Ava Monroe
There are several ways to add glitter to UV gel nails, and it's a lot easier than many people think. Whether you're using a salon-quality glitter polish or applying loose glitter to your gel nails, the effect will be slightly different but equally beautiful. The easiest way to achieve glittery nails is with gel polishes or top coats with glitter. They come in a variety of shades and finishes, with the glitter 'floating' in the gel polish formula. Loose glitter, on the other hand, will need to be stuck onto or encapsulated on your gel nails, which requires a few extra steps.
How to add glitter to UV gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Glitter type | Loose glitter, premixed glitter, individual pieces |
| Application method | Using a brush, makeup sponge, or finger to pat or sprinkle glitter onto the nail |
| Nail polish type | Gel polish, glitter gel nail polish |
| Top coat | Required to seal in the glitter and create a smooth finish |
| Curing | Curing under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes between each layer |
| Nail preparation | Trimming, filing, and cleansing nails before applying any products |
| Base coat | A thin layer of base coat is applied before the colour polish |
| Number of colour layers | Two coats of colour polish are typically applied, allowing the second coat to remain tacky for glitter application |
| Excess glitter removal | Tapping the nail, blowing, or using tissue and an orange stick to remove excess glitter |
| Buffing | A small nail art brush is used in circular motions to buff the glitter into the nail |
| Nail care | Using cuticle oil after applying glitter |
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What You'll Learn
Using loose glitter with gel polish
There are several ways to add loose glitter to UV gel nails. One way is to use a pre-mixed glitter gel polish, which is a glitter gel polish that already has glitter mixed into it. This is the easiest method as you can simply apply the polish as you would with any other gel colour.
Another method is to manually apply loose glitter to your gel nails. This requires a few extra steps but gives you more control over how the glitter is placed on your nail. First, apply a base coat layer and cure it. Then, apply two coats of colour, curing between each layer. Do not wipe off the tacky layer that will be left on your nails. Instead, sprinkle the glitter over the nail and gently press it on before tapping off any excess. You can also use a fluffy nail art brush to pat the glitter on, ensuring full coverage. Burnish (rub) the glitter into the tacky layer of the gel polish. Allow it to cool for 30 seconds and then apply cuticle oil. You can also gently buff the glitter into your nail with a small nail art brush using circular motions to help the glitter stick to the tacky layer and make it lie flat and feel smooth. Finally, apply a top coat and cure it.
You can also try a different method where you apply a layer of gel and cure it for about 10 seconds so it becomes tacky, then stick the glitter on, followed by a top coat. However, this method may result in a bumpy finish.
It is important to note that you should use nail glitter that is specifically designed for application to nails, rather than regular glitter.
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Applying a second thin layer of colour polish
When applying a second thin layer of colour polish, it's important to work quickly and efficiently. Apply the second thin layer of colour polish to your thumb, or the nail of choice, and work swiftly as the gel will dry quickly. While the gel is still tacky, use a fluffy nail art brush to dab into your glitter and pat it onto the nail, ensuring full coverage. You can also sprinkle the glitter over the nail and gently press it on. This will help the glitter stick to the tacky layer and create a smooth finish.
It is important to be generous with the amount of glitter you apply to ensure full coverage. You can gently buff the glitter into your nail with a small nail art brush using circular motions. This will help to create an even finish and ensure the glitter is securely attached. Tap off any excess glitter to avoid a bumpy finish.
If you are using loose glitter, you can mix it with a small amount of base coat on a mixing pallet before application. This will help you achieve the desired consistency and ensure the glitter spreads easily. You can also use a makeup sponge or a dense, short-haired makeup brush to apply the glitter. This will allow the individual glitter pieces to lay super flat.
Once you are happy with the coverage, cure the nail under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes. The longer you cure each layer, the longer your manicure will last.
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Using a fluffy nail art brush
To add glitter to UV gel nails using a fluffy nail art brush, start by pushing back your cuticles and buffing your natural nails to create a smooth base. Apply a thin layer of gel base coat and cure it under a UV lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you desire a base colour under the glitter, apply two thin coats of your chosen gel polish colour and cure each layer under the lamp.
