There's just something about pearls. Call it a connotation born from watching Breakfast at Tiffany's one too many times, but those little iridescent white bulbs only seem to get more and more elegant as the years go on. And though society has historically reserved them for the rich and powerful, this year they're going to be everywhere. Because sticking tiny pearls to your face, nails or hands is sure to become one of the biggest beauty trends for 2021’s festive season.

Makeup artists, beauty editors, and influencers alike are picking up pearls left and right to create looks ranging from minimal to painstakingly elaborate. And part of the reason they’ve become so ubiquitous is definitely because they're so simple and easy to use. After picking up just a few key items (a pack of flat-backed pearls, some lash glue, and some sort of placement tool) any of the fanciful looks you've recently seen during late-night scrolls is wholly possible to imitate.

While you order your pearl-placing products of choice with expedited shipping, take a look through six fabulous ways to wear the pearl-encrusted trend, and win the standout beauty game with ease (and, well, a lot of drama).

Hit the high points

This look might seem like a lot of work, but translating it IRL is super-easy. Stick-on pearls are available online, and are a great way to add drama to a simple look. Prep skin with primer and swipe on a matte formula like the Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+Poreless Liquid Foundation – it’ll help the pearls stick better and longer. Keep the lids and lips bare, or add just a hint of nude/gold sparkling shadow in the inner corners of the eyes. Then, take the stick-on pearls and line them up on the high points of your face – cheekbones, the Cupid’s bow, or the bridge of the nose. You can go with same size pearls or play with different sizes to create a gradating effect.

Haute hands

Not a fan of lining up pearls on your face but still want in on the trend? This is your solution. The good thing about adorning your fingers with pearls is that it allows you to play with colour on your face. Berry, ombré lips will add the right amount of colour, without taking away from your pearl-studded hands. Since the face is matte, opt for a powdery, matte formula for the lips as well. As for decking up the fingers, the world’s your oyster – stack them up with pearls, or minimalists can stick on just one right under the nails to make a statement.

Pearly kiss

This look is definitely OTT and needs to be paired carefully with a muted face. Follow the same make-up prep as before, and brush out the brows, filling in the gaps. You can even opt for bold arches as the rest of the face will remain clean and matte. Apply a nourishing, non-sticky lip balm like Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF15, and fill lips with stick-on pearls. For a less out-there pearly finish, turn to your manicure and stick a single pearl right under nails.

Bedazzle your under eyes

If you want to keep your pearls below the eye, try placing them along your lower lash line. As with your brow bone, you can position them in a single line or create a more elaborate design that dances onto your cheeks. You may want to opt for really small ones for this look. Talk about a way to mask under-eye bags!

Levelled up brows

If you’re a fan of glitter brows, you’ll love this pearly adaptation. To recreate this vibe, you’ll first need to fill in your brows with the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanic Pencil. Because a strong brow is key here, this small tip is perfect for shaping your arch and creating definition. Once you blend the pencil in with the spoolie, add a handful of pearls throughout your brows. It’s an easy way to up the ante on your normal, everyday makeup.

Pearl-liner

Elevate your typical cat eye by bedazzling your winged liner. First, create the eyeliner shape of your choice using a smudge-resistant formula. Our go-to is the L’Oréal Pairs Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Eyeliner because it doesn’t drag, has amazing pigment payoff and never needs sharpening. Feel free to embellish your liner with just a few pearl accents or cover the entire wing in pearls.