Buzz
Add some sparkle to your nails effortlessly! Elevate your nail game with rhinestones and either gem gel or nail adhesive. If your nails are already polished to perfection, simply adhere the crystals onto them and allow them to set. Follow these easy steps to achieve dazzling nails in no time.
Steps
Gem Gel
Apply gel polish to your nails. Whether it's natural or acrylic nails, start by applying a layer of your preferred gel nail polish.
- Ensure your nails are completely dry and clean before applying the polish. This aids in better adhesion.
- For an ultra-glamorous, shimmering effect, opt for a clear, glitter-infused polish that sparkles under light.
Allow your nails to dry completely. Ensure your nails are fully cured before adding the rhinestones to avoid smudging your freshly painted nails! If available, speed up the process by using a nail curing lamp. Alternatively, wait approximately 15 minutes before proceeding with the rhinestone application.
Apply a generous layer of gem gel onto your nails. Using a nail brush, coat each nail you wish to adorn with rhinestones evenly with a medium to thick layer of gem gel. A thick layer of gel provides a stable base for the stones, so don't be sparing with the product.
- Opting for a single large rhinestone? Apply a bead of gem gel equivalent to the size of the rhinestone you're using.
- For rhinestones with pointed backs, ensure the gel layer is thick enough to reach the widest part of the crystal.
Seal the gem gel with a non-wipe top coat. Without waiting for the gel to dry, apply a layer of non-wipe top coat over it. This prevents the formation of a sticky layer, which can be difficult to remove once the rhinestones are in place.
- You don't need to dry your nails yet; swift action ensures better adhesion of the rhinestones.
- A non-wipe top coat is ideal for rhinestone application as it eliminates the need to remove sticky residues typical of regular top coats.
Attach the rhinestones to your nails. Various tools can be used to pick up individual crystals, so experiment to find what suits you best. Tweezers or a wax-tipped picking pen are common choices for picking up and placing rhinestones.
- Consider pouring the rhinestones into a small dish or plate to facilitate picking them up with the tool.
- Start with larger rhinestones before adding smaller ones to fill in the gaps more easily.
- Many wax-tipped picking pens have a conical wax tip for picking up the crystal and a thin metal point for precise placement.
- If a large rhinestone keeps sliding, hold it in place and cure it under the lamp for 10 seconds to secure it.
Cure your rhinestone-adorned nails for around 90 seconds. Once satisfied with the placement, place your nails under a curing lamp for 90 seconds to prevent the crystals from shifting. If using large rhinestones, consider extending the curing time by a few seconds.
- Refer to the instructions provided with your curing lamp, as the recommended curing time may vary.
Avoid applying a top coat over the rhinestones. While you may be tempted to ensure the rhinestones' adherence, refrain from doing so! Rhinestones achieve their dazzling effect through light reflection from their facets. Applying anything over them dulls their brilliance.
- Conventional top coats leave a sticky residue that must be wiped off. Doing so with rhinestones on your nails risks dislodging them.
- It's acceptable to seal the edges of your nails with a top coat—just steer clear of the rhinestones.
Nail Adhesive
Coat your nails with your preferred polish. Opt for either regular nail polish for a quick finish or longer-lasting gel polish. Choose a color that complements the rhinestones as it will be visible around them.
- For added brilliance, opt for shimmering or glittery nail polish. This will enhance the rhinestones' appearance.
Ensure your nails are fully dry before attaching rhinestones. Although your nails may seem dry within minutes, they're prone to smudging. Wait until they're completely dry without any tackiness. With regular polish, this can take up to an hour, whereas gel polish dries within minutes under a curing lamp.
- Using gel polish? Lightly buff the nail surface with a file to improve rhinestone adhesion.
Dispense a small drop of fast-setting nail adhesive onto a disposable surface. Opt for a disposable dish for easy cleanup. Use only a small amount of adhesive, as a little goes a long way, and you can always add more if necessary.
- While some suggest using superglue, it's not recommended. Superglue can irritate the skin upon contact and is harsher on nails than nail adhesive.
Apply a small amount of fast-setting glue to your nail. Use the thin metal tip of a waxed-tipped picking pen or a cuticle stick to apply the glue onto the desired spot on your nail. Be gentle to prevent excess glue from pooling around the rhinestones.
Position the rhinestone on your nail. Using the waxed-tipped end of a picking pen or tweezers, carefully place the rhinestone onto the glue with the sparkly side facing up. Opt for glass or synthetic rhinestones for durability and maximum sparkle.
- Rhinestones are available at beauty supply stores, craft shops, and online retailers.
- If a rhinestone shifts, use a cuticle stick or the thin metal end of your picking pen to readjust its position.
Apply a clear top coat around the rhinestones. To secure the rhinestones and prevent them from coming loose, consider applying a clear top coat around their perimeter. Avoid brushing the top coat directly over the rhinestones to maintain their shine.
- For added security, dab additional glue around the base of the rhinestones.
Pointers
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Interested in using micro-rhinestones, also known as caviar beads? Mix them into a non-wipe top coat and apply as desired.
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Find rhinestones at beauty supply stores, major retailers' beauty sections, or online platforms.
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Looking for larger gems? Opt for ones with a slight curve on the bottom for a snug fit on your nails and to prevent snagging.
Essential Supplies
Gem Gel
- Rhinestones
- Gel nail polish
- Gem gel
- Nail brushes
- Non-wipe top coat
- Small dish or plate
- Tweezers or pick-up tool
- Nail curing lamp
Nail Adhesive
- Nail polish
- Nail adhesive
- Small plastic dish
- Rhinestones
- Small dish or plate
- Tweezers or pick-up tool
- Nail curing lamp (optional)
