Have you seen those cool looking metallic or alluring iridescent nails on your feed and wonder how they are created? At Sweetie Nail Supply, we have just the products needed to achieve them. Chrome powder, also called mirror powder, is used to create metallic nails while iridescent powder, also referred to as satin, mermaid, and aurora powder, is used to create iridescent nails. Powders can be a transformative way to elevate your manicure and create fascinating nail looks. Whether you want metallic chrome nails or an iridescent finish, follow our application guide below on how to apply powder. 

Things You Will Need:
Base Gel Color
Non-Wipe Top Coat
Chrome Powder
Applicator

Metallic Chrome Nails

To create metallic nails, you will need chrome powder in a metallic color such as gold or silver. Chrome powder shows truest over a black base color. However, you can also opt for a white base for a brighter metallic finish or clear base for a reflective and mirror-like finish. For this metallic chrome nails guide, we are using Nailbayo Gold Mirror Powder.

Prep the nails and apply base coat and your desired gel color as you would for a regular gel manicure. 

Next, apply one layer of non-wipe top coat. Make sure the top coat has been applied in a thin and even layer and is free of any debris, because any flaws will show once the chrome powder is applied. Cure for only 30 seconds. 

After curing, dab the applicator in the chrome powder. 

Gently rub the chrome powder over the nail. The nail should have a smooth and even metallic finish. If the result appears grainy, the non-wipe top coat may have not cured long enough. If the powder is not adhering to the top gel well, the top coat may have cured too long.

Once the nail has been completely covered with the desired metallic chrome look, gently brush off excess powder using a soft haired nail dust brush. Cure the nail for an additional 30 seconds.

Next, file the edge of the nail using a medium grit file. Gently brush off dust with a soft haired nail dust brush.

Apply one coat of top gel over the chrome layer by gently floating the gel across the nail and making sure to cap the edge of the nail. Fully cure for 60 seconds. 

Iridescent Nails  

You can create a variety of nail looks with a single iridescent powder by changing the base color! The application method of applying iridescent powder follows the same steps as applying metallic chrome powder. Instead of using metallic chrome powder, use an iridescent powder. For this iridescent nail guide, we are using Jello Jello Edge Beam Powder JP06 (Mermaid). 

Prep the nails and apply base coat and your desired gel color as you would for a regular gel manicure. 

Next, apply one layer of non-wipe top coat. Cure for 30 seconds. 

Dab the applicator in the iridescent powder.

Gently rub the powder over the nail. Brush off excess powder using a soft haired brush. Cure for 30 seconds.

File the edge of the nail with a medium grit file. Brush off dust with a soft haired brush. 

Apply one coat of top gel, gently floating the gel across the nail and making sure to cap the edge of the nail. Fully cure for 60 seconds. 

Whether you choose to try chrome nails or iridescent nails, powders are a fun way to create mesmerizing nail looks. Try experimenting with iridescent powder to create a variety of nail looks by using different base colors. If you crave even more fun and edgy nail art results, try using a 3D or texture gel underneath the non-wipe top coat or a non-wipe 3D gel for interesting textured chrome or iridescent looks.