Remember that glitter needs to be as safe as any other embedded item used in a gel candle. You don’t want your sparkling glitter to create actual flaming sparks later on.

Regular craft glitter may not be your best choice, though it really depends on what its made out of. And trying to find out exactly what the material is can be tricky sometimes. When it doubt, don’t use it.

Some glitter is made of fine paper foil, which may be a hazard once your candle starts to heat up. Don’t assume that any glitter safe for wax candles is naturally OK for gel candles. Gel candles heat up quite a bit more than a wax candle, which will create different safety issues.

High-quality glitter products made from crushed glass are your best bet for use in a gel candle. It’s more expensive, but its both safer and more dramatic in your candle.

When adding glitter to your candle, stir it through the liquid candle gel before you pour it. It distributes better in the finished candle that way.