Weirdly Pretty Trend Alert: Sticking Things All Over Your Face
All you need to know you learned in kindergarten.

Amongst the indignities one must suffer as a student, having your creativity quashed by "maintaining order in the classroom" and "not distracting the other children" has to be in the top-five worst. (Being pants-ed in front of the whole cafeteria is definitely up there too.)
But your first-grade teacher and her ilk can shove it, because now, gluing things to your face is not only cool—it is Fashion.
The history of this *serious* and *legitimate* old-new trend begins even before you were in smocked dresses with matching shorts underneath—here's the TBT-est TBT, featuring famed soul singer Nina Simone having rhinestones affixed to her brows and lids back in the day:
A post shared by Kate Lee (@kateleemakeup)
A photo posted by on
So the modern question is this: If you're already using makeup to add angles and depth to your face, why not just bring some actual sticky-outty objects to the party? Especially when they're so easy to apply and so fun to look at? (And you'll be right on the sweet spot of a makeup trend that straddles editorial and Instagram and now, real life?)
Our advice: Experiment with pearls arranged in a graphic wing (seen above), fresh buds in a haphazard design, or even just holographic paillettes strewn everywhere. (Clear lash glue, tweezers, and a Zen mindset are your friends here.)
A post shared by Violette (@violette_fr)
A photo posted by on
A post shared by Erin Ayanian Monroe (@erinayanianmonroe)
A photo posted by on
But you know, and I know, and both our juvenile-delinquent former selves know that the most elegant solution of all: slap on some stickers, just like the ones you kept in your cubby.
A post shared by MICHAEL ANTHONY (@manthony783)
A photo posted by on
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Selena Gomez Is the Cropped Blazer Trend's Final Boss
This style simply works on her.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Most Striking Beauty Moments in Met Gala History
Elaborate and extraordinary.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Princess Madeleine Can't Use Royal Title to Promote Skincare Line
"I will use my name Madeleine Bernadotte in my work with MinLen."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Presenting, Perfect Date Night Makeup for People Who Hate Makeup
From a beauty director who's learned all the workarounds.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
I Scoured Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale for Five Hours—Here's What I'm Shopping
Add to cart, ASAP.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Jenna Ortega’s New Burgundy Hair Has Me Ready for Season 2 of 'Wednesday'
Wednesday Addams, is that you?
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Doechii’s Best Paris Fashion Week Beauty Looks Deserve a Standing Ovation
The Grammy winner cemented her place as a beauty and fashion icon.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Jenna Lyons Has Me Convinced the Viral Red Lipstick Theory Is Real
Bonus: it only costs $15.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca Published