Mixing Vaseline with glitter to apply on or around the eyes can cause severe problems. Because Vaseline is a thick, oil-based ointment, it melts with body heat and can migrate into the eye, carrying the glitter particles with it.
The combination of these two elements creates several major risks for your eye health.
The Risks
- Corneal Abrasions: Glitter particles (especially non-cosmetic or craft glitter) have sharp, abrasive edges. If they get into your eye, they can physically scratch your cornea — the clear front surface of your eye — leading to pain, extreme light sensitivity, and potential vision loss.
- Infection and Ulcers: Scratches on the eye can easily become infected by bacteria, potentially developing into a corneal ulcer.
- Clogged Glands: Vaseline is highly occlusive and can easily clog the Meibomian glands along your lash line. This can cause painful styes or lead to chronic dry eye issues.
- Milia: Using thick Vaseline on the very delicate, thin skin under your eyes can trap dead skin and oils, causing tiny white cysts called milia.
How to Apply Glitter Safely
If you want to use glitter in your makeup looks, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following these safety precautions:
- Use Only Cosmetic-Grade Glitter: Never use craft glitter. Cosmetic glitter is typically made of a softer polyester and has rounded edges, whereas craft glitter can be made of glass or sharp metals.
- Use a Proper Adhesive: Instead of Vaseline, use a water-based glitter gel specifically designed for cosmetic use. These adhesives dry down and hold the glitter in place, whereas Vaseline remains soft and prone to smudging into the eye.
- Only use Cosmetic Glitter glue on the body and not the face. Definitely not recommended on children.
- Avoid the Waterline: Do not apply glitter or sticky bases directly to your lash line or inner waterline. Or too close to the eyes. Especially not on children.
How to Remove Glitter Safely
My recommendations for glitter removal focus on both safety and environmental responsibility.
Before washing, remove as much glitter as possible by gently pressing a tissue against the skin to lift the particles. Dispose of the tissue in the bin rather than rinsing the glitter straight down the drain.
Even if the glitter is labelled as environmentally friendly, it still takes a long time to decompose — and in the meantime, it will enter our waterways. Here in the UK, our waterways are already under enormous pressure, with contamination at an all-time high. Every small action helps.
For further reading and to support the cause, I recommend following:
Personally, I use glitter very sparingly. For me, it should enhance a design — not take it over. Less is always more when it comes to glitter, both for the look and for the planet.