I bought a big package of assorted glitter from a dollar store, and want to use it as 'body decoration' on a model. Is there a non-toxic way to apply it so that it stays on the skin. The same for things like 'gold and silver stars'--the kind teachers put on student's papers.

Thanks

Your easiest and safest way is to you glitter gel.

http://www.graftobian.com/commerce/cata … catId=2121

Easy for the model to clean off and you don't have to worry about glitter all over your studio.

Or you can go the cheap way and get a can of glitter hair spray from a party store.

Glitter gel is a valid option.

I rarely use glitter so never carry glitter gel. If glitter is required though i tend to use a very thin coat of vaseline (petroleum jelly) as my sticky base. Also works for gold leaf applications.

IS IT COSMETIC GRADE GLITTER????

This is an important question.

If it is a metal based glitter, or certain types of plastic it can do severe damage if it should get in the models eye. At the Very Least warn your model of this possibility. Cosmetic grade glitters (like those you can buy cheaply at sillyfarm.com) are a much safer alternative and also come in far more compelling colors and textures than you will find at the dollar store.

Agree 1,000 with Rich.

I'm glad you're asking questions from professionals who have experience with products and Model safety.

Because - as Rich as pointed out - your Model's Safety IS involved. So long as your Model understands the risks.... There IS an aspect of educated risk in order to get a look. Our soap box is that the best and safest product be used... not the just-as-good-as-cuz-it's-non-toxic.

Even cosmetic glitter is *not supposed* to be used near the eyes - but that doesn't stop everyone and their brother from doing looks with it.

So, what shape is the glitter?

Inexpensive square cut has 4 sharp corners. Hex and octo cut reduce the sharp edges. Depending on how the loose glitter is applied - and where - and what the shoot requirements are - the glitter can literal be ground into the skin creating micro-cuts.

As for the stars - do they have adhesive backing? Are they water-activated adhesive? Paper adhesives are designed for paper - not skin. I've seen MANY a reaction to non-cosmetic adhesives in my years as a bodypainter.

As to what adhesives to use for glitter - if you want it to have *some* movement, a thin layer of Vaseline or baby oil gel. If you want stick-n-land... hair gel will work, but has a shorter working window.

And, expect to have glitter in your studio for the rest of your life.

Good comment Rich... I use Hairspray to put glitter on top of paint!

I have a studio which I rent out. If I could ban glitter I would. I refer to it as herpes because once you have it it never goes away. It stays in the carpet and seems to always be stuck to the concrete floor.

That said, I support anything that doesn't fall off so I like the gel idea.

I occasionally use ultra-fine glitter with body paint. It's easy enough to pick up with a brush and dust onto the model's body, or, if you prefer a less precise application, it can be sprinkled or blown on. I also know a model who simply rubbed baby oil onto her skin before covering herself in glitter for a shoot.

However, as previous commentors have mentioned, the glitter that comes embedded in a gel might be your best bet, especially if you don't already have paint or something else down for the glitter to stick to.

While I agree with Rich and Lisa on using only proper products as a professional I have to chime in.

When it comes to photographing glitter effects craft glitter comes in a larger cut glitter, which photos better than cosmetic grade glitter which is fine cut. Now both can come in a large or small cut but generally cosmetic is found in fine cut.

Cosmetic glitter is polyester, craft is both polyester and metal. Try to avoid the metal. It is the actual paint pigments used to color glitter that makes it FDA compliant or not.

Soooo, if the goal is to capture the glitter effect a larger cut glitter would be my choice.

I'd say keep it (non-cosmetic) off your models face. Be smart and safe. Yes hairspray in an option so is aloe vera gel, glycerin, body glues like spirit gum or pros aide. It all depends on what your model is going to do posein wise. How much movement she doing and hown much glitter you want to clean up. It goes everywhere!

When your ready for people products cosmetic glitter can be found at local drug stores to body art supplies (like www.extrememakeupfx.com) .