How to: Glitter Nails Tutorial

I have always admired how lovely ladies like Lauren Conrad could pull off black nail polish so well, because every time I try it, I either look like I'm emotionally disturbed or a biker chick. However, I figured that Halloween was the perfect week to wear black nails without being judged too much by those around me. In an attempt to make black nails a bit more girly, and thus wearable, I experimented with some black glitter in lieu of traditional nail polish. This was the result. Also a result? The glitter that has now found a home in every nook and cranny of my apartment after this manicure. Oh well. No pain, no gain.

Step 1: Pick out your glitter.  I used black in honor of this Halloween week. Next, apply a thick coat of top coat or clear polish to ONE nail.

Step 2: Place your hand on a piece of printer paper or a paper plate. While the clear polish is still wet, sprinkle glitter on the nail until it is completely coated. Wait a minute, then tap your finger onto the paper or plate to shake off the excess glitter. Repeat with all nails. When you are done, simply fold up the paper or the plate and funnel the excess glitter back into the container.

Ta-da! You can apply a top coat if you want. It will certainly make the surface of your nails smoother. However, I found that the top coat took away some of the sparkle of the glitter, so I stopped using the top coat after 2 nails. Once the polish is completely dry, just use a nail file or cuticle stick to scrape off the glitter that made its way to the skin surrounding your nail. I'm not entirely sure how long this manicure will last, but I'll keep you posted on its durability as the week goes on. The nice thing about this manicure is that it is really simple to do, even if you don't have a real steady hand.

P.S. On a somewhat unrelated note, I am very, very excited to announce that a fellow blogger, Catherine, of Small Town, Big Wardrobe, was kind enough to feature me on her blog! Check out her post here.

Have a great Tuesday!
xoxo
Katy


EDIT: You absolutely need a topcoat over the glitter. Otherwise, you will leave a Hanzel/Gretel-like trail of glitter everywhere you go. I had to redo the manicure on Tuesday night because I lost so much glitter without the top coat that my nails were nearly bare within 12 hours. With the topcoat, it's been 3 days, and the glitter manicure is holding up nicely.