If there’s one thing that takes a face paint design from fun to absolutely magical, it’s glitter! Whether it’s a sparkly butterfly, a shimmering festival look, or a dazzling superhero design, glitter adds that extra wow factor.

But if you’ve ever worked with glitter, you’ll know that not all glitters are the same. There are two main types:

• Dust Glitter (Loose Glitter)

• Gel Glitter (Glitter Gel)

Both are amazing, but they have different uses, pros, and cons. Let’s break them down so you can get the most out of your glitter!

Dust Glitter – The Classic Sparkle

Dust glitter (also called loose glitter or dry glitter) is a face painter’s best friend. It’s a super fine, shimmery powder that can be applied directly to face paint while it’s still damp.

Pros of Dust Glitter:

Instantly sticks to face paint – No extra adhesive needed!

Ultra-light and super sparkly – Great for an ethereal, fairy-like glow.

Comes in so many colours and effects – Holographic, metallic, iridescent… you name it!

Cons of Dust Glitter:

It gets EVERYWHERE! (Seriously, everywhere—your kit, your uniform, your client’s hair, your car… the list goes on!)

Not as defined as gel glitter – It gives a soft sparkle rather than bold, chunky highlights.

How to Apply Dust Glitter:

Tap it on while the face paint is still wet—this helps it stick.

Use a puffer bottle or a fluffy brush to sprinkle it over designs.

Avoid using fingers, as they can transfer oils and smudge the paint.

Best for: Fairies, princesses, butterflies, and soft, glowy effects!

Gel Glitter – Bold, Chunky, & Festival-Ready  

Gel glitter is glitter mixed with a clear gel base, making it easy to apply, mess-free, and long-lasting. It gives bold, dramatic sparkle and works beautifully on bare skin or over set designs.

Pros of Gel Glitter:

Stays in place! – No fallout, no mess, no glitter explosion.

Chunkier glitters for a bold, festival look.

Looks amazing on its own – Perfect for eye-catching designs.

Cons of Gel Glitter: 

Can smudge wet face paint – Since it’s a gel, it can dissolve paint underneath if not applied carefully.

Takes longer to dry – Needs a few minutes to set properly.

How to Apply Gel Glitter:

Use a brush, not your fingers – This keeps it clean and controlled.

Apply it to dry areas – Avoid putting it on top of wet face paint unless you want a blended effect.

Tap it onto cheekbones, temples, and above the brows for the ultimate festival shine.

Best for: Bold festival looks, unicorns, mermaids, and special effects!

Safety First: Skin-Safe Glitter Only!

Not all glitter is safe for face painting! ALWAYS use FDA & EU-approved cosmetic-grade glitter. This is especially important when applying glitter near the eyes.

  Never use craft glitter! It contains sharp plastic or metal flakes that can cause eye irritation or even injury.

Eye Safety Tips:

Use only cosmetic-safe glitter on the face.

Avoid direct application on eyelids, especially for children.

If applying around the eye, place glitter above the brow bone or on the outer edges of the face. 

Rule of thumb: If in doubt, keep it away from the eye area!

Introducing Our New Gel Glitter Range!

We’re so excited to launch our very own Gel Glitter Collection! Available in a huge range of shades, these glitter gels are perfect for:

Festivals & parties

Mermaid & unicorn looks

Bold glitter accents

Easy, mess-free sparkle

Want to add next-level shine to your face painting kit? Check them out now on our website! 

Final Thoughts: Why You Need Both in Your Kit!

Face painters should always have both dust glitter and gel glitter in their kit. Each one serves a different purpose:

Dust Glitter – Light, ethereal shimmer; easy to apply over paint.

Gel Glitter – Bold, chunky shine; great for dry skin & festival looks.

With the right glitter and the right technique, you can create magical, professional face painting designs that leave clients absolutely dazzled!

What’s your favourite glitter to use? Let us know on socila media!

Stay creative,

Selena, Amber, and the team