Glitz Blitz

The need to be around or look for shiny things has always been a go-to for the human race. Going back in time, we’d be surprised to know that the early caveman used Mica Flames to add sparkle to their wall scribing’s and paintings. The Romans, Greeks and Ancient Egyptians then went on to add glitter (read mica flakes) to their make-up and so came about the perfect highlighter of Queen Cleopatra, or so we’d like to believe!

Glitter as we know it today didn’t come about till 1934, when machinist Henry Ruschman (New Jersey) accidently ground scrap metal and plastic till it was very fine. While the exact story remains to be a blur, given he died in 1989, it is safe to say his company, Meadowbrook Inventions continues to remain in business, pushing over 20,000 different kinds of glitter.

L’Officiel India DigitalRead L’Officiel India in the digital libraryEvery issue and every cover story, on TCG Media.Read now

Body glitter came to be a fad with the onset of rock. The glam rock era was the perfect excuse to reflect a little more than normal, and became an eye-catching way to dress to impress, and since has been spotted on the occasions of parties, concerts, festivals, parades, and more!

1. Unicorn Snot

We’ve all heard of unicorns being made of all things that sparkle. Here is glitter for your hair, face and body. The slither of this holographic glitter bounces light back, leaving you shimmery in no time. Available in a set of 5(pink, purple, silver, gold and teal), the nearly clear dry gel has a light tint to each colour. This fragrance free glimmer leaves you projecting many colours.

2. Kingman Stardust Body Glitter

If you’re looking for a slightly toned down option, Kingman should be ideal. The smaller glitter can be used on your body as well as face. Despite a mild fragrance, the scent fades away quickly. Your only worry is that it takes slightly longer to dry, as compared to other body glitters.

3. Moon Glow Black Light Glitter Face and Body Gel

Despite their deceiving highly pigmented look, these gels are coloured glitter in a clear gel. What makes them even more fun is that fact that they glow under UV neon black light. Worked on the body and face, these gels have a relatively low density. This two in one(glitter and glow) is available in orange, pink, blue, green and yellow.

4. GlitterMark Gold Glitter Gel

Being a great highlighter, this water-based alcohol free gel helps you create fine lines and details. It comes with a fine tip, making its application easy and convenient to use. The gel is highly pigmented and so works well to leave your body dazzling. Available in red, blue, silver, gold, pink and white, the glitter gel dries quickly.

5. UCANBE Cream Glitter Gel

A mixture of jojoba oil, water, aloe vera, vitamin E and essential oils, this gel is more on the lines of a thick paste. All the ingredients mixed with cosmetic glitter are a quick fix when it comes to taking care of your skin care regimen. The nearly opaque glitter gel can either be smeared on to have an even sparkly effect, or laid on as more than one layer to achieve fuller coverage.

If body glitter doesn’t work for you, you can always turn to body lotions, lip shades, holographic nail paints and even hair sprays to achieve the shine you need.

The tricky part of glitter, quite literally is parting with it. While easier concoctions wear off with soap and water, some take a little more work than that. The best method is a remover, especially one which isn’t oil-free. If all the rubbing still doesn’t work, you can always turn to olive oil, which will not only help remove the glitter, but also moisturise your skin. Olive oil can also be used on your hair. If the glitter still remains, there’s nothing you can do but wait for it to wear off. On the bright side, at least you know you won’t be going to bed, glitter free!