Adding Charms to Your #Mani

This blog post goes out to all you attention getters! Sometimes a creative mani just isn't enough to stand out when it's one dimensional. Nail artists are using charms, studs, and beads to their nail art creations more and more often. Now you may wonder why anyone would want to add something to your nails that could just fall off the same day you apply it?! Well we've got some tips that will you can use to make sure your favorite nail art add-ons stay put!

What Will I Need?

You may not need everything on this list depending on the method of application you choose, but if the method you choose ends up not being what you expect it's best to be prepared!

• Nail polish
• Glitter
• Top coat
• Bonding formula (if applying glitter directly to the nail)
• Sealing formula (if applying glitter directly to the nail)
• If creating your own glitter polish, frankening supplies
• Studs, charms, beads
• Nail glue
• Gel polish

How Do I Apply My Add-Ons?

There are various methods of adding on your charms, studs, and beads. They range from easy to time consuming, long lasting to a little more temporary. 

The Top Coat Method

If you're wanting a quick and easy application we recommend applying directly to your top coat.

• Paint your nails with the polish of your choice.
• Add on a clear top coat that isn't quick drying.
• Using tweezers or an orange stick, place your add-ons to your wet nails.
• Once the coat has dried and your add-ons are secure, add one more clear top coat to seal the deal!
• Easy, huh?

The Nail Glue Method

Now this method takes a little more hand stability and a little more time. You'll want to use this method if you are working with large add-ons or want to make sure your charm mani lasts longer.

• Paint your nails with the polish of your choice. (Or glitter your nails :))
• Add a dot of glue to the area you want your add-on to be.
• Place your add-on on the glue dot.
• Use an orange stick to hold your add-on in place. (You will not be happy if your add-on slips and slides!)
• Allow glue to dry.
• Apply a clear top coat.

The Gel Polish Method

Gel polish also works well with larger add-ons without the stress of dealing with glue! You may want to try both out to find your personal preference.

• Apply two coats of gel polish to your nails and cure.
• Apply your add-on.
• Add a top coat of gel polish. (Make sure you apply it over your add-ons)

Which add-on method is best? Only you can decide that for yourself! Try these out and share your best works of art with us! We always love to share great nail art :)

Silver #glitterpowder mani with summer treat charms! #nailart #silverglitter https://t.co/9g1OlSP2wO pic.twitter.com/BWQCQ9c9FJ

— Glitties Nail Art (@rockstartoes) August 1, 2015