THE SPARKLE DIMS: Want to replicate the sparkly lips models sported down the recent Marni runway in Paris? Glitter bugs beware: starting Tuesday, it will become harder to buy loose paillettes within the European Union.
That is because of the European Commission’s ban on the use of microplastics, including in cosmetics and household goods. The law came into effect mid-August, but transition periods vary for different product categories.
“The sale of microplastics on its own, or in products for which no transitional period is laid down, is banned as of 17 October 2023,” according to a commission spokesperson. “This is the case of plastic glitter — loose plastic glitter.”
People took to social media to show how this will affect them. One post on TikTok, Barbie and Ken style, is titled “How the EU will react to the Glitter ban.” A girl notices her glitter spray can is empty and tries, with her friends, to fill it up. No luck. A cry of “no glitter!” resounds from the house. And that’s just the first part of the drama.
Back to real life, in the European Union, loose plastic glitter is coming in a set with other cosmetics products, as well as cosmetics containing glitter, which were given specific transition periods. Glitter for rinse-off cosmetics has until Oct. 16, 2027, while glitter for leave-on cosmetics has until Oct. 16, 2029, in the European Union.
Glitter can keep being sold, however, for makeup, lip and nail cosmetics through Oct. 16, 2025.
“From 17 October, 2031, until 16 October 2035, in order to continue to be sold, makeup, lip and nail products need to bear a label indicating they contain microplastics,” the spokesperson continued.
The ban does not apply to glitter or microplastics sold for use at industrial sites, made of materials that are inorganic — such as glass or metal — natural, biodegradable or soluble in water or to beads and sequins, among other decorations, that are meant to be threaded or sewn.
“In addition, products containing plastic glitter or microplastics that have been placed on the market before 17 October, 2023, including stocks, do not need to be recalled or withdrawn from the market, but can continue being sold,” the spokesperson said.
The microplastics ban falls under the umbrella of the European Green Deal, which has as its overarching goal for Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.