do you need primer and base coat for gel nails

DIY ACRYLIC NAILS: SKIP THE SALON AND DO IT YOURSELF

Is the salon taking up too much of your time and costing you too much money? Save time and money with DIY acrylic nails! Our step-by-step tutorial will guide you through creating salon-quality results right at home.

HOW TO DO DIY ACRYLIC NAILS

DIY ACRYLIC NAILS: SAVE TIME AND MONEY

Most women have their beauty indulgences. Some need weekly hair appointments, others collect shoes, and for me, it’s all about nails.

I absolutely love visiting the salon for a fresh set of acrylics or gels. However, with each visit costing around $50 or more depending on the “extras” I chose, it became quite the expense.

What we’ll do for our guilty pleasures! Unfortunately, with a tight budget, I had to curb this indulgence.

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and learn DIY acrylic nails. Given my knack for crafting and creating beautiful nail art, I figured I could master it with some practice.

I should warn you—doing your own acrylics can be tricky. Don’t rush the process.

It might take a few attempts to get it just right, but if you stick with it, I promise it’s worth the effort.

My beauty weakness has transformed into a fantastic new DIY skill. Now, I’m a pro at doing acrylic nails for myself and my friends!

Let’s dive into the world of DIY acrylic nails!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR YOUR DIY ACRYLIC NAIL SET UP

  • Cuticle remover
  • Nail pusher
  • Polishing block/buffer
  • Nail tip
  • Nail glue
  • Clipper
  • Nail file
  • Nail dehydrator
  • Acid-free primer
  • Acrylic liquid
  • Acrylic powder
  • Little glass jar
  • Synthetic brush
  • Paper towel
  • Topcoat
  • Cuticle balm

DIY ACRYLIC NAILS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Step 1. Prep Your Nails First

Before diving into your DIY acrylic nails, it’s crucial to start with a clean base. Thoroughly clean your nails to remove any dirt or oil, then gently buff the surface to create a smooth, even texture. This essential step ensures better adhesion for your acrylics.

Step 2: Applying Nail Tips

The first step is to choose a nail tip that suits your nail shape and personal style. For this tutorial, we’ll be using a classic French tip shape.

Step 3: Adhering the Nail Tips

Apply nail glue to the tips of your nails and attach the nail tips. (Note: The glue dries quickly, so you’ll need to work fast!)

Step 4: Shaping Your Nails

Use a clipper to trim the nail tip to your desired length. Then, file the edges and buff the surface once more after filing.

Step 5: Dehydrate Your Nails

Apply a nail dehydrator to remove excess oils from your nails. This will help the acrylic adhere more effectively.

Step 6. Acid-Free Primer

After applying the nail dehydrator, follow up with an acid primer. This will help the acrylic nails adhere better and last longer.

Step 7: Preparing the Acrylic Mixture

Gather the acrylic liquid, acrylic powder, a small jar or container, a synthetic brush, and a paper towel.

Step 8: Applying the Acrylic Mixture

Dip your brush into the acrylic liquid, then into the acrylic powder. Apply the mixture to your nail, covering the entire surface gradually.

For stronger, thicker nails, apply an additional coat. Repeat this process for all your nails.

Allow your nails to dry for 2-5 minutes, then buff and file them once they are completely dry.

Step 9. Finishing

Apply a hardening topcoat for a glossy finish. Finally, use cuticle balm to keep your nails soft and healthy.

CONCLUSION

Doing your own nails can be tricky, but it’s also a lot of fun, don’t you think? This DIY acrylic nails guide should help you get started.

In the comfort of your own home and within your budget, you can experiment with different nail arts and even design your own. Enjoy the process!

Will you be trying DIY acrylic nails this weekend? Share your plans in the comments section below!

15 STUNNING NAIL POLISHES FOR DARK SKIN TONES

Looking to make your nails stand out with some vibrant colors but struggling to find the perfect shade for your dark skin tone? Here’s a little secret: your rich, deep complexion is perfect for showcasing bold, high-impact nail polishes. Don’t let misconceptions about shimmery or subtle shades hold you back. In this post, we’ve curated the 15 best nail polish colors for dark skin tones that will enhance the look of your hands and complement your beautiful complexion. Keep scrolling to discover your new favorite shades!

15 TOP NAIL POLISHES FOR DARK SKIN TONES

SWISS BEAUTY SUPER SHINE NAIL POLISH – SHADE 04

Swiss Beauty’s Super Shine Nail Polish offers a long-lasting, elegant finish with its advanced formula. Enriched with resins and Color Lock technology, this polish delivers vibrant, intense color and strengthens nails. Its patented flex brush ensures precise and smooth application.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Easy to apply
  • Full coverage
  • Chip-resistant
  • Fast-drying

Cons:

  • Strong chemical odor

FACES CANADA HI-SHINE GLOSSY NAIL ENAMEL – LAVENDER

Faces Canada’s Hi-Shine Glossy Nail Enamel is crafted with rich pigments to deliver vibrant color and a high-gloss finish with just one coat. It ensures excellent hardness and adhesion, providing long-lasting wear without chipping.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Full coverage
  • Free from harmful plasticizers

Cons:

  • None

COLORBAR NAIL LACQUER – BERRY NICE

Colorbar’s Nail Lacquer boasts a luxurious formula that provides complete, opaque coverage with nail-loving ingredients to prevent yellowing. This chip-resistant, non-transferring polish stays intact for up to five days and comes with a round, fan-shaped brush for smooth, effortless application.

