If there’s one thing I’m obsessed with right now, it’s FACE GEMS AND PEARLS. Uh, hello – we all saw how Euphoria lowkey broke the internet, right? I mean, who didn’t immediately rush to stick sparkly stuff all over their face the second Maddy stormed into the room, serving top-tier glam with face jewels? It’s the vibe for this year. ✨
If you’re already into makeup, you know things are getting more extra every day – and I’m so here for it. Adding gems and pearls to your look is like putting the cherry on top of a sundae – except it’s on your face, and way cuter. So, grab your sparkles and let’s talk about how you can join the Makeup Maximalist club 😎.
Why Gems & Pearls Are the Coolest
Okay, makeup gems aren’t just sequins on steroids. They’re like mini, 3D accessories that take your makeup game from “Hey, that’s cute” to “OMG, SLAY QUEEN!”
You’re basically making your face into art, and who wouldn’t want to be a walking masterpiece?! Plus, they’re so versatile. Want to look like a festival goddess? Gems and pearls. Trying to nail that soft ethereal & glowy vibe? Pearls are your new BFF. And if you’re just going to the grocery store and want to make it a moment? Yes, girl, there are gems for that, too.
Face gems and pearls let you tell the world: “I’m extra and that’s fine!”
Where to Stick These Bad Boys
If you’re like me and feel a tiny bit of pressure of where to place them – don’t stress. There are no rules here, babe! You’re the artist, and your face is the canvas. That said, I do have some fave spots that always seem to work.
1. Around the Eyes
This one is obvs because, well, eyes are the windows to our souls… and who doesn’t want their windows to have a few diamonds hanging around? Pop a couple of small gems around your outer eye-corners or ALL around the lash line for a more editorial moment. You can even try one above your brow for understated glam, or go ALL. OUT. and line your brows with pearls. Yes, fake ’em if you gotta; it’s a total flex.
Some cool combos I swear by:
| Gem Color | Eyelid Color Combo | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal / White Gems | Pastel Eyeshadow | Fairycore Queen |
| Dark Gems (like Emerald or Black) | Smokey Eye | Dark & Dangerous |
| Pearls | Soft Baby Pink | Insta-soft, delicate vibes |
2. On the Lips (YES, I Said Lips)
Controversial opinion alert: Face gems on lips are wildly underrated. It’s not going to be your day-to-day Starbucks run vibe, but… red carpet? Insta? Music festival? ABSOLUTELY. The trick? Keep your lip product creamy and leave space around the edges for the gems to stick to – highlights and contrasts make the gems pop so much more.
3. On Your Cheekbones
I know you’re already throwing glitter and highlighter at those cheekbones, but hold up: throwing a couple of small pearls or rhinestones there will pull the whole look together and basically scream, “I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING!”
For a softer, more angelic look, ditch the rhinestones for tiny white pearls. That way, it gives a more elegant vibe, but it’s still giving that girl energy. 😇
How to Make Sure They Don’t Fall Off (Because, uh… that happens)
We’ve been there: You’re feeling yourself, doing the TikTok dance that no one asked for, and then… a gem flies off and hits the floor. RIP. 😭 No shade, but I don’t think anyone likes walking around with a half-bedazzled face. It’s giving unfinished masterpiece.
Here’s how to get it RIGHT every time:
1. Use Lash Glue (THANK ME LATER ✌️)
Trust me, girl. If you’re using some random dollar-store sticky tape, you’ve already lost the battle. The pros use lash glue because it’s designed to stay (and it’s eye-safe, which is a HUGE plus when you’re sticking stuff around your waterline).
Pro Tip: Always use a small brush to apply lash glue to the back of your gem, then place it exactly where you want it. And be patient! Wait a few seconds for the glue to get tacky before you stick it down. If you don’t wanna be there gluing all day, this tiny waiting step speeds things up.
