body wash brands to avoid

Body Glitter 40s Style: A Guide to Sparkling Like a Star

Are you looking to add a touch of glamour and sparkle to your look? Look no further than body glitter, the accessory that has been captivating fashion lovers since the 1940s. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about body glitter 40s style, including its history, how to wear it, and where to buy it.

The History of Body Glitter 

The use of glitter as a fashion accessory can be traced back to the early 1900s when it was used in cosmetics to add shimmer to the face. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that body glitter became popular as a way to add glamour to eveningwear.

During this time, Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor made body glitter a must-have accessory for any red carpet event. They would often apply it to their décolletage, shoulders, and collarbone to create a sparkling effect under the lights.

Body glitter also gained popularity during World War II when women would use it to add a touch of glamour to their otherwise plain outfits. It provided a sense of escapism and allowed them to feel beautiful despite the challenging times.

How to Wear Body Glitter 40s Style

Choose the Right Type of Body Glitter

There are many different types of body glitter available, including loose glitter, glitter gels, and glitter sprays. For a 40s-inspired look, opt for loose glitter that you can apply with a brush or puff. This will give you more control over where the glitter goes and allow you to create a more subtle effect.

Apply Body Glitter Strategically

To achieve the classic 40s look, focus on applying body glitter to your décolletage, shoulders, and collarbone. You can also add a touch of glitter to your hair or mix it with your body lotion for an all-over shimmer.

Keep the Rest of Your Look Simple

To avoid looking over-the-top, keep the rest of your look simple. Stick to neutral makeup and a classic outfit so that the glitter remains the focus.

Where to Buy Body Glitter 40s Style

Vintage Stores

For an authentic 40s look, try searching vintage stores for original body glitter products. You may be able to find glitter compacts or puffs that were popular during this time period.

Specialty Cosmetics Brands

Several cosmetics brands specialize in creating vintage-inspired products, including body glitter. These products are often cruelty-free and made with natural ingredients, making them a great option for eco-conscious consumers.

DIY Body Glitter

If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own body glitter using biodegradable glitter and aloe vera gel. This allows you to customize your glitter color and consistency while also being environmentally friendly.

Comparisons of Body Glitter 40s Style

While body glitter has always been a popular accessory, there are some differences between the way it was worn in the 1940s and how it’s worn today.

Placement

In the 1940s, body glitter was primarily applied to the décolletage, shoulders, and collarbone. Today, it’s more common to see glitter applied all over the body, including the face and hair.

Type of Glitter

In the 1940s, loose glitter was the most popular type of body glitter. Today, there are many different types available, including glitter gels and sprays.

Occasions

While body glitter was traditionally worn for evening events in the 1940s, it’s now become a popular accessory for festivals and other daytime events.

tips for wearing body glitter

  • Keep the rest of your look simple to avoid looking over-the-top.
  • Choose loose glitter for more control over placement and intensity.
  • Stick to neutral makeup and classic outfits when wearing body glitter.
  • Experiment with different colors and textures to find the perfect glitter for your look.
  • Apply gold glitter to your décolletage and collarbone for a glamorous evening look.
  • Add silver glitter to your hair for a subtle daytime sparkle.
  • Mix glitter with your body lotion and apply it all over for an all-over shimmer.

FAQ

  1. Is body glitter safe for my skin? Most body glitter products are safe for use on the skin, but it is important to check the ingredients list for any potential allergens or irritants. If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to test the product on a small patch of skin before using it all over your body.
  2. Can I wear body glitter during the daytime? Absolutely! While body glitter was traditionally worn for evening events in the 1940s, there are no rules when it comes to fashion. Feel free to add some sparkle to your daytime look with a touch of glitter.
  3. How do I remove body glitter? Removing body glitter can be tricky, but there are a few methods you can try. One option is to use adhesive tape to pick up any loose glitter. Another option is to use an oil-based makeup remover to dissolve the glitter and then wash your skin as usual.
  4. Can I mix different types of glitter? Yes, you can! Mixing different colors and textures of glitter can create a unique and eye-catching effect. Just be sure to apply the glitter strategically to avoid looking too over-the-top.
  5. Is biodegradable glitter a good alternative to traditional glitter? Yes, biodegradable glitter is a great alternative to traditional glitter. It’s made from natural materials that break down quickly in the environment, making it a more sustainable choice.

