back, the full décolletage — anything where you want a shimmer wash rather than a concentrated placement. The tradeoff is precision: you get a more diffuse, all-over shimmer rather than the defined sparkle you get from pressing a cream onto a specific spot.
Fusion Body Art Glitter Pump Spray
8 shades · 10g bottles
Loose Glitter
Loose glitter is the raw material — cosmetic-grade glitter particles without a cream, gel, or spray base. To use it on skin, you apply a separate adhesive first — cosmetic-grade glitter glue, aloe vera gel, or a moisturiser — and then press the loose glitter on top using a brush or applicator. This format gives maximum control over the exact finish, particle size, and concentration. It is commonly used in professional face painting and body art where specific effects or very heavy coverage are needed.
Cosmetic Grade vs Craft Glitter — Why It Matters
This is the thing that gets glossed over most often, so it is worth being direct about it.
Craft glitter is not body glitter. It is not formulated for skin contact, the pigments and dyes used are not necessarily approved for cosmetic use, and the particles are often cut with irregular edges that can cause micro-irritation on skin and are genuinely dangerous near eyes. Using craft glitter on the face or body is not a good idea, regardless of how it is packaged or what it costs.
Cosmetic grade glitter is manufactured to a completely different standard. The key differences are:
- Particle edges. Cosmetic glitter is produced with smoothed or rounded edges — the particles are designed to sit on skin without scratching it. Craft glitter has no such requirement and the particles can be jagged.
- Approved colorants. The pigments and dyes in cosmetic glitter are selected from those approved for cosmetic use. Craft glitter uses whatever pigments work best for the craft application.
- Manufacturing standards. Cosmetic-grade production operates under cosmetic manufacturing standards — hygiene, traceability, batch testing. Craft glitter does not.
- Eye proximity. Even within cosmetic glitter, there is a further distinction — not all cosmetic glitter is approved for use near the eye area. Fine cosmetic glitter that meets eye-safe standards is produced to tighter specifications than general body glitter. Always check the product labelling before applying anything close to the eyes.
When you buy glitter from Fusion Body Art — whether Fusion's own Glitter Cream line, VIVID Glitter, or Art Factory — you are buying cosmetic-grade product. All three brands produce glitter made from cosmetic-grade polyethylene terephthalate with colorants and ingredients intended for skin contact. That is what the term cosmetic grade means in practice: it was made to be worn on a body, not glued to a card.
How to Apply Body Glitter
The application method depends almost entirely on which format you are using. Here is how each one works in practice.
Applying glitter cream
- Start with clean, dry skin. Oil-free skin holds glitter cream better — if you have moisturised recently, give your skin time to absorb before applying.
- Pick up a small amount of cream with a cosmetic applicator or brush — not your fingers. Using an applicator keeps the product hygienic, gives you more control over placement, and prevents the warmth of your skin from breaking down the cream before it reaches the face.
- Press it firmly onto the skin — do not rub or drag, press. Rubbing spreads the cream too thin and reduces the sparkle. A firm press with the applicator deposits the glitter cleanly.
- Build from there. If you want more intensity, add a second press on top once the first layer has settled for a moment. Layering is more effective than loading a lot of product in one application.
- For clean edges, press the edge of the applicator or brush tip firmly to define the boundary of the placement.
Applying glitter gel
- Clean, dry skin first — the same preparation as cream.
- Use a cosmetic applicator or a filbert brush rather than your fingers. An applicator gives you clean, even coverage and prevents the gel from warming and thinning before it reaches the skin.
- Dab the applicator or brush into the gel and press it onto the skin. Work in sections for larger areas — don't try to cover the whole collarbone in one stroke.
- Let each section begin to dry before touching it. The gel is water-based and will smear if disturbed too soon.
- Build intensity by adding a second layer once the first is touch-dry.
Applying glitter spray
- Apply a light layer of moisturiser to the area you want to cover and let it absorb for a minute or two. This gives the spray something to cling to.
- Hold the bottle about 15–20 centimetres from your skin. Closer gives more concentration; further gives a lighter shimmer wash.
- Spray in a short, sweeping motion across the area. Do not hold the spray static in one spot.
- Let it settle for 30 seconds before touching the area or letting anything come in contact with it.
- Layer for more intensity — two light passes give better results than one heavy one.