2. Tweezers Are Your Besties
Using just your fingers is gonna be tricky, especially when you’re dealing with tiny pearls or itty-bitty crystals. Get yourself some regular tweezers or, better yet, a gem picker tool. Seriously – game changer. You’ll have so much more control, and it won’t feel like a total wrestling match with your own face. 😆
3. Seal with Setting Spray
Once you’ve stuck on all your gems and pearls, give your whole look a GOOD shower in setting spray. No skimping! This locks in your makeup and gives a lil extra hold to your sparkly add-ons. Double win, girly!
Pro Tip: My go-to is the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (because listen, it lives up to its name). You may not be able to stay up all night, but your gems will. 😂
Inspo for Weekend Looks
Ok, this is the fun stuff! Whether you’re prepping for a party, festival, or just need ideas for your Saturday glow-up, here are some looks that are gonna make everybody hit your Insta with that heart-eyes emoji.
The Classic ‘Maddy’
A staple from season 1 of Euphoria – bedazzle your brows with diamonds while keeping your eyeshadow pretty neutral. Pair it with a glossy lip and winged liner. Everyone will think you’re about to storm out dramatically, break a heart, swoop some eyeliner, and maybe call Nate Jacobs “pathetic.”
Soft Glam Princess
Add some tiny pearls under your eyes with a bronzy-neutral shadow look and nude lips for an otherworldly look. It’s giving “I woke up like this,” but also, you spent a solid 45 minutes on it, and we respect that. 👑
Festival Freakshow
If you’re going to a festival or honestly any occasion that’s gonna have LED lights, GO BIG OR GO HOME! Cover your face in multicolored rhinestones, glitter accents, electric eyeliner, and maybe some holographic highlighter. Serve cosmic rave queen vibes. 🌌✨
Mermaid Fantasy
Throw little pearls and turquoise gems around your eyelids and cheekbones with soft blue and green shadows to create that mermaid-core moment. You’ll definitely feel washed ashore and ready to conquer some mythical seas—or at least the club. 😜
Gen Z Pro Tips for Adding Even More Sauce to Your Face Gem Look
I think we both know by now that there’s always room for MORE with Gen Z makeup. Here’s how to level up your gem and pearl usage without even breaking a sweat:
- Glossier Skin Tint + Heavy Gem Party:Glossier Skin Tint + Heavy Gem Party Let your skin breathe while your gems handle all the drama. Dewy, glossy skin is the perfect blank canvas for bold but carefree looks.
- Color Themes Only: All your gem placements don’t have to be rainbow!! Try sticking to just one color across your lid and gems to look like you dropped straight out of WeHeartIt (does anyone else miss their pink Tumblr?!)
- Layering is EVERYTHING: So, pearls on top of star-shaped rhinestones? You better believe it! Try placing bigger pearls as the base and layering a tiny gem on top for that high-dimensional, jewel-toned effect. You’ll thank me later when your selfies look LUXE.
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Less IS More (Sometimes): Okay, okay. Don’t @ me. But sometimes, one or two well-placed gems are all you need for major drama. You might get a more elevated mood than going full sparkle-bomb.
Where To Get Your Gems and Pearls (Without Breaking the Bank)
We’re all trying to save a lil coin, right? So here are some places I’ve scored the best gems and pearls for makeup that does not break the bank but still gives vibes.
- Amazon: Trust me, you’ll find all shapes and sizes – usually in pack deals too. AND they’re super affordable.
- Etsy: If you’re aiming for something more unique that no one else in your friend group’s seen yet, Etsy sellers often hand-make cool gem mixes.
- Michaels Craft Store: Listen, Michaels isn’t just for yarn, y’all. They’ve got tiny rhinestones, pearls, and even glitter gels that are game changers for the face gem world.
You don’t need a designer brand to get the glowy, sparkly glam you deserve.
Wrapping This Party Up
Look, I know rhinestones and pearls on your face might feel like a lot but that’s the best part! It’s a look that screams confidence and creativity. At the end of the day, makeup is FUN and should always feel like self-expression. So, if you wanna go the extra mile and add some sparkle to your life (literally), DO IT. Paint your face with gems, embody your inner glam goddess, and stunt like you’re ready for every mirror to become your paparazzi.
Catch you at the next sparkle fest, babes! ✨
