Isla Bennett
Gel manicures are a great way to get long-lasting, chip-free nails. However, getting them done professionally can be expensive. Luckily, there are ways to achieve a salon-worthy gel manicure at home, including adding a bit of sparkle to your nails. To do this, you'll need a UV LED lamp, gel polish, loose glitter, and a top coat. After applying a base coat and colour, simply sprinkle the glitter over your nails and seal it with a thick layer of top coat.
Characteristics and Values Table for Adding Sparkle to Gel Nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Cleanser | Wipe nails with a gel cleanser to remove any dirt or oils. |
| Nail Shape | Trim and shape nails as desired with clippers and a nail file. |
| Cuticles | Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to push back cuticles. |
| Base Coat | Apply a thin layer of gel base coat and cure under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes. |
| Gel Polish | Brush on a thin coat of desired gel polish and cure for 1-2 minutes. |
| Glitter Application | Sprinkle or pat glitter over tacky gel polish for even coverage. Gently pat down and blow off excess. |
| Nail Cleansing | Clean around the nail, removing excess glitter with a tissue and orange stick. |
| Top Coat | Apply a medium-thick layer of clear gel top coat and cure for 2-3 minutes. |
| Finishing | Wipe nails with a cotton pad soaked in gel cleanser to remove tackiness. File away any roughness. |
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What You'll Learn
Using loose glitter with gel polish
To add some sparkle to your gel nails using loose glitter, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Start by cleaning, trimming, and shaping your nails. Wipe your nails down with nail polish remover to remove any old polish, dirt, and oils. Then, use an orange stick or a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles.
Next, apply a thin coat of pre-gel primer and let it air dry for about 30 seconds. Follow this by brushing on a thin layer of gel base coat and curing it under a UV lamp for 1 to 2 minutes. If you accidentally get any gel base coat on your skin, be sure to wipe it off with an orange stick before curing.
Now you're ready to add some colour! Brush on a thin coat of your desired gel polish and let it cure for 1 to 2 minutes. Don't worry if it looks a bit thin at this point, as you'll be adding a second coat. Choose a colour that is similar to the glitter you'll be using for a seamless look.
Once the first coat of polish is cured, it's time to add the loose glitter. Apply another coat of polish to your nails and immediately sprinkle glitter over it, aiming for even coverage. Gently pat the glitter down and blow off any excess. If you don't remove the excess glitter, you may end up with a rough finish. Cure your nails under the UV lamp for 1-2 minutes.
To finish up, carefully clean around each nail, removing any remaining excess glitter with a tissue and an orange stick. Apply a medium to thick layer of top coat to encase the glitter and cure for 2-3 minutes. Your nails will still feel tacky after curing, so use a cotton pad or ball soaked in gel cleanser to wipe over the top of each nail.
And that's it! You've now got sparkling gel nails that will last for weeks without any peeling or chipping. To remove the gel nails, simply use some acetone nail polish remover.
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Applying a top coat
The top coat will help to seal in the glitter and give your nails a smooth finish. Depending on the look you are going for, you can apply a medium to thick layer of clear gel top coat. A thicker layer of top coat will help to encase the glitter and give your nails a smoother finish. If you are going for a rough texture, apply a thin layer of the top coat.
Cure your nails under a UV lamp for 2 to 3 minutes. After curing, your nails will still be tacky, which is normal. Use a cotton pad or ball soaked in gel cleanser to wipe down your nails and get rid of the tackiness.
If you are using loose glitter, you can apply a bead of clear polish to act as a top coat. This will help the glitter to adhere to your nails and give them a glossy finish. You can also use a no-wipe gel top coat, such as the Nail Mate Super Gloss Top Coat, which does not require wiping after curing.
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Using a UV LED lamp
To add sparkle to your gel nails using a UV LED lamp, follow these steps:
First, prepare your nails by filing and shaping them to your desired style. You can create round, square, pointy, almond, or oval nails. Cut your nails before deciding on the shape and ensure your nails are strong enough for a gel manicure. If your nails are too weak, the gel nail polish may not adhere properly. You can nourish your nails with products such as cuticle oil, moisturiser, and nail defence to improve their strength.
Next, apply a base coat to your nails. Some gel nail polishes will come with a specific primer to use instead of a base coat. If your gel polish has a primer, use that. You can dry the base coat under an LED lamp for 1-2 minutes or let your nails air dry for 10 minutes.
Now, it's time to add some sparkle! Apply a thin layer of gel nail polish in your chosen sparkling shade. You can use a variety of shades, including clear, white, and pink, which often come in glitter options. Apply the polish in thin, even coats, leaving a gap between the polish and your cuticle to prevent lifting.