Where to Wear Body Glitter
Body glitter works on almost any part of the body. The placements that consistently look best are ones where the skin moves and catches light from multiple angles. Glitter cream and gel both work well for precise, defined placements — cheekbones, temples, collarbones, inner wrists, shoulders, and décolletage. Glitter spray suits broader coverage areas where you want a shimmer wash across a larger surface rather than a concentrated spot.
The one placement to be careful about is around the eyes — body glitter, even cosmetic grade, is not formulated for use directly on the eyelids or near the waterline. If you want glitter near the eyes, look specifically for products labelled as eye-safe.
Over face paint, only glitter cream should be used. The wax base does not reactivate water-activated face paint and the press-and-hold application keeps the design underneath intact. Glitter gel applied over face paint will reactivate the paint and cause it to bleed into the gel.
How to Make Body Glitter Last
This is where most people run into trouble. Body glitter looks great when you first apply it. Two hours and a few hugs later, it has migrated to places it was not meant to go and the original placement has faded. Here is what actually helps.
Prep the skin properly
Clean, slightly dry skin holds glitter better than moisturised skin. If you have applied body lotion, give it 15 minutes to fully absorb before applying any glitter. Surface oil is the enemy of adhesion for both cream and gel formats.
Press, do not rub
Every application note above says press, not rub, and it matters. Rubbing spreads the product too thin, reduces the glitter concentration, and breaks the wax or gel adhesion. A firm press with your applicator deposits the product cleanly and holds better.
Let it set before moving
Give each application 30–60 seconds before you move the body part it is on. Glitter cream and gel both need a moment to settle before they are challenged by movement. Applying glitter to your collarbone and then immediately putting on a shirt defeats the purpose.
Avoid touching the area
Every time you touch an area where glitter has been applied, you pick up glitter on your fingers and reduce what is on your skin. This sounds obvious but it is easy to forget. Placing your hand on your collarbone while thinking — gone. Try to leave the placement alone once it is set.
Reapply rather than trying to maintain
For longer events, carrying a small jar of glitter cream in your bag is a more practical strategy than trying to make one application last all night. A quick touch-up with your applicator takes ten seconds. Glitter cream jars are small enough to carry easily — the 10mL Fusion glitter cream jars fit in a jacket pocket.
Chunky Glitter vs Fine Glitter — Which One?
This is genuinely a matter of preference and context, but there are some useful general rules.
Fine glitter produces a shimmer effect — a wash of sparkle that reads as glow from a distance. It catches light across a broader area and blends more naturally with skin. Fine glitter on the cheekbones can look like highlighter from a few steps away and is generally more wearable for everyday or work situations.
Chunky glitter produces visible, distinct sparkle points. Individual particles catch and reflect light one at a time, giving the bright individual flashes of sparkle that you see in festival content. Chunky glitter is harder to blend and looks more overtly like glitter — which is often exactly the point. For festivals, performances, and nights out, chunky glitter has significantly more visual impact than fine glitter.
Mixing both is common in professional body art and festival looks — a layer of fine glitter underneath for overall glow, chunky glitter pressed on top for sparkle points. The two formats complement each other well and the layered result is more dimensional than either alone.
How to Remove Body Glitter
The honest answer is that body glitter comes off completely — it just takes the right approach and a little patience.
For glitter cream
The wax base dissolves in oil. A small amount of coconut oil, baby oil, or an oil-based makeup remover applied to the area and left for a minute or two will break the wax down completely. Wipe away gently with a damp cloth — do not scrub, as this just moves the glitter rather than removing it. Follow with your normal face or body wash to clear any remaining oil.
For glitter gel
The water-based gel responds to warm water and a gentle cleanser. Wet the area, apply a small amount of cleanser or body wash, and work it in gently with your fingers. Most of the gel will lift away with the water. A lint roller on dry skin before washing picks up the larger chunky glitter particles first, which makes the washing step easier.
For glitter spray
Shower as normal — the spray formula is designed to wash off easily. If there is any stubborn residue, the same oil-based approach works: apply oil, let it sit briefly, wash off. For glitter that has transferred to clothing, a lint roller is your first step before washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is body glitter safe for skin?
Cosmetic-grade body glitter — the kind made with ingredients and colorants approved for skin contact — is considered safe for use on intact, healthy skin. The key word is cosmetic grade. Craft glitter is not body glitter, is not made to be worn on skin, and should not be used as a substitute. If you are buying from a brand that specifically markets their glitter as cosmetic grade and skin safe, you are working with the right product. As with any cosmetic, patch test on a small area if you have sensitive skin or any known skin condition.
