Ava Monroe
There are many ways to add glitter to gel nails, but one of the most common methods involves applying a base coat, followed by two coats of colour, and then sprinkling or patting on the glitter. The glitter is then usually sealed with a top coat, which can be left off for extra sparkle, but this may result in a rougher texture. A thin layer of builder gel can also be used to act as a glue for the glitter to stick to. Another method involves mixing loose glitter with a small amount of base coat on a mixing pallet and then applying it to the nails.
How to put glitter dust on gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepare nails | Clean, trim, and file your nails. Wipe your nails down with a gel cleanser or nail polish remover to clean off any existing nail polish, dirt, and oils. Push back the cuticles. |
| Base coat | Apply a base coat and let it dry. |
| Base colour | Apply 1 to 2 coats of your desired base colour and let it dry. |
| Glitter application | Sprinkle or shake the glitter over the nail. Gently press the glitter onto the nail and tap off any excess. |
| Buffing | Buff the glitter into your nail with a small nail art brush using circular motions. |
| Top coat | Apply a thin layer of clear gel top coat to each nail. Wait for the top coat to dry, then apply a second layer. Alternatively, apply two coats of top coat to reduce the texture. |
| Clean-up | Use a thin brush dipped in nail polish remover to wipe away any nail polish stuck to the skin around your nails. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the nail
Now, it's time to apply a base coat. Choose a good base coat polish and apply a thin, even layer to each nail. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Once the base coat is dry, you can decide if you want to add a base colour. If you wish to have a coloured base for your glitter, go ahead and apply one to two coats of your chosen colour, curing each layer as you go. Remember to let each layer dry thoroughly before applying the next one.
If you want to avoid getting glitter on your skin, you can use tape to block off the areas around your nails. Simply place small pieces of tape on the skin around each nail to create a barrier. This will make the clean-up process much easier! Now, you're almost ready to add the glitter, but there's one more important step: don't wipe off the tacky layer on your nails. This tacky layer will help the glitter adhere better and create a smoother finish.
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Applying the glitter
If you are applying the glitter directly to your nail, brush on a thin coat of gel polish. While the polish is still tacky, sprinkle your glitter over it. You can use a fan-shaped brush to gently pat the glitter down, then blow off any excess. You can also use a small nail art brush to gently buff the glitter onto your nail in circular motions. This will help the glitter to stick and lie flat.
If you want a faint layer of glitter, just sprinkle a little glitter onto the nail. If you want a bright, sparkly nail, keep shaking until the surface is completely coated. You can also press large pieces of glitter or crystals onto the nail. Use the brush you applied the gel with, tapping it into the glitter or loose crystals so they stick, then push them into the gel.
Once you are happy with the glitter, you can cure the polish and remove any excess glitter. Place your nail under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes, then use an orange stick or a tissue to wipe away any glitter on the skin around your nails.
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Removing excess glitter
To remove excess glitter from your gel nails, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure that you have tapped off most of the excess glitter after applying it to your nails. You can do this by tapping your nails gently or by dusting off the glitter with a fluffy nail art brush. This will help remove any loose glitter that is not adhered to the gel topcoat.
If you find that there are still some lumps or bumps on your nails after curing, you can use a nail file to gently buff and file your nails. Focus on the areas with excess glitter to create a smoother surface. Be careful not to over-file, as this may damage the gel polish underneath.
After filing, you can apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your nails. This will help to hydrate and protect your nail bed. Using a paper towel, gently wipe off any excess oil before moving on to the next step.
Finally, apply a top coat to your nails to ensure a smooth and even finish. You can use a super gloss or a regular top coat, depending on your preference. Cure your nails in a lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove excess glitter and achieve a smooth and professional-looking finish for your gel nails.
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Sealing the glitter with a top coat
Sealing your glitter with a top coat is the final step in adding some sparkle to your gel nails. It is important to note that adding a top coat may dull the glitter a little, so if you want to maximise sparkle, you may want to skip this step. However, if you do want to add a top coat, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you have removed any excess glitter from your nails. You can do this by gently brushing your nails with a soft brush, such as an eyeshadow brush, or by using an orange stick or tissue to wipe away any excess.
Next, you will want to apply a thin to medium layer of clear gel top coat to your nails. It is important to ensure that the top coat is not too thick, as this may affect the drying process. After applying the top coat, allow it to dry under a UV lamp for 2 to 3 minutes. If you are in a hurry, you can also use a quick-drying top coat, but be aware that these may not provide the same level of protection as a regular top coat.
If you are using loose glitter, you may want to apply a second coat of the top coat to ensure that the glitter is completely sealed in. Again, make sure that the second coat is thin and even, and allow it to dry under the UV lamp. If you find that your nails still feel a bit sticky after the top coat has dried, you can wipe them down with a cotton ball soaked in gel cleanser.
Finally, it is important to clean your brushes and tools after you have finished your manicure. This will help to remove any excess glitter and prevent it from getting everywhere.
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Finishing and cleaning
Once you've applied your glitter, it's time to finish and clean your nails.
First, cure your nails under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes to set the glitter in place. You can then use an orange stick or a tissue to wipe away any excess glitter, especially around the skin surrounding your nails.
Next, seal in the glitter with a clear top coat. Apply a medium to thick layer of the top coat to each nail, ensuring complete coverage of the glitter. Place your nails back under the UV lamp for 2-3 minutes to allow the top coat to cure.
After curing, your nails may still feel tacky. To fix this, wipe them down with a cotton ball soaked in gel cleanser. You can also use a soft brush, such as an eyeshadow brush, to gently brush away any remaining excess glitter and give your nails a smoother finish.
Finally, address any roughness on the tips of your nails by gently filing them with a nail file. If you notice any nail polish on the skin around your nails, use a thin brush dipped in nail polish remover to wipe it away.
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Frequently asked questions
First, apply a base coat and a base colour and let them dry. Then, apply a thin coat of gel polish to your first nail. While the polish is still tacky, sprinkle your desired glitter dust over it. Gently pat it down with a fan-shaped brush, then blow off any excess glitter.
Yes, you should cure your nails under a UV lamp for 1-2 minutes. This will ensure that the glitter sets and does not move around.
After curing, use an orange stick or a tissue to wipe off any excess glitter, especially around the skin near your nails. Then, apply a medium to thick layer of clear gel top coat and cure again for 2-3 minutes.
You can add glitter to all your nails or choose just one to be a shimmery accent. Block off the areas you don't want glittered with tape before you start.
To achieve a smooth finish, use a soft brush to gently brush off any excess glitter once the polish is dry. You can also apply two layers of a clear top coat, allowing each layer to dry in between, to add extra smoothness and shine.
