Gel Nails: Adding Chunky Glitter For A Sparkly Effect

Adding chunky glitter to gel nails can be a fun way to spice up your manicure. While it may seem like a daunting task, it is quite simple to do at home. There are several methods to achieve this look, including using a sponge or a brush to apply the glitter. The key to success is using a good quality nail polish and ensuring that the glitter is secured with a top coat.

How to add chunky glitter to gel nails

Using a sponge for a professional finish

Using a sponge to add chunky glitter to gel nails can give a professional, blended finish. This technique is easy to do and doesn't require a steady hand or advanced art skills. Start by prepping and cleansing your nails as normal. Push back the cuticles, trim them, and shape your nails. Then, apply your base coat and cure it under a UV lamp for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer.

Next, you will apply your chosen gel polish colour. Paint your nails with a neutral shade or another colour of your choice. You can also use multiple colours for an ombre or blended effect. Allow the polish to dry. If you are using more than one colour, paint the other half of your nail with the second colour.

Now, you will use a makeup sponge to apply the chunky glitter. Fold the sponge in half and paint a line of polish with your first colour across the sponge. Paint a line of the second colour under the first line. Bring the sponge to your nail and pat it evenly from side to side, blending the colours together. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired blend.

Finally, clean up any excess polish and apply a clear top coat. You can finish with a matte or glossy top coat, depending on your preference. Allow the top coat to dry, then apply a second layer if desired.

Applying a base coat

To apply a base coat to your gel nails before adding chunky glitter, start by cleaning your nails. Use a gel cleanser to wipe down your nails, removing any existing nail polish, dirt, or oils. You can use a cotton ball soaked in gel cleanser to wipe down your nails. Then, trim and shape your nails using clippers and a nail file. Push back your cuticles with an orange stick or a cuticle pusher.

Next, apply your base coat. Choose a high-quality nail polish as your base coat to ensure that your manicure lasts longer and looks smoother. Apply the base coat evenly to all your nails and allow it to dry completely. You can use a nail polish dryer or a fan to speed up the drying process.

If you want to create a more intricate design or prevent glitter from sticking to certain areas, you can use tape to block off the desired sections of your nails. This will help you achieve a more precise and controlled look.

Once the base coat is dry, you can move on to the next step of applying the colour coat. You can choose a colour that complements your glitter or creates a contrasting effect. Apply one to two coats of your chosen colour, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. Remember not to wipe off the tacky layer left on your nails after curing, as this will help the glitter adhere better.

Using a dotting tool or fine brush

If you want to add chunky glitter to your gel nails using a dotting tool or fine brush, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, prepare your nails by cleaning, cutting, and shaping them. Use nail polish remover to clean your nails and remove any existing polish, dirt, or oils. Then, trim and shape your nails with clippers and a nail file. Push back your cuticles with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. You can also block off the areas you don't want to be glittered with tape.

Next, apply a base coat and your desired base colour. Allow the base coat and colour to dry completely. You can apply one to two coats of your chosen base colour, depending on the opacity you desire.

Now, it's time to add the chunky glitter. Tip a few pieces of the glitter into a pallet or tray. Apply a base coat over your coloured nails where you want to place the glitter. Using a dotting tool or a fine brush, pick up small amounts of the glitter and carefully place them onto your nails. You can create unique designs, such as mosaic-style nails, by individually placing the glitter pieces.

After you're satisfied with the amount of glitter, cap it with a builder gel, such as Clear BUILD+, to smooth out any bumps. Cure your nails under a UV lamp and then file and buff them to get rid of any lumps or roughness.

Finally, finish your glitter gel nails with a top coat. Apply a medium to thick layer of clear top coat to each nail and cure it under the UV lamp for 2-3 minutes. You can add another layer of top coat if needed.

By following these steps and using a dotting tool or fine brush, you can achieve super blingtastic and creative gel nails with chunky glitter!

Capping glitter with builder gel

Prepare Your Nails:

Start by cleaning, cutting, and shaping your nails. Wipe your nails with nail polish remover to ensure they are free of any dirt or oils. Then, use a nail file to shape them as desired. Push back your cuticles with an orange stick or a cuticle pusher, and ensure you remove any non-living skin from the nail surface.

Apply the Base Coat and Colour:

Apply a base coat and let it dry. Then, apply one or two coats of your chosen base colour and allow it to dry. If you don't want glitter on your entire nail, you can use tape to block off the areas you want to keep glitter-free.

Add the Glitter:

Brush on another coat of polish, and while it's still tacky, sprinkle your chosen chunky glitter over it. Gently pat it down with a fan-shaped brush and blow off any excess. You can also use a dotting tool or a fine brush with a little base coat on it to pick up individual pieces of glitter and place them where you want.

Cure and Remove Excess:

Cure your nails under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes. Then, use a soft brush or a tissue to gently remove any excess glitter, especially around the skin surrounding your nails.

Capping with Builder Gel:

Now it's time to cap the glitter with builder gel. Apply a thin layer of the builder gel, starting close to the cuticle and sweeping it right up to the tip of the nail. Don't forget to cap off the nail tip! Place your nail under a UV lamp and cure for another minute.

Final Steps:

After capping with builder gel, you can proceed to the filing stage. Cleanse the inhibition layer that forms after curing the builder gel to ensure a smooth surface for the top coat. Apply a top coat, such as a rubber top coat, generously and evenly over your nails. Place your nails under the UV lamp for one more minute. Finish by wiping off any remaining tackiness with a product like Glitterbels Diamond Shine.

Remember, builder gel is thicker than a regular top coat, so it may give your nails a duller finish. If you want more sparkle, you can skip the top coat, but be aware that the texture may be rougher.

Removing excess glitter

For chunky glitter, one method is to use a soft brush, such as an eyeshadow brush, to gently brush off the excess glitter once the polish is dry. Run the brush over each nail, starting at the nail bed and finishing past the tip, to remove any loose glitter and create a smoother finish.

Another method is to use a tissue or orange stick to wipe away excess glitter. This can be done after curing your nails under a UV lamp for 1 to 2 minutes. Focus on the skin around your nails to ensure all the excess glitter is removed.

If you find that your glitter nails have a rough texture, you can try gently sanding or filing your nails with a nail file to smooth them out. Be careful not to over-buff your nails, as this can damage them.

Additionally, you can try using a nail polish remover to help remove excess glitter. Soak a cotton ball or thin, felt-like material in nail polish remover (acetone or non-acetone-based) and place it directly on your nail. If you're short on time, you can wrap your fingers in tinfoil and expose them to sunlight or hold them in the palm of your hand to speed up the process. After 3 to 5 minutes, gently pull off the cotton ball, and most of the glitter should come off with it.

Finally, remember to rehydrate your nails after removing excess glitter. Apply a moisturizing cuticle oil or hand cream to nourish your nails and prevent dryness.

Frequently asked questions