Different Nail Design Ideas Using Glitter

Are you a glitter nail lover? Glitter, in its earliest forms, has been used by ancient civilizations for thousands of years. In ancient times, shimmering or reflective natural materials served as early versions of glitter. For example, Egyptians crushed up beetles to create shimmery cosmetics, while the Mayans used small crushed mica flakes to paint their temples, making the structures visually striking and radiant in the sunlight. It wasn’t until the 20th century that modern glitter, as we know it, was introduced and accessible to the masses. Since then, glitter has found its way into many industries, including fashion and beauty, and is a beloved element to dazzle or make a bold statement. 

In the 1980s, glitter nails became a popular manicure choice for self-expression and individuality. The word glitter comes from the Old Norse word “glitra,” meaning “to shine.” What better way to let your uniqueness shine than with glitter?

Whether you prefer a subtle shimmer or an eye-catching glitz, glitter can be used in nail art to express your personal style or make a fashion statement. Glitter is a great way to adorn your nails for an event or simply to add flair to your everyday look.

Here are a few different ideas to use glitter in nail designs:

 

Glitter as a Base

Using glitter as a base for solid color details can create a more glamorous look. This technique adds depth and reflection, making the whole nail look more dynamic, sparkly, and eye-catching. 

Glitter Base For Details

Apply a glitter gel as your base. Paint solid color details or 3D elements using 3D gel on the glitter base. 

Featuring: Show Me Korea BB-58

Glitter Base for Color French Tips 

Put a spin on a classic look. Paint your desired color and thickness of French tips over a glitter base. 

Featuring: Salt Recipe GL-001

Glitter Details

Use glitter as a subtle or bold detail. If you’re looking for something just slightly sparkly, try using glitter as a dainty accent. Specific glitter elements such as lines or sections create pops of sparkle without dominating the overall nail design. The effect is a demure look that is versatile and wearable for any occasion while adding a touch of glam. 

However, this can also be adjusted to amplify the sparkle–the more surface area covered in glitter, the bolder the look!

 

Glitter Moon Manicure 

Choose a solid color or syrup color gel as your base color. Use paint a half moon shape at the base of the nails with a glitter gel of choice. 

Featuring: Salt Recipe GL-002

 

Glitter French Tips 

Paint the nail bed area of the nail with your color of choice, leaving the tip area uncovered. Paint the French tips with your glitter gel of choice. This look can be adjusted to be demure and minimal or more flashy and bold. The more glitter, the more drama.

Featuring: Salt Recipe GL-002

Minimal Details 

Use a liner brush with glitter gel to paint a single line on the nail. Paint a half line on some nails, while painting a full line on other nails. 

Featuring: Salt Recipe GL-001

Blending Glitter

Blending glitter into designs adds depth, movement, and creates more of a mood. Blending in glitter rather than placing it solidly, creates sparkle that feels more customized and sophisticated. Use this technique to create romantic, dreamy, or chic moods. 

 

Nuance Nails 

Layer the nail with your choice of colors and texture gels. Blend your choice of glitter gel as a final touch.

Featuring: Salt Recipe GL-002

Blush Nails

Create a blush effect on the nail using your color and method of choice. Blend glitter gel over the gradient for a soft glitter overlay. 

Featuring: Salt Recipe GL-002

Glitter Ombre Nails

Start with a nude or neutral color as your base color. Apply a tinted glitter gel to the tip of the nails. Use a brush to gently blend the glitter upward to create a soft gradient toward the middle of the nail. 

Featuring: Rozyhip RG22

Full Nail Sparkle

Embrace the glitter. There is no shyness with full glitter nails. It is visually loud and celebratory. Chunky glitter or glitter gels with larger glitter parts create more visual impact for an unapologetically bold statement. 

But, if you have more of a neutral preference, choose a glitter gel with more fine glitter particles or has a similar shade to other gel colors you are using.

Accent Glitter Nails

Adding fine glitter as an accent nail to a soft or subtle color choice can add a more luxurious feel with focal interest, elevating a manicure. Opt for a glitter gel that compliments the solid color. 

Featuring: Yogurt Nail Glitter 03

 

Glitter Overlay

Use a fine glitter gel to fully overlay color or color gradations on the nails. 

Featuring: Salt Recipe GL-001

 

Glitter Nail With Rhinestones

Apply a layer of glitter on the nails of choice. Apply rhinestones over the glitter nail. 

Featuring: Salt Recipe GL-002

Glitter is an easy and versatile element to add to any nail design. It’s timeless and adaptable. Add a touch of elegance or make a flashy statement. Check out glitter gel and loose glitter options available at Sweetie Nail Supply. How will you incorporate glitter in your nail art designs? 

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