DIY Glitter Nail Art Tutorial

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday October 25, 2011

Repeat after me: "There is no such thing as too much glitter". Why should glitter be restricted to only your outfit or accessories? Why not try glittery nail art? Get maximum "sparklige" by using creafting glitter instead of glitter nail polish. It's surprisingly easy and pretty long lasting. You get a unique 3-D, textured effect that gives an extra something to matte or even metallic polish. (Also- this nail art costs about $1- compare that to glitter nail stickers at about $10- talk about a bargain!)

What you need:
- Coloured Nail Polish (of your choice)
- Top Coat (optional base coat)
- Orange stick or nail file
- Glitter
- Tape (optional)

This art is a bit on the messy side too and to avoid looking like a Twilight vampire (i.e. sparkles, literally, all over your body), you will need nail polish remover and you may want to use a paper plate, paper towels and protect your working area with plastic. You can also try taping around your cuticle to avoid excess glitter.

Step 1: Start with either a base layer in nail polish colour of your choice or a clean nail. Paint over with a top coat or base coat (either will do).

Step 2: Dip your finger into glitter- it is easiest to pour out a same amount on a paper plate or easy to clean work area. Roll in glitter, from side to side. Make sure to cover your nail entirely.

Step 3: Let dry, using an orange stick or file, tap off any excess glitter.

Step 4: Apply your top coat over this layer and let dry.

For a more gradient glitter or french mani glitter manicure, the process is pretty much the same. Paint your nails first in a colour of your choice. You can try taping off the rest of your nail and applying top coat only on a certain section. Alternatively, apply the top coat, dip the end of your nail in glitter and use your orange stick or finger to move the glitter around.

Here is a final look with a few different glitter nail options- remember to have fun and let your creativity run wild! We all need a bit of glitter in our lives!

Are you also a glitter freak? How do you use glitter?

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16 Comments

	on June 12, 2012 Gabrielle said: If you're gonna show pics of your nails for a tutorial make them look good. the blue nails with glitter tips look horrible. Teach properly or don't teach at all!
	on February 13, 2012 sacki20 1,016 said: when looking in the pictures i could help but think that with the gold if you have the sparkes gradualy come from the middle down and sorta blended in that would be great. for someone like me who changes the nail colors so often i cannot do glitter, i find it is so hard to get off and i always use my hands so it would be falling everywhere.. there is so much you can do and so many great looks you can do like a watermelon wedge and do teh tips in pink and green.
	on October 29, 2011 AlexJC 50 said: @Jennifly7 You can buy glitter specific for nails and I think that might work better. The only problem I see with craft glitter is that they're colour would probably rub off in the polish. But I'd try anything once- and a DIY glitter polish would be great!
	on October 29, 2011 Jennifly7 311 said: I wonder how it would work if you used a light colour or a clear polish and poured fine craft glitter right in the bottle and gave it a shake!
	on October 26, 2011 Kelly said: I love glitter, but that tutorial was just a little too much glitter for me. Especially bc glitter is sooo hard to take off.. lol
	on October 26, 2011 Nanda said: A little glitter is nice but it,s not for me.
	on October 26, 2011 AlexJC 50 said: @Steffikah This one can definitely get a little messy! It is best to have a good working space and make sure to apply a good layer of top coat!
	on October 26, 2011 Steffikah 9,295 said: I find glitter either really messy, or really dressy (in nailpolish form). I tend to just stick with metallics; that's as far as I go. I do wear shimmer shadows though!
	on October 25, 2011 beachbabe 4,164 said: Glitter is a girl's best friend! And I don't know what it is, but I feel like Christmas is a time of year that's extra awesome and acceptable to wear sparkly attire, etc. I love this! Maybe not for every day, but would totally love it for a Christmas party or even Christmas day just for fun.
	on October 25, 2011 shiorim 982 said: I did the glitter tips using the less messy pre-mixed glitter nail polish (though not as fun obvious). I think if you are gonna do a specific section, its much easier to control if you go that route. But I love the full glittered look too! I have done gold for nights out and I think just adds that extra bling you need sometimes. Also like the accent finger and gradient look. A half moon would also look really awesome I think!