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Glitter spray vs loose cosmetic glitter vs glitter gel
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Three ways to wear glitter, side by side: how each goes on, where it works, and how it comes off, so you can pick the one that suits your look.
The short answer
All three put sparkle on you. They differ in how they go on and where they work. A spray is aimed from the can and dries in about a minute; loose glitter is pressed on with a brush or fingertip, usually over a base that holds it; a glitter gel is glitter already mixed into a gel that you pat on. Which suits you depends on the look, and on whether you want hair and clothes covered too.
Side by side
| Glitzify silver glitter spray | Loose cosmetic glitter | Glitter gel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it goes on | Sprayed from 20-30 cm (8-12 in) | Pressed on with a brush or fingertip | Patted on with fingertips |
| Needs a base to hold it | No | Usually (a gel, balm or glitter glue) | No, the gel is the base |
| Where it works best | Hair, body, clothes and fabric | Precise spots: eyes, cheeks, details | Face and body, placed by hand |
| Coverage | A light mist, or layers for more | Dense where you place it | Dense where you place it |
| Drying | About a minute | Depends on the base | Depends on the gel |
| Colour | Silver shimmer | Many colours and sizes | Many colours |
| What the glitter is | Free from microplastics and parabens (both Amazon listings) | Varies by brand: check the label | Varies by brand: check the label |
| Coming off | Rinses away with shampoo or hand wash | Follow the brand's directions | Follow the brand's directions |
The Glitzify column is from our two Amazon listings. The other two columns describe the formats in general; brands differ, so read the pack of the one you buy.
When a spray suits you
- Hair and clothes as well as skin. Glitzify is made for hair, body, clothes and fabric, so one can covers your roots, your shoulders and your jacket.
- Large areas, fast. A light mist gives a subtle shine; layer it for more intense sparkle.
- Nothing loose to carry. No pots, brushes or glue in your bag at a festival or a concert.
When loose glitter or a gel suits you
- Precise placement. Glitter freckles, an eye look or a single line are easier with a brush or a fingertip.
- Colours other than silver. Glitzify is silver only; loose glitter and gels come in many colours.
- Chunky pieces. If you want large, separate pieces of glitter rather than a shimmer, a loose glitter or gel is the format for it.
Many people use both: a spray for hair and clothes, and a little loose glitter or gel for a detail on the face. For more on what the glitter itself is made of, read microplastic-free glitter, and what the glitter ban means, and for what to check on a can, read how to choose a body glitter spray.
How to spray it, for every look
- Give the can a good shake. The rattle is the mixing bead, keeping the glitter evenly spread.
- Hold it 20-30 cm (8-12 in) from your hair, body or clothes.
- A light mist gives a subtle shine; layer it for more intense sparkle.
- Allow about a minute to dry, and you're ready to go. It stays all night.
Afterwards, rinse it out of your hair and off your skin with shampoo or hand wash.
Safety
- The spray is flammable: use it away from candles, sparklers and open flames.
- Keep it away from your eyes, and do not use it on broken skin.
- For ages 16 and over.
Questions
Is glitter spray better than loose glitter?
Neither is better for every look. A spray covers hair, body and clothes quickly and needs no base; loose glitter is easier to place precisely and comes in more colours.
Do I need glue or a primer with Glitzify?
No. Shake the can, spray from 20-30 cm (8-12 in), and allow about a minute to dry.
Can I use glitter spray on clothes?
Yes. Glitzify is made for hair, body, clothes and fabric.
What colours does Glitzify come in?
Silver. If you want another colour, a loose glitter or a glitter gel is the way to get it.
How do I wash glitter spray off?
Rinse it out of your hair and off your skin with shampoo or hand wash.
More guides
- Silver Halloween costume ideas with glitter spray
- Silver glitter spray looks for Christmas parties and New Year's Eve
- Festival glitter: silver looks with a glitter spray
- How to use glitter hair spray, and how to wash it out
- Glitter spray for clothes and fabric
- Microplastic-free glitter, and what the glitter ban means
- Silver glitter looks for weddings, hen parties and prom
- How to choose a body glitter spray