Have fun decorating your fingers and toenails with glitter in this step-by-step instructional guide. A great project for teens, tweens, and even grown-ups. If you make a purchase using the affiliate links included, we may earn a commission.
![Green glitter toes.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/glitter-toes-at-home-4.jpg)
The best way to get the dense glitter look on your nails is to use actual glitter.
Glitter nail polish doesn't do the trick, the glitter is always too sparse and light.
In this tutorial, I will share my favorite hack on how I gave myself glitter toes, and the technique is the same for your fingernails.
I love applying glitter to my toes because it doesn't chip or crack for a really long time. So I don't have to give myself pedicures nearly as often.
Glitter nails are perfect for special occasions, or every day!
Supplies Used:
Instructions:
Begin by trimming your natural nails with a pair of clippers, and shaping your nails with a nail file.
For my toes, I like to trim the nails pretty short.
![Feet with trimmed nails that are unpainted.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/glitter-toes-at-home-10.jpg)
I also like to go around with a cuticle pusher and push my cuticles back.
Apply one clear base coat of polish.
If you chose a color of polish, a little of the polish will show through the glitter. This can be a really pretty effect, I just want you to be aware.
If this is your first time, or are unsure what color to go with, clear is always a safe bet.
![Applying a base coat of nail polish.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/glitter-toes-at-home-6-edited.jpg)
For the next step, focus on one foot at a time. You'll want to move quickly before the polish dries.
Place the catcher tray under your nails. If you don't have a catcher try, you can use a piece of paper.
Apply a second coat of polish to the top of the nail. This will act as your tacky layer.
Sprinkle a little bit of the loose glitter onto your nails. You want to have a thin layer but full coverage. Tap the top of your hands or feet to knock off any excess glitter.
![Sprinkling glitter onto nails.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/glitter-toes-at-home-7.jpg)
This tray also has a spout so you can pour the unused glitter back into its container.
Repeat applying glitter powder to the other side.
When both sides are done, layer 2 top coats of clear polish to secure the nail glitter.
![hands applying a final coat of clear polish to the nails.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/glitter-toes-at-home-8-edited.jpg)
When the polish is completely dry, you are left with a beautiful glitter manicure or pedicure in my case.
Now, I'm ready to go out and show off my nails!
![Finished glitter nails on pedicured toes.](https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/glitter-toes-at-home-9.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use gel polish and glitter?
Yes, you can apply glitter to your nails with clear gel polish. The result will be the same but much more durable because of the gel nail polish.
How do I remove glitter from my nails?
The removal process simply includes your favorite polish remover.
You will have to scrub a bit more than regular polish, but it will come off.
If the glitter is particularly stubborn, you can wrap your nails with cotton pads soaked in polish remover and held in place with tin foil.
Let sit for 5 minutes and then scrub with the cotton ball till all glitter has been removed.
Must I use cosmetic-grade glitter?
I use craft glitter when I do my own DIY manicures. But I am not a cosmetologist so nail health is not my specialty.
If you have any concerns about the type of glitter, then I recommend using cosmetic glitters for peace of mind.
Can I apply glitter to my acrylic nails?
Yes, you can apply glitter to your acrylic nails too!
It's an easy way to change up your nail art manicure.
Can I apply nail art on top of the clear top coat?
Yes, you can create a nail art design on top of the clear coat. That is a great pro tip!
Apply dots or designs with a dotting tool, cosmetic sponge, or nail art brush over the entire nail for your desired effect.
Just make sure to seal the finished nail with clear polish.
Our Crafting Essentials:
- The Cricut Cutting Machine is easily our favorite crafting tool. We use it in so many of our tutorials!
- These MakerX Crafting Tools are perfect for keeping in the craft room and are always ready when needed!
- This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
- These Scotch Precision Scissors cut like a dream, and you get multiple pairs in a pack!
Susan
That looks cool. I am going to try it.
Carla Chevez
Uhm... way great post and love the new blog, but how did you do that and take pictures at the same time???
Lynn
This is so cute! It would really be fun to do for different holidays. (Though I guess if you did it at Christmastime it'd be too cold to take off your shoes and show off your toes ;)) Maybe for fourth of July.
Karen@SimpleBlue
Fantastic! Thanks for the idea!
Country Mouse
Super cute! I'd love to do mine in pink!
craftymamablog
I saw this in a link part a few months back and did it, and I LOVE it. I used a larger chunk glitter and a lot of it chipped off though. I think I may have to buy a fine glitter so that doesn't happen next time!
Danielle
Seriously what an awesome idea. I love this so stinkin much!
Danielle
I featured this today on Blissful and Domestic. hop on over and grab a feature button:> Have a fabulous day!
Jen
How great is this?!? My daughter would flip out if her toes were this glittery! I popped over from Blissful and Domestic, and I'd love for you to stop by my blog sometime, http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com
Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy
Ooh! Shiny!
Megan
wow. what a great idea. Your toes turned out great! how much glitter is all over your house now??? 🙂
megan
craftycpa.blogspot.com
Ginger@gingersnapcrafts
My daughters would love this. 🙂 Following you from Tip Junkie‘s link party. Would love to have you link this up to my {wow me} wednesday link party going on right now over on my blog. Hope to see you there. 🙂
Ginger
Yvonne
Cute! Is it difficult to remove?
Alicia
Thanks, I never thought to do this before, I always like to have painted toe nails. I might have a go at this next time.
Jay @ Learning to play and playing to learn
My toes are so ugly I thought I am not going to want to do this, but when I saw the photo I decided I need to do this. Maybe a few more weeks before I get out of my slippers and then glitter toes here I come. Thanks for linking up to Flashback Friday!
Rob
Katie, your toes aren't funny looking, they are GORGEOUS! seriously pretty toes, perfectly shaped, lovely skin. your feet are pretty hot! 😉