Cosmetic Glitter vs Craft Glitter

Recently I was asked why it is so bad to use craft glitter on your eyes when doing makeup. People often argue with me that it is cheaper, practically the same thing, and if it's only going on your eyelids, why should it matter? But there is a difference and serious health concerns, and I always urge people to use cosmetic glitters only. However, it does help to understand the WHY of this general rule.

The main difference between craft glitter and cosmetic glitter is what it is made of- craft glitter is generally made of metal (yikes!) and cosmetic glitter is made of plastic, usually some form of polyester. Even if you only apply it on the lid with a really strong glue, all it takes is one tiny little particle of that metal to fall into your eye and you run the risk of serious cornea scratches or abrasions. Cosmetic glitter is also more finely milled and usually cut into a circular shape, helping reduce the risk of scratching. Craft glitters are usually cut at angles, such as hexagons or squares.

Old fashioned metal-cut glitters.

In reality, however, metallic craft glitters are actually kind of rare to come across these days. (I had an incredibly difficult time finding a picture of some online- the one to the right is the best I could do.)
If you look at most of the Martha Stewart or Recollections line of glitters they are mostly polyester or polythylene. Like cosmetic grade glitters, craft companies finally hit on using poly-bonded colored products that they double coat in plastic and cut into hexagon shapes, allowing them to extend their color ranges to all sorts of hues, shimmers, etc. However, most craft glitters are still poly coated dyes which can leach out when they come in contact with moisture from your eye or mixing mediums.

There are also cosmetic standards to packing cosmetic glitters as defined by GMP (good manufacturing procedures) which helps insure that the workers packing the product are following proper sanitary conduct, there is no risk of rust from machinery that could possibly get into the glitter, etc.

A common complaint is that cosmetic glitters are expensive. There are cheap options out there, you just have to look! Sally Girl is probably the cheapest cosmetic glitter I have come across for only 99¢, and you can find it at most Sally’s Beauty Supply stores. Snazaroo makes some great glitter gels, dust, and powders for around $3, as does Wolfe Brothers (I picked some up at this years IMATS and they’re are amazing!) A great mid-range option that has an impressively wide array of colour options are Eye Kandy's mineral and glitter sprinkles. They also formulated a great mixing medium for liners. (These guys also had a booth at IMATS and their color blends are gorgeous) If you do want to go high end, MAC has a whooooooole range of glitters and pigments to tantalize any OCD collector out there. Urban Decay also released a new eyeshadow line called Moondust (reformulated from their Stardust line) which, while isn’t technically a glitter, has an intense micro-fine sparkle (think sunlight on water) that is super eye-catching. If you are looking to buy cosmetic glitter in bulk, Make Up Forever has a variety of purchase options as well as a variety of glitters; all different sizes, cuts, and holographic effects. (The N56 Silver Multicolored glitter is especially striking with body painting!)

MUFE's Graphic Glitter #36604

In my personal opinion, I feel that it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to glitters. Ultimately though, it is your choice what you choose to do. I can only hope to inform and give advice founded in quite a bit of research. Your eyes are a precious commodity and utmost care should always be taken to protect your (or your client’s!) health. With all the talk of paraben free, cruelty free, and vegan makeup, doesn’t it make sense to extend that same mindset to glitter as well? There are many companies out there that make FDA approved, safe-to-apply-to-skin glitters that far outshine, outshimmer, and out-holograph what you can generally find in craft stores.

IMPORTANT PS: There are a small percentage of cosmetic glitters out there that are also made of micro-fine glass. I recall coming across some at MUFE's booth at IMATS. I believe it is sold as a body glitter (someone correct me if I'm wrong) and is advertised for use on body ONLY, to be kept away from the face.

PPS: As an additional little tidbit, here is a link to a website that compares different cosmetic glitters and rates them based on consumer health as well as environmental and societal impact. Enjoy!