Glitter Tattoos for Kids: 5 Easy Tips for Making Them at Home

Looking for a fun activity for a birthday party, a weekend at home or a special occasion? Glitter tattoos are an easy way to add a little magic without much mess or prep.

Glitter tattoos are temporary designs you make on the skin with a stencil, a product to hold the glitter in place and cosmetic glitter. They look impressive and are easy to make at home, even on your first try.

Here are five tips to help you get started.

1. Let Your Child Pick Their Favourite Design

Choosing the design is half the fun. Unicorns, rainbows, stars, crowns, butterflies and paw prints are perennial favourites. Letting your child choose makes the tattoo feel like their own.

A stencil gives you crisp edges and makes even detailed designs easy to create. The individual glitter tattoo stencils also come in heart and mermaid designs, so you can pick a few to match your party theme.

2. Start with Clean, Dry Skin

A neat glitter tattoo starts with clean, dry skin. Wash the area with mild soap and dry it thoroughly. Skin oils, moisture and dirt can make it harder for the glitter to stick.

The forearm, back of the hand, ankle and shin are all easy spots to work on. For children under five, we stick to the hands. Children should always have an adult help them apply glitter tattoos.

3. Use the Right Products

You’ll need a stencil, a product to hold the glitter in place, cosmetic glitter and a small brush. If you’re starting from scratch, the Glitter Party Glitter Tattoo Set brings the supplies together in one kit.

Use glitter glue on children’s hands and body only. For a design on the cheekbone, use petroleum jelly or another water-free balm.

Pro Glitter Tip

Fine cosmetic glitter works especially well for glitter tattoos. The small particles help keep the edges crisp and make details like star points and butterfly wings easier to fill in.

4. Play with Colour

Mixing colours is one of the best parts of making glitter tattoos. Try two shades in the same butterfly, a touch of gold on a pink crown or a rainbow that fades from one colour into the next.

Pink and purple, turquoise and silver, and blue and green are all fun combinations. Let your child pick the colours and see how they sparkle when the finished tattoo catches the light.

5. Remove the Glitter Before Washing

First, gently lift off as much glitter as you can with a cotton pad or a damp wipe. Put the used pad or wipe in the bin, then wash the skin with water and a mild cleanser. This helps keep glitter out of the drain and waterways.

For a design on the face, an oil-based cleanser can help loosen the glitter so you can wipe it away gently.

How Long Do Glitter Tattoos Last?

A tattoo made with glitter glue can last several days. How long it stays looking sharp depends on where you place it, how oily the skin is, what you use to hold the glitter in place and how much the area gets rubbed or exposed to water.

A cheek design usually lasts for the day, while a tattoo on the forearm can stay looking good for several days.

When Should You Book a Glitter Artist?

Making glitter tattoos at home is a fun activity for a small group. If you’re expecting more guests, a glitter artist can keep things moving while each child gets to choose their own design and colours.

Glitter tattoos are a popular activity for children’s birthdays, family events, company celebrations and festivals.

Ready to Make Your First Glitter Tattoo?

Pick a favourite stencil, start with clean, dry skin and let your child choose the colours. You can find more designs and supplies in the Glitter Tattoos collection.