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Nail Art Sponges

Step by step guide

When you want to create nails with our Nail Art Sponges, there are no strict rules for how you should do it. Our Nail Art Sponges can be used in many different ways, and this guide simply shows you one of the many looks you can create with our amazing Nail Art Sponges.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the length of the guide – we’re just walking you through the entire process, from preparation to finished nails. If you’re already used to Gel Polish and ready to create nail art, you can skip the first three steps.

Products used in this guide:

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Step by Step

  • 1. Step Prep (før Gel Polish)

    1. Prepare your nail

    When applying Gel Polish, it is important to prepare your nail thoroughly to achieve both a beautiful and long-lasting result. Good preparation is essential for the durability of your manicure, so prep will become your new favorite step. You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails in our guide universe.

    But if you are experienced in doing nails, you know the routine: Wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, buffer, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer.

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  • 2. Base Coat (before nail art)

    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, place the brush head in the middle of the nail, and push the product down toward the cuticle while keeping the brush almost flat along the nail plate. Then pull the product up along each side of the nail to the tip, where you seal the product.

    It is important that your Base Coat comes close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around it. If you accidentally touch the surrounding skin or your cuticles, remove it before curing the product.

    For this, you can advantageously use one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser to remove the product.

    Let your Base Coat cure under our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds.

    Note that the Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing, this is completely normal and must not be removed or touched.

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  • 3. Gel Polish before nail art

    3. Apply your gel Polish

    Once you have applied your Base Coat, it is time to apply your Base Color. This can be a Rubber Base, Liquid Builder, Polygel, or Gel Polish. In this guide, we will focus on Gel Polish. Before opening the bottle, it can be a good idea to roll it between your palms. We have designed the bottle so that it is easy and comfortable to roll in your hands. This ensures that the pigments are evenly distributed in the bottle. It is important not to shake the product, as this can create air bubbles in your Gel Polish, which may become visible on the nail.

    The consistency of your Gel Polish may vary slightly depending on the color, as the more pigmented shades can be a bit thicker. Apply your Gel Polish in the same way as your Base Coat. Start by applying a thin layer of Gel Polish on the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, and place the brush head in the middle of the nail. Press the product down toward the cuticle while keeping the brush close to the nail plate. Then pull the product along the sides of the nail toward the tip, and seal it.

    It is important that your Gel Polish comes close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around it. Once your Gel Polish is applied as desired, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. You can advantageously work one nail at a time and flash-cure it for 10 seconds, then finally cure all nails for 60 seconds. This prevents the product from running while you are working on your nails.

    If you want a more pigmented look, you can apply several layers. Remember, it is better to apply four paper-thin layers than two thick ones. It is important to cure each layer for 60 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.

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  • Sponges 4

    4. Preparation

    Once you have cured your base color, you are ready to apply your nail art. It can be helpful to dab your Nail Art Sponge on the sticky side of a piece of tape, as this removes any lint or dust that may have gotten on the sponge. When you dab the sponge on the tape, the lint or other debris will stick to the tape. Next, prepare the desired nail art color on your Nail Art Palette. You simply do this by letting a drop or two run off the brush onto your Nail Art Palette.

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    5. Nail art

    Before dipping your Nail Art Sponge into the Gel Polish color, you first need to moisten the sponge by dipping it in water and then dabbing it dry on a lint-free pad. This allows the sponge to expand and become softer, which gives a more airbrushed look without water running from the sponge. Once the sponge is prepared, dip it into the desired Gel Polish color so it absorbs the shade 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.

    Keep in mind that highly pigmented colors give the best results with this technique. You should also avoid dabbing too long in the same spot, as this may cause the color to lift. Instead, it is recommended to repeat the process once or twice and cure your Gel Polish for 60–90 seconds between layers to achieve the desired color intensity and an even result.

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    6. Apply Top Coat

    Once you have cured your Gel Polish, finish by applying a layer of Top Coat. This is done in the same way as your Base Coat and Gel Polish. It is important to be thorough in sealing the Top Coat at the tip of the nail. This helps your design last longer without chipping. Once you have applied your Top Coat, cure it for 60–90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.

    Now you have created the most beautiful, shiny nails all by yourself! You can advantageously apply a little cuticle oil around the edges, and your nails are finished.

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