Glitter * Is it cosmetic or not?

I know full well that to use glitter in face and body art it needs to be cosmetic grade and I wouldn't dream of using anything less than that. But I own a variety of glitters that I bought from eBay several months ago without a thought of facepainting and I don't know if they're cosmetic grade or not... Is there any way to tell?

Also, what company has the best iridescent glitter in your opinion?

Everyone has their faves, its best if you can to see and try them at jams etc.

My fave 'type', which comes via many brands, is aurora - it has a rainbow twinkle that suits any colour paint, and as its not metallic, doesn't do that annoying 'black dot' thing that the metallics can all do if caught at the wrong angle.

Re your ebay buy...is it metallic? Is it very fine? If its almost like a powder it may be cosmetic but TBH they usually state that as I think they can charge more for cosmetic grade. Might be best to avoid it on face just in case.

Cat

I will keep a look out for that aurora glitter, the eBay glitter is very fine... How would I test if it's metallic..? Could I use a magnet or something? That's probably a really stupid question...

Thanks

The metal they use is not strong enough to be attracted to a magnet. Put some on your bare arm and then try to brush it off. Is it scratchy and comes off with little effort or is it soft and clinging to the skin hard to brush off. If it's the first most likely metallic if it's the second most likely cosmetic.

I thought cosmetic grade glitter was cut round and craft stuff cut square. The cosmetic grade was apparently safer if accidentally it got into your eyes because the round shape wouldnt scratch the corneas... this is what I recall reading somewhere... dont quote me on it though. I find the best glitter is ben nye irredescent white works great with all colours and has the most sparkle... it also costs a fortune for a little pot so I stopped buying it and have found a few others. I tried mehrons little glitter pot... doesnt stack up to say the least and the other one I have is from the forum shop and I think it is middle grade but goes on the easiest so I think I will be sticking with it till I find better at a good price.

I have tried DFX glitter and mama clown's from silly farm, but the best of all and the only one you will need for face painting is "white fairy dust" in a poofer, if you are not sure about the glitter you have you can use for glitter tattoos, make one to yourself and taste the way it looks and how much it last.

Thanks, Luz--I was wondering about using a variety of hither, thither and yon gathered fine glitter I wasn't sure about as glitter tatts.

I believe cosmetic glitter is polyester...it should say that on your container.

The containers unforunately say nothing they're little clear plastic screw-top tubs...
The glitter is cut round not square but I don't know if that's a clear indication or not...

If you are not sure what it is, then don't use it! If it's super cheap then it's probably craft glitter. It could be a law suit waiting to happen!

I only use glitter that states it is cosmetic grade and safe for the eyes

Thanks so much for all your thoughts! I'll use the glitter I have for glitter tattoos, and buy myself some cosmetic 'fairy dust' just to be safe.

What adhesive do you use for glitter tattoos and can you make the stencils without having to buy the ready made ones?

Its not what its made from its HOW it is made - some of the metallic glitters are cosmetic and are great... its to do with the edges, size, shape and dyes used.

Cosmetic grade glitter has nothing to due with cut or metal vs polyester when compared to craft glitter. Cosmetic grade has to due with the pigments used to color the glitter.

Personally, I would assume any glitter I had was NOT cosmetic grade unless specified, particularly since you probably wanted to get the best price on the glitter and "cosmetic grade" is always more expensive.

Have to beware as even some "cosmetic" glitter will specify to keep away from eyes. Thought I had scored some nice colors cheaply at a Sally Beauty sale but alas there on the bottom of the jar was the dreaded warning!