They're easy to do and fun.Pick up some gem gel or nail glue to give your nails some shine.If you're working with nails that are polished to your liking, you will simply pop the crystals onto your nail and let them dry.We'll show you how to get shimmery nails in no time.
Step 1: Gel polish can be used to paint your nails.
If you start with a coat of your favorite gel nail polish, you can attach rhinestones to natural or acrylic nails.Before you paint your nails, make sure they are clean and dry.It helps the polish stick to your nails.If you're going for a glitter look, get your nails done with a glittery polish that shimmers when the light hits it.
Step 2: Allow your nails to dry completely.
Before you attach the rhinestones, give your nails time to cure.You don't have to worry about your painted fingers.Put your hands under the nail curing lamp to speed up the process.Wait about 15 minutes before applying the rhinestones.
Step 3: There is a thick coat of gem gel on your nails.
You can spread the gem gel on each nail by dipping a nail brush in it.Don't skimp on the product, the thick coat of gel gives the stones something to anchor into.Do you want to apply a single large rhinestone?You can apply a single bead of gem gel that's the size of the rhinestones.The gel should be thick enough to reach the widest part of the crystal.
Step 4: There is a coat over the gem gel.
You shouldn't wait for the gel to cure before doing this.The top coat should be brushed over it.This way, you won't end up with a tacky layer, which is hard to remove once the crystals are in place.You don't have to cure or dry your fingernails just yet.If you work quickly, they will stick better.A non-wipe top coat is great when you're working with rhinestones since you don't need to wipe it off.
Step 5: Press a piece of jewelry onto your nail.
There are a lot of tools you can use to pick up individual crystals, so try to find one that works best for you.You could use a wax-tipped picking pen to pick up a rhinestone and place it in place.It is possible to pour your rhinestones into a small dish.The tool can pick up the crystal by pushing against the surface.Before applying small rhinestones, attach larger rhinestones.It's easier to fill in the gaps between the large and smaller crystals.A conical wax tip is what most picking pens have.You can use a thin metal point to position the crystal on the other end.Is it possible to use a really large rhinestone?If the crystal keeps sliding to the side of your nail, cure it under the nail lamp for 10 seconds and it will stay put.
Step 6: It is a good idea to cure your nails for about 90 seconds.
If you're happy with your placement, stick your nails under a curing lamp for 90 seconds.The crystals will not be able to move around.If you have big rhinestones, you may want to give them more time.The curing lamp may suggest curing them for a different amount of time.
Step 7: Do not brush a top coat.
Don't apply a top coat if you're worried that the rhinestones will stick.Light reflecting off of the rhinestones makes them sparkle.They will lose their shimmer and shine if you brush them.A tacky layer on your nail is left by a standard top coat.If you put rhinestones on your fingers, they might pop off.If you want to seal the edges of your nails with a top coat, avoid getting it on the rhinestones.
Step 8: Put your favorite polish on your nails.
Basic nailpolish can be used for a quick set.Pick a color that you would like to see around the rhinestones.Use shimmery, glittery nail polish for extra sparkle.Under the rhinestones, you will be able to see this.
Step 9: Before you attach rhinestones, let your nails dry.
Your nails will probably be dry within a few minutes, but they can smudge at this point.Wait until your nails don't feel tacky.This can take up to an hour if you're using basic nail polish.The curing lamp should dry your nails in a few minutes.Do you use gel nail polish?Use a nail file to buff the shine off of your nails.This can help the rhinestones stick to the nail.
Step 10: A drop of nail glue can be squeezed onto a plastic dish.
Use a disposable dish or plate.You can always add more if you need it, since a little goes a long way.It's not a good idea to use superglue to attach rhinestones.If you come into contact with superglue, it can cause irritation to your skin.
Step 11: Attach your nail with quick set glue.
The thin metal end of the picking pen should be dipped into the glue.Then, put it on the nail where you want it to be.Excess glue shouldn't pool around the crystals if you use a light touch.
Step 12: Place a piece of jewelry on the nail.
A picking pen or tweezers can be used to pick up a rhinestone.Put it on the glue and it will face up.Synthetic rhinestones or glass can be used for strong crystals that sparkle.At your local beauty supply store, craft shop, or online, you can buy rhinestones.If the rhinestone slides to the side of your nail, you can push it back into place with a picking pen or a cuticle stick.
Step 13: A top coat should be applied around the crystals.
If you're worried the rhinestones will fall off, you can apply a clear top coat around them to help hold them in place.If you brush the top coat over the rhinestones, it will dull the shine.There is more glue around the base of the rhinestones for a stronger hold.