Pros:

  • Full coverage
  • Prevents yellowing
  • Non-carcinogenic
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Non-transferring
  • Cruelty-free

Cons:

  • None

HOUSE OF MAKEUP MATTE NAIL POLISH – CHOCOLATE BROWN

HOUSE OF MAKEUP’s matte nail polish delivers a professional finish with impressive results, all without the need for UV or LED lamps. This quick-drying, long-lasting formula is enriched with nourishing vitamin E, ensuring it doesn’t smudge or chip. Its opaque, ultra-durable pigments offer intense color payoff with just one stroke, and the 480 U-cut bristle brush ensures a smooth, seamless application.

Pros:

  • Vegan
  • Smudge-free
  • Non-fading
  • Long-lasting
  • Easy to apply
  • Crack-resistant
  • Paraben-free
  • Chemical-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons:

  • May cause nail yellowing

COAT ME BONJOUR PARIS ONE STROKE NAIL LACQUER – PACK OF 3

Coat Me Bonjour Paris nail polishes are infused with a nail hardener for enduring wear. With a creamy base, they provide a smooth, professional finish. The super-flat applicator brush makes for easy and precise application.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Full coverage
  • Highly pigmented
  • Quick-drying

Cons:

  • None

JUICE LONG STAY NAIL POLISH – PACK OF 3 (SUN KISSED / DUSTY CORAL / CAMEL NUDE)

This JUICE combo pack features stunning nail polish shades designed to complement dark skin tones, offering classic, rich, and nude finishes. The iconic colors provide intense shine and last up to seven days. Each lacquer comes with a flexible brush for easy, precise, and smooth application.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Highly pigmented
  • Easy to apply

Cons:

  • May fade over time

L’OREAL PARIS COLOR RICHE LE VERNIS À L’HUILE GEL NAIL POLISH – 440 CHERIE MACARON

This L’Oréal Paris nail polish is enriched with a blend of micro-oils, including argan, rose, camellia, and lotus flower, to deliver a glossy, mirror-like shine and rich color payoff. Its vibrant pigments enhance the elegance of your hands, while the flexible, wide-stroke brush with over 400 bristles ensures quick and precise application. The drip-resistant formula guarantees a flawless finish.

Pros:

  • Pleasant scent
  • Quick-drying
  • 5-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons:

  • Difficult to remove

LAKMÉ ABSOLUTE GEL STYLIST NAIL COLOR – BEIGE NUDE

Lakmé Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Color delivers a high-shine, gel-like glossy finish. This stunning polish is designed for dark skin tones and provides a smooth, intense finish with just one swipe. Ideal for both party and casual looks, it features a stylish applicator brush for a smooth and seamless application.

Pros:

  • Smooth texture
  • Gel-based formula
  • Easy to apply
  • Full coverage

Cons:

  • Runny consistency

REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS NAIL ENAMEL – BEWITCHING

Revlon’s nail enamel features a chip-resistant formula that keeps color vibrant for up to nine days. Its quick-drying formula includes panthenol and vitamins A and E to condition and protect your nails. The broad applicator brush ensures full coverage and a smooth matte finish. This nail polish is free from DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.

Pros:

  • Quick-drying
  • Long-lasting
  • Fade-resistant
  • No bubbles or streaks
  • 5-free

Cons:

  • None

LAKMÉ 9TO5 PRIMER+GLOSS NAIL COLOR – CARAMEL CASE

Lakmé’s 9To5 Primer+Gloss Nail Color delivers vibrant color payoff with a glossy shine. Infused with a primer, it ensures an intense finish. This long-lasting polish dries quickly and applies smoothly.

Pros:

  • Highly pigmented
  • Quick-drying
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant

Cons:

  • Thick texture

DEBELLE GEL NAIL LACQUER – GLAMOROUS GARNET

DeBelle Gel Nail Lacquer features a gel-based formula that delivers a metallic finish with long-lasting wear. Infused with seaweed extract and healthy minerals, it strengthens nails and provides a natural shine. The Glamorous Garnet shade, a dark maroon, adds sophistication to any outfit. This highly pigmented polish offers salon-quality results and comes with a flat, broad brush for easy application. It’s also suitable for stamping and nail art.

