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Glitter has been used for centuries in all forms of art. Dating back to ancient civilizations, glitter can be seen in the artwork. The mineral known as mica is the oldest form of glitter used and has the most versatility in its applications. The Muscovite is the version of the mica that provides the shimmer in the skincare and art products. With the advances over the decades, glitter tattoos are the newest addition to the many uses it already has. Invention of Glitter: In 1934, a machinist, Henry Ruschmann founded a company called Meadowbrook Inventions in Bernardsville, New Jersey. It is said he perfected the grinding of plastics fine enough to make glitter without using mica. The Meadowbrook Inventions website also specifies that cosmetic-grade glitter-- known by the brand name Cosmetic Jewels -- is made from a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate. (PET) The plastic is aluminized -- or metalized, meaning treated or coated with metal -- and cut or ground to the thickness of 25 microns -- with the smallest particle size around 100 square microns. In the sixties, the cosmetic industry took Ruschmann’s glitter and refined it to be used cosmetically. Adding glittery shimmers to makeup proved to be extremely popular. In 1972, David Bowie resurrected his music career by adding, you guessed it, glitter tattoos to his costuming. Makeup artist Pierre La Roche put a large glitter tattoo across Bowie’s face in the shape of a lightening bolt to accentuate his persona “Ziggy Stardust”. From there 1980’s rock bands such as Poison and Motley Crue began gluing glitter into their ‘big hair’. The fans went wild. Glitter use began by fans using Vaseline to make craft glitter stick to their hair and faces. The cosmetic industry grabbed this idea and began developing cosmetic grade glitter for use by the general public. By the 1990’s glitter was used everywhere. From children’s toys to adult hair preparations – from clothing to cars. In the early 21st century (2000’s for those of you who aren’t aware), glitter began to fall off the popularity chart until 2006 when “My Little Pony” came out dressed in glitter, followed by a resurgence of glitter-mania. Glitter tattoos are a wonderful answer to children’s and adult’s interest in using glitter to adorn themselves. But what is safe and what is not safe glitter tattoos? Are Glitter Tattoos Safe? The basic difference between a safe glitter and one that is not safe is how it is made. In general, a cosmetic grade glitter is a poly-coated pigment. The plastic used is safe, even if it is swallowed or if you get it in your eye. The same is true with the pigments used that gives it color. Most crafts glitters are poly coated dyes. This is different as the dyes can leach out when they come in contact with moisture from the eye or your face paints. These dyes might be unsafe and cause problems. These can be harmful if you get them in the eye. Add to that the way the glitter pieces are cut is very specific in a cosmetic application. This standard means everything from how clean the cut is, the safety standards of the machine used, the containers used and even what the machine is made from. Add to that there are cosmetic standards to the packing process defined by GMP (good manufacturing procedures). There are hundreds of things to consider from washing hands after going to the bathroom to the cleanliness of the work area. Do you want something like rust to be swept into the glitter container with your glitter? If the glitter is used for an art project or to decorate your car you might not care. However if you use it near the eye and it gets in the eye you can do everything from irritate the eye, get an infection or even cause blindness. Most of the glitter used today in glitter tattoo kits such as the ones produced by GlitZGlam Body Art is hypoallergenic and absolutely safe for children and adults. The glitter tattoos won’t irritate the skin (even the most sensitive one) but it is recommended, especially for children, to stay away from the delicate eye area. Other than that glitter tattoos have never been more fun and easy as glitter body art has gone from being used only in art to adorning the body with glamour. GlitZGlam Body Art makes this form of temporary tattoos fun, creative and easy. ~ Anie Dee is a glitter tattoo artist at GlitZGlam Body Art who loves to work with children and write about interesting topics that relate to my day-to-day activities. Find out where on the web are the most amazing glitter tattoo kits glitter tattoo kits , stencil sets, glitter and bling jewelry.
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glitter tattoos, temporary tattoos, children tattoos,
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