How to Remove Glitter from Your Hands

Last Updated: October 6, 2019

Glitter is a stubborn decorative item, whether it has been used for craft or for skin decoration, and your sweaty palms, soft skin and hands in general make for a great medium for glitter adhere to long after it is needed. Never fear, there are some good ways to get rid of the glitter from your hands that don't involve rubbing your skin raw.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Using Poster Tack or Putty

This is a nice and quick method that kids will enjoy, especially for craft style glitter. If it doesn't collect all of the glitter though, you'll need to move onto one or more of the following methods; it all depends on the type of glitter used and how much of it is present.

1
Purchase poster putty adhesive of your choice. Poster putty adhesives are often known as Blu-Tac, Sticky-Tac etc.
- Play dough is another option that will work just as well as poster tack.
2
Take a small blob of the putty adhesive. Roll it into a small ball.

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3
Use the ball to roll over the glittered area of your hands. Roll and dab the ball all over your hands, it will collect the glitter onto the tack ball. Continue until the glitter has all come off.
4
Finish up. Toss the tack in the disposal and give your hands a good wash in warm, soapy water. You're good to go now.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Coconut oil ^{[1]
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This is a good method for both craft and makeup glitter types.

1
Purchase or find coconut oil (either in its liquid or solid form). If you need to warm it, do not use it until it has cooled enough to be safe on skin. However, you can use it in its solid form for this, so there really isn't a need to heat it up.
2
Rub the coconut oil over the glittered area of your hands. Use a circular motion to circle small areas at a time, removing the glitter as you go.
3
Wipe your skin with a damp cotton face washer or a commercial wipe product. This will remove both the coconut oil and the glitter from your skin. Continue until all glitter has been removed.
4
Finish up. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water. This will remove any remaining glitter and oil and leave them nice and clean.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Lotion or Makeup Remover^{[2]
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If you have a lotion you like to use, or a standard makeup remover, you may find these are ideal, fast solutions to removing glitter from your hands.

1
Purchase or find your favorite lotion or makeup/eye makeup remover.
2
Rub the lotion or makeup remover over the glittered part of your skin. Use small circular motions to capture the glitter.
3
Wipe the lotion or makeup remover off using a dampened cotton wool pads/balls or a commercial wipe. Discard of the pads/balls or wipes after they cease to collect glitter and replace with a fresh one. Continue until all glitter has been removed.
4
Finish up. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water. This will remove any remaining lotion and glitter.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Using Masking Tape

This method is especially useful for collecting the glitter that might still remain after you've tried to removed the glitter with oil or lotion.^{[2]
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1
Purchase or find a roll of masking tape.
- Sellotape or sticking plasters can be used in place of masking tape if that is all you can find.^{[2]
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  Research source} However, be aware that these will be harsher on your skin.
2
Tear off a length of masking tape that is easy to handle. You can either use the length or form little balls with the sticky side facing outward. Just be careful not to make sharp edges that will poke into your skin.
3
Place the length or ball of masking tape over the glittered part of your hands. Stick, then pull and a whole lot of glitter will come up with it. Repeat to collect more.
4
Change to a new piece of masking tape when the former piece will no longer collect the glitter. Continue until all of the glitter has been collected.
5
Finish up. When done, wash your hands with warm, soapy water and discard the used masking tape.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Removing Glitter Glue

1
Purchase or select rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
2
Soak a cotton pad or ball in the rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
3
Dab and gently rub over the area of skin with glitter glue stuck to it. Hold the soaked pad or ball in place for half a minute or so, to allow the liquid to react with the glue.
4
Peel off whatever is ready to come off with ease.
5
Wash the rest off using warm, soapy water and gentle scrubbing. Then condition your now slightly dryer skin with a nice lotion or hand cream (since alcohol will dry out the skin a little).

Warnings

Avoid scrubbing the skin when glitter is on it; the sharp edges of glitter can cause a painful rash or tiny cuts on the skin.^{[2]
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Research source} Always be gentle, using soft, small circular motions.

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The masking tape method is fairly gentle, but it may still grab onto hairs or skin. Do not use if you are especially hairy or you have any open wounds, raised scars or cuts.

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