Getting Started

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Here are some professional tips on polish making that may be helpful to you. Experimenting with samples and different products is the best way to learn and understand the effects they produce. Always start with small amounts, using the smallest spoon size in our set, and add more as needed. Adding too much product initially can be difficult to correct, so it's advisable to swatch as you go.

Creating a Nail Polish Top Coat with Glitter

Creating a glitter nail polish top coat is straightforward. You will need empty bottles, a glitter suspension base, mixing balls, and glitter. Follow these steps:

1. Add two mixing balls to the bottle.
   
   
2. Add glitter and suspension base.
   
   
3. Shake well.

Using our measuring spoons can simplify the process of adding glitter to a nail polish bottle. Different glitters require varying amounts, so start with a few small scoops and add more until the desired effect is achieved.

Basic Color Creation

For basic colors, we recommend our ProColor pigments, which are available in liquid or paste form for ease of use. These concentrates are designed to avoid clumping, common with matte pigments like lakes and ultramarines. ProColor pigments are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a suspension base. Some ProColors are thicker and may require additional base directly in the bottle for easier dispensing and to prevent drying out over time.

ProColors can be mixed together to create different shades. They are non-shimmery, but you can add glitter, flakes, or other pigments (such as pearlescent pigments or micas) to introduce shimmer or sparkle. To lighten any color, add our White ProColor, which generally produces crème polishes, while not using white will result in a jelly finish.

Using Micas and Pearlescent Pigments

Micas can also be used to create colored polishes, though they are typically very sheer and may require a significant amount of product for an opaque look. For vibrant, bright colors, we recommend our Pearlescent series, which are easy to use. Simply add a small amount to your bottle and base until the desired effect is achieved. Both micas and the Pearlescent series naturally have a shimmery finish.

Suspension Bases

• Glitter Suspension Base: Use this for polishes containing glitter. It is thicker and designed to suspend heavier particles.
  
  
• Mica Suspension Base: Ideal for polishes without glitter.
  
  
• Matte Suspension Base: Use this for matte polishes, to which you can add any additive.
  
  

Product Overview

• ProColor: Adds color.
  
  
• Mica: Adds color and shimmer.
  
  
• Pearlescent Pigments: Adds color and shimmer, and are richer in color than regular micas.
  
  
• Flakes: Adds flecks and sparkle to polishes, with some adding color as well.
  
  
• Shimmers: Adds shimmer to any creation; color depends on the specific shimmer used.
  
  
• Glitter: Adds sparkle to any creation, available in various sizes from .002” to .094”.
  
  

You can mix any of these products to create different looks. We always recommend purchasing small amounts and experimenting, as this hands-on approach is the most effective way to learn.

Happy creating! We love seeing your polishes, so be sure to tag us on Instagram @GlitterUnique.