This article discusses the best biodegradable glitter for festivals, as it’s important for us as festival goers to reduce the impact we have. Glitter is not eco-friendly by its very nature, but with new innovations, there are ways to enjoy glitter in a more sustainable way.
Glitter has become a cultural mainstay at festivals during the past decade. Social media has driven a new wave of ‘festival fashion’ that no longer involves dressing like a farmer or a roadman. Festivals are a place for expression, with fashion being one way to express yourself.
That’s where the glitter comes in – everyone loves a bit of glitter. No one can resist its shimmery glow when it’s time to adorn our faces with sparkly things for a night dancing in a field.
But most cosmetic and craft glitter is made from plastic. You know, that evil stuff that festivals like Glastonbury are trying to get people to stop bringing? Many festivals have no prohibited the sale of single use plastic and they’re strongly advising festival goers to try to limit the use of plastic inside the event.
So, if you’re looking for biodegradable glitter for your next festival, you’re in the right place!
Best Overall Biodegradable Festival Glitter
Stunningly luminous, holographic, locally produced and eco-friendly
Best Biodegradable glitter on Amazon
Stunningly luminous, holographic, locally produced and eco-friendly
Best Eco-Friendly Glitter if you’re on a budget
The best affordable choice to add some sparkle without breaking the bank
Other Options

The ultimate Bioglitter® PURE uber chunky boxed kit

EcoStardust Festival Favourites Biodegradable Glitter Set

Eco Sparkles Spaced Out Glitter Kit

Sparkletown Festival Collection
Tips for applying glitter at a festival
It’s not as easy as you’d think to apply glitter even if you’re sitting down at home in front of a large mirror. When you’re at a festival, it’s a lot harder to get this task done!
There’s wind, no proper mirrors, no flat surfaces and potentially poor lighting. It’s the worst conditions imaginable to have to apply glitter, but thousands of people manage. Still, it’s a messy job.
If your tent has a porch, it’s better to apply the glitter there and not in the bedroom, otherwise you’ll be sleeping in sparkle dust for days (although that may not be such a bad thing)
Tip 1: Use a Camping Mirror (not glass)
Camping mirrors are excellent, you’ve probably already established that glass is not allowed at music festivals as it’s dangerous. But what about mirrors? Mirrors are made of glass! Fortunately, camping mirrors exist!
If you’re on a budget, go for these flexible, adhesive mirror tiles – they’re not made of glass so they’re good for camping. There are also Magic Mirrors that are not glass (but you’d never know!) but they’re more expensive at around £45.

Tip 2: Use an adhesive or balm
Adhesive, such as cosmetic glue or spirit gum will harden (cure) as it dries, which will ensure your glitter will last for 12+ hours. Balm on the other hand, is less durable but better for sensitive skin.

The adhesive can leave quite a strange sensation on your face, if you’re not use to wearing it, you may not like the way it feels. Balm is also easier to remove/wash off afterwards but it will only stay in place for a few hours, and the glitter placement may move too.

Tip 3: Don’t overcomplicate things
Don’t try to recreate an elaborate whole-face design that you saw on Instagram – it’s a waste of time when there’s a whole festival taking place outside of your campsite! If you’re unsure, put glitter in the following places:
- Your cheekbones towards your temples
- Above your eyebrows
- Below your eyes in an inverted triangle shape
- In your beard or moustache (if you have one)
- In your hair (if you’re OK with that)

Tip 4: Try to remove your glitter before you sleep
Your skin will thank you! Use any oil-based make-up remover to dissolve the adhesive and carefully wipe away the litter with a cloth (don’t bother with wet wipes – they just move the glitter around)
Tip 5: Get friends to help with festival glitter application
Ask someone nearby to help with your glitter application and you’re bound to find someone who will happily oblige! You can also find professional glitter and face-painting stations around the place at most big festivals.
Biodegradable Glitter FAQs
Still got questions? Hopefully it’s answered below…
See also: Festival Skincare Tips
Conclusion: Best Biodegradable Glitter for Festivals
The best glitter main depends on your personal preference for colour, style and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Biodegradable glitter is preferable to traditional glitter, but it’s not really that much of an improvement when it comes to the emissions involved in the manufacturing process.
It’s kind of like comparing vaping to smoking. Smoking is bad and it’s been proven that it causes many different health issues. Vaping, on the other hand is a healthier alternative to smoking, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy! There was a time when cigarettes did not have filters, so they added filters in an attempt to make them seem “healthier” when really, they were almost exactly the same.
Don’t get taken in by green washing and bold claims.
Whether you choose to adorn your face with glitter or go natural – don’t judge others for their choice, enjoy yourself and take care of each other.