Sorry, sparkle fans — scientists say we should stop buying glitter products for a serious reason
Glitter makeup has made its resurgence in the past few years, and it’s showing no signs of stopping.
Whether it’s a glitter lip or a glossy, glittery eyelid, beauty lovers have fallen right back in love with this nostalgic, ’90s look. In an unfortunate turn of events, however, scientists are urging people to take a step back, because glitter pollutes oceans and is terrible for the environment. Cue the tears!
As disheartening as this news might be, even the most devoted beauty junkies among us can acknowledge that taking care of our environment is of the utmost importance and takes precedence over our glammed-up looks.
It looks like it might be time to make a few sacrifices for the good of the planet.
And it’s not just cosmetic glitter that scientists want to ban — it’s all glitter. According to National Geographic, since glitter is a microplastic, it leaks easily into the environment and builds up, causing tons of damage over time. Many believe it’s best to get rid of it all.
Much like the microbead debacle that came before it (resulting in a ban on products containing plastic microbeads), the glitter problem is already inspiring creative solutions.
There are some glitter alternatives out there that will allow you to still use your beloved sparkle makeup without harming our ocean friends. We all phased out our microbead scrubs a while back, and we’re just fine. The same will go for glitter.
Here are a few environmentally friendly products that will satisfy your glitter cravings.
1Lush Snow Fairy Sparkle Jar, $9.95
This biodegradable glitter is made of seaweed and mica, and thus, is safe to use.
2EcoStardust Biodegradable Glitter, about $4.71
Made from cellulose, this versatile, biodegradable glitter can fulfill all your glitter needs.
3Eco Glitter Fun Super Chunky Biodegradable Glitter, about $4.72
Not only is this glitter biodegradable, but the packaging is made from recycled materials.
If a product isn’t good for the environment, how good can it be for us? The microplastic that leak into the oceans also makes its way into our bodies, and none of us want that. What do you think? Is this enough to make you want to ditch conventional glitter for good?
