Glitter is one of the most versatile and visually striking materials that can instantly add sparkle, shine, and a touch of magic to any project. From DIY crafts to beauty products, multi-purpose glitter is a popular choice for creators and artists alike. But what exactly is glitter made of, and how can you use it in various creative ways? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the origins of glitter, its eco-friendly alternatives, and practical tips for incorporating glitter into your crafts, candles, resin art, and even cosmetics.
What Is Glitter Made Out Of?
Glitter is made up of tiny reflective particles that are often cut into small shapes, such as squares or hexagons. The most common material used to make glitter is plastic, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is then coated with a metallic layer for its signature shine. Some glitters are made from aluminium or other metals, which add to the reflective quality of the material.
Each glitter particle is then dyed or coloured, giving glitter its wide range of vibrant hues. While traditional glitter is mostly made from plastic, there has been increasing interest in eco-friendly alternatives.
What Is Eco-friendly Glitter Made Of?
Eco-friendly glitter is designed to be biodegradable and significantly less harmful to the environment than traditional plastic glitter. Instead of using plastic, eco-friendly glitter is typically made from natural materials such as cellulose, which is derived from plants like eucalyptus trees.
The primary goal of eco-friendly glitter is to reduce the environmental impact by breaking down naturally over time, especially when exposed to water, heat, or microbial activity. It still offers the same sparkle and shine as traditional glitter, making it a fantastic sustainable alternative for eco-conscious creators and consumers.
At Hemway, we offer a variety of eco-friendly glitter options that are just as vibrant and versatile, allowing you to create stunning projects without the environmental impact.
Can I Add Glitter to Epoxy?
Absolutely! Adding glitter to epoxy resin is one of the best ways to create stunning, glossy, and sparkly finishes for a variety of projects, from tumblers to countertops and jewellery. Glitter mixes well with epoxy resin, and the clear, glossy finish of the resin enhances the shine of the glitter particles, creating a beautiful, high-gloss effect.
To use glitter in epoxy resin, follow these simple steps:
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Prepare Your Resin: Mix your epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to measure and mix the resin and hardener accurately to ensure proper curing.
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Add Glitter: Once the resin is thoroughly mixed, slowly add your glitter. Start with a small amount, as a little glitter can go a long way. Stir gently to evenly distribute the glitter throughout the resin mixture.
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Pour and Cure: Pour the glitter-infused resin onto your surface or into your mould, spreading it evenly. Allow the resin to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions, which typically takes 24 to 72 hours.
Adding glitter to epoxy resin can create stunning visual effects, making it perfect for crafts, home decor, and art projects. Whether you’re creating a glittery resin tumbler or a sparkling countertop, glitter can elevate your resin projects to the next level.
How Much Glitter to Add to Resin
The amount of glitter to add to resin depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. For a subtle sparkle, you can use a small amount of glitter, around 5% of the total resin mixture. This creates a delicate shimmer throughout the resin. If you want a more intense glittery effect, you can increase the ratio to 10-15%, but be careful not to overdo it, as too much glitter can make the resin difficult to spread evenly.
Here are some guidelines for how much glitter to use:
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Subtle shimmer: Add 1-2 teaspoons of glitter per cup of resin.
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Moderate sparkle: Add 3-4 teaspoons of glitter per cup of resin.
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Full glitter effect: Add 5+ teaspoons of glitter per cup of resin for a bold, sparkling look.
Always mix your glitter thoroughly into the resin to ensure it’s evenly distributed, and remember to work on a flat surface to avoid the glitter settling in one area during the curing process.
How to Apply Cosmetic Glitter
Cosmetic glitter is a fun way to add sparkle to your makeup looks, whether for a festival, party, or everyday glamour. Unlike craft glitter, cosmetic glitter is designed specifically for use on the skin and is non-toxic and safe for cosmetic applications.
Here’s how you can apply cosmetic glitter safely and effectively:
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Choose Skin-safe Glitter: Always use glitter that is labelled as cosmetic-grade to ensure it is safe for use on the skin.
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Apply Adhesive: Use a skin-safe glitter adhesive or glitter glue to apply the glitter. You can also use a thin layer of cosmetic gel as an alternative to glue.
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Apply Glitter: Using a brush or your fingertip, gently press the glitter onto the adhesive. Apply it in small amounts, building up the glitter for more coverage if desired.
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Set the Glitter: Once the glitter is applied, use a setting spray or a light dusting of translucent powder to keep the glitter in place for longer wear.
Cosmetic glitter can be applied to the eyelids, cheekbones, lips, and even hair for a bold, glittery look. Be careful when applying glitter around the eyes, and never use non-cosmetic glitter for makeup, as it can cause irritation or injury.
What’s the Easiest Way to Clean Up Glitter?
As beautiful as glitter is, it’s notorious for being difficult to clean up. Once it spills, it tends to spread everywhere. However, with the right techniques, you can make the glitter clean-up process much easier:
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Use a Lint Roller: A lint roller is one of the easiest ways to pick up glitter from fabric, furniture, and floors. Roll it over the area, and the sticky surface will grab the glitter particles.
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Use Tape: If you don't have a lint roller, regular sticky tape works just as well. Press the tape onto the glitter-covered surface, and it will lift the glitter off.
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Microfibre Cloths: A damp microfibre cloth can pick up fine glitter particles effectively. Wipe the area with the cloth, and rinse it out as needed to remove the glitter.
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Vacuum: For larger glitter spills, using a vacuum with a brush attachment can help remove glitter from carpets and floors. Make sure to empty the vacuum afterward to avoid spreading the glitter elsewhere.
By using these tips, you can effectively manage and clean up glitter spills without too much hassle. If you’re working with glitter regularly, it's a good idea to clean up as you go to prevent larger messes from forming.
Conclusion
Multi-purpose glitter offers endless possibilities for adding sparkle and shine to a wide variety of projects, from resin art to cosmetics and home decor. Whether you’re using traditional glitter or opting for eco-friendly alternatives, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with a touch of glitter.
For those interested in crafting, resin art, or cosmetics, Hemway provides a diverse selection of high-quality glitter products that are perfect for any creative endeavour. Explore our collection of eco-friendly glitter, resin glitter, and cosmetic glitter to bring your projects to life with dazzling results.
