Glitter
Encyclopedia
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide, also known as titanium oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula . When used as a pigment, it is called titanium white, Pigment White 6, or CI 77891. Generally it comes in two different forms, rutile and anatase. It has a wide range of...
, iron oxides, bismuth oxychloride
Bismuth oxychloride
Bismuth oxychloride is a chemical compound of bismuth, oxygen, and chlorine, with the formula BiOCl. It exists in nature as the mineral bismoclite which is part of the matlockite mineral group.-Structure:...
or other materials painted in metallic, neon and iridescent colors to reflect light in a sparkling spectrum
Spectrum
A spectrum is a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary infinitely within a continuum. The word saw its first scientific use within the field of optics to describe the rainbow of colors in visible light when separated using a prism; it has since been applied by...
. Glitter is usually sold and stored in canister
Canister
The term canister comes from Latin or Greek . It means:* Originally, from Greek καννα , a basket of woven reeds...
s somewhat similar to salt shakers, which have openings that control the flow of glitter. These canisters may contain one or many colors. It can be permanently applied with strong glue, or temporarily applied with other sticky materials, such as makeup. It is not to be confused with confetti
Confetti
Confetti is a multitude of pieces of paper, mylar or metallic material which is usually thrown at parades and celebrations, especially weddings . Confetti is made in a variety of colors, and commercially available confetti is available in imaginative shapes...
, which contains larger pieces, and should also not be confused with sequin
Sequin
Sequins are disk-shaped beads used for decorative purposes. They are available in a wide variety of colors and geometrical shapes. Sequins are commonly used on clothing, jewelry, bags, shoes and lots of other accessories. Large sequins, fastened only at the top, have been used on billboards and...
s, which are larger yet.
Glitter is used in craft projects, especially for children, because of the brilliant effects which can be achieved relatively easily. Glitter is used as an element of decorations, and can be added to rubbers and plastics. It is also often put into cosmetic products like lip gloss
Lip gloss
Lip gloss is a product used primarily to give lips a glossy lustre and sometimes subtle color. It is distributed as a liquid or a soft solid...
and eyeshadow. Glittery cosmetics are popular with youth, but are also worn by adults.
Glitter was invented by Henry Ruschmann. Accounts conflict as to when glitter was invented—some say 1934 and others shortly after World War II.
The word "glitter" is often used euphemistically to refer to brilliantly gorgeous but superficial glamour. From this meaning comes the term glitterati to refer to pop stars and socialites. The word is derived from "glitter" and "literati".