Isla Bennett
Glitter gel nails are a fun, durable, and long-lasting way to add some sparkle to your nails. Doing your own gel nails at home can be a great way to save money, but it can be tricky to get right. The process involves cleaning, shaping, and dehydrating your nails, before applying a base coat, glitter, and top coat, curing each layer as you go. The type of glitter you use will determine how you apply it, with fine glitter being easier to work with than chunkier mixes. Multiple thin layers are best, and you can use an orange stick to clean up any mistakes. Finally, use a gel cleanser to wipe over the top of the nail to finish.
How to do your own glitter gel nails:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Polish | Gel |
| Nail Type | Glitter |
| Nail Tools | UV LED lamp, nail primer, cleanser, base and top coat, nail polish remover, nail file, cuticle pusher, cotton pad, paper towel, alcohol, makeup sponge, dense short-haired makeup brush, orange stick, tissue |
| Steps | Clean, trim, and shape nails, push back cuticles, apply base coat, apply glitter, apply top coat, cure nails, remove excess glitter, file nails |
| Benefits | Long-lasting, durable, cost-effective |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
The next step is to dehydrate your nails. Spray a paper towel with a dehydrator and wipe each nail. This step is crucial as the natural oils on your hands can cause the gel to lift. Once your nails are dehydrated, be careful not to touch them. Now, apply a thin layer of primer followed by a thin layer of base coat. Keep the base coat only on your nails as the glitter will adhere to it. Cure the base coat under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes.
After curing, you will notice a thin tacky layer on your nails. This is normal and provides the perfect surface for the glitter to stick to. If you are using a glitter pot, dip your finger into it and roll it to coat the nail. Alternatively, use a brush to dab the glitter onto the nail if you are doing someone else's nails or your dominant hand. Gently pat the glitter down and blow off any excess.
Gel Polish: A Viable Nail Glue Substitute?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Applying the base coat
Firstly, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Use a nail polish remover to wipe your nails, removing any existing polish, dirt, or oils. Then, trim and shape your nails with clippers and a nail file. Push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or use your nails. File your nails gently to create a matte surface, removing any shine.
Next, apply a thin layer of nail primer to your nails. This will help the gel polish adhere better and prolong the durability of your manicure. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Now, it's time to apply the base coat. Select a high-quality base coat designed specifically for gel nails, such as the Nail Mate base coat mentioned by a user on Reddit. Carefully apply a thin layer of the base coat to each nail, ensuring that you only cover the nail bed and avoid getting it on your skin. The base coat will act as an adhesive for the glitter, so precision is crucial. Cure the base coat under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes.
After curing, you will notice a thin tacky layer on your nails. This is normal and provides the perfect surface for the glitter to adhere to. If you are using loose glitter, you can dip your finger directly into the glitter pot and roll it to coat the nail evenly. Alternatively, use a brush to dab the glitter onto the nail, especially if you are applying glitter to someone else's nails. Gently pat the glitter onto the tacky base coat, ensuring even coverage.
Once you are satisfied with the glitter application, it's time to seal it in. However, before applying the top coat, you may want to use a soft brush, such as an eyeshadow brush, to gently brush off any excess glitter from your nails and the surrounding skin. This will help ensure a smoother finish.
Gel Polish Nails: How Many Sets Can You Get?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding the glitter
If you are using a chunky glitter, tip a few pieces out into a small container. Apply a base coat over your colour gel/acrylic design where you want to apply the glitter. Then, use a dotting tool or a fine brush with a little bit of base coat on it to help pick up the glitter pieces and place them individually onto the nail. You can also use a makeup sponge or a dense, short-haired makeup brush to apply the glitter. If using a brush, dip it into the glitter and then press it onto a partially cured base coat. If using a sponge, gently pat the glitter onto the tacky base coat.
Once you have applied your glitter, you will need to seal it with a clear gel top coat. Apply a medium to thick layer of the top coat to your nail and cure it under a UV lamp for 2-3 minutes. The thicker the layer, the smoother your nails will be. If you want a rough texture, use a thinner layer of the top coat.
If you have applied loose glitter over a regular nail polish, you will need to apply two layers of clear top coat, allowing each one to dry in between.
Cutting Bio Gel Nails: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sealing with a top coat
Sealing your glitter gel nails with a top coat is a crucial step in achieving a smooth and glossy finish. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Before applying the top coat, it is important to prepare your nails properly. Start by cleaning, trimming, and shaping your nails to your desired length and style. Use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges and create a uniform shape. Push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher or your nails. You can also use a nail file to gently buff the surface of your nails, removing any shine. This step helps the gel polish adhere better to your nails.
