Want to dazzle? Try the crystal make-up trend

Gemstones, sparkles and bright colours are making a comeback and we’re here for it. Here’s how to get onboard crystal make-up.

The second season of Euphoria has again made its mark on the beauty and make-up world, this time with an emphasis on bold looks and dramatic flair.

The Pinterest Predicts report found a 110 per cent increase in searches for crystal eye make-up in the past year, and it’s expected to continue rising.

So get your sparkles ready, because this look is taking over.

What is crystal make-up?

Adhesive rhinestones are used to create mesmerising designs around the eyes, much in the same way they were used in the early 2000s.

Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Addison Rae and Madison Beer have all been spotted sporting these glitzy looks, and crystals were a highlight of Autumn/Winter 2022 Fashion Week.

Central Coast make-up artist Elke Jean is a “huge fan” of the trend.

“I think it’s so much fun and very versatile,” Elke says.

“You can have a very simple make-up look but make it bold and confident at the same time.”

How to achieve crystal make-up

First, you’ll want to invest in some rhinestones. There are two main ways to bedazzle yourself.

Traditional face gems can be stuck on individually, giving you more control over your design, or you can use “stickers”, pre-made, intricate designs adhered with a single placement.

Both create stunning looks so it’s all about personal preference and how much time you have.

It’s also important to note that traditional face gems are applied with lash glue, which can cause reactions if you have sensitive skin.

Crystal face stickers use hypoallergenic, medical-grade adhesive, so may be a safer (but no less gorgeous) alternative.

Face stickers can also come as tiny individual jewels, meaning you have the same flexibility and control as you would with the traditional gems.

How do I incorporate crystal make-up into my look?

Adding gemstones should always be the final touch so you don’t accidentally discolour them with your make-up.

Hair Beauty Life Co founder Lyndle Bryan loves dazzling up her looks with a bit of bling.

“Start with a few statement pieces of crystal, and as you get more confident you can try different sizes in more uneven places,” she says.

If you’re using stick-ons, simply prep your skin with a mattifying setting powder and then stick them on. It’s that easy.

For glue-based rhinestones, again begin with setting powder, before applying latex-free glue to your skin in the spots you want your crystals.

Use tweezers to place gems with their flat sides down on the glue.

When deciding on crystal placement, think about where you want to draw attention to the most.

Consider the inner eye corners and along the upper or lower lash line.

Are you wanting a symmetrical look, or something more abstract?

Elke suggests starting minimally.

“I love to put a small crystal in the inner corner of each eye to make the eye makeup really pop,” she says.

“Sometimes I also incorporate the colours of the outfit to the crystals to have the whole look harmonise.”

Can crystal make-up be more subtle?

If you’re feeling a bit nervous about going full-on Maddy Perez, glitter eyeliner can add a slightly more subtle yet glitzy touch to your normal make-up routine.

Use it on its own or to outline and emphasise your black liner.

“I also love adding a crystal to the end of the eye even with no eyeshadow on,” Elke says.

“I feel like the crystals work as jewellery for the face!”

Lyndle says she prefers to use a “really tiny stone on the inner corner of the eye,” with highlighter placement to make it really “pop”.

However you choose to make your eyes sparkle, this trend is all about experimentation and having fun, so don’t be afraid to try something wild.

Written by Pippa Salmon.

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