Body glitter has had many lives – early 2000s club nights, festival seasons, holiday glam – but its latest comeback comes with a very internet-approved nickname: “divorce dust. ”
And no, it didn’t start in a beauty lab. It started online.
How the trend began
About a year ago, women on TikTok and Instagram began joking about wearing body glitter on first dates. The reasoning was simple – glitter transfers easily and sticks around. If someone gets close, chances are they’ll carry a little sparkle home with them.
What started as a cheeky caption – “married men hate glitter” – quickly turned into a viral conversation.
One creator’s video of herself generously spraying shimmer all over before heading out racked up millions of views. The comments poured in. Some called it genius. Others called it hilarious. Most agreed it was iconic.
That’s when the term “divorce dust” took off.
Searches for the phrase began leading people straight to glitter sprays and shimmer products instead of anything legal. The name stuck because it was catchy, dramatic, and extremely clickable.
CA and content creator Sarthak Ahuja later broke it down in an Instagram video, pointing out how typing “divorce dust” into a search bar now brings up beauty products. He noted that the phrase has been trending across American social media for over a year – and it’s a perfect example of how culture can instantly rebrand an existing product.
Glitter didn’t change. The story around it did.
Why it blew up
A few reasons this trend caught fire so quickly:
It’s visual. Glitter looks incredible on camera.
Under flash or warm evening lights, it glows.
It’s funny. The idea feels playful, not heavy.
It’s nostalgic. Many of us remember roll-on shimmer from our teenage years.
It pushes back against minimalism. After years of “clean girl” beauty – neutral tones, sleek buns, barely-there glow – full-body sparkle feels rebellious and fun again.
More importantly, it shows how beauty trends today aren’t just about aesthetics.
They carry commentary. They spark discussion. They become cultural moments.
“Divorce dust” turned body glitter from festival extra to intentional statement.
How to hop onto the “divorce dust” trend (without overdoing it)
If you’re tempted to try it, here’s how to wear it like a beauty insider – not like you fell into a craft store.
1. Pick the right formula
Not all glitter is created equal.
Fine shimmer sprays give a soft, diffused glow. Best for beginners.
Shimmer body oils add shine with subtle sparkle – super wearable.
Loose glitter is bold and dramatic but needs a gel or oil base to stick properly.
If you’re unsure, start with a mist or oil. They’re easier to control.
2. Focus on placement
You don’t need to bathe in sparkle.
Apply to:
Collar bones
Shoulders
Upper arms
Legs (especially with a slit dress or shorts)
A little on the décolletage under evening lighting can look stunning.
3. Layer smartly
Glitter holds better over moisturised skin. Apply body lotion or oil first, then mist shimmer on top.
For extra glow, layer a shimmer oil and finish with a light spray.
4. Balance your makeup
If your body is glowing, keep your face clean and structured. Think:
Soft bronzer
Glossy lips
Defined liner
Minimal highlighter
Let the body shimmer be the hero.
5. Choose the right setting
This trend shines at:
Dinners
Parties
Night-outs
Events
In bright daylight, go lighter unless you’re intentionally leaning into full glam.
The bigger picture
At its core, “divorce dust” isn’t about relationships. It’s about rebranding sparkle.
It’s about turning something playful into something powerful. It’s about how quickly the internet can rename a product and give it new meaning. And it’s about beauty becoming layered – not just in application, but in narrative.
Glitter used to scream party girl. Now it whispers confidence, irony, nostalgia, even strategy – depending on how you wear it.
One thing’s certain: shimmer is back. And this time, it’s not subtle.
A little sparkle can start a very big conversation.