After applying the first layer, cure your nails under the UV LED lamp. Follow the curing instructions that came with your gel nail polish. Typically, curing under an LED lamp takes about 30 seconds, while a UV lamp takes about 2 minutes. Curing allows the polish to harden uniformly, and gel nail polish remains wet until cured under light.
Repeat the process for a second layer of gel nail polish. This second layer will look more opaque and vibrant on top of the first layer. You can also add a third coat if desired, but it is usually unnecessary.
Finally, seal your sparkling gel manicure with a clear top coat to protect the colour. Remember to remove the polish from your skin before curing to prevent reactions or allergies.
You can find a variety of UV LED lamps with different features and price ranges. Some lamps have smart sensors, low heat modes, and pre-set buttons for specific curing times. Choose a lamp that suits your needs and budget, ensuring it is compatible with your gel nail polish.
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Cleaning and shaping nails
Cleaning and shaping your nails is an important step in the process of adding sparkle to gel nails. It helps to create a clean canvas for your gel polish, ensuring that the polish adheres properly and lasts longer. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning and shaping your nails:
Remove any existing nail polish:
Use a nail polish remover to take off any old nail polish. Make sure to thoroughly clean your nails to remove any residue. This step ensures that your nails are free from any oils, dirt, or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of the gel polish.
Shape your nails:
Choose a nail file that suits your preferred nail shape and length. A 180-grit file is commonly recommended for shaping and smoothing the nails. If you want a square, round, or almond shape, you can use a board file to achieve the desired result. For an almond or oval shape, place the file straight against the sloping side of the nail and start filing in one direction. For a square shape, you can use a medium grit file (150 or 180 grit) and clip the corners diagonally with nail nippers.
Buff your nails:
Use a nail buffer with a fine-grit side to gently buff the surface of your nails. This helps to create a smooth canvas for the gel polish to adhere to by removing any ridges or imperfections.
Cuticle care:
Apply a cuticle remover to soften your cuticles, making it easier to push them back gently with a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick. Be careful not to cut or damage your cuticles, as they serve as a protective barrier. Use a sharp and clean cuticle nipper to trim any excess cuticle or hangnails, only removing what is necessary for a clean and neat look.
Clean your nails:
Use a nail cleaner to remove any remaining oils and moisture from your nails. This step ensures even better adhesion of the gel polish. You can also apply a primer before the gel polish to further enhance the adhesion and longevity of your manicure.
Remember to be proactive about the cleanliness of the tools used during the process. Ask your manicurist if the tools are sterilized, and ensure they are cleaning and disinfecting the tools after each client. Additionally, it is recommended to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your hands before a gel manicure to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation.
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Using a makeup sponge or brush
If you want to add some sparkle to your gel nails using a makeup sponge or brush, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to apply a thin coat of gel base coat and let it cure under a UV lamp for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, using a dense, short-haired makeup brush or a fluffy nail art brush, dip it into your glitter and brush it onto your nail. You can also try applying a layer of gel and curing it for only 10 seconds, so it remains sticky, before using a brush to apply the glitter.
Another method is to use a makeup sponge to apply the glitter. First, apply a layer of gel and cure it. Then, dip the makeup sponge into the glitter and press it onto the partially cured base coat. This will allow the individual glitter pieces to lay flat.
After applying the glitter with a brush or sponge, you can seal it with a clear gel top coat. Apply a medium to thick layer and cure it under a UV lamp for 2 to 3 minutes. This will help to smooth out your nails and prevent a rough finish.
If you want to create a sugared effect, you can apply a fine glitter to your finished enhancement before the top coat. You can also try using a loose chrome glitter and applying it with a brush after your colour has fully cured. Then, fully cure the glitter and apply a top coat. This will allow you to lay the glitter exactly where you want it and push it around without disrupting the colour.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use loose glitter over gel polish. First, wipe your nails with a gel cleanser, trim and shape them, and push back your cuticles with an orange stick or a cuticle pusher. Then, apply a thin coat of pre-gel primer and a thin layer of gel base coat. Cure the base coat under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes. Next, brush on a thin coat of your chosen gel polish and immediately add the glitter. Finally, seal the glitter with a clear gel top coat and cure for 2-3 minutes.
You will need a UV LED lamp, gel cleanser, nail primer, base and top coat, and your chosen gel polish colour. You will also need an orange stick or cuticle pusher, and loose glitter.
To get a smooth finish, apply a medium to thick layer of top coat. This will help to encase the glitter and leave your nails feeling smooth.
Apply the glitter while the gel polish is still tacky. Sprinkle the glitter over the nail and pat it down gently. You can use a fluffy nail art brush to rub the glitter into the tacky layer of gel polish.
Gel nails with glitter can last between 2-4 weeks without any peeling or chipping.
