Glitter and Jewels

A body jewel is a cluster of crystals or rhinestones on an adhesive backing that you press onto skin. Cheekbones, under the eye, along the collarbone, down the chest or the spine. Body glitter does the same job in a different form, as a gel, a loose glitter or a shimmer oil. Both go on last and both are the first thing anyone notices in a photo.

Everything in this category is cosmetic grade, and that distinction matters more than it sounds. Craft glitter is cut from sharper plastic, it is not formulated for skin, and it does not belong anywhere near your eyes. Cosmetic glitter is milled to a rounder edge and made to sit on skin for a full day. It is also why the brands stocked here are festival brands rather than generic craft supply. Lunautics and Neva Nude both formulate for a crowd, a full day of heat and a camera.

What actually decides whether any of this stays on is the surface, not the product. Jewels and glitter both need clean, dry skin with no lotion, oil or sunscreen underneath, because adhesive has nothing to grip once there is a barrier in the way. Gel glitters are far easier to place than loose glitter, which travels and ends up on everything you own. And oil-based cleanser takes all of it off at the end of the night in a way soap does not, so work that out before you are scrubbing at two in the morning.

Grouped by form, with the rest of each one next door.

• Crystal and rhinestone stickers: pre-arranged clusters on an adhesive backing, in sheets you break up and place where you want them. The deepest group in the category and the one people rebuy.
• Face jewels: sized and shaped for the brow, the cheekbone and under the eye. Same adhesive, smaller stones, laid out to follow a face rather than a chest.
• Glitter gels and glitter glue: glitter suspended in a gel so it goes exactly where you put it. The easiest place to start and the least likely to end up in your hair.
• Loose and chunky glitter: the heaviest coverage and the biggest payoff in photographs. Needs a gel or a glue under it, and it will travel.
• Shimmer oils and lotions: all-over sheen rather than placed sparkle. Worn on legs, shoulders and collarbones, and the subtlest thing in the category.
• Metallic foil tattoos: gold and holographic foil applied with water, sitting flat on the skin. Lasts for days rather than for a night.
• Pasties and nipple covers: the crystal and glitter versions are the same finish in a piece that actually covers something. Usually bought in the same order as the jewels.
• Body jewelry: chains, chokers and body chains. The metal answer to the same question, for anyone who does not want anything stuck to them.
• Costumes and cosplay: jewels and glitter do most of the work on a character look, which is why they get ordered alongside the costume rather than after it.
• Festival and rave: the tops, bottoms and bodysuits all of this gets worn with.