Final Takeaway

Body glitter 40s style is a timeless accessory that has been captivating fashion lovers for decades. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of glamour to your evening wear or sparkle in the sunlight, body glitter is a versatile and fun way to express yourself. With the tips and advice in this guide, you’ll be able to rock body glitter like a Hollywood star. So go ahead, embrace the sparkle, and shine bright like a diamond!

DIY BUBBLE BATH BLISS: CREATE YOUR OWN SOOTHING SOAK

There’s something incredibly calming about immersing yourself in a warm bath filled with soft, fragrant bubbles. Unfortunately, many commercial bubble baths contain chemicals and artificial ingredients that can irritate the skin. This homemade bubble bath recipe offers an all-natural, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative for a truly relaxing experience.

Who Doesn’t Love a Soothing Bubble Bath? We all enjoy a nice, relaxing bubble bath from time to time—I certainly do! I cherished them as a kid, and my love for them has only grown.

What I don’t appreciate, however, are the unnecessary toxic chemicals often found in store-bought bubble baths. Many of these products contain sulfates and synthetic fragrances, which have been linked to issues like endocrine disruption, immunotoxicity, and toxicity to non-reproductive organ systems.

What concerns me the most is that many of these bubble baths are marketed toward children and babies.

Below are the ingredients from a popular, expensive store-bought bubble bath:

“aqua/water/eau, sodium laureth sulfate, lauryl betaine, ppg-2 hydroxyethyl cocamide, glycerin, glycol distearate, parfum/fragrance, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, allantoin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, panthenol, tocopherol, tocotrienols, trilinolein, triolein, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, camellia sinensis leaf extract, polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-10, maltodextrin, methyl gluceth-20, sodium benzotriazolyl butylphenol sulfonate, buteth-3, tributyl citrate, citric acid, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, sodium benzoate, sodium sulfite, polysorbate 20, potassium sorbate, disodium edta, maleic anhydride, sodium hydroxide, methylene di-t-butylcresol, phenoxyethanol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, fd & c yellow no. 5 (ci 19140), fd & c red no. 40 (ci 16035)”

Not only is this an overwhelming list of ingredients, but many of them are toxic. For instance, methylisothiazolinone can lead to immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs. Meanwhile, polyquaternium-7, an anti-static agent, poses risks for non-reproductive organ system toxicity and ecotoxicology.

This particular bubble bath isn’t just harmful to your health; it also negatively impacts the environment. And this is just one example—many other store-bought bubble baths have ingredient lists that look alarmingly similar.

That’s why I’ve stopped purchasing store-bought bubble baths and started making my own. It’s incredibly easy to create, all-natural, and significantly cheaper than the average store-bought option.

How To Make Your Own Bubble Bath

To create your own homemade bubble bath, gather the following ingredients and supplies.

BOTTLE

You’ll need a bottle or bubble bath dispenser that can hold 14 to 18 ounces, like the one shown here. The recipe below will yield approximately 18 ounces of bubble bath. If you opt for a larger soap dispenser, feel free to add a bit more castile soap.

I always prefer glass bottles over plastic because essential oils contain powerful chemical compounds that can break down and react when they come into contact with plastic.

UNSCENTED CASTILE SOAP

Castile soap serves as the base for this bubble bath, providing the bubbles you love. This vegetable-based, natural product is suitable for all skin types, including those of babies.

I always choose unscented castile soap so I can customize the fragrance to my liking.

NATURAL BODY WASH (OPTIONAL)

If you have hard water, you might find that the castile soap doesn’t create much lather. In this case, I recommend adding a body wash to your bubble bath.

Opt for a natural option, like Everyone unscented body wash. Even if you don’t have hard water but want an abundance of bubbles, adding the body wash is a great idea. It significantly enhances the sudsing when combined with the castile soap.

VEGETABLE GLYCERIN

Vegetable glycerin helps thicken the bubble bath, enhancing its suds and bubbles while also offering additional moisturizing benefits.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils provide the delightful scent for the bubble bath, as all the other ingredients are unscented. If you want your bubble bath to smell amazing, be sure to add essential oils.

Below, you’ll find various combinations of essential oil scents.

