How to Do Your Own Glitter Tattoos at Home (Step by Step)
Glitter tattoos are one of the easiest ways to add sparkle to your look — no needles, no commitment, no artistic skill required. With a self-adhesive stencil and loose glitter, you can create a crisp, shimmering design on your arm, shoulder, collarbone or face in about two minutes. Here's exactly how to do your own at home.
The whole thing works on one simple idea: the stencil is a sticker with the design cut out of it. You peel it, stick it, dust glitter over the cut-out gaps, and peel the stencil away — leaving glitter only where the design was. No separate glue step, because the adhesive is already built into the stencil. If you want to skip straight to trying it, the MintGemz Glitter Tattoo kits come with everything below in one box.
What you'll need
- A self-adhesive glitter tattoo stencil — the design is die-cut into a sticker
- Cosmetic glitter — MintGemz kits include 9 colours so you can mix and match
- A small brush or applicator — for dusting the glitter on and sweeping away the excess
- Clean, dry, bare skin — no lotion or oil on the area, no body hair
That's it. There's no glue bottle, no water, no transfer paper. Everything you need is in the Glitter Tattoo Starter Kit.
How to apply a glitter tattoo, step by step
Step 1: Prep your skin
Choose a flat, dry patch of skin — inner forearm, outer shoulder, collarbone and the back of the hand all work well. Make sure the area is clean and free of any moisturiser, sunscreen or oil. Anything on the skin stops the stencil sticking properly and lets glitter creep under the edges. If in doubt, give the spot a quick wipe and let it dry fully.
Step 2: Peel and stick the stencil
Peel the stencil off its backing and press it firmly onto your skin, design-side down. Smooth it flat with your fingers — press all the way around every cut-out edge so there are no gaps or air bubbles. The firmer the seal, the crisper your design will be. This is the single most important step for a clean result.
Step 3: Dust on your glitter
Pick your colour (or two — this is where you get creative), and use the brush to dust the glitter generously over the whole stencil. Press it gently into the exposed cut-out areas so it sticks to the adhesive underneath. Don't be shy with the amount — more glitter now means a bolder design. Want an ombré effect? Apply one colour at one end and a second colour at the other, blending in the middle.
Step 4: Sweep away the excess
Once the cut-out areas are fully covered, sweep the loose glitter off the top of the stencil with your brush. Tip the excess back into the pot to reuse it — nothing wasted.
Step 5: Peel the stencil away
Slowly and evenly peel the stencil off your skin. The glitter stays behind, stuck exactly where the design was cut out — leaving you with a crisp, sparkling tattoo. Peel gently so you don't drag glitter across the clean skin.
Step 6: (Optional) Set it
Your glitter tattoo will last on its own, but if you want extra staying power for a big night or a festival, you can lightly set it. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes before touching, and avoid rubbing the area.
How to make your glitter tattoo last longer
- Apply to oil-free skin — clean, dry skin holds far better than moisturised skin
- Remove body hair — extra body hair at the spot of application may cause difficulty when peeling off the glue piece
- Avoid high-friction spots — areas that rub against clothing or straps will wear faster
- Pat, don't rub — when drying off after a shower, pat the area gently
- A little hair spray for some extra adhesion
- Reapply as needed — one kit gives you multiple applications, so touch-ups are easy
With good prep, a glitter tattoo comfortably lasts through an event, a party or a festival day.
How to remove a glitter tattoo
Removal is easy and painless. Press a piece of tape gently over the design and peel it away to lift most of the glitter, then wipe the area with a little baby oil, micellar water or makeup remover on a cotton pad. The oil breaks the bond and the glitter wipes straight off. Rinse with warm soapy water to finish.
Design ideas to try
- Festival looks — stars and hearts scattered across the collarbone or under the eyes
- Y2K aesthetic — butterflies on the shoulder in blue and silver
- Matching sets — the same design on a group of friends for a party or hens night
- Kids' parties — bright, cheerful designs that peel off easily afterwards (patch test first)
- Ombré — blend two glitter colours across one stencil for a gradient effect
A few safety notes
Glitter tattoos are for external body use only. Always do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin, and avoid applying over broken skin, cuts, or irritation. Keep glitter away from the eyes and don't apply too close to the eye area. Keep loose glitter away from children under 3. If any irritation appears, remove the tattoo and wash the area with warm soapy water.
Ready to sparkle?
Everything you need to do your own glitter tattoos at home is in the Glitter Tattoo Starter Kit — self-adhesive stencils plus 9 glitter colours. Want more sheets and designs? The Full Kit has double the stencils, and the Refill Pack tops up your stencils once you're hooked.
Browse the whole range at the Glitter Tattoos collection — and use code MINTGEMZ10 for 10% off your first order.
Related reading
For external body use only. Patch test before use. Not for use on broken or irritated skin, or near the eyes. Keep loose glitter away from children under 3. MintGemz · Gold Coast, Australia.