What is the difference between cosmetic glitter and craft glitter?
Cosmetic glitter is manufactured specifically for use on skin — the particles are smoothed or rounded, the colorants are selected from those approved for cosmetic use, and production meets cosmetic manufacturing standards. Craft glitter is made for paper, fabric, and decorative projects. It uses industrial pigments, has no skin-safety requirements, and the particles can have sharp edges that cause micro-irritation on skin. The two are not interchangeable, regardless of how a product is packaged or described.
Can I use body glitter on my face?
Yes, with two caveats. First, make sure the glitter you are using is cosmetic grade and labelled for face and body use — not just body. Second, keep it away from the eye area unless the product is specifically labelled eye-safe. The skin around the eyes and the eye itself is more sensitive than general face skin, and general body glitter — even cosmetic grade — is not intended for that zone. Cheekbones, temples, forehead, and the bridge of the nose are all fine placements for cosmetic body glitter.
Can I apply body glitter over face paint?
Glitter cream can be applied directly over dried face paint without disturbing the design. The wax base is not water-activated, so pressing it gently onto face paint with an applicator does not reactivate or smear the paint underneath. Glitter gel cannot be applied over face paint — the water-based formula will reactivate water-activated face paints and cause the colour to bleed or smear. If you are adding glitter to a face painted design, always use glitter cream.
Should I use my fingers or an applicator to apply glitter cream and gel?
Always use a cosmetic applicator or brush rather than your fingers. An applicator gives you more precise control over placement, keeps the product hygienic by avoiding contamination from skin oils, and prevents the warmth of your fingers from breaking down the cream or gel before it reaches the skin. A silicone applicator wand works well for both cream and gel formats; a filbert or petal brush is ideal for gel application over larger areas.
How do I make body glitter stick?
The base is key. For glitter cream, the wax in the formula is the adhesive — press it onto clean, oil-free skin using an applicator and it holds. For glitter gel, the same principle applies — clean, dry skin, applied with an applicator or brush. For loose glitter or spray, apply a light layer of moisturiser or cosmetic glitter glue first and let it become slightly tacky before applying the glitter. In all cases, press rather than rub.
How long does body glitter last?
A well-applied glitter cream on clean, dry skin will last several hours with normal wear. Factors that shorten this: touching the area, sweat, rubbing against clothing or other surfaces, and applying over moisturised or oily skin. For longer events, carry a small jar and applicator for touch-ups rather than expecting one application to last all night. Glitter spray tends to fade faster than cream or gel because it is a lighter application to start with.
How do I get body glitter off?
Oil is your best friend for glitter cream — coconut oil, baby oil, or an oil-based cleanser breaks the wax base and lifts the glitter cleanly. Warm water and a gentle body wash works for glitter gel. For any format, a lint roller on dry skin first picks up the larger glitter particles before washing, which reduces the amount that ends up in your shower drain. Don't scrub — glitter moves rather than lifts when you scrub.
What is the difference between chunky and fine glitter?
Fine glitter produces a shimmer or glow effect — the small particles scatter light broadly and read as luminosity from a distance. Chunky glitter produces visible individual sparkle points — the larger particles each catch light separately, giving the bright flash-and-catch effect you associate with festival and performance looks. Fine glitter is more wearable day-to-day; chunky glitter has more visual impact for events. Mixing both — a fine base layer with chunky glitter pressed on top — gives the most dimensional result.
Can I use body glitter in my hair?
You can, with some care. Glitter cream applied with an applicator into the hairline or along a parting works well and gives a defined placement. Glitter spray can be used on hair for an all-over shimmer. Use cosmetic glitter only, keep it away from the scalp in quantity, and expect that it will take more than one wash to fully clear from the hair, particularly chunky particle formats. A dry shampoo application before washing can help lift glitter from hair.
Shop Body Glitter at Fusion Body Art
All glitter products at Fusion Body Art are cosmetic grade and formulated for face and body use. Available with worldwide shipping:
32 shades · 10mL jars · colour-shifting & UV-reactive options
39 shades · 10g & 30g jars · UV-reactive shades available
15 shades · 35mL jars · water-based gel formula
8 shades · 10g bottles · holographic & metallic finishes
→ Browse the full glitter range — all formats and brands in one place
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