How to Apply Festival Glitter: A Beginner's Guide to Sparkling Perfection

Festival season is here, so let's dive into the fun mission of finding those perfect festival looks. When it comes to spicing up your festival style, adding a sprinkle of glitter is a fantastic way to bring out the most fabulous version of yourself.

This guide is your go-to companion for navigating the dazzling world of festival sparkles. From understanding different types of glitter and choosing the perfect glitter and adhesive, to applying glitter precisely and effortlessly, we’ve got you covered. And when the music fades and the lights dim, we'll guide you on post-festival glitter removal and skincare to keep your skin healthy and glowing, just like those festival memories.

Understanding Different Glitter Types

Cosmetic Grade vs. Craft Glitter

In the realm of glitters, there's a clear distinction between cosmetic grade and craft glitter. Cosmetic glitter is your go-to for skin-safe sparkle. It's non-toxic, FDA-approved for vibrant colours that won't harm or stain your skin. The finely processed texture, to avoid sharp edges, makes it safe for application even near sensitive areas like your eyes, but are often made from acrylic or polyester.

Craft glitter, on the flip side, isn't skin-friendly. Often crafted from glass or metal with harsh pigments, that can be hazardous and more abrasive than its cosmetic counterpart.

Biodegradable Glitter Options

In response to environmental concerns, biodegradable glitter has emerged as a sustainable alternative, aligning with the growing eco-consciousness within the festival community and beyond. Made primarily from plant cellulose, biodegradable glitter offers a guilt-free sparkle that decomposes naturally, reducing the accumulation of microplastics in our environment.

Many festivals and eco-conscious brands are now advocating for the use of biodegradable glitter. This shift not only supports the health of our planet but also ensures that festival-goers can sparkle sustainably. Unlike traditional plastic-based glitters, biodegradable options are made from natural materials like eucalyptus trees, offering an eco-friendly choice without compromising on shine.

By choosing biodegradable glitter, you contribute to a movement that values both beauty and environmental responsibility. Whether you're dancing at a festival or crafting at home, these glitters allow you to shine responsibly, knowing that your choice helps protect our planet.

Selecting the Perfect Glitter and Adhesive

As you set off on your glitter journey, picking the right glitter type and the perfect adhesive is crucial to keep your sparkle shining bright throughout the festival. Here's a handy guide to assist you in selecting the ideal glitter and adhesive, filled with helpful tips and tricks.

Brushes and Applicators

To avoid turning your tent into a glittery mess, it's essential to use the right tools. We recommend using a brush to apply your glitter. This method not only minimises fallout but also allows for more precise application, ensuring glitter goes exactly where you want it. 

Matching Glitter to Your Look

Think about the colours in your outfit and match the glitter to compliment them. Our suggestion is to stick to one or two colours at most. Start with a vibrant hue at the centre and blend it out with a lighter shade like silver or iridescent. This method helps create a gradient effect that can really amp up your festival style. You can consider face jewels and diamantes, however, we're not fans of single-use items, so if you choose this route, consider saving and reusing them with eyelash glue for next time. 

Adhesives

When it comes to adhesives, it's crucial to pick a product that can handle the challenges of a festival, and still be gentle on the skin. While some may turn to lip balm or cream for a quick fix, these aren't ideal for a high-energy setting like a festival. They can cause the glitter to smear, as the balm's texture prevents it from setting properly, leading to smudges in sweaty conditions. Instead, go for a hypoallergenic and strong-hold choice like our Glitter Fix. This adhesive is known for its long-lasting nature, ensuring your glitter stays in place no matter how much you dance.

Applying Glitter to Different Areas

Face

When you're aiming to dazzle at your next festival, applying glitter to your face can transform your look. Start with a clear gel base such as our Glitter Fix. Just apply a thin layer onto your skin, then gently dab on the glitter. Layer up the glitter until you get the effect you want. Eyelash glue helps keep individual pieces of jewels, sequins, and  large glitter stay precisely where you want them.

