Glitter Ban: How To Sparkle Without Glitter

What’s the most planet-friendly way to sparkle this season? Ditch the glitter and add some eco-conscious shimmer.

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Porter Magazine

As of this month, the European Union has officially banned the sale of glitter across its 27 countries in an effort to restrict the sale of plastics less than five millimetres small, including the kind often used in makeup products. The ban is part of the EU’s goal to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. This is obviously fantastic news for the planet, and a big step towards making the beauty industry more eco-conscious, and it doesn’t need to mean that you can’t sparkle this season, either. Obviously, the ban poses a challenge to creating the same level of sparkle but there are alternatives to glitter that can provide shimmer without harming the environment.

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What’s The Problem with Glitter?

Glitter is made from microplastics, which are small plastic particles that are less than five millimetres in size. These microplastics are harmful to the environment, especially marine life, as they can be ingested and cause harm to animals and humans.

Eco-Friendly Glitter Alternatives

What’s already on the market that you can switch your glitter for? Here are some options for you to try out this party season…


Biodegradable glitter: Biodegradable glitter is made from plant-based materials and is designed to break down naturally in the environment.

TRY:  Tood Beauty | Bioglitter Amethyst

Mica powder: Mica powder is a natural mineral that is often used in makeup products to provide a shimmer effect.

TRY: Festival Glitter | Vegan Eco Friendly Pigment Powder 

Metallic eyeshadows and liners: Metallic eyeshadow is a great alternative to glitter as it provides a similar level of sparkle without the use of microplastics. Choose a high impact colour to make up for the slightly lower wow factor than glitter.

TRY: Charlotte Tilbury | Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo

Holographic nail polish: Try a high shine nail colour that’s free from microplastics. There are a host of metallic and shimmering options for you to choose from.

TRY: Nailberry | Glamazon


READ NEXT: Trending: Metallic Liner | Perfect Party Makeup

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