GEMS: STICK ON VS SPIRIT GUM?

Does anyone care to share their thoughts on choosing the best stick on gems? Where is the most reasonably priced gems?
In my research, eye lash adhesive has latex and some people are allergic...so I am leery of that one. The spirit gum takes a while to set ( I don't know how long that set time is tho)....When you are in que.....must you sit holding the gem in place while waiting for it to dry? Then comes the paper backing....I wonder if it will stick very well on the paint. Will the child come back for another one cuz she raised her eye brows? lol Gee there is a lot to consider. Please tell me where you have chosen to purchase them and why.
Thanks loads;
Ramona

I use an assortment. I have some sticky back Snaz and really dislike them. They come off their sticky paper when u peel them from their page. I buy the scrapbook patterned jewels that I love! I do cover the adhesive latex free eyelash glue or my glitter tattoo glue. I also have some loose gems too, but they are difficult ti handle unless you have a sticky pen (which I LOVE). I always use a Qtip to clean the paint off a spot under the gem to make them stay better. It makes a huge difference. I also have an assortment of feathers I attach the same way-love it!

Good luck!

I've noticed that Michaels craft store has gotten a very nice selection of scrapbook bling. Not only are there starbursts, flowers, hearts but there are some lovely fancy swirls (clear diamond and coloured) that you can cut into smaller individual pieces (they are gum-rubber backed and I've found them to peel off easily and stick quite well on the face) They had some on sale this week for $4.00 and I got 12 from the double sheet. (these are stunning add-ons to eye designs) Michael's has on-line coupons as well...20% and/or 40% off.

I use those from michaels. They are lovely! However, I coat the back with eyelash glue so they are applied with cosmetic grade adhesive.

Sticky pen? What is this amazing invention you speak of?

I think I have heard of such a thing for tiny gems for nails... But wasn't sure if that was someone making their own thing, or something widely available to the public.

AC Moore (do you have one nearby?) has a great assortment of scrapbbok gems...better than Michaels, I find. Check out the Queen & Co. brand... there are 60 gems on a little card in graduating sizes in the same color for I believe they were either $1.00 or $1.99.
Snazaroo's gems are pretty but it you are not super duper careful the gem will pull off the cardboard they're stuck on without bringing the adhesive with it.... total waste of time and money. Wal-Mart carries a decent pack of self-adhesive gems for $4.96...

Also, to answer your question about how well they stick to the face.... make sure the paint is dry when applying and give a nice firm press. I wore several last night to a big, crowed even where there was lots of jumping up and cheering...Never lost one all night long. But kids like to touch them and see if they'll come off.

Spirit gum is a pain in the naughty word to work with, you have to touch it to let it get tacky by mixing air into it to make it work appropriately and then you have spirit gum on your fingers and need spirit gum remover to clean it off. There is non-latex eyelash glue and pros-aide - both are fine for skin use. Plus, you can use Pros-aide for glitter tattoos and Halloween appliances/prosthetics. Pros-aide comes off with rubbing alcohol.

That said, Michael's has a great selection of sticky gems and they're often heavily marked down after major holidays.

HappyNut, I got my sticky pen at Michaels in the scrapbook section. It is shaped like a big pen, but instead if ink it is filled with sticky tacky. Perfect for picking up/holding gems while you apply glue.

Ooooooooo....a new toy!! Sticky pens....must check this out! this Forum has certainly broadened my horizons (and narrowed my pocketbook!)

Is there any type of adhesive that comes off with water like face paint? I'm hesitant to add any bling to my designs (except for my own kids!) because I'd hate to have to explain to the parents that they'll need rubbing alchohol or something to remove it? Is that a weird thought?? lol

I guess it doesn't bother me since I do glitter tattoos too. They already need alcohol.

MommaKat, they can also use baby oil, olive oil, cold cream. Alcohol or an oil base product will remove it.

I'm probably jumping from the frying pan into the fire with this posting. I didn't want to use spirit gum (my daughter said it was burned on her face) so at one mardi gras festival where I was doing masks....I used UHU glue stick to put a dab of glue on the forehead and then stick a/some small feather(s) into it. (I had tried this on my own face...walked around with feathers stuck to different parts of my face for a day with no negative reaction) and I knew that dabbed with a little water the glue softens and the feather comes off and then the glue is easily washed off. It says safe, washable, non-toxic on the tube...(apparently kids have eaten it, with no ill effects...according to my grade school teacher friend) There...my dirty secret is out....

EKD - in all reality, glue sticks are probably fine. The ingredients aren't abrasive or corrosive or irritating to skin. I use them to cover brows all the time. I like it better than wax in a pinch. It doesn't have the staying power of pros-aide or spirit gum or tellesis, so I wouldn't use it to hold on a prosthetic, but I would use it for the odd sequin or jewel that I didn't expect to stay on all night.

Thank you gilded cat! It's a great relief knowing that I haven't broken some dangerous no-no rule of face painting! I never thought of it for covering brows! thank you...