Isla Bennett
Making your own nail varnish at home is a fun and simple process, which can be done using a variety of methods. Creating custom colours can be achieved by mixing eyeshadow, food colouring or oil-based cosmetic colourants with a ready-to-use polish base. For those wanting to make clear nail polish, this can be done by mixing school glue and hand sanitiser, or by using clear school glue on its own. The process is cheap, creative and a great way to get unique shades.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Clear nail polish, eye shadow, glitter, hand sanitiser, water, glue, mineral colorants |
| Equipment | Empty nail polish bottles, funnel, toothpick, shaker balls, skewers or popsicle sticks |
| Cost | Cheap |
| Time | Quick |
| Results | Matte, shimmery, runny, streaky, dull, long-lasting |
| Toxicity | Some ingredients are highly toxic |
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What You'll Learn
Using eyeshadow and glitter to colour nail polish
Creating your own nail polish is a fun and simple process. You can use eyeshadow and glitter to colour your nail polish and achieve a custom shade that you may not be able to find elsewhere. This method is also very cost-effective.
Firstly, you will need to gather your supplies. For this method, you will require a clear polish, eyeshadow, and glitter of your choice, as well as some tools for mixing and transferring, such as a funnel, toothpick, and a ziploc bag.
Once you have your supplies, start by pouring a small amount of the clear polish into a disposable container like a ziploc bag or a silicone baking cup. This step is important as it creates space in the bottle for the eyeshadow and glitter you will be adding.
Next, use a funnel to transfer the eyeshadow into the bottle of clear polish. You can use a piece of paper to help guide the eyeshadow into the funnel. Tap the funnel gently to get the eyeshadow to fall into the bottle. If the eyeshadow clumps, use a toothpick to break it up.
Now, you can add the glitter. The amount of glitter you use will depend on the desired level of sparkle. Remember to use shaker balls or glass beads to help mix the glitter into the polish, and ensure any tools you use are dry to avoid clumping.
Finally, screw the lid back on tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of clumps. You can also roll the bottle between your hands to mix the contents.
Your custom nail polish is now ready to use! This method allows you to create unique shades and is a great way to upcycle old eyeshadows or glitter.
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Combining a ready-to-use polish base with mineral colourants
To get started, you will need a ready-to-use polish base. You can use a clear nail polish or a polish suspension base, also known as a suspending base. A suspending base will help your colourants mix better and prevent them from settling at the bottom of the bottle. If you opt for a clear nail polish, keep in mind that you may need to shake the bottle longer before use to ensure the colourants are evenly distributed.
For colourants, you can use mineral micas, which are powdered colourants that provide a shimmering effect. These micas come in a variety of shades, allowing you to create a wide range of colours. You can also use oil-dispersible colourants like ultramarines and oxides for bright and glossy shades. If you prefer a matte finish, simply add a pinch of cornstarch to your mixture.
When mixing your nail polish, it is recommended to combine no more than two colours to avoid a muddy appearance. You can mix primary colours to create new shades, such as mixing red and blue for purple or yellow and blue for green. You can also add glitter to your mixture for a sparkling effect.
To mix your nail polish, pour a small amount of the base into a separate container. Add your chosen colourants and mix thoroughly using a toothpick or a small scoop. You can also use a plastic baggie for mixing, as it helps to prevent streaking. Once you have achieved your desired colour, carefully transfer the mixture into an empty nail polish bottle.
By following these steps and experimenting with different colour combinations, you can create endless shades of nail polish and take your nail art to the next level.
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Using school glue and hand sanitiser to make clear nail polish
You can make clear nail polish at home with just two ingredients: school glue and hand sanitiser. This method is simple, quick, and cost-effective. It's a great option if you're in a pinch and don't have any clear nail polish on hand. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own clear nail polish using school glue and hand sanitiser:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
You will need school glue (either clear or white glue will work), hand sanitiser, an empty nail polish bottle, and a pipette or funnel. You can buy empty nail polish bottles from cosmetics stores, or you can clean out and reuse an old bottle. A pipette or funnel will make it easier to pour the mixture into the bottle without making a mess.
Step 2: Prepare the Glue Base
Fill the empty nail polish bottle about three-quarters full with school glue. Leave a quarter of the bottle empty to allow room for the hand sanitiser. If you're using white school glue, be aware that your nail polish may have a slightly hazy appearance once it dries.
