How to Use Glitter in Nail Art

Glitter can define a certain part of nail art, such as the sparkle in a jack-o-lantern's eyes, or it can be the whole design. Using glitter in nail art is simple, but it's best applied by someone else who can really guide the glitter onto the nail.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glitter polish
• Loose glitter
• Clear acrylic

1. Decide which form of glitter you want for your nail art. You can use glitter polish, glitter strips, loose glitter or glitter mixed into clear or colored acrylic paints.

2. Change a traditional French manicure by replacing the white strip with either glitter strips or glitter polish. This looks best with a color that complements the pale pink of the French manicure, such as white glitter, peach glitter or darker pink glitter.

3. Use glitter to detail a nail-art image, such as a beach, Christmas tree, snowflake or star. Use either glitter nail polish or your own glitter concoction mixed with acrylic, and gently dot the glitter onto the design. This adds a little sparkle without overpowering the nail art.

4. Polish the nails with a solid color and then apply a top coat. Paint on your choice of glitter, or sprinkle loose glitter onto the top coat and allow it to dry. Finish off the look by painting flowers, stars, hearts or other designs on top of the glitter, and seal with another top coat.

5. Create a fun look by using glow-in-the-dark glitter. This is fun for Halloween or a party. Paint the nails black or some other dark, solid color, and top it off with glow-in-the-dark glitter all over the nail or on the tip.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fine glitter instead of coarse, thick glitter for nail art. It looks better and rubs off less than coarse glitter.
• Wait until the glitter is completely dry on the nail before applying a top coat. If it isn't, the glitter will spread all over the nail and mess up the nail art.

Resources

• Buy nail art glitter.