Cats Creations wrote:
Can you use cosmetic glitter near the face etc and buy cheaper craft glitters for the rest? As if you want piles of glitter it may take a fair few bags....

Cat

Not really a good idea when dealing with skin. Glitter doesn't always stay put, and some craft glitter can be EXTREMELY harmful if it gets in the eyes or other sensitive areas.

To answer the OP...it would depend on many variables...
- What is the color of the models skin?
-What is the color of the glitter?
-What is the particle size?
-What do you plan to use for adhesive?
-How opaque do you need the coverage to be?
-How large/small is the model?

When buying bodypaint supplies I usually think about how much it would take and then buy 50% more than that...in case of spills, changes in plans...and because it often seems like it takes more than it should.

It's not really an exact science where I can tell you that you need 4.5 ounces.

Sungoddess Studios wrote:
this guy used cooking oil and gold powder it took about 3 oz of powder and a small amount of oil. I would use olive oil if I were to do another shoot like this.

I'm not sure how accurate it may be, but I was told that cooking oil is basically flammable (isn't it?)...something to consider if you are going to cover someone in it.