BeautyBella7: How To Use Nail Art Foils

Hey Hey Hey! *

If you've tried to use nail art foils in the past, you know how frustrating it is to see the gorgeous design brake right before your eyes. We've all know the struggle! A couple of weeks ago,I posted a mani on my IG and my lovely friend asked me how did I get the nail art foils to work. I told her that gel nail polish is the answer. So, I decided to do a tutorial on how to apply them. Just a little note, I am not an expert by any means. In fact, there are still things I need to learn.

I didn't spell out each step but I will list the instructions here. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to let me know.

Steps:

1. Remove the shine from the nail bed. Lightly buff the surface. Do NOT do it too harshly or you'll weaken your nails. I used a INM Buffer/Finisher DUET Nail File 180/280. I used the softer side (280 grit).

2. Using a lint-free wipe damped in a nail surface gel cleanser or isopropyl 99% alchol, clean the nail bed to remove any debris. I used Gelish Mini Cleanser

3. Apply a primer/dehydrator to create a maximum relationship between your nails and the gel polish. Your nails should look chalky after this step. I used pH Bond by Gelish

4. Apply a thin coat of gel base coat and cure for one minute or follow the instructions of your nail polish brand. Most cure in one minute.

5. Apply a thin coat of white gel nail polish. Cure for one minute. Then, apply a thin coat of neon pink gel polish. I used Louvain Gel Lacquer Splendide - 111. The white base helps the color pop a little more.

6. Add a coat of foil glue and let dry. This step is VERY important. You must let the glue dry before moving on. It turns completely clear when it dries.

7. Add your pre-cut foil pieces to each nail. One at a time. Use a rubber cuticle pusher to help with gently rubbing the foils on your nails. The foils should come off easily if you've done it correctly.

8. Apply a thin coat of top coat and cure for one minute.

9. If you use any regular gel top coat, you need to wipe off the tacky residue after curing your top coat. I used Louvain Top Coat so there is no need to remove that layer.