Overdone it on the sparkle? These are a make-up artist’s top tips for removing festival body glitter
GLITTER has become the must-have festival essential this year, with revellers dousing themselves in sparkle and shimmer.
Some brave fashionistas have even binned off bras and bikini tops in favour of gelled-on sparkle to cover their modesty – a trend affectionately known as glitter boobs.
But removing the glitter when the festival’s over can be as long and laborious as putting it on.
Even the Love Island lot struggled to get rid of all their stuck-on glitz.
Masking tape is great for getting rid of the bulk of the glitter, particularly at a festival where hot water may be in short supply.
But there’ll always be those pesky patches that require a bit more scrubbing.
We asked make-up artist and founder of beauty salon in south west London, Bridget O’Keeffe, for her top tips for getting rid of that stubborn sparkle without irritating your skin.
When it comes to glitter on your face, Bridget recommends soaking a cotton pad with your make-up remover, than placing it on top of your eye area and lips.
She explained: “Gently wipe off the product in small circulation motions.
“To remove anything that is remaining, wash your face with your usual cleanser and a warm flannel.”
For the rest of the body, Bridget advises using a natural oil such as coconut oil for removing body glitter.
“Dip your fingers in the oil and lightly rub it into your skin and over the glitter in small circular motions,” she said.
“Then use a flannel to remove the remaining oil and glitter with water.
“For really stubborn bits, use a large cotton pad and either make-up remover, baby oil or even olive oil. The thicker the better on the most stubborn areas.
“Press firmly over the glitter, sweeping away the left over particles. When you’re oiled up, the glitter will become loose and ready to wipe away!
“Natural products such as coconut oil are great as they are gentle on the skin and will avoid any nasty rashes or irritation.”
If you do end up with a rash, Bridget suggests using Care Aqueous Calamine Cream.
“It’s amazing for calming and soothing rashes, prickly heat as well as sunburn,” she said.
“If the rash persists then of course seek medical help.
“If you have super sensitive skin and are worried about rashes, opt for loose glitter like the £5 Topshop Glitter Pots and apply with Vaseline underneath, which is very gentle on the skin.”
An expert from premium glitter makeup brand added that application is key.
“Applying glitter correctly will make the removal much easier,” they explained.
“Be sure to use an oil based product and avoid using finger tips to spread the glitter. Instead opt for a clean makeup brush as this will help to avoid glitter spills on the face and make the glitter application more precise.”
Bridget added: “After applying the glitter, I often mix my finishing spray with a powder highlighter to give me an extra dewy glow.”
If you fake-tanned prior to glittering-up, Bridget warned that applying any oils or make-up remover onto your body is likely to remove it.
She suggests using a tan that already has a touch of glitter in it, and then lightly reapplying it with a tan mitt after removing the glitter to any areas which may have become patchy.
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“Many brands offer glitter drops which you can add into your tan for a touch for shimmer,” she said.
If you got glitter on your clothes, the best way to remove it is to use hairspray.
Spray the affected area and allow it to dry, before putting the clothing in the wash.
Make sure to put glittered clothes in a single wash, without other garments, so the glitter does not cross contaminate and leave other items with hints of sparkle.
Last month we told how Love Island’s glitter boob trend helped a single mum rake in half a million a year… all thanks to an eBay business she set up in her bedroom.