How to Make Rhinestones Stay on Your Face — All Day Long

May 16, 2023
Sarah Ferguson
By: Sarah Ferguson | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
person with freckles smiling and wearing rhinestone eye makeup

At Makeup.com, we’re big fans of an “extra” eye look. Graphic eyeliner? Yes, please. Colorful mascara and eyeliner? Layer it on. Rhinestones, pearls or gems to top it off? Can’t stop, won’t stop bedazzling. 


While you likely know how to keep your eye makeup in place all day (primer and setting spray for the win!), you might not be so sure how to best apply rhinestones or other craft embellishments to your eyes or face and get them to stay put. Keep reading for our step-by-step guide to applying and removing rhinestones.

  • Step 1:

    Choose Your Glue

    Even if you’re using a rhinestone or gem with adhesive already on it, you’re going to want to use a skin-friendly glue to secure it in place. Eyelash glue works well for rhinestone application, and chances are you already have it at home and can easily toss it in your bag for touch-ups. 

     

    But if eyelash glue isn’t doing the trick, opt for something stronger like spirit gum (choose one that comes with a remover), an adhesive commonly used to keep prosthetics in place, or an adhesive that’s specifically formulated for the job, like the Mehron Makeup AdGem Adhesive.

  • Step 2:

    Prep the Area

    A clean, dry surface is essential for getting a rhinestone to stick. Either apply a mattifying setting spray like the NYX Professional Makeup Matte Setting Spray before applying the gem, or clean the spots where you want to apply the embellishments  with a cotton swab dipped in micellar water.

    person wearing rhinestone eye makeup
  • Step 3:

    Apply Your Adhesive and Stick on Your Rhinestones

    Once your skin is dry, apply a small dot of glue on the stone or gem and wait a few seconds for it to get tacky. Use tweezers to apply the stones for precise application. Once the gem is on your face, gently press it into your skin with a clean finger.

  • Step 4:

    Remove Them

    If you use eyelash glue for application, the stones and glue should come off easily with a makeup remover like the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe. Professional-grade adhesives like spirit gum may require the use of the remover that came with them for best results.

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn

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