Editor’s Note
This article explores the rising trend of non-permanent “body jewelry”—decorative glitter and rhinestones applied directly to skin with special adhesive. As highlighted by stylist insights, its appeal lies in offering temporary, fashionable adornment without the commitment of piercings or tattoos.
Body jewelry refers to decorations that are directly “applied” to bare skin. Using a special glue, glitter and rhinestones are placed on the skin. Its charm lies in the fact that it can be enjoyed casually to match one’s fashion, as it doesn’t involve piercing like earrings or leaving a permanent mark like a tattoo.
Furthermore, the current revival of Y2K and Heisei Gyaru culture is fueling this trend. The background includes a boom among Gen Z for decorative items that involve “sticking, placing, and making things sparkle,” such as ear acupressure jewelry, teeth jewelry, and tattoo stickers. The appeal of all these items is their ease of use, non-permanence, and high degree of freedom to “enhance oneself.”
【STEP1】Deciding on the Design
The process starts with choosing a design. The salon offers over 60 types of popular ribbon motifs alone and more than 200 glitter colors, making the selection process exciting. The fun part of body jewelry is the ability to customize it by incorporating a favorite member’s color, matching the season, or linking it to one’s fashion. Bringing your own design is possible with prior consultation!
The author chose three types of ribbon motifs, deciding on a gradient color scheme using pink, orange, blue, and purple.
【STEP2】Transferring the Stencil & Applying the Special Glue!
Once the design is decided, the stencil is transferred to the desired area (neck, shoulder, arm, etc.). The area is then disinfected, and glue (adhesive) is applied to the skin. The glue used is a low-irritation type certified by American medical institutions, formulated to be safe even for those with sensitive skin or children. If concerned, a patch test can be done beforehand.
【STEP3】Carefully Applying the Glitter!
Before the glue dries completely, the glitter is applied. It is carefully placed with a brush while checking the balance of the gradient and the skin’s curves. Finally, excess glitter is brushed off, and the finish is checked—then it’s complete!
The actual piece has an overwhelming sparkle compared to photos! The fine glitter particles delicately reflect light, making it a striking skin accent that complements even simple monochrome outfits.
Q. How long does it last? How do you remove it?
While duration varies by skin type and design size, on average, it can be enjoyed for about 5 to 10 days. Things to watch out for are prolonged immersion in water (baths, pools, saunas) and strong friction, as these can cause it to peel off more easily.
The author kept the freshly applied, beautiful state for about a week. Around days 8-10, the edges began to lift slightly, and glitter started to fall off, creating a gradual fade-out effect. The peeling state was also cute, allowing full enjoyment of the process.
When wanting to remove it immediately, the correct method is to gently work cleansing oil into dry skin to ’emulsify’ it. The key is to avoid scrubbing and peel it off gently.
Q. How to make it last longer?
Body jewelry is weak against oils, so it’s better to avoid using body creams, lotions, sunscreen, etc., before and after the application. For sun protection, spray-type sunscreen is recommended. Other tips for longevity include avoiding friction and moisture, such as not rubbing strongly and minimizing excessive night sweats.
Q. Is it okay for sensitive skin?
Yes! The adhesive glue used is a low-irritation type with American medical certification. It’s formulated to a level safe even for babies, so those with sensitive skin can enjoy it with peace of mind. However, if concerned, a patch test is available beforehand, so feel free to consult.
Q. What are the popular designs?
For people in their 20s, classic ribbon motifs and wish-core motifs (clover, soap bubbles, stars, etc.) are popular. Meanwhile, for those in their 30s-40s, orders often feature colors like magic hour or delicate, subtle, modified motifs. Popular application areas that leverage the “skin’s curves,” such as the arm, shoulder, collarbone, and back of the neck, are common choices for easy trial.
Body jewelry adds a point of interest to the skin’s blank space, providing an accent to summer styles that tend to be simple one-two piece outfits. Linking it with makeup and nails is also a great idea. For events or special days, those interested should definitely give it a try.