Caleb Foster
Creating custom nail colours is a fun and simple project. You can make your own nail polish by combining a ready-to-use polish base with mineral colourants or by using eye shadow and clear polish. You can also mix two or more nail polish colours to create a new shade. The amount of colourant added will determine the richness and darkness of the shade. If you're using eye shadow, you can crush it and pour it into a bottle of clear nail polish, then shake the bottle until the pigment is evenly distributed. You can also buy make your own nail polish kits that come with colourants, glitter, nail polish base, and other supplies.
How to Make Nail Polish
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Clear nail polish, 3-free suspending base, 5-free, 8-free, 16-free topcoat |
| Colourants | Mineral colourants, eyeshadow, food colouring, cosmetic colourants |
| Tools | Nail polish mixing balls, miniature funnel, popsicle stick, miniature scoop, coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, plastic baggie |
| Glitter | Solvent-resistant glitters, cosmetic-grade glitters, fine glitter, embossing glitter |
| Other additives | Polish thinner |
| Bottles | Empty nail polish bottles |
| Application tips | Use a base coat to prevent staining, use a top coat for shine and longevity |
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What You'll Learn
Using food colouring
Creating your own nail polish colour using food colouring is a fun and easy project. It can be done in a few simple steps and is a great way to get a unique shade that you may not be able to find in stores.
Firstly, gather your supplies. You will need food colouring, a bottle of nail polish (preferably one that has been used a few times already to avoid overflow), a toothpick or bamboo stick, and a clear base coat (optional). It is best to use food colouring that comes in drops, as this will be easier to add to the nail polish bottle.
Next, add your chosen food colouring to the bottle of nail polish. You can do this by carefully dripping the colouring into the bottle. If you are using more than one colour, you can combine them to create your desired shade. For example, to create a minty green, you can mix 15 drops of green food colouring with 10 drops of yellow.
At this point, you may need to use a toothpick or bamboo stick to stir the food colouring and help move it around if it is pooling at the top. Once you are happy with the colour, put the lid on the nail polish bottle and shake it well. The little ball inside the bottle will help to mix the food colouring, ensuring you get an even shade.
Finally, you can apply your custom nail polish! It is recommended to use a clear base coat first to prevent staining, especially if you have used a lot of food colouring or have not mixed it thoroughly. Now you can show off your unique nail colour to all your friends!
This is a creative way to express yourself and get the exact nail colour you desire.
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Adding eyeshadow
Creating your own nail colour using eyeshadow is a fun and simple DIY project. You can use any colour eyeshadow you want and even mix a few eyeshadow colours together to create a custom shade. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own nail colour using eyeshadow:
Prepare the eyeshadow
Firstly, select the eyeshadow colour or colours of your choice. If you are using loose powder eyeshadow, you can skip this step. If you are using solid blocks of eyeshadow, you will need to crush them into a fine powder. You can do this by gently tapping the eyeshadow into a small bowl or placing it in a Ziploc bag and crushing it with a kitchen knife or another hard object.
Mix the eyeshadow with clear nail polish
Once you have your eyeshadow powder, it's time to mix it with clear nail polish. You can do this in a small container, such as a bowl or a spice jar. If you are using a clear nail polish that is also a base and top coat, you can add 25 to 30 drops directly to the bowl with the eyeshadow. If you are using a separate base and top coat, you may want to mix the eyeshadow with the base coat first. Add the clear nail polish a little at a time until you reach your desired shade. You can use a toothpick or a small brush to mix the eyeshadow and nail polish together.
Apply the nail polish
Once you have achieved your desired shade, it's time to apply the nail polish. Use a clean nail brush or a flat eyeshadow brush to apply the polish to your nails. Apply thin coats and let them dry in between. Once your polish is dry, apply a top coat to lock in your design and prevent chipping.
Tips for mixing and applying
- The smoother the formula, the better it will apply to your nails.
- Because the mixture is exposed to air, it will dry quickly, so begin to paint your nails right away.
- If you want a more opaque colour, you can use white nail polish instead of clear.
- If you want a sparkly finish, add some fine white glitter to your mixture.
- To keep the ingredients from separating, shake the bottle regularly, especially before you use the polish.
- You can add small steel mixing balls or ball bearings to the bottle to help keep the ingredients mixed and increase the longevity of your nail polish.
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Adding cosmetic-grade glitter
One popular method for applying cosmetic-grade glitter to your nails is to use a makeup sponge. First, prepare your nails by applying a base coat and a base colour, allowing them to dry completely. Then, add your chosen glitter nail polish to the sponge and dab it onto your nails. This technique provides more control over the amount of glitter applied and can create a professional-looking, intensely glittery effect.
