Craft Glitter

If you ever participated in a school project or a DIY craft at home that involved glitter, chances are it was craft glitter. This type of glitter is super affordable and a go-to for many indoor projects. Craft glitter is made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), which makes it very cheap. However, it is not very durable when exposed to UV rays, water, and solvents. These elements deteriorate the shimmery coating that makes it glitter. Ideally, it should be used for indoor applications and stuff that will not come into long-term contact with the sun, water, or chemicals. It is ideal for paper crafts, non-washable costumes, masks, and shoes, party decorations, house decor, Christmas ornaments, theater props, indoor signage, window display, and children’s craft kits, among other uses. You may still choose to use it outdoors, perhaps for a temporary thing. Just don’t expect the shine to last more than a few weeks. Craft glitter comes in a wide range of sizes, from chunky flakes to super fine dust. It is also available in many forms. There are geometric shapes like hexagons as well as stars, hearts, and other fun shapes. It is a budget-friendly type of glitter and an excellent option for when you need it in bulk to fill up spaces.

Polyester Glitter

Polyester Glitter is a more expensive type of glitter but worth paying extra for if you want permanent glam. Unlike craft glitter, polyester glitter is resilient and versatile polyester glitter is resilient and versatile. This type of glitter, as the name suggests, is manufactured from polyester or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). That’s poly plastics in layman’s terms. In some instances, the PET is metalized with aluminum. PET is one of the toughest materials on earth, which makes this type of glitter very durable. It doesn’t deteriorate quickly, even after an extended encounter with harsh conditions. This glitter doesn’t fade when exposed to UV light or rain, making it perfect for outdoor applications. It can also be used on anything that regularly contacts water. In addition, polyester glitter is non-reactive to solvents. Therefore, you can mix it into just about anything. Some popular uses include resin, laminate, and fiberglass applications. It is sealed into jewelry, floors, walls, vanity tops, counters, tabletops, toys, boats, fun fair rides, etc, to give them a sparkly effect. Nail polish, crayons, paint, and ink manufacturers also incorporate this type of glitter into their constituent mixture of their glitter line of products. It is this same glitter that you see bonded to clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories like belts. Glittery fishing lures, festive decorations, ceramics, outdoor signs, and displays, among unlimited other things, are made using polyester glitter. Polyester glitter may be expensive but has a long-lasting shine and is available in an array of colors, effects, and sizes. If you don’t mind splurging a little more on glitter that will keep your projects looking glamorous for years, it’s the glitter for you.

Cosmetic Grade Glitter

You are probably familiar with glittery beauty products such as lip glosses, eyeshadow, highlighters, shimmery body sprays, lotions, etc. These products are formulated using cosmet, a form of polyester glitter. This glitter is certified as safe to use on the skin by FDA, having undergone testing. Everything from the plastic material to the colorants used is nontoxic and non-irritating. The particles are as fine as dust, but we also have chunky options. Cosmetic grade glitter has a circular cut that is non-abrasive. The shape is purposely rounded to keep the edge soft and free of corners that could scratch the dermis or even sensitive places like the cornea of the eyes. And you know how messy glitter is and get everywhere. If it accidentally comes into contact with your mouth, eyes, or even sweat, there’ll be no cause for alarm. Nothing toxic will leech into your skin or harm your stomach. Initially, ultra-fine polyester glitter would be used for this purpose. You can still use it too; it is not deemed unsafe for the purpose as long as it is stated for facial or body art. But if you are prioritizing safety assurance, cosmetic grade glitter is the best option. Craft glitter, on the other hand, must never be used in place of cosmetic glitter, whether mixing it in personal care products, make-up, body art, face painting, or other skin applications.