How to Do My Own Professional Gel Glitter Toes

Mix glitter with nail gel to create glitter toes.

Gel nails are a form of artificial nail hardener that strengthens the nail and also helps a manicure look polished and refined. Gel nails are similar to acrylic nails, but the gel comes premixed rather than in powder form. You can mix glitter in with the gel to create glitter nails that look sparkly and fun on toes. The gel will last several weeks. The removal process is somewhat difficult, however, and the gel must be filed off. You can also wait for the gel to lift naturally after a few months or weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-bacterial nail spray
• Orange stick
• 180 grit nail file
• Soft cloth
• Nail prep primer
• Glitter or glitter nail polish
• Nail gel
• 36 watt UV lamp
• Gel cleaner
• Cotton balls

Instructions

1. Spray your nails with anti-bacterial spray. Push back the cuticles as far back as possible with an orange stick. Nail gel does not stick well to cuticles, and it can be painful when the gel pulls away from the skin as the nails grow.

2. File the nails with an 180 grit nail file. Wipe away any dust with a soft cloth or simply wash your hands with soap. Dry your feet thoroughly.

3. Spray your toenails with anti-bacterial spray. Follow with an application of nail prep primer.

4. Mix the glitter into the nail gel, or paint your toes with a separate glitter nail polish.

5. Apply a small amount of gel to each toenail. After applying the gel to all toes, carefully turn over onto your stomach and hold your feet upside down for 20 seconds to center the gel in place.

6. Hold your feet under the UV lamp for 30 seconds. You will probably have to place one foot under the lamp at a time.

7. Apply a total of three coats of gel to each toe. Dry the gel using the lamp for each coat. Wipe away any sticky gel residue with a gel cleaner and a cotton ball.

References

• Manicure: How to Apply Gel Nails
• Art Glitter: Art Glitter Nails