Sophia Delgado
Glitter nails are a fun way to spice up your manicure and make a statement. There are a few different ways to apply glitter to gel nail tips, including using loose glitter or glitter nail polish. One method involves applying a layer of gel, curing it, and then sticking loose glitter onto the nail. Another way is to use a glitter nail polish, which can be applied directly to the nail and may come in different forms, such as a chunky glitter polish or a pre-mixed glitter gel polish. To get an even coat of glitter, it is recommended to start with a base coat in a matching, metallic colour.
How to put glitter on gel nail tips
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Glitter type | Loose glitter, pre-mixed glitter, individual pieces |
| Application method | Brush, magnet |
| Top coat | Clear gel top coat, UV gel top coat, regular nail polish top coat |
| Base coat | Rubberized base coat, glitter base coat |
| Other tools | Tape, stickers, cotton balls, nail file, clippers, orange stick/cuticle pusher, Q-tip |
| Removal | Acetone, nail polish remover |
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What You'll Learn
Using loose glitter with gel nails
There are several ways to apply loose glitter to gel nails. Firstly, it is important to prepare your nails by cleaning, cutting, and shaping them. Push back cuticles and buff your nails to create a smooth base. Apply a base coat and let it dry completely. If you desire a base colour under the glitter, apply two thin coats of your chosen colour and let each coat dry completely.
For a simple method, once your base colour is dry, sprinkle loose glitter over your nails. You can use a funnel or a small piece of paper to create a controlled stream of glitter. For a more precise application, dip a nail art brush or dotting tool into the glitter and dab it onto your nails in your desired pattern.
For a smoother finish, apply a layer of gel polish and cure it under your UV or LED lamp. Then, use a brush or makeup sponge to apply loose glitter. This will allow you to push the glitter around without disrupting the colour. Finally, seal your design with a top coat and cure it under the lamp.
Another method is to mix loose glitter with clear acrylic to create a custom glitter blend. Apply this mixture directly onto the nail using a fine-tipped acrylic brush. Then, seal your design with a top coat.
To create an ombre effect, apply a clear base coat to your nails and let it dry slightly. Dip your fingertip into the glitter dip powder, coating about two-thirds of the nail tip. Repeat this process for the remaining fingers, gradually increasing the amount of glitter applied towards the tips.
Remember to use nail glitter that is made specifically for nail applications, as regular glitter could be damaging to your nails.
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Applying a top coat
Before applying the top coat, ensure that your nails are completely dry. This is important because applying a top coat too early can cause the polish to smudge or become uneven. Once your nails are dry, it's time to choose your top coat. You can opt for a clear gel top coat or a regular clear nail polish top coat. If you want a long-lasting finish, a gel top coat cured under a UV lamp is the best option. However, if you don't have access to a UV lamp or prefer a more natural option, a regular clear nail polish top coat will also work.
When applying the top coat, start by applying a medium to thick layer to each nail. Be sure to cover the entire nail, including the tip, to prevent chipping. Allow the first layer to dry completely before applying a second coat. This second coat will add extra shine and protection to your nails. If you're using a gel top coat, cure each nail under the UV lamp for 2-3 minutes after applying the second coat.
For an extra smooth finish, use a soft brush to gently brush away any excess glitter that may have gotten onto your skin during the application process. You can also use a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover to clean up any mistakes or polish stuck to your skin.
Finally, allow your top coat to dry completely. This may take a few minutes, and you can speed up the process by using a hairdryer on a cool setting. Once your top coat is dry, you're ready to show off your sparkling nails!
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Using pre-mixed glitter gel polish
Prepare Your Nails:
Before you begin, ensure your nails are clean and dry. Use a gel cleanser to wipe your nails, removing any residual nail polish, dirt, or oils. Then, use a nail file to shape your nails as desired. Push back your cuticles with an orange stick or a cuticle pusher.
Apply the Base Coat:
Start by applying a base coat to your nails. It is recommended to use a "rubberized base coat" as it provides a smooth surface for the glitter gel polish to adhere to. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Apply the Pre-mixed Glitter Gel Polish:
Now, it's time to apply the pre-mixed glitter gel polish. Carefully apply a thin layer of the glitter gel polish to your nail tips. If you prefer a more intense glitter effect, you can apply multiple thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. Remember to seal the glitter with a clear gel top coat after the final layer.
Cure the Nails:
Once you're happy with the glitter application, cure your nails under a UV lamp for 2-3 minutes. This will help set the gel polish and create a longer-lasting manicure.
Clean Up and Finish:
After curing, your nails may still feel tacky. To fix this, wipe your nails with a gel cleanser using a cotton ball. Gently file away any roughness on the tips of your nails with a nail file. Finally, if you accidentally got glitter on your skin, use a soft brush to gently brush away the excess glitter once the polish is dry.
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Removing excess glitter
If you find that there is still excess glitter or if you want a more precise removal, you can use a thin brush dipped in nail polish remover to wipe away any remaining glitter. Be careful not to apply too much remover, as it can be tough on your nails and skin. You can also use acetone on a foam wedge and gently tap it on the nail to even out the glitter and remove any bumps.
Another tip to make glitter removal easier is to apply a "rubberized base coat" before starting your manicure. This will make your nails super smooth, and when it comes time to remove the glitter, it will come off more easily. OPI's glitter base coat is a good option for this purpose.
Additionally, if you want to avoid the hassle of removing glitter altogether, you can try using press-on crystals or jewel accents instead of loose glitter. This will give you a similar sparkly effect without the mess.
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Using tape to create a design
Using Tape to Create Intricate Designs:
- French Manicure: Achieving a classic French manicure look is easy with tape. Simply apply a strip of tape along the tip of your nail, then paint the exposed nail above the tape with a light colour. Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the tape and paint the tip of your nail with a darker colour.
- Geometric Shapes: Cut the tape into your desired geometric shape using scissors. Place the tape on your nail and paint over it with your chosen polish colour. Once the paint is dry, gently peel off the tape to reveal your design.
Using Tape as a Stencil:
- Creating Shapes: Use a shape puncher on a strip of tape to create your desired shape. Apply the tape to your nail and paint over it with your chosen colour. Let it dry completely before carefully removing the tape to reveal your design.
- Lace-like Design: Cut the edge of the tape with "crazy scissors" to create a lace-like pattern. Use a dotting tool to make dots around and inside the curved areas of the tape. Remove the tape once the design is dry.
General Tips:
- Using tape is a great way to create straight lines and crisp boundaries, especially if you don't have a steady hand.
- Tape can be used to prevent polish from getting on your skin or creating unwanted lines.
- Always remove the tape gently and carefully to avoid smudging your design.
- Experiment with different types of tape, such as striping tape, which comes in various colours and can add an interesting element to your design.
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Frequently asked questions
First, apply a base coat. Then, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to your first nail and sprinkle loose glitter over the wet polish. Repeat this process for each nail.
When using loose glitter, make sure to spread the glitter smoothly for an even finish that isn’t too bulky.
You can use a clear gel top coat to help the glitter stick to your nail. Apply a medium to thick layer of clear gel top coat to your nail and allow it to cure beneath a UV lamp for 2-3 minutes.
One way to apply loose glitter is to use a brush. After curing your colour, apply a full cure of glitter and then your top coat. The brush lets you lay the glitter where you want it and push it around without disrupting the colour.
Use a soft brush to gently brush away any excess glitter once the polish is dry.
