What's the best way to adhere glitter?

by My Store Admin on Jun 23 2026

One of the most common questions we receive is: how should glitter be applied?

The good news is that creating glitter makeup, glitter tattoos, face gems, and glitter hair isn't difficult. The choice of the right adhesive mainly depends on how durable you want the result to be and where you are applying the glitter.

For glitter makeup on the face, Glitter Primer works best; for face gems and glitter tattoos, glitter glue; and for glitter hair or glitter beards, regular hair gel.

In this guide, we'll go through the best options for different uses.

Glitter Primer – the best adhesive for face glitter makeup

If you want to create glitter makeup on your face, Glitter Primer is usually the best option.

Glitter Primer is specifically designed for attaching glitter to the skin. It forms a slightly tacky surface to which glitter easily adheres and stays in place for hours.

Glitter Primer is especially suitable for:

  • Eyelids

  • Under-eye glitter

  • Inner corner of the eye

  • Cheekbones

  • Glitter freckles

  • Festival makeup

The advantage of primer is that it doesn't feel heavy or greasy on the skin. Therefore, it works particularly well on the mobile eyelid, where, for example, petroleum jelly might gather in the crease.

Usage is easy:

  1. Apply a small amount of primer to the desired area.

  2. Allow it to become slightly tacky.

  3. Pat the glitter onto the primer with your finger or a brush.

If you don't know which adhesive to use, Glitter Primer is most often the safest choice.

Petroleum jelly and other anhydrous creams

Petroleum jelly remains one of the easiest ways to apply glitter.

It is especially suitable for:

  • Cheekbones

  • Under the eyes

  • Small details on the face

  • Children's glitter makeup

  • Easily removable looks

The advantage of anhydrous cream is that glitter can be added and corrected later. The makeup does not lock in place in the same way as with primer or glue.

However, petroleum jelly should be used sparingly. Too thick a layer can accumulate in skin creases or on mobile areas.

Glitter glue for face gems and glitter tattoos

When you need an especially durable hold, glitter glue is the right choice.

Glitternisti's skin-friendly glitter glue is especially suitable for:

  • Attaching face gems

  • Glitter tattoos

  • Performance makeup

  • Long event days

  • Body glitter decorations

The glue dries quickly and holds decorations very well in place.

Because the hold is strong, glitter glue is generally not the best option for large areas of the face or children's faces. For face glitter makeup, Glitter Primer is usually more pleasant to use and easier to remove.

Applying glitter tattoos

Glitter tattoos are one of the most popular ways to use glitter at events, birthdays, and festivals.

The most durable result is achieved by using:

  • A stencil

  • Glitter glue

  • Cosmetic glitter

A properly applied glitter tattoo can last on the skin for several days.

Durability depends on factors such as skin type, washing, and how much the area is rubbed during the day.

If you want a long-lasting glitter tattoo, glitter glue is practically always the best option.

Glitter hair and glitter beard

Glitter doesn't just belong on the face.

Glitter hair and glitter beards are particularly popular at festivals, pride events, bachelorette parties, themed parties, and corporate events.

The best adhesive for hair and beards is regular hair gel.

Do this:

  1. Apply the gel to the desired area.

  2. Add glitter on top of the gel with a brush or fingers.

  3. Allow to dry.

Glitter works especially well on:

  • Partings

  • Buns

  • Braids

  • Base of ponytails

  • Beards

  • Mustaches

Remember that the gel dries hard. Therefore, your hair and beard will also stiffen slightly during use.

Glitter on nails

Cosmetic glitter also works well for nail decoration.

The easiest way to create glitter nails:

  1. Apply clear nail polish.

  2. Sprinkle glitter over the wet polish.

  3. Allow to dry.

  4. Add one or two layers of top coat.

You can also dip a freshly polished nail directly into glitter for a more striking result.

How to remove glitter makeup?

Glitter removal should be done in a way that prevents glitter from ending up in the drain.

The best way is to:

  1. Wipe off most of the glitter with a face wipe or reusable cotton pad.

  2. Collect the remaining glitter with tape.

  3. Wash your face as usual.

If you have used glitter glue, an oil-based makeup remover will make removal much easier.

Tape is an excellent aid, as it collects even the smallest loose glitter particles without extra rubbing.

Which adhesive should you choose?

If you want a shortcut to the right product:

Glitter Primer

  • Face glitter makeup

  • Eye makeup

  • Festival makeup

  • Best overall solution

Petroleum jelly

  • Light glitter looks

  • Children's glitter makeup

  • Easily removable makeup

Glitter glue

  • Face gems

  • Glitter tattoos

  • Long-lasting decorations

Hair gel

  • Glitter hair

  • Glitter beard

  • Eyebrows

With the right adhesive, glitter stays exactly where it should, and applying makeup is significantly easier than many might initially imagine.

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