When prepping for your next festival and aiming to stand out, a touch of glitter on your face can totally transform your look.Start by using a reliable base like our Glitter Fix clear gel. Apply a thin layer to your skin, then gently dab the glitter on top. Build up the layers until you get the effect you're going for. For keeping individual pieces like rhinestones and jewels in place for a more minimal look, we recommend eyelash glue.

Hair

Glitter roots are the latest trend to hit the festival scene. Mix clear hair gel with glitter to create a sparkling gel, then apply it to your parting. This not only adds a magical touch to your hairstyle but also helps mask any unwashed hair if shampooing isn’t an option. For those who love braids, sprinkle some glitter onto your hair and secure it with hair gel for an enchanting effect.

Body

To give your body a bit of sparkle, start by applying a thin layer of Glitter Fix where you want your glitter to stick, then lightly dust on the glitter with a large brush. For a bold look, apply glitter to your shoulders and collarbone area, enhancing your festival attire with eye-catching details.

Dos and Don'ts of Festival Glitter Application

Common Mistakes

When applying festival glitter, a few common missteps can hinder your sparkling success. First, avoid using craft glitter on your skin; it’s not safe and can cause irritation. Many make the mistake of using lip balm or cream for adhesive in high-energy environments, which often results in glitter smearing due to sweat.

Best Practices to Follow

For a fab long lasting festival glitter look that's both gorgeous and safe, start with a hypoallergenic Glitter Fix or aloe vera gel base to secure your glitter. When applying, use tools like brushes or sponges instead of fingers for a more precise and hygienic application. Sticky tape can be used to create sharp geometric lines of glitter for your look or can also help lift away excess glitter if you make mistakes. 

Post-Festival Glitter Removal and Skin Care

Effective Removal Techniques

After a fab day at the festival, it's a smart move to properly get rid of glitter to stop it spreading all over your sleeping bag! When camping, biodegradable makeup wipes usually does the trick. But if we are at home,  we prefer using natural oils, like coconut oil, which are kind to your skin and get the job done. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Warm the Oil: Coconut oil usually solidifies, so warm a small amount between your fingers until it liquifies.
2. Apply Gently: Using your fingertips, apply the oil over the glitter in soft, circular motions. This method avoids skin irritation and effectively lifts the glitter.
3. Wipe Away: Use a damp flannel, or makeup wipes to gently wipe away the oil and glitter. Repeat if necessary.
4. Final Cleanse: Follow up with a gentle face wash to remove any residual oil and glitter, ensuring your pores are clear.

For getting glitter out of your hair, apply oil or conditioner. Massage a generous amount into your scalp to loosen the glitter. This not only clears out the glitter but also acts as a deep conditioner. After about ten minutes, rinse thoroughly with a precision shower head, to ensure all glitter is washed out, leaving your hair feeling fresh and clean.

Skin Care Tips Post Removal

Post-glitter removal, your skin needs tender loving care. Start by ensuring all residues are completely removed. If glitter persists, a gentle dab with masking tape can lift away any stubborn specks without harsh scrubbing. Once your skin is glitter-free, it's crucial to rehydrate and soothe it:

• Hydrate: Apply a hydrating moisturiser or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin. Aloe vera is particularly beneficial as it soothes irritation and hydrates without clogging pores].
• Nourish: If your skin feels particularly dry, consider using a nourishing face oil overnight. Oils like argan or jojoba can deeply moisturize and help restore the skin's natural barrier.

Remember, the key to effective post-festival skin care is gentle removal techniques followed by adequate hydration and nourishment to restore your skin's health and glow.

Conclusion

Alright sparkle fairy, now that we've explored the magical world of festival glitter, from choosing the ideal eco-friendly sparkles and adhesives to perfecting the glitter application process, your journey from glitter novice to glitter pro is officially done!

We're all about keeping it real, celebrating your uniqueness, and spreading those good vibes. So, as you step into the festival spotlight, just remember to keep shining bright with your own special glow. And when you feel like topping up your sparkle stash sustainably, feel free to check out our eco-friendly glitter range. Let's join hands in brightening up the world, one eco-friendly glitter tube at a time! 🌟