Application Techniques

Gel Application

Gel Mix Method - Complete base and 2 x colour coats and cure. Mix clear / soft gel with the glitter on a piece of tin foil. The consistency must be fluid but with enough glitter to give coverage - not enough gel will result in the application being lumpy. Apply to nail and cure repeating if necessary. Complete with desired top coat / gloss.

Glitters can also be added to colour gels for a different effect, or sandwich the glitter between 2 colour layers for a more subtle effect.

Sprinkle Method - Sprinkle onto uncured 2nd layer of colour - always keep your pot underneath the nail to ensure you don't waste too much glitter. Tap finger to remove excess glitter, cure, dust / brush off excess glitter, then continue with strengthening layer and top coat. Always make sure to cap the edge so that you do not file into the glitter.

Pressed Method - Flash cure or 10 second cure on the 2nd layer of colour, use a soft brush to pat glitter onto the gel, brush off excess and cure. Continue with strengthening layer and top coat. If you are using chunkier glitters, you can use a builder gel to cap the glitter before filing.

Burnishing Method - This technique works best with holographic glitters as it makes the glitter lay flat which will give you the best sparkle! Complete base and 2 x colour coats - cure. Using a soft brush, pat onto cured gel and move the brush in little circles to flatten the glitter, remove excess with a orange stick around the cuticle area and then complete with strengthening layer and top coat.

Raw Glitter Method - Complete base and 2 x colour coats and cure. Use a no wipe top coat - do not cure. Sprinkle on glitter and press in lightly and cure.

Acrylic Application

Acrylic Method - Mix 2/3 Acrylic with 1/3 glitter - Apply acrylic as normal. Cap with clear to ensure when filing you do not file the glitter.

Acrylic Dip Method - Pick up a bead of clear, dip it into your glitter and roll onto the nail. Cap with clear to ensure you do not file the glitter.

Nail Polish Application

Paint nails using base, and 2 colour coats - whilst polish is still wet either sprinkle or dip the nail into the pot to give full coverage. Once polish is dry, brush gently and clean excess around the cuticles and then proceed with top coat ( 2 coats may be needed to ensure smooth surface)

Cosmetic Application

Ensure you are only using our Essence Glitter Cosmetic range for any application to skin.

Mica Powder Application

A truly simple of way of creating amazing effects, such as ombre's or giving your colour selection a boost. To use with gel - complete your base and 2 colour coats, cure - but do not wipe! With a very soft brush, pick up a small amount of Mica and very gently glide it over the inhibition layer of the gel. Once covered you can then brush off any excess mica powder to ensure the coverage is even. Complete with strengthening layer and top coat / gloss.

Chrome,Holo and Unichrome Application

For Gel - Complete your base, 2 colour and cure. Use a no wipe top coat and cure. Using a small applicator brush, gently rub the powder onto the nail, keep rubbing until the desired shine is achieved and there is no excess left. Complete by adding your strengthening layer and top coat/gloss. Be sure to totally encapsulate the Chrome / Holo.

For acrylic - complete your normal steps finishing with polish / gel / colour of your choice. Use a no wipe top coat, rub the powder into the nail - keep rubbing until the desired shine is achieved - complete by adding your top coat.

Super Holo Flake Application

Super Holo Flake can be completed in 2 main ways. Complete your base and 2 colour and cure. Pat the Super Holo Flake onto the inhibition layer with a cosmetic sponge. Once you have achieved the desired effect - add your strengthening layer and top coat / gloss. The other way is to follow the directions for the Chrome and Holo application.

Illusion Dusts

To get a chrome / shiny effect:

For a more sparkly effect:

Pressed Method - Flash cure or 10 second cure on the 2nd layer of colour, use a soft brush to pat dust onto the gel, brush off excess and cure. Continue with strengthening layer and top coat.

Dots & Chunky Glitter

For Gel - Place dots or glitter into flash cured gel (2nd colour layer). For best placement - use a crystal pencil. Cure. Float a layer of clear gel over the top of the dots/glitter. Cure. Finish with your top coat.

For acrylic - follow the steps for standard glitter and ensure to encapsulate the product before filing.