When you want to do your nails with our Nail Art Sponges, there are no set rules you need to follow. Our Nail Art Sponges can be used in many different ways, and this guide shows just one of the many looks you can create with our amazing Nail Art Sponges.
Don’t let the length of the guide put you off — we’ll guide you through the entire process, from preparation to your finished nails. If you’re already familiar with Gel Polish and ready to create nail art, you can skip the first three steps.
1. Prep your nail
Before applying Gel Polish, it’s important to prep your nails thoroughly to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result. Proper preparation is essential for a long-lasting manicure, so prep is about to become your new favorite step.
You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails in our Learning Universe. But if you’re already experienced with doing your own nails, you’ll know the routine: Wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, buffer, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer.
2. Apply Base Coat
Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat to the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the middle of the nail and push the product down towards the cuticle while keeping the brush almost horizontal along the nail plate. Then draw the product up along each side of the nail to the tip, where you seal the product.
It is important that your Base Coat is applied close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail.
If any product gets onto the surrounding skin or your cuticles, remove it before curing the product. For this, we recommend using one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser to remove the product.
Let the Base Coat cure in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds.
Please note that Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing – this is completely normal and should not be removed or touched.
3. Apply your base colour
Once you have applied your Base Coat, it’s time to apply your Base Colour. This can be a Rubber Base, Liquid Builder, Polygel, or Gel Polish. In this guide, we’ll be using Gel Polish as our example.
Before opening the bottle, it can be a good idea to roll it between your palms. We have designed the bottle to be easy and comfortable to roll between your hands. This helps distribute the pigments evenly throughout the bottle. It is important that you do not shake the product, as this can create air bubbles in your Gel Polish, which may be visible on the nail.
The consistency of your Gel Polish may vary slightly depending on the product colour, as more pigmented shades can be a little thicker.
Your Gel Polish is applied in the same way as your Base Coat. Start by applying a thin layer of Gel Polish to the nail. Make sure there isn’t too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the centre of the nail. Gently press the product towards the cuticle, keeping the brush close to the nail plate. Then draw the product along the sides of the nail towards the tip, before sealing the free edge.
It is important that your Gel Polish is applied close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail.
Once your Gel Polish has been applied as desired, it needs to cure in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds. You may find it helpful to do one nail at a time and cure it for 10 seconds, then cure all your nails for 60-90 seconds at the end. This helps prevent the product from running while you work on your nails.
If you want a more pigmented look, you can apply several layers. Remember, four paper-thin layers are better than two thick ones. It is important to cure each layer for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
Once you have cured your Gel Polish, you’re ready to create nail art.
4. Preparation
Once you have cured your base color, you are ready to apply your nail art. It can be a good idea to dab your Nail Art Sponge on the sticky side of a piece of tape first, as this removes any lint and dust that may have settled on the sponge. When you dab the sponge on the tape, lint or other debris will stick to the tape.
Next, prepare your desired nail art color on your Nail Art Palette. Simply let a drop or two run off the brush and onto your Nail Art Palette.
5. Nail Art
Before dipping your Nail Art Sponge into the Gel Polish shade, first dampen the sponge by dipping it in water and then blotting it dry on a lint-free pad. This allows the sponge to expand and become softer, creating a more airbrushed look without water dripping from the sponge.
Once the sponge is ready, dip it into your chosen Gel Polish shade so it absorbs the color evenly. Then gently dab the sponge onto the nail where you want to create your design. It is important to avoid touching the skin around the nail during application.
Please note that highly pigmented shades give the best results with this technique. You should also avoid dabbing in the same spot for too long, as this can cause the color to lift. Instead, we recommend repeating the process once or twice and curing your Gel Polish for 60-90 seconds between layers to achieve the desired color intensity and an even result.
6. Apply Top Coat
Once you have cured your Gel Polish, finish by applying a layer of Top Coat. Apply it in the same way as your Base Coat and Gel Polish. Make sure to seal the tip of the nail carefully with your Top Coat, as this helps your design last longer without chipping. Once you have applied your Top Coat, cure it for 90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
Now you have created the most beautiful, glossy nails all on your own! For the perfect finishing touch, apply a little nail oil around the edges, and your nails are complete.
