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Trend guide

Face gems and body gems

The Y2K rhinestone makeup look is back. Here is how to wear it without irritating your skin.

Updated November 2026 · United Kingdom

The look

Grazia USA reported Kylie Jenner at Coachella 2026 with rhinestones scattered across her body and a matching arm cuff, and gem manicures on Sabrina Carpenter and Dua Lipa (Grazia USA). Zara Larsson’s rhinestone makeup — including a rhinestone butterfly outline across her face — has become a signature (Yahoo Entertainment).

Face and body gems

Stick-on gems made for skin, for festival and Y2K looks.

How to apply face gems

  1. Start with clean, dry, oil-free skin; set any makeup underneath with powder where the gems will go.
  2. Plan placement in a mirror: along cheekbones, above the brows, at the outer corner of the eye area (not on the eyelid or lash line).
  3. Lift each gem with tweezers and press it on for a few seconds.
  4. For loose gems, use an adhesive made for skin, such as a lash or body adhesive — never craft glue.
  5. Avoid touching them; skin oils loosen adhesive.

Safety

Craft adhesives are not made for skin. Keep gems away from the eyes themselves, don’t apply to broken or irritated skin, and stop if you notice redness or itching. Keep loose gems away from small children.

To remove, soak a cotton pad in an oil-based makeup remover, hold it over the gems for a moment, and lift gently.

Common questions

Can I use rhinestone glue on my face?

No. Craft glues are not made for skin. Use gems with skin-safe adhesive or an adhesive sold for use on skin.

How long do face gems last?

Typically an evening to a day, depending on skin oil, sweat and how much you touch them.

How do you remove face gems?

Soften the adhesive with an oil-based makeup remover and lift gently; don’t pull.

Keep reading

Get the lookCelebrity bedazzled looks, and how to get themThe moments that made rhinestones everywhere again in 2026, with the reporting behind each one and the guide to do it yourself.Buying guideGem stickers: the fastest way to bedazzlePeel, stick, done. Self-adhesive gems are behind most of 2026’s gemmaxxing — here is how to get them to stay.TrendsBedazzling trends right nowGem stickers on coffee cups, rhinestones on birthday cakes, crystals on championship T-shirts. Here is what is trending, where it came from, and how to do it yourself.

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