Ever wonder where the trend of decorating your face with face gems came from? The practice can actually be traced back centuries. Ancient Egyptians were well known for their extravagant use of gems, stones, and jewels not just in clothing but also in their makeup. They would often adorn themselves from head to toe in gemstones, including pressing semi-precious stones into their skin with natural adhesives. This is believed to be one of the earliest forms of face gems.
Throughout history, the trend of face gems would ebb and flow with different cultures. In the Victorian era, beauty marks made of small jewels like diamonds, emeralds and rubies placed strategically on the face were all the rage. Fast forward to the disco era of the 1970s and glittery makeup dominated including stars like Cher cementing rhinestones onto their faces.
Modern Face Gems
Today’s modern face gems have evolved quite a bit from their ancient roots. Advances in adhesive technology have allowed for much more detailed and intricate face gem designs. Micro-crystals and Swarovski stones are most commonly used now and come in an array of vibrant colors. Kits make it easy to create your own unique face gem patterns at home. Popular placements include accentuating cheekbones, lining lips and brows, and outlining the entire face contour.
Social media has also played a big role in the recent resurgence of the face gems trend. Creative makeup artists showcase their face gem looks across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, inspiring others to try it out. The subtle sparkle and shine of face gems adds just enough glam to everyday makeup routines while still feeling fresh and on trend. Their staying power has certainly come a long way since ancient times!