Next, while the clear or coloured polish is still tacky, use a fluffy nail art brush to dab the glitter onto your nails, ensuring full coverage. You can dip the brush into the glitter or use the brush with a little bit of base coat to help pick up the glitter pieces and place them individually onto the nail. This will allow you to be more precise and creative with your design.
Gently pat the glitter down and blow or tap off any excess. You can then seal the glitter with a layer of gel top coat and cure it under the lamp. If you want a smoother finish, apply a thicker layer of top coat. Alternatively, you can apply another base coat and repeat the glitter application for a more intense look. Finally, use a soft brush to gently remove any remaining loose glitter from around your nails.
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Creating a sugared effect
To create a sugared effect on your UV gel nails, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, prepare your nails by painting on a base coat. Take care to apply the base coat as closely as possible to the edges of your nails, without touching the cuticles. Allow the base coat to cure, which takes 60 seconds with an LED lamp or 120 seconds with a UV lamp.
Next, you can apply a thin layer of gel colour or clear gel if desired. Then, choose a fine nail glitter in your preferred shade to create the sugared effect. Dispense a small amount of clear gel or base coat onto a mixing palette and add your chosen glitter. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
Once you have your glitter mixture ready, apply a gel top coat to your nails. Before curing, take your glitter mixture and sprinkle it onto your nails, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Tap your nails to remove any excess glitter, and then cure your nails in an LED light for 60 seconds.
Finally, dust off any remaining excess glitter that wasn't adhered to the gel top coat, and you're done! You now have a beautiful sugared effect on your UV gel nails.
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Using a makeup sponge
First, prepare your nails by cleaning, cutting, and shaping them. Use a nail file to smooth out any roughness and an orange stick or cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles. You can also apply a thin coat of pre-gel primer and let it air dry for about 30 seconds before proceeding.
Next, apply a base coat. This step is important, as it provides a foundation for your glitter manicure and helps it last longer. Let the base coat dry, and then apply one or two coats of your desired base colour. It is recommended to choose a colour similar to the glitter you will be using.
Now it's time to add the glitter! Using a makeup sponge, dip it into your chosen glitter pot and gently pat it onto your cured nail. You can also try adding the glitter directly to the edge of the sponge and then dabbing it onto your nail. This technique will give you more control over the amount of glitter applied.
If you're using loose glitter, you can sprinkle it over the tacky layer of your nail polish and then gently press it onto your nail before tapping off any excess. You can also use a small nail art brush to gently buff the glitter in circular motions, ensuring it adheres smoothly to your nail.
Repeat the process until you achieve your desired level of glitter. You can also use a dotting tool to apply larger pieces of glitter or confetti more precisely.
Finally, seal your glitter manicure with a top coat. This step is crucial, as it will help your glitter last longer and give your nails a smoother finish. Apply a medium to thick layer of clear gel top coat and cure it under a UV lamp for 2 to 3 minutes. If you prefer a rougher texture, you can use a thinner layer of the top coat.
With these steps, you can achieve a beautiful and professional-looking glitter manicure using a makeup sponge. Remember to take your time, as creating stunning nail art takes practice and patience!
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Frequently asked questions
Using a gel polish with glitter is the easiest way to add glitter to your UV gel nails. They come in a variety of shades and finishes, with the glitter 'floating' in the gel polish formula.
First, apply a base coat and cure it. Then, apply two coats of colour, curing between each layer. Don't wipe off the tacky layer. Sprinkle the glitter over the nail and gently press it onto the nail before tapping off any excess.
Buff the glitter into your nail with a small nail art brush using circular motions. This helps the glitter stick to the tacky layer as well as making it lie flat and feel smooth.
A fluffy nail art brush is the best type of brush to use. This will allow you to pat the glitter onto the nail and ensure full coverage.
Apply a layer of gel and cure it for about 10 seconds. Then, stick the glitter onto the tacky layer of the gel. Finally, apply a top coat and cure it.
