Mardi Gras wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without a sprinkle (or an entire pot) of glitter. But with many of us working towards curating a sustainable beauty routine – and festivals across the world banning the use of glitter due to its environmental impacts – it’s important to source eco-friendly products for every occasion.
Modern glitter, being made from plastic, actually contributes to the masses of microplastic pollution damaging the environment. The alternative? Bio-glitter.
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What is biodegradable glitter?
Biodegradable glitter is exactly as what it sounds like – an eco-friendly glitter that is made using plant-based materials such as eucalyptus, rather than polyester or PET plastics.
Why should I use biodegradable glitter?
Once the bio-glitter comes off your body and into the environment, it composts or dissolves naturally without leaving traces of plastic in the environment (assuming it’s 100 per cent cellulose). Plus, bio-glitter is naturally softer and feels less-scratchy on your skin, so it’s better for the earth and your body.
Here, we round up our go-to bio-glitter brands that will transform you into a walking disco ball.
Eco Stardust
With a range of fine and chunky glitters in every colour of the rainbow, there’s a glitter to suit every personality. Plus, your glitter comes in a recyclable tin and the company donates 10 per cent of profits to environmental charities – it’s a win-win.
ecostardust.com
The Glitter Tribe
Every glitter mix from The Glitter Tribe is certified biodegradable, meaning that biodegradation is guaranteed in a natural, freshwater environment. Just add chapstick or aloe vera gel and apply your glitter generously.
theglittertribe.com.au
Glitter Girl
Ethical, eco-conscious and founded by a 10-year-old girl boss from the Gold Coast – what’s not to love? Join the #GlitterGirlTribe and shop their eco-glitter bundles (like the set pictured) to take your look to the next level.
glittergirl.com.au
Moon Glitter
Stand out from the crowd with a glitter-tastic mix from Moon Creations. Each pot is cosmetic BioglitterTM certified and sustainably farmed from organic eucalyptus trees instead of plastic.
www.mooncreations.com
Project Glitter
Born in 2016, Project Glitter carries a range of fine and chunky bio-glitter options that are completely plant-based, vegan and made using renewably-sourced ingredients. Play it safe with a single colour or go all-out with one of their festival-inspired mixes.
projectglitter.com.au
In Your Dreams
These chunky glitter pots make the perfect finishing touches to your face, body and hair. The bio range is 100 percent suitable for home composting and made from renewable ingredients.
inyour-dreams.com
Glitterazzi
The brainchild of two best friends, Glitterazzi has got all your sustainable ready-to-rave solutions covered and lives by the motto #NoGlitterLitter. If you’re not really one to get your hands dirty (i.e. covered in sparkles), opt for their liquid shimmer that will have your skin shimmering.
glitterazzi.me
Glitter Fairies
With festival blends like ‘Mirrorball’, ‘Unicorn’ and ‘Harlequin’, this brand is destined for Mardi Gras fame. And you’ll love their range of Bio Glit Stix, BIOsparkleTM glitter paints and BIOstyleTM glittering hair gels that will take your look above and beyond.
glitterfairies.com.au
Love it!
I like using very fine glitter (eg Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadow), but I’m not into chunky glitter.
Wow, lots of biodegradable brands available, lots of options for eco-friendly glitter =) have never heard of these brands but it is fantastic to see so many alternate options that are safer for the environment.
Glitter looks amazing but I certainly won't be using glitter at all these days.
I don't like using glitter, but it's good to know that there are biodegradable options
Looks great but it's not something I would use at 44.
So glad to see some more environmentally friendly options. Glitter is fun to play with, and there are lots of pretty options from the above pictures.
Love glitter. So amazing that brands are bringing eco friendly versions! Next step, brands like Olay, Clinique…etc to stop placing finely milled plastic polymers in their formulations of cosmetics and skincare too!
People need to realize: "good for the environment" means Good for us, your kids…! As without environment….we are simply – dead.
Eco glitter sounds like the best thing since sliced cheese! Yay for that!!
Lovely for young ones, such a great idea, years ago I'd have used that.
What a lovely idea. So good that there are some caring businesses
Such a good idea. Just in time for Mardi Gras!
Very pretty, but not really my thing.
I'm not into glitter although on the right person I think it looks really pretty.
How fun and so great it's biodegradable, would be great for kids parties too
This is fun
Glad that it's environmentally friendly!
Glitter drives me nuts. It's like sand, it gets everywhere. If I was going to use glitter, it would definitely be this bio degradable type.
Ach! Needed this article a couple months ago. Oh well, next time I’ll be sorted.
I love using glitter so the idea of biodegradable glitter makes me feel fine about the effect on the environment.
Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle and environmentally friendly glitter is even better!!!
How awesome and even more pretty
I'm too old for glitter…
What a brilliant idea!
There will be lots of glitter in the streets of Sydney tonight and lets hope that these biodegradable products are well used too.
My daughter loves the glitter eyeshadows. Will have to tell her about these
How awesome…..everyones needs some extra sparkle in their lives from time to time 🙂
Good to see they're environmentally conscious
Love the concept of this!!! Plus it looks amazing too!!!
Very pretty on the eye lids too
Love it! Such a great idea!
I love glitter, but I think I’ve aged out of the glitter beauty products category, unfortunately.
What a great idea!
So good!! How many people will use it though?? Needs to be more awareness!
Me too, I want to be young and sparkly again !
Love that this site is promoting more eco brands lately. More please!
Love that biodegradable glitter products exist.
I’m not a fan of glitter, but I’m so happy that there are biodegradable options out now.
Theres something magical about glitter I love the colours and so perfect for Mardi Gras.
love a bit of glitter everyone should have a bit of sparkle in the life
I love it, when beauty brands are thinking of the environment and sustainability.
Yesss I love Glitter Girl glitters! I use them in makeup looks all the time!
Excellent, biodegradable glitter is a wonderful way to help the planet, lots of good glitter brands.
Great option to be shine.
I've reported the three spam posts by mccart on the "SERIAL SPAM MEMBER ON BH" thread.
I'm beyond wearing glitter, but I'm glad there's now a biodegradable version.