Glitter Nail Art

How to do glitter nail art

Most glitter nail designs follow the same routine: a solid base color, a glitter layer placed with intention, and enough top coat to make the surface smooth again. These steps work whether you're after silver, gold, red, pink or black glitter nails.

• Apply a base coat, then one or two coats of a color that matches or flatters the glitter. A sheer glitter looks fullest over a similar shade.
• Wipe most of the polish off the glitter brush, then dab the glitter onto the nail instead of stroking it. Dabbing places the pieces where you want them rather than dragging them to the tip.
• For a glitter fade, load the most glitter at the tip and use less as you move toward the cuticle. A makeup sponge gives a softer gradient, the same method used in the ombre nail art tutorials.
• For loose glitter, press it into wet polish or tacky top coat, tap off the excess, then seal it.
• Finish with one or two coats of top coat to bury the texture so the nail feels smooth.

What you'll need

• Base coat, a color polish, and a glitter polish or loose nail glitter
• A makeup sponge for fades and a small flat brush for glitter tips
• A thick, glossy top coat
• Polish remover and a small cleanup brush for the cuticle line

Look for glitter shades in nail polish, and see finished looks in the glitter nails gallery.

Common mistakes

Glitter that feels gritty usually needs another layer of top coat, not more glitter. Chunky pieces that stick out past the free edge can be pressed flat with a dotting tool before the polish sets. If the glitter has sunk to the bottom of the bottle, roll the bottle between your palms to mix it rather than shaking it, which adds bubbles.

Questions people ask

How do you make glitter nail polish smooth?

Let the glitter dry, then apply a generous coat of top coat and let it level on its own. A second coat once the first is dry fills in any remaining bumps.

How do you remove glitter nail polish?

Soak a cotton pad in remover, press it onto the nail and hold it there for a minute before sliding it off. Wrapping each pad in foil lets the remover work while you wait, and a peel-off base coat under the glitter makes the next removal easier.

How do you do black glitter nails?

Paint a black creme first, then layer black or multicolored glitter on top for depth. For a softer version, keep the black glitter to one accent nail or run it along the tips as a glitter French tip.