Body glitter is the actual best for when you’re accessorizing a costume, going to a music festival, glamming it up for a special occasion, or if you’re extra, just living your everyday life. BUT it’s not exactly the easiest to apply (and pls, don’t even get me started on removing it). So I tapped all the pros, from makeup artists to glitter enthusiasts, for some of their best tips and ways to wear glitter on your body. Just grab some cosmetic-grade glitter (or shop my faves below), and test your skin’s sensitivity in small patches. If you skin doesn’t react (this is a good thing!), go ahead and live your best, sparkle-filled life with these 12 easy hacks.
Body Glitter Hack #1: Glue It With Hair Gel
If you’re applying glitter in large areas (like your butt), glitter artist Mia Kennington suggests using hair gel to really make it stick. First, grab a paint brush (a synthetic foundation brush works too) to spread the gel on the area. Before it dries, use the same brush to press—not stroke—the glitter over the area for even coverage.
Try These 4 Loose Chunky Body Glitters
The Gypsy Shrine Chunky Unicorn Glitter Pot
Glitter Eco Lovers Fairy Dust Biodegradable Chunky Glitter
Prizem Spellbound Glitter
Body Glitter Hack #2: Make It Stick With Petroleum Jelly
Pro tip from Frankie Grande: The best product to use when applying glitter to your décolletage is Vaseline petroleum jelly. Spread the salve evenly on the area of skin you want to make glittery, then press the glitter flecks in with your hand or a brush to set it. Not only will the petroleum jelly hold the glitter in place, but it will also leave a nice dewy sheen on the surrounding skin.
Body Glitter Hack #3: Use Hand Sanitizer for Non-Sticky Application
If you’re planning on being outside and the idea of covering yourself in petroleum jelly sounds like a nightmare, opt for hand sanitizer instead. Apply the gel over the skin, and while it’s still wet, tap the glitter on top. Once it dries, the glitter will be stuck in place, but your skin won’t be left feeling sticky like it would from the other adhesives.
Body Glitter Hack #4: Make Any Makeup Product Glittery
To turn your loose glitter into wet eyeshadow or a glaze over your cheekbones, celeb makeup artist Michael Anthony recommends using a mixing medium or primer to liquify it. First, prep the area with the mixing medium, then use a flat synthetic brush to lay the glitter on top. Word to the wise: Keep the glitter a good distance away from your eye to be safe.
Body Glitter Hack #5: DIY Shimmer Spray
Regular setting spray is fine, but shimmery setting spray is 100 times better. Pour a liberal amount of finely milled powder highlighter or shimmer into your spray bottle, and shake it up. Use it as you normally would to finish your look and set your makeup for extra boost of glow.
4 Highlighter Powders You Should Try
Artist Couture Diamond Glow Powder
J.Cat Beauty Shimmery Powder
Juvia's Place The Nubian Loose Highlighter Cleo
Beauty Bakerie So Icy Mini Illuminator
Body Glitter Hack #6: Make Your Own Shimmer Oil
Sure, you could splurge on a shimmery body oil—or you could make your own. Pour your body oil of choice in a travel bottle and add as much glitter pigment as you want (just a sprinkle if you like a glow-from-within look or a heavy pour if you prefer a glow from the gods). Shake it up and rub it in anywhere you want extra shimmer.
Body Glitter Hack #7: Layer Glitter Over Lipstick
If you don’t want to spend the cash on a glitter lipstick you’ll probably only wear once, DIY it instead. Anthony recommends applying a cream lipstick first (the glitter will flake off with liquid lipstick), then using your finger to press the cosmetic-grade glitter into place on your lips.
4 Best Finely Milled Glitter Powders
NYX Professional Makeup Face and Body Glitter
Make Up For Ever Star Lit Glitters
Elf Stardust Glitter
Body Glitter Hack #8: Create a Glitter Brow Gel
Grande also gets his glitter brows by spraying hairspray into a dish and adding loose cosmetic-grade glitter. To apply the “brow gel,” dip a spoolie brush in the mix and comb the glitter through your brows to shape them.
Body Glitter Hack #9: Use Eyelash Glue for Sequins
If sequins and rhinestones are more your thing, use lash glue to stick them on your skin. For heavier glitter materials, Kennington likes to use clear individual eyelash glue to make them stick. First, apply a dot of the glue to the back of the rhinestone, and wait until the adhesive gets tacky. Then stick the rhinestone onto your skin, press, and hold until it dries.
Body Glitter Hack #10: Make Glitter Stamps With Makeup Sponges
If you’re not good at freehand painting but want to make a design out of glitter, grab a few cheap makeup sponges, trace on a design, and cut it out along the lines. You can use your new sponge to stamp glitter gel wherever you want.
4 Glitter Gels for Easy Application
Tarte Treasure Pot Glitter Gel
Unicorn Snot Glitter Gel
Glossier Play Glitter Gelée
Lemonhead LA Spacejam
Body Glitter Hack #11: Cover Your Roots With Glitter Gel
If you’re at a musical festival all weekend long and shampooing your hair isn’t an option, paint some glitter gel along your part to deflect the haters. Use a flat synthetic brush to dab the glitter in place.
Body Glitter Hack #12: Use Oil and Tape for Easy Removal
Makeup artist Anastasia Durasova says the easiest way to remove glitter is to first dab the area with Scotch tape, then massage in a cleansing oil, and then rinse. Durasova advises against using actual makeup remover though, which ironically enough, makes the glitter adhere closer to the skin.
