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Glitter is an assortment of flat, small, reflective particles that are precision cut and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Glitter particles resemble confetti, sparkles and sequins, but somewhat smaller.
Since prehistoric times, glitter has been made from many different materials including stones such as malachite, and mica, as well as insects and glass. Uses for glitter include clothing, arts, crafts, cosmetics and body paint. Modern glitter is usually manufactured from the Metallised film of aluminum and BoPET, which is rarely recycled and can find its way into aquatic habitats, eventually becoming ingested by animals, leading some scientists to call for bans on plastic glitter.
The Ancient Ancient Egypt produced "glitter-like substances from crushed beetles" as well as finely ground green malachite crystal. Researchers believe Mayan temples were sometimes painted with red, green, and grey glitter paint made from mica dust, based on infrared scans of the remnants of paint still found on the structures in present-day Guatemala.
People of the Americas 8,000 years ago were using powdered galena, a form of lead, to produce a bright greyish-white glittering paint used for objects of adornment. The collecting and surface mining of galena was prevalent in the Upper Mississippi Valley region by the Cahokia tribe native peoples, for regional trade both raw and crafted into beads or other objects.
Glitter is used in cosmetics to make the face and nails shiny or sparkly. After the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, the use of microbeads in toothpaste and other "rinse-off" cosmetics has been discontinued in the US; since 2015 the industry has shifted toward using FDA-approved "rinse-off" Metallised film glitter as their primary abrasive agent instead.
Glitter is commonly used in arts and crafts to color, accessorise and texture items. The small, brightly colored particles often stick to clothing, skin, and furniture and can be difficult to remove. It is also used in optically variable inks.
Glitter coatings or finishes are frequently used on fishing lures to draw attention by simulating the scales of prey fish.
Due to its unique characteristics, glitter has also proven to be useful Forensic science. Because of the tens of thousands of different commercial glitters, identical glitter particles can be compelling evidence that a suspect has been at a crime scene. Forensic scientist Edwin Jones has one of the largest collections of glitter, consisting of over 1,000 different samples used in comparison to samples taken from crime scenes. Glitter particles are easily transferred through the air or by touch yet cling to bodies and clothing, often unnoticed by suspects.
Used by , such as David Bowie, Gary Glitter, and Iggy Pop as a tool to help blur gender lines helped to create the more extreme "glitter rock" – an even more heightened version of glam rock. (2025). 9780879306533, Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 9780879306533
Glitter is also used by nail artists and make-up artists to make statements about femininity and beauty standards. The flashy, sparkling nature of glitter allows users to push standard ideas of beauty and what is and is not considered "excessive" in terms of make-up. Glitter is usually associated with nightlife and not professionalism, but wearing it in different settings can push these boundaries.
Because it tends to shed off items it is applied to and stick onto unwanted surfaces, including skin, hair, and clothes, glitter is also used for glitter bombing, which is an act of protest in which activists throw glitter on people at public events.Vinciguerra, Thomas (August 27, 2011). Glittering Rage. The New York Times Glitter bombers have frequently been motivated by, though not limited to, their targets' opposition to same-sex marriage. Some legal officials argue glitter bombing is technically assault and battery. Glitter can enter the eyes or nose and cause damage to the cornea or other soft tissues potentially irritating them or leading to infection, depending on the size of the glitter. Whether a prosecutor would pursue the charges depends on a number of factors.
Biodegradable glitter made from eucalyptus tree extract is metaled with aluminium and can be coloured. It is "40% softer and more delicate on the skin than conventional glitter," and it decomposes in soil or water. Cellulose glitter is also available.
According to Chris Flower, director-general of the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association, "the total contribution to marine plastic litter from glittery cosmetic products is negligible when compared to the damaging effects of bags and bottles... While total effect of giving up traditional glitter might not be great compared to other harmful plastics, we should still do everything we can."
Since October 2023, some types of glitter have been restricted in the European Union as part of a ban on intentionally added to products. (2025). 9780471716440 ISBN 9780471716440
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