THE SPARKLE DIMS: Want to duplicate the sparkly lips models sported down the recent Marni runway in Paris? Glitter bugs beware: starting Tuesday, it should turn out to be harder to purchase loose paillettes throughout the European Union.

That’s due to European Commission’s ban on the usage of microplastics, including in cosmetics and household goods. The law got here into effect mid-August, but transition periods vary for various product categories.

“The sale of microplastics by itself, or in products for which no transitional period is laid down, is banned as of 17 October 2023,” in keeping with a commission spokesperson. “That is the case of plastic glitter — loose plastic glitter.”

People took to social media to indicate how it will affect them. One post on TikTok, Barbie and Ken style, is titled “How the EU will react to the Glitter ban.” A lady notices her glitter spray can is empty and tries, along with her friends, to fill it up. No luck. A cry of “no glitter!” resounds from the home. And that’s just the primary a part of the drama.

Back to real life, within the European Union, loose plastic glitter is coming in a set with other cosmetics products, in addition to cosmetics containing glitter, which got specific transition periods. Glitter for rinse-off cosmetics has until Oct. 16, 2027, while glitter for leave-on cosmetics has until Oct. 16, 2029, within the European Union.

Glitter can keep being sold, nevertheless, for makeup, lip and nail cosmetics through Oct. 16, 2025.

“From 17 October, 2031, until 16 October 2035, as a way to proceed to be sold, makeup, lip and nail products have to bear a label indicating they contain microplastics,” the spokesperson continued.

The ban doesn’t apply to glitter or microplastics sold to be used at industrial sites, made from materials which can be inorganic — equivalent to glass or metal — natural, biodegradable or soluble in water or to beads and sequins, amongst other decorations, that are supposed to be threaded or sewn.

“As well as, products containing plastic glitter or microplastics which were placed available on the market before 17 October, 2023, including stocks, don’t have to be recalled or withdrawn from the market, but can proceed being sold,” the spokesperson said.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 turn out to be the primary climate-neutral continent by 2050.