Pros:

  • Quick-drying
  • Highly pigmented
  • 5-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons:

  • Not chip-resistant

MINISO PITTURA NAIL POLISH – 26 DARK RED

MINISO Pittura Nail Polish offers a long-lasting, chip-resistant formula. Free from harmful chemicals, it strengthens nails and dries quickly. The vibrant shade is perfect for various occasions and comes with a flat applicator brush for a smooth, intense matte finish.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Quick-drying
  • Smooth application
  • Intense matte finish
  • Free from harmful chemicals

Cons:

  • Requires multiple coats

LAKMÉ COLOR CRUSH NAIL ART – G9

Lakmé’s Color Crush glittery nail polish adds a vibrant, shimmery finish to your nails with its unicorn chrome effect. Infused with glitter particles in various shapes, it creates a dazzling look. Ideal for mixing and matching with other shades to craft trendy nail art designs.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Holographic glitters
  • Smooth application
  • Chip-resistant

Cons:

  • Not quick-drying
  • Requires 2-3 coats

FACES CANADA GLOSSY SPLASH NAIL ENAMEL – PURPLE RAIN 19

Faces Canada’s high-performance nail enamel is free from harmful plasticizers and delivers rich color payoff with smooth application. The chip-resistant formula ensures a flawless finish and dries quickly. Designed for dark skin tones, it features a round-cut, fan-shaped brush for full coverage and effortless application.

Pros:

  • Quick-drying
  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Full coverage
  • DBP-free
  • Camphor-free
  • Toluene-free
  • Formaldehyde-free

Cons:

  • Requires at least two coats for true color opacity

LAKMÉ TRUE WEAR COLOR CRUSH NAIL COLOR – SHADE 43

Lakmé True Wear Color Crush Nail Color features a chip-resistant formula with resins and Color Lock technology for enduring wear. Shade 43 is a vibrant dark pink with a shimmery finish that adds a lively touch to your nails. It applies smoothly and helps strengthen your nails.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Chip-resistant
  • Non-fading
  • Smooth application
  • Quick-drying

Cons:

  • None

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING NAIL POLISH FOR DARK SKIN TONES

FINISH


Nail polishes come in two main finishes: glossy and matte. Glossy polishes add shine and luster to your nails, while matte polishes offer a flat, non-reflective look. Choose the finish that best suits your personal style and preference.

COLOR


Choose shades such as deep reds, pinks, and vibrant neons, which complement dark skin tones beautifully and deliver a striking finish.

BRAND


Opt for reputable brands known for their quality to avoid compromising on your nail health. Low-quality polishes can damage your nails, causing discoloration or weakening.

QUALITY


Select a nail polish based on its performance rather than brand or price. Look for key qualities like quick drying time, smooth and glossy finish, strong pigmentation, and durability. A high-quality polish should dry quickly, provide a smooth application, and resist chipping.

PRICE


While nail polishes are generally affordable, avoid extremely cheap options that may sacrifice quality. Investing in a good-quality polish ensures better results and nail care.

Nail experts suggest that with darker skin tones, you have a wider range of colors to explore. From bold hues to classic nudes and striking metallics, you can express your unique style. However, avoid very light shades, as they can create a washed-out effect.

These recommended nail polish shades for dark-skinned beauties provide long-lasting wear, intense color payoff, and a luxurious finish without fading or chipping. Choose your favorite shade and elevate your nail game today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do gel nail polishes differ from regular nail polishes in terms of application and longevity?

Gel nail polish is applied with a UV or LED lamp and can last up to two weeks without chipping. In contrast, regular polish dries on its own and usually lasts only a few days before it starts to show wear. Gel polish stays on longer and is less likely to chip or peel than regular polish.

2. How often should nail polishes be replaced or discarded for hygienic purposes?

It’s important to check the PAO (Period After Opening) on nail polishes, which is shown by a number and a letter. Usually, it will be 12M or 24M, meaning the polish should be thrown away 12 or 24 months after opening. Keep track of when you open it and throw it out when it reaches that time.

3. How does using a nail polish thinner help restore older or thickened nail polishes?

To fix old or thick nail polish, use a professional nail lacquer thinner. Add 2-3 drops of thinner to the polish and mix by rolling the bottle between your hands. Test the polish by applying it to a nail. If it spreads smoothly, it’s ready to use. If not, add a few more drops of thinner and test again until you get the right consistency.

4. What are the best practices for applying nail polish to achieve a smooth and even finish?

For a smooth and even nail polish application, follow these steps:

  • Clip and file your nails.
  • Clean them with nail polish remover.
  • Apply a thin layer of base coat.
  • Brush the polish smoothly from the base to the tip of each nail.
  • Repeat this for every nail.
  • Let the first coat dry before adding another layer.
  • Apply a thin layer of top coat.
  • Clean up any mistakes with nail polish remover.

5. How do earthy or warm-toned nail polish colors appear on darker skin tones?

Earthy or warm-toned nail polish colors can highlight the beauty of darker skin tones by providing rich, vibrant shades that complement the natural warmth of the skin.

CONCLUSION

Choosing the perfect nail polish for dark skin tones can be an exciting journey of self-expression. From bold and vibrant hues to sophisticated neutrals, there’s a shade to complement every style and occasion. The 15 stunning nail polishes highlighted in this guide offer a diverse range of options to inspire your next manicure. Remember, confidence is the ultimate accessory, and the right nail color can elevate your look and boost your self-esteem. So, experiment, have fun, and let your nails shine!