Another method is to apply your base coat and base colour, then, while the polish is still wet, sprinkle the cosmetic-grade glitter directly onto your nail. Tilt your nail to ensure the glitter is evenly distributed, and work over a sheet of paper to catch any excess. You can gently pat the glitter into place with a fan-shaped brush before blowing or brushing off the excess.
If you're using loose cosmetic-grade glitter, you can mix it with a clear gel or acrylic to create a custom glitter polish. Combine the glitter with a small amount of gel or acrylic on a mixing pallet, adjusting the ratio until you achieve the desired consistency. Then, apply this mixture to your nails as you would regular nail polish.
When selecting your cosmetic-grade glitter, consider the size and type to achieve your desired look. Chunky glitters create a bold, playful effect, while shimmer polishes offer a more subtle, luminous glow. You can also find multicoloured confetti-like mixes or opt for classic colours like gold and silver.
Remember, less is more when it comes to glitter nail polish. Applying thin layers and gradually building up the intensity allows your natural nail colour to peek through, resulting in a stunning, multidimensional glitter effect.
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Using a suspension base
To make your own nail polish using a suspension base, you will need the following supplies:
- Empty nail polish bottles with tops and nail polish mixing balls
- Miniature funnels
- Mica, oil-based colourants, and/or cosmetic-grade glitter
- Popsicle sticks or miniature scoops
- Suspension nail polish base
- Place the nail polish mixing balls into the empty polish bottles, and insert a miniature funnel into the bottle’s neck.
- Use the tip of a popsicle stick or a miniature scoop to add glitter or colourants to the funnel. You can stick to one colour or create your own blends by mixing multiple colourants together. Add a large pinch of colour for a sheer polish or up to 1/4-1/2 teaspoon for a heavier, more opaque colour.
- Gently tap the bottle and funnel to drop the colourant into the bottle, being careful not to spill.
- Secure the lid on the nail polish bottle and shake it for at least 60 seconds, or until the colour is completely dispersed throughout the base.
- Apply your homemade nail polish to your nails! You may need to use more than one coat to achieve your desired look.
- Finish off your nails with a top coat once the colour polish is completely dry. This will add a glossy finish and protect your nails from chipping.
Some additional tips to keep in mind:
- When adding pigments, dyes, and micas to an uncoloured base, it is recommended to use a "pea-sized" amount to avoid the nail polish not drying correctly and peeling off.
- It is a good idea to “wet” the pigment or dye with rubbing alcohol before adding it to your polish to prevent the polish from becoming gritty.
- If you are mixing multiple colours of mica powder, it is best to mix them together on a piece of paper before pouring them into the funnel.
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Applying a base coat
The base coat is applied directly to bare nails and is usually transparent. It is similar to a makeup primer in that it evens out the surface of the nail, correcting its shape and filling in any gaps. This creates a smooth surface for the nail colour to adhere to, and prevents pigments from staining your nails. It also acts as a protective layer between the nail and the coloured polish, shielding the nail from drying out and possible discolouration, and external factors such as humidity.
When choosing a base coat, it is important to select one that suits your nail type and the type of polish you are using. For example, if you are using a gel polish, a vitamin-enriched base coat is recommended. This type of base coat is formulated with vitamins and nutrients that strengthen and nourish the nails, enhancing the wear of your nail colour for up to 12 days.
It is also important to note that the base coat should be applied thinly and cured under an LED lamp, as per the application instructions. This will ensure that your manicure is long-lasting and that your nails stay healthy and protected.
By following these steps and applying a base coat properly, you will be able to achieve a professional-looking manicure with extended durability and a smooth, flawless finish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make nail colour at home by using eye shadow and clear nail polish or by mixing two or more nail polish colours together. You can also buy a "make your own nail polish kit" that comes with everything you need.
First, pour a small amount of nail polish into a small plastic cup or onto a paper plate. If you are using eye shadow, crush it into a fine powder and add it to the nail polish. You can also add glitter for a sparkly effect. Mix the colours together with a nail polish brush, paintbrush, or toothpick. Adjust the colour by adding more of either colour and mixing again.
The amount of eye shadow or nail polish you add will determine the shade of your nail colour. Add a little at a time until you reach the desired shade. You can also mix different colours of eye shadow to create a custom shade.
You can use any colour of eye shadow you want, but it's important to make sure that it is made for cosmetic use. Solid blocks of eye shadow will need to be crushed into a fine powder before being added to the nail polish.
Pour the mixed nail polish into a clean, empty nail polish bottle. If you have them, add 1 or 2 small steel mixing balls or ball bearings to the bottle to help keep the ingredients from separating. Shake the bottle regularly, especially before use.