The next step is to dehydrate your nails using a cleanser containing alcohol. Spray the dehydrator onto a paper towel and rub it over your nails to remove any excess dust or oil. Be careful not to touch your nails after this step, as the natural oils from your hands can cause the gel to lift. Avoid using a cotton pad, as it may leave fibres behind.
Now, you can move on to applying the base coat. Start by adding a thin layer of primer, followed by a thin layer of base coat. Be careful to keep the base coat only on your nails, as the glitter will adhere to it. Cure the base coat under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes. After curing, you will notice a thin tacky layer on your nails.
At this point, you can dip your finger into your chosen glitter pot and roll it to coat the nail evenly. Alternatively, if you are applying glitter to someone else's nails, use a brush to dab the glitter onto the nail. Shake off any excess glitter back into the pot.
Finally, it's time to seal your glitter gel nails with a top coat. The top coat helps protect the glitter and provides a smooth and glossy finish. Take a larger bead of top coat on your brush and "float" it over the glitter without touching your nail. This floating method ensures that the brush doesn't brush off the glitter and creates a smoother surface. Apply a medium to thick layer of the top coat to encase the 3D glitter effectively. Cure your nails under the UV lamp for 2-3 minutes.
After curing, your nails may still feel tacky, which is normal for gel manicures. To fix this, wipe your nails with a cotton ball or pad soaked in a gel cleanser. This will remove the tackiness and leave your nails feeling smooth. If you notice any roughness on the tips of your nails, you can gently file them with a nail file.
By following these steps and sealing your glitter gel nails with a top coat, you will achieve a professional-looking, long-lasting manicure with a smooth and glossy finish.
Gel Manicures: Longer Nails or Just a Myth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Aftercare and removal
Gel manicures are long-lasting and fast-drying, but they do require some aftercare to keep them looking their best. Firstly, it is important to keep your natural nails healthy. This means keeping them clean and free of any damage or conditions. Regularly trim your nails and file them gently into a shape that is comfortable for you. Take care not to use any products that contain solvent oils, as these can damage the colour of your manicure. These oils can be found in certain sun tan oils and insect repellents, so always check the ingredients before applying.
It is also a good idea to wear gloves when doing any general household cleaning, gardening, or hobbies that are rough on your hands, as this can cause your manicure to chip or peel. Exposing your nails to heat, such as direct sunlight or hot water, can also cause the gel polish to break down and lose its colour, so always use protective gloves when possible.
To prevent your manicure from chipping, apply cuticle oil to moisturise your cuticles and the surrounding skin. This will also help to seal in the colour. Simply massage a few drops of oil onto each nail and gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher.
It is recommended that you have a break of at least two weeks between gel manicures to avoid any potential damage or weakening of your nails. During this break, you can opt for a traditional manicure with regular nail polish.
Removal
When it comes to removing your glitter gel nails, it is important to do so properly to avoid damaging your natural nails. While there are various methods for removal, most of them involve using acetone, which can be purchased at most pharmacies, to remove the gel. One method is to use a nail file to gently file through the topcoat and colour. Be careful not to file down to the natural nail, as this can cause damage. Then, apply acetone to a cotton ball and place it on top of your nail, wrapping it with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave this on for about 10 minutes, then remove the wrap. Most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with the wrap. Finally, remove any remaining gel polish with a washcloth run under warm water.
Another method is the double-boiler technique, where you heat acetone in a double boiler and then place your fingers in the warm acetone to soak. You can also use a special bowl with a removable bottom that you can fill with hot water to warm the acetone. After soaking your nails, you can use a triangle-shaped scraper to gently remove the gel.
Alternatively, you can simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This is a slow process, as it takes about six months for fingernails to grow out completely.
Gel Nails: Filling Tips and Tricks for Beginners
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You will need a UV LED lamp, nail primer, cleanser, base and top coat, and your choice of colour polish. You can also use loose glitter or pre-mixed glitter polish.
Clean, trim, and shape your nails. Push back your cuticles. File your nails just enough to remove the shine. Dehydrate your nails using a cleanser (alcohol) and a paper towel. Add a thin layer of primer.
Apply a thin layer of base coat. Then, apply a thin layer of colour polish. While the gel is still tacky, sprinkle or pat on the glitter, trying to get an even coverage. Cure for 1-2 minutes. Clean around the nail, removing any excess glitter. Apply a medium-thick layer of top coat and cure for 2-3 minutes.
The nail will still be tacky after curing, so wipe the nails with a cotton pad and gel cleanser. File away any roughness on the tips of your nails.
Bonus tip:
If you are using loose glitter, you can mix it with the base coat and apply it like a glitter gel polish. You can also add a few drops of your gel top coat to some aluminium foil, stir in the glitter, and apply as normal.
