Figuring out what type of glitter you should use on your nails can be tricky sometimes. Do you want to try regular glitter on your nails but don't know how it will turn out? We have done our research to find you the answers.
As long as the glitter you choose has a fine consistency, it is okay to use on your nails. With saying that, we do not recommend using craft or body glitter on your nails because of how thick they tend to be. In general, cosmetic and loose powder glitter options work best on nails and are safer to use on skin.
As we begin, we will cover all things nail glitter and discuss what types will look best with polish. Regardless of your nail skills, the consistency of the powder you use can make a huge difference in how they turn out. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!
What Kind Of Glitter Do You Use For Nails?
When it comes to using glitter on your nails, some options work better than others. Generally, cosmetic and specialty formulated loose powder glitters have the best applications and won't leave your nails looking uneven or chunky.
Like we covered, as long as the glitter you use has a fine consistency and isn't too thick, you should be fine to sprinkle it over your nails.
Is Regular Glitter Safe To Use On Nails?
Although regular glitter won't ruin your nails, it most likely won't have as professional of a look as cosmetic glitter. With that in mind, regular glitter is usually toxic, while cosmetic-grade options aren't.
Another major difference is that cosmetic glitter is colored with pigment while regular glitter is dyed. This makes a huge difference in how the glitter will react to polish and moisture.
Fine Cosmetic Glitter Powder Set
This powder glitter set has 48 different colors, is safe to use on skin, is high quality, and promises to work well on nails.
View this glitter set on Amazon here.
Can You Put Glitter On Gel Nails?
For those with gel nails, yes, you can certainly add some glitter. To do this, use a fine powder glitter and either mix it with your polish beforehand or sprinkle it over your nails as they are drying.
We recommend using a UV light to dry your nails, so the glitter doesn't smudge or run once you are done painting them.
SUNUV Gel Nail Light for Nail Polish
This UV nail drying light is 48 watts, has three timer settings, and promises to get your nails dry in 50% less time.
See this UV drying light on Amazon here.
Can You Put Glitter On Acrylic Nails?
Similar to gel, you can also add glitter to your acrylic nails. When it comes to what type of glitter works best, we recommend using acrylic glitter powder.
To add the glitter to your nails, mix your glitter powder with clear acrylic, grab a nail brush, and evenly apply your mix to your nails.
GLITTIES Iridescent Fine Glitter Powder
This iridescent glitter powder is cosmetic-grade, safe on skin, comes in a ten-gram jar, and promises to work well on both acrylic and gel nails.
See this acrylic nail glitter on Amazon here.
Is Glitter Nail Polish Bad For Your Nails?
Although glitter nail polish is gorgeous to look at, it can damage your nails if you use it too often. Glitter polishes have a glue-like formula that seals the glitter to your nails and almost always requires acetone to remove.
Of course, this doesn't mean glitter nail polish is a no-go; give your nails a break between manicures.
Does Glitter Nail Polish Last Longer?
Between the different kinds of nail polish, glitter options do tend to last longer. This is in part to their stronger formulas and thicker consistency.
On average, you can expect your glitter nails to last about two to three weeks, depending on how well they are done.
GAOY Chrome Platinum Glitter Gel Nail Polish Set
This glitter nail polish set comes with six polish colors, has a gel formula, lasts up to 21 days, and is non-toxic.
Click this link to see this set on Amazon.
ILNP Cashmere Pink Holographic Nail Polish
This holographic nail polish is chip-resistant, non-toxic, has a neutral look, and is vegan/cruelty-free.
Follow this link to view it on Amazon.
How Do You Make Glitter Nails Smooth?
When it comes to making your glitter nails look smooth, make sure to apply a base coat. Next, apply your glitter polish or mix and let it dry on your nails.
Once your nails are dry to the touch, apply one to two layers of topcoat to seal your glitter nails and give them a smooth look. Although using loose powder/cosmetic glitter is recommended, you might want to start with a pre-mixed polish.
UNT Ready For Takeoff Peelable Base Coat
This peel-off base coat is designed for glitter polish, does not contain formaldehyde, and promises not to damage your natural nails.
Check out this base coat on Amazon here.
Beetles Gel No Wipe Top Coat
This gel top-coat has a glossy finish, long-lasting formula, low odor, and does not contain harmful toxins.
View this glossy top coat on Amazon here.
Can You Put A Matte Top Coat Over Glitter?
For anyone after a matte look, it is possible to use a matte topcoat on your nails. With that said, matte formulas tend to accentuate mistakes in your glitter nails, so make sure to do a good job mixing and applying them.
We recommend using a pre-mixed glitter polish, preferably gel, to use with a matte topcoat.
Sally Hansen Matte Top Coat
This two-pack of matte top coats lasts up to ten days, are 0.4 ounces, and promise to give even glossy nails a matte finish.
Follow this link to see these on Amazon.
How Long Do Glitter Nails Last?
Typically, glitter nails should last you between two and three weeks. Depending on whether your nails are gel, acrylic, or pre-mixed glitter polish, this might affect how well they hold out.
Out of the bunch, gel nails will probably last the longest but can be difficult to remove.
Which Nail Polish Remover Takes Off Glitter Polish The Best?
When it comes to removing glitter nail polish, a product's formula is everything. From what we found, polish removers with acetone do the best job but can be very drying.
We recommend finding a nail polish remover with vitamin E or proteins that will strengthen your natural nails on top of removing glitter polish.
Cutex Strength Shield Nail Polish Remover
This nail polish remover has vitamins E, B5, hydrolyzed silk, has a fast-acting formula, and promises to keep nails healthy.
See this polish remover on Amazon here.
Are Glitter Nails In Style?
For those debating glitter nails, we think they are stylish to a point. When choosing a good glitter color, we suggest sticking with something soft and neutral over neon options.
Although you can never have enough sparkle in your life, super-bright glitter nails might come across as tacky. Of course, if you want a bolder color, that should be fine as long as the glitter you use is on the finer side.
How Much Do Glitter Nails Cost?
Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100 on a glitter manicure. Depending on how detailed your nail art is, this number fluctuates quite a bit.
Keep in mind that some salons may charge per nail when working with glitter designs, so check with your manicurist before your appointment.
To Wrap It Up
Whether you want to get a glitter manicure at the salon or try it yourself, consistency is everything. From what we found, you can use regular glitter on your nails as long as it is very fine. When it comes to using craft or body glitter on your nails, we do not recommend it because of how chunky they tend to dry.
Cosmetic and loose powder glitters are what we suggest using on nails because they apply well and aren't toxic. Regardless of how much nail experience you have, make sure to choose high-quality glitter, and look for hydrating polish removing products.
Head on over to these helpful related posts!
What Color Nail Polish With A Brown Dress?