Glitter make-up makes any look just a bit more festive. But after the party comes the less sparkly side: how do you get rid of those glitters without them ending up in nature via the shower drain or the sink? Many glitters contain microplastics that are harmful to the environment if they end up in water. Luckily, we have a simple yet clever tip to remove your make-up without harming the planet. Here's how to do it!
Why is glitter make-up a problem?
Glitter make-up contains plastic, because those tiny plastic particles make you shine so beautifully. Those glitters in make-up are so small that they are called microplastics: tiny pieces of plastic that hardly break down in the environment. When worn, these particles spread easily - they stick to your hands and swirl around on furniture and clothes. But the biggest problem is in removing your glitter make-up. Your first inclination might be to quickly rinse off glitter make-up in the shower or with a warm flannel and some mild soap. Unfortunately, you then flush them straight into the sewer, and via there they eventually end up in nature. Not good.
Once in the environment, microplastics are a silent polluter. You hardly see them and therefore we talk about them less, unlike all litter. While microplastics are at least as big a problem. Microplastics also enter rivers and oceans through waterways, where they are harmful to plants and animals and possibly to us. We have written extensively about glitter before.
Glitter make-up are tiny microplastics. That is why it is important to remove them properly from your face and throw the piece of paper or cotton ball you use to do so straight into the bin. During our search, we got another good tip: Project Glitter Makes glitter from natural materials without microplastics.
This is how to easily remove glitter from your face
Okay, we get it: You have a party and want to splurge with glitter. Not the most eco-friendly choice, but still festive. What can you do afterwards to prevent those glittering particles from ending up in the environment? Either way, make sure the glitter spreads as little as possible. A smart tip: put the glitters on only once you have arrived at the party. This will prevent them from being blown away on the way - in wind force 5, not uncommon in the Netherlands. But the real difference is in removing your glitter make-up.
Instead of rinsing your face in the shower or using a wet flannel, grab a sheet of toilet paper. Wet the piece of paper a little, gently dab or wipe the glitter off your skin with it and immediately throw the used paper in a tightly sealed bin. Wetting helps the glitters stick better. Always use a new sheet of paper. Never flush the glitters down the sink, nor use a cloth cloth. Such a cloth seems handy, but if you rinse it out or put it in the washing machine, the glitters will still end up in the water.
Glitter make-up: shine without guilt?
Conclusion: glitter belongs in a party, not in the environment. With a few smart steps, you can enjoy your sparkly look without burdening nature too much But honestly? You don't need those shimmers at all - you already shine more than enough of yourself!
More sustainable glittter tips?
- Also see: in the glitter dress category: Are sequins glitter or horror?
- Also see: learn all about mica, a natural substance found as a shimmer in many products.
- View: the search for better make-up is not easy either.
Photo credits: main image: Yan Krukau (Pexels), other: litter jars: Andersonguerra (Pexels) & make-up set Cottonbro (Pexels).
