" Bedazzle " is a trend of decorating the face and personal items with crystals, glitter, or other sparkling materials that is gaining popularity again. From attaching Face Gems on the face to decorating phone cases, bags, shoes, and clothing, it reflects the return of Y2K fashion known for its fun, bright, and eye-catching style.
Bedazzle (pronounced bee-dazzle) means decorating various objects with shiny materials such as crystals, rhinestones, glitter, sequins, pearls, or metal studs to enhance distinctiveness and style. It is not limited to clothing but also includes phone cases, headphones, glasses, bags, nails, and even applying crystals on the face and body.
This popular trend started with a celebrity. Kylie Jenner posted birthday celebration photos on Instagram on 10 Aug 2023 GMT+7, featuring cakes and glasses decorated with glitter and cute crystals. The post received over 4.9 million likes, sparking a viral trend that influencers and young people eagerly followed across social media.
The term Bedazzle is connected to " The Bedazzler ", a tool for attaching crystals and studs to clothing. It evolved from devices sold in the 1970s and later became highly popular.
This sparkling style became iconic in fashion from the late 1990s to early 2000s, seen in crystal-studded jeans, glitter-covered phones, and makeup with jewels, all linked to Y2K fashion.
Today, the trend has regained attention through artists, celebrities, and social media content, updating the classic sparkle with both minimalist and maximalist styles. Some even add glitter to their pets for an extra cute touch.
The process of Bedazzling items starts with cleaning the surface, arranging a pattern, then using glue suitable for the material to attach each crystal or decoration, letting it dry completely. For clothing, crystals can be sewn on, attached with prongs, or heat-pressed onto the fabric.
For bedazzling the face, one should choose Face Gems and adhesives specifically labeled safe for skin. Hot glue or craft glue should never be used. Avoid placing gems near the eyes, on wounds, or irritated skin, and always perform a patch test before full application.
Bedazzle is not just a trend to make objects sparkle but a DIY art form allowing personal expression through colors and patterns. Fans of Y2K fashion might start small, applying tiny crystals to phone cases or accentuating makeup with selective gems to stand out without overdoing the look.
Image sources: Instagram @khunfour, @davikah, @suinivrse, @clarebola_, and @kyliejenner