Step 3: Add the Hand Sanitiser
Use the pipette or funnel to slowly add hand sanitiser to the bottle. Continue adding hand sanitiser until the bottle is nearly full, leaving a little bit of space at the top to prevent spillage when you insert the brush. The hand sanitiser will act as a thinning agent and help the glue dry faster.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
Screw the cap onto the bottle tightly and shake the bottle vigorously to mix the glue and hand sanitiser together. Shake for at least a minute or until you no longer see any clumps or streaks in the mixture. Make sure the ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure a smooth and even application.
Step 5: Apply the Nail Polish
Your clear nail polish is now ready to use! Apply thin, even layers to your nails, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. This will help prevent a bumpy, uneven surface and prolong the wear of your nail polish. You can speed up the drying process by submerging your nails in cold water or using a hairdryer.
Tips and Tricks:
- Always apply thin coats of your homemade nail polish to achieve the best results. Thick layers will take longer to dry and may not adhere as well.
- Store your homemade clear nail polish in a cool, dry place to prolong its shelf life.
- Experiment with adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil to give your nail polish a pleasant scent.
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Adding a top coat to homemade nail polish
Creating your own nail polish is a fun and rewarding project. You can make your own original shades in minutes by combining a ready-to-use polish base with your own blend of mineral colourants.
If you want your manicure to last, a top coat is essential. Top coats are formulated with quick-drying ingredients and UV filters, providing a higher level of durability, protection, and shine than regular nail polish. They help to prevent chipping and ensure a polished, cohesive look.
When applying a top coat to homemade nail polish, it's important to choose the right type of top coat. Avoid using a top coat that dries too quickly, as this can cause the polish to become goopy. Instead, opt for a regular clear coat or a matte top coat. You can also experiment with different finishes, such as a glossy gleam or a matte finish, to personalize your nail look further.
Additionally, it's crucial to keep your top coat freshly sealed. This will help to prolong the life of your manicure and prevent it from failing due to wear and tear.
By following these steps and choosing the right top coat, you can add a fabulous finishing touch to your homemade nail polish, ensuring a long-lasting and stylish manicure.
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Using a suspension base for a higher-quality polish
To create a higher-quality nail polish, you should use a suspension base. This is a clear nail polish coat designed to help distribute and suspend mica powders, glitter, and other colour pigments evenly throughout the liquid. It prevents them from sinking to the bottom and forming clumps.
There are different types of suspension bases available, which will determine the type of nail polish you create. For example, a High Gloss Pearl Base is an opaque base that suspends small glitters and can be coloured with liquid pigments or mica powder to create traditional coloured nail polishes. It dries quickly, spreads evenly, and produces a hard-wearing, attractive professional gloss finish. A Glitter & Holographic Base is clear and has a thinner consistency, allowing you to suspend any size glitter and create holographic and jelly polishes.
When adding pigments, dyes, and micas to an uncoloured base, be careful not to overload with colour. For a single bottle of nail polish, a pea-sized amount of pigment, dye, or mica is sufficient. Too much colour will affect the drying process and cause the polish to peel off. It is also recommended to "wet" the pigment or dye with rubbing alcohol before adding it to your polish to prevent grittiness.
You can use any type of suspension base, but some people prefer to use a 10-free base, which does not contain 10 of the toxic chemicals typically found in regular nail polish, making it a more natural option. TKB Trading's Luster Base is another option that is formulated to suspend pigments and can be coloured with their Nail Polish Color Concentrates.
To mix your nail polish, start by placing nail polish mixing balls into empty polish bottles and inserting a small funnel into the neck of each bottle. Add your chosen pigments or glitters, starting with a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon or less) and increasing until you achieve your desired shade. Tap the bottles and funnels to ensure all the pigment is at the bottom, then secure the lids and shake vigorously for at least 60 seconds or until the colour is completely dispersed.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make nail varnish using clear polish, eyeshadow, and glitter. You can also use a ready-to-use polish base and your own blend of mineral colorants. Other recipes suggest using school glue, water, and hand sanitizer.
You will need a nail polish bottle, a funnel, a toothpick, and a small container. You can also use a ziploc bag and a hair dryer.
First, pour a small amount of polish into a disposable container. Add your chosen colourant and mix thoroughly. You can use a toothpick to help push the colourant through the funnel and into the bottle. Screw the top on and shake the bottle until the mixture is smooth.
Homemade nail varnish usually lasts for around four to five days.
You can use any oil-based or oil-dispersible cosmetic colourants, as long as they are made for cosmetic use. You can also use eyeshadow, but be aware that it may stain your nails.
