Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Use UV gel nail polish
• Method 2 of 2: Use regular nail polish or gel nail polish
• Tips
• Necessities
• Use UV gel nail polish
• Use regular nail polish or gel nail polish

Mirror nails are the latest nail trend. They shine, they sparkle and are almost everything you could wish for as a nail polish fan. Usually, mirroring powder is applied to UV gel nail polish, but you can also apply the powder to regular gel nail polish or even nail polish. It only takes a little time and effort, and a love for all that shimmers.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Use UV gel nail polish

1. Apply a coat of base nail polish and let the polish dry for 30 seconds under a LED manicure lamp. Some nail artists also recommend covering the skin around the nails with a layer of white hobby glue or liquid latex. This makes it easier to clean your skin after the manicure, because all you have to do is peel off the glue or latex.
   • Also paint the ends of your nails. This way your nail polish will not flake.
2. Apply two coats of UV gel nail polish and let it dry. Apply the first coat and let the paint dry for 30 seconds. Apply the second coat and let this coat dry for only 15 seconds.
   • Don't forget to paint the ends of your nails as well.
   • You can use any color, but many people say black works best.
3. Use an eyeshadow applicator to tap the powder onto your nails. Don't worry if the powder doesn't look smooth. Simply dip the applicator into the powder and tap the powder onto your nails.Start at the cuticles and then work your way up to the ends.
4. Use the applicator to gently brush the powder into your nails. When you have covered all your nails with powder, use the applicator to gently brush the powder into your nails. Don't exert too much pressure, however, as you can make dents. During brushing, the layer becomes smoother.
5. Clean your skin and nails with a soft brush or rubbing alcohol. Grab a soft, fluffy eyeshadow brush or kabuki brush and gently sweep the tops of your nails. This will remove the excess powder. You can also use a thin brush or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean the skin around your nails. If you applied glue or latex in the beginning, just peel the film off your skin.
6. Apply a topcoat without a sticky layer and let the paint dry for 30 seconds. When your nails are dry you are ready to show them to everyone.

Method 2 of 2: Use regular nail polish or gel nail polish

1. Apply base nail polish and two coats of nail polish. Make sure to apply the polish to the ends of your nails as well, so that the polish lasts longer. You can use any color, but mirror powder looks best on a black background.
   • UV gel polish is easier to work with, but it is also possible to get a nice finish if you use regular gel polish or nail polish. However, it takes more effort.
   • Consider covering the skin around your nails with a little white hobby glue or liquid latex to make it easier to clean your skin.
2. Apply a top coat and wait for the paint to dry to the touch. However, do not let the topcoat dry completely. It should feel rubbery but not tacky. This is important, especially if you are using a regular top coat. If you apply the powder too quickly, you will make a mess and if you wait too long the powder will not stick.
   • Use a regular water-based topcoat for this. It is recommended to use a quick-drying topcoat.
   • Don't forget to apply the topcoat to the ends of your nails as well.
3. Tap the mirror powder onto your nails with an eyeshadow applicator. Start at the cuticles and then work your way up to the ends. You can use a special applicator meant for applying mirror powder, or you can use an eyeshadow applicator. Tap the applicator down gently when applying the powder.
4. Brush the powder into the nail polish. When all your nails are covered with powder, gently brush the surface with the eyeshadow applicator. Don't apply too much pressure, because you can make dents. During brushing, the surface becomes smoother.
5. Wipe off the excess powder. You can do this with a soft brush like an eyeshadow brush or a kabuki brush, or with a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol. If you applied glue or liquid latex in the beginning, just peel the film off your skin.
6. Apply a water-based top coat and don't forget to treat the ends of your nails. For many people, a regular topcoat cracks and the finish of the mirror powder is less beautiful. Fortunately, this is not the case if you use a water-based topcoat.
7. Finish by applying a regular topcoat. When you have applied a water-based topcoat, you can use a different type of topcoat without any problems. This will make your manicure last even longer. If you only use a water-based topcoat, your nails will unfortunately not stay beautiful for very long.
8. Wait for the topcoat to dry. When the polish is dry you can show your new nails to all your friends.

Tips

• Before painting your nails, apply some white hobby glue or liquid latex to the skin around your nails. This makes it easier to clean your skin after painting.
• Consider using silver base nail polish. That way it will be less visible if the powder does not cover the entire surface.
• To get really unique nails, use some nail templates when your nails are ready. Solid, matte colors work best.
• For a different look, first apply some nail stickers and then tap the mirrored powder on your nails. When you have applied and polished the powder, peel off the stickers from your nails and paint your nails with a topcoat to protect them.
• Work over a smooth surface and not over fabric. This powder is very fine and ends up everywhere.

Necessities

Use UV gel nail polish

• Basic nail polish
• UV gel nail polish
• Mirror powder
• Eyeshadow Applicator
• LED manicure lamp
• Cotton swab
• Rubbing alcohol
• Eyeshadow brush

Use regular nail polish or gel nail polish

• Basic nail polish
• Nail polish
• Topcoat
• Water-based topcoat
• Mirror powder
• Eyeshadow Applicator
• Cotton swab
• Rubbing alcohol
• Eyeshadow brush