It’s crucial to use only 100% pure essential oils, as some are synthetic. Fake essential oils can be just as harmful as the toxin-laden store-bought bubble baths.

For tips on how to identify fake essential oils and to discover some of my favorite brands, check out my post titled Fake Essential Oil Brands You Should Avoid.

Homemade Bubble Bath Recipe

To create this homemade bubble bath recipe, simply add the following ingredients to your jar or bottle. I typically use an 18-ounce glass bottle for this bubble bath. If you’re using a larger or smaller container, be sure to adjust the quantities of each ingredient accordingly.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup castile soap
  • 1 cup body wash (if you choose not to use body wash, add an additional cup of castile soap)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
  • 30-40 drops of essential oils (see scent combinations below)

Make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly and shake well before each use.

Simple Essential Oil Scent Combinations

You can create any scent combination you like with essential oils. If you prefer something straightforward that doesn’t require too many different oils, I recommend the following combos:

Simply add the essential oils to the recipe above, keeping in mind to adjust the amounts if you’re using a larger or smaller dispenser than I suggested.

Combo #1: 15 drops lavender + 15 drops lemon
Combo #2: 15 drops peppermint + 15 drops orange
Combo #3: 15 drops grapefruit + 15 drops lime

Homemade Christmas Bubble Bath

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to create some festive scent combinations for the holidays.

Candy Cane

30 drops peppermint + 10 drops spearmint

Christmas Cookie

20 drops ginger + 5 drops clove + 5 drops cinnamon + 4 drops nutmeg + 10 drops vanilla

Christmas Tree

30 drops fir + 5 drops vetiver + 5 drops cypress

This DIY bubble bath makes a great homemade gift—especially the Christmas-scented bubble baths.

You can sign up to receive free homemade printable gift tags below.

Alternatively, you can sign up to receive the colored bubble bath labels instead.

How To Use Homemade Bubble Bath

To use this homemade bubble bath, simply pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup into the bathtub while the tub is filling with water. Feel free to add more if you’d like it to be bubblier or sudsier.

For extra-large bathtubs, you may need to use more than 1/2 cup of bubble bath.

Keep in mind that homemade bubble baths typically don’t create as much suds as store-bought varieties. This is because store-bought bubble baths contain surfactants, which are responsible for producing those giant, foamy bubbles.

However, surfactants are harmful to the environment, so I prefer my homemade bubble bath.

I’ve heard that whisking an egg white into the bubble bath mixture can help create fluffy, long-lasting bubbles, but I haven’t tried that yet.

How To Store DIY Bubble Bath

This homemade bubble bath should be stored in a sealed container. The glass bottle I recommended earlier is perfect for storing this DIY bubble bath.

Just make sure to keep the pump tightly sealed at all times to prevent contamination from bacteria.

How Long Does Homemade Bubble Bath Last?

This homemade bubble bath can last for 1 to 2 years when stored in a sealed container.

How Often Can Homemade Bubble Bath Be Used?

You can use this homemade bubble bath as often as you like since it contains only natural ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing soak without worrying about harmful chemicals.

However, keep in mind that castile soap can be drying for the skin, so be sure to moisturize well after bathing. If you notice your skin becoming excessively dry, you may want to reduce your usage.

NEED ESSENTIAL OILS?

Make sure to use 100% pure essential oils when putting together this recipe. High-quality oils don’t have to break the bank.

I recommend brands like Simply Earth, Plant Therapy, and Far & Wild, as they all offer high-quality oils at affordable prices.

If you decide to buy from Simply Earth, you can use the code HAPPYHEARTFREE to receive an essential oil recipe box, a bonus box, and a $45 Simply Earth gift card, all for just $29.99 (new customers only)!!!

If you’re unfamiliar with Simply Earth or their recipe box, you can check out previous boxes [here].

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, creating your own homemade bubble bath provides a natural, customizable, and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought products.

By selecting your own ingredients, you can ensure that your bath is free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and unnecessary additives, making it gentle on your skin.

Moreover, you can tailor the scents, textures, and moisturizing properties to suit your preferences and specific skin needs.

I truly hope you enjoy using this homemade bubble bath! If you have any questions about the recipe, feel free to leave them in the comments below.