Gel Nail Color Really Shines with These Accessories
Posted by Kim Phan -
One of the best things about being a nail artist is the abundance of choices we have when creating beautiful works of nail art. There are hundreds of colors, accessories, and styles to choose from. Whether you're working with gel nail color, dipping powders, acrylic nails, or all of the above, the creative tools you need are right at your fingertips (on the Nails Plus website, or in our retail location!). With the nail as canvas, nail artists can really express their creativity.
In today’s blog, we share a fun trend to use with gel nail color: nail rhinestones! Lucky for you, there’s a rainbow of gel nail colors AND nail rhinestones to choose from. So, get your brushes ready and fire up that creative energy, because we’re about to show you how to turn nail rhinestones into gorgeous gel nail art.
First, what is gel nail color?
Gel nail polish is generally more durable and long lasting than traditional polishes. A gel nail manicure will hold up to regular, daily use with less worry about chipping and peeling. There are dozens of gel nail color brands to choose from, including Gel FX, Kiara Sky, and OPI.
How do I apply rhinestones to gel nail color?
As with all nail art, you will usually get good results with proper technique and top-notch products. We’ll get to the products in a minute, but first—the process of applying rhinestones to gel nail color:
- First, prep the nails as you usually would, starting with cuticle remover. Then, use a cuticle pusher to push back the cuticle. Finally, buff and clean the nails thoroughly.
- Next, apply your gel base coat and cure under an LED lamp.
- Apply your first coat of gel polish. Cure under LED lamp. Then, apply a second coat of gel polish and cure this under the LED lamp as well.
- Before applying your top coat, use a rhinestone picker to select rhinestones. Then, carefully add glue to the backs of the rhinestones and place them where you want them on the nail.
- Cure each nail under an LED lamp for 30 seconds.
- Finally, apply your gel top coat and cure under an LED lamp.
What products will I need to create rhinestone nail art?
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: high-quality products are everything. Here are the products you’ll need for impressive rhinestone nail art:
Products for Prepping the Nail
One of the most important aspects of preparing the nail is caring for the cuticle. Cuticle remover is an absolute essential, and one of our favorites is UltraPlus Cuticle Remover. This does an excellent job of preparing the nail for gel color application. You’ll also need to use a cuticle pusher and a buffer when prepping the nail.
Gel Nail Polish
To create durable and beautiful rhinestone nail art, you’ll need a variety of gel nail polish, including a good base coat, a top coat, and a selection of your favorite colors. A few of our favorites are Kiara Sky’s Tira-Miss-U, a velvety & chic neutral; Kiara Sky’s Pretty Fly, which offers a bold pop of fresh green; and Kiara Sky’s Baby Boo, a soft & elegant blue.
Nail Rhinestones and a Rhinestone Picker
To create rhinestone nail art, you’ll also need (you guessed it!) nail rhinestones. There are several styles and brands to choose from, but we particularly love this kit that comes with a useful rhinestone picker. If you already have a rhinestone picker and are looking for some splashy nail art fun, check out these 3D Mixed Fruit Rhinestones!
Nail Rhinestone Glue
Trust us when we say that using the right kind of nail glue can save you a lot of headaches! Not all rhinestone glues are created equal, but this Stick-On Rhinestone Clue by Cre8tion will really do the job.
An LED Nail Lamp
Finally, to cure the nails and set the rhinestones into the gel polish, you will need a quality LED nail lamp. We recommend Kiara Sky’s BeyondPro LED Lamp, a rechargeable, professional-grade lamp with advanced LED technology.
Now, go get creative with your gel nail color and rhinestones. And if you love what you create, share it on Instagram and tag us!
Beautifully Yours,
Kim Phan, VP