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5 Ways to Wear Glitter Nail Polish Without Looking Like a Mess

Want to know how to use glitter nail polish without looking like a mess? Keep reading to find out!

Glitter nails are fun for parties and special occasions, but they can also look messy and be difficult to remove.

Here are some easy steps for applying glitter nail polishes that will keep them looking good all day long.

  1. Apply a base coat first
  2. Paint your nails with two coats of color
  3. Let each dry completely before applying topcoat
  4. Finish by using a final layer of clear polish

Apply a Base Coat First

The best way to do a glitter manicure is to start with a clear base coat. Of course, a professional nail technician will start by prepping your nail bed.

This may include pushing your cuticles back and applying cuticle oil.

Clear bases are used as a primer for most diy manicures. It helps prevent chipping and peeling and makes the color last longer. You can use a clear topcoat after the base coat dries.

Pick a clear base color for the best results. If your actual nail polish is dark, you can get away with using a tinted base coat.

Paint your nails with two coats of color

To make sure you get the full glittery nails effect, paint each nail twice. This will give you full coverage and help the glitter stick better. Paint on thin layers if you are using a polish with large glitter pieces.

Let it dry completely

Once you’ve painted your entire nail, wait at least five minutes before applying the top coat. Don’t try to apply layers of glitter to wet nails. If you apply the top coat too soon, the glitter won’t adhere properly.

Finish off by using a clear topcoat

Clear top coats are often used as base coats because they provide a smooth surface for nail art designs. However, they also make it easier to see any mistakes you might make when painting your nails.

To avoid making mistakes, wait for your nails to dry thoroughly before you use the top coat. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally mess up the design with another layer of polish.

Clean up Nail Polish Mistakes

If you do mess up, you can use 1 of 4 following ways for the removal process.

  1. wrap a piece of cotton ball around a cuticle stick, dip it into nail polish remover, then clean away the messy parts.
  2. dip a cotton swab into a bottle of remover and gently dab away the polish that’s gone past your nail.
  3. use the edge of a makeup sponge to swipe away and excess before it dries. If all of the polish has dried, then dip the edge of the sponge in a little bit of remover or acetone to clean up.
  4. use the tip of your nail from the unpolished hand to gently scrape away the excess glitter.

Choose the Right Polish Style

If you’re not sure what kind of nail polish to buy, consider using a matte finish instead of a shiny one.

Matte finishes tend to last longer than glossy ones, so you won’t need to reapply them as frequently.

You can also try mixing different colors together to create unique results.

Glitter Colors

Glitter lovers are in for a treat because there is a glitter polish in every color imaginable. You can even get kits to mix and match colors to create your own set.

Whether you like fine glitter or chunky glitter, the shimmer is a fun way to add some sparkle to your look. 

Glitter can be used to achieve a variety of designs that suit different occasions and seasons.

I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this post. There is no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Nails with Glitter Designs

If you are looking for some glitter nail designs, here are 5 ways to wear them without looking like a mess.

1. Glitter Valentine Nails

Most times, when you think about Valentine’s day, you’re thinking about all things red. Including nails.

But what if you want something different? Pink is a good alternative to red nails. And pink with glitter adds that extra touch.

This nail polish is your perfect Valentine’s companion. It has a cute bright pink color with some red and white love hearts to suit the occasion. 

pink-copper-glitter-nail-polish

If you’re looking for something more subtle, try these sweet glitter nail wraps. The gradient option has just the right amount of glitter. 

pink glitter nail polish

Nail wraps are easy to apply and you can mix and match them to go with your mood or your outfit.

Another great Valentine’s option is this Valentine’s glitter.

💅Can you use nail glitter with regular polish?

You can use nail glitter on regular nail polish, gel polish, or acrylic nails.

valentine-glitter for-nails

2. Glitter Butterfly Nails

If you’re looking for a cute design for your nails, how about a butterfly design?

These butterfly press-on nails have a pale pink glitter background. The background allows the butterflies to be more evident.

You can also get this coffin-shaped set that has butterflies and glitter.

butterfly-press-on-nails

3. Sparkle Nail Designs

Get some attention with sparkly nails.

If you are looking for some shimmer, then these cute pink nail wraps are for you.

pink-nail-wraps-with-glitter

Pastel pink is another gorgeous shade, and this set has a soft pastel pink tone.

Don’t leave the kids out. Get them the this kids nail wrap set. It’s perfect for children and safer than polish.

nail-wraps-for-kids

Want to try out rough-textured nail designs? These rocky press on nails are a must-have.

pink-glitter-coffin-nails

If you’re looking to try an ombre effect, try this press on nail set.

4. Holographic Nails with Glitter

If you’re looking to try something more than just run-of-the-mill, a holographic glitter design is a great choice.

This gel nail polish comes in three shades. Don’t forget that you need an LED lamp to cure them.

pink-acrylic-nails-with-glitter

Another choice is this copper rose pink nail polish which is beautiful in a classic way. Want to try a nail dip powder? This one gives you a holographic look.

nail-dip-powder-with-pink-yellow-flecks.

5. Metallic Nails with Glitter

Metallic nails are vibrant and show-stopping. This acrylic nail set combines metallic nail polish and glitter.

french-manicure-pink-glitter-nails.

Don’t forget about your feet. If you want your toenails to sparkle, get these pedicure wraps. The good thing is that the wraps will save you a lot of work.

pink-toenails-with-glitter

As you can see, there are tons of glitter options. With different sizes, shapes and colors, there is something for every one. Try them out to see which one looks the best on you.