Dark Glossy Colors

Shades like red, hot pink, and blue are relatively easy to apply but can be tricky because the vibrant colors can stain your skin and any chips are very noticeable. Dark shades also tend to yellow your nails, so be sure to apply a good base coat and care for your nails after removal.

Dip the brush into the polish, fan it out slightly, and start at the base of the nail. Push gently forward to create a smooth, rounded edge, then swipe to the tip in one motion. Apply to the center first, then the sides, making sure the edges form a neat, rounded border. If the edges aren't perfect, wait until it dries to touch up instead of over-applying.

Light Glossy Colors
Shades like white, pink, pale yellow, and light green have strong coverage. Despite being light, they are very noticeable and hard to keep even. Multiple coats can cause uneven texture, and the polish inside the bottle can thicken and separate. Use a dedicated thinner to restore consistency. This type of polish is heavier and can leave brush marks, so dip the brush generously.

Hold the brush flat, gently push out a curved edge from the nail base, then lightly brush over the nail surface in two or three strokes for even application. Avoid repeated strokes to prevent hardening.

Jelly and Milky Colors
Jelly polishes are light-colored with a transparent, glossy finish. If applied too heavily, the color will pool at the tips, leaving the base uneven.

If you use too much polish, it will flow to the sides of your nails. Even if you fix it later, the edges will turn wrinkly. Dip the brush lightly, apply thin layers, and let each coat dry before adding another. For high-transparency polishes, multiple thin coats work best to avoid pooling at the tips and ensure they dry properly.

Pearlescent Colors
Pearlescent polishes have no transparency and a metallic shine. Thin coats apply more evenly, but these polishes can easily show brush marks. Brush in straight lines, use a little less polish, and don’t pause while applying. For the second coat, keep the brush moving in a straight line as diagonal strokes can ruin the pearlescent look.

Metallic Mirror and Holographic Colors
These are similar to pearlescent polishes but thinner, creating a very smooth, shiny film. They can chip easily, so reapply every few days for longevity.

Fine Glitter
Fine glitter polishes are easy to apply but hard to remove. The key is to use a suitable amount of polish, fan out the brush, and start from the base of the nail, pushing slightly forward and then brushing to the tip.

For removal, use a peel-off base coat or the foil method: soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover, wrap it in foil over the nail, leave it for 10-20 seconds, then wipe off.

Transparent Glitter
Use a sponge to apply transparent glitter polishes. The sponge absorbs most of the polish, leaving only the glitter for a more even and full application. After applying a base coat, protect the cuticle with liquid latex, apply polish to the sponge, and dab it onto the nail. Peel off the latex when satisfied.

Large Glitter Large glitter polishes can be tricky. If you can’t get enough glitter on the brush, turn the bottle upside down before dipping. Alternatively, brush the polish onto paper and use a dotting tool or toothpick to place the glitter on the nail.

Apply a thin first coat normally. For the second layer, use a dabbing motion to place the large glitter in the center. Finish with a third coat to even out any gaps.

Shaped Glitter Shaped glitters like hearts or stars are best placed manually using a dotting tool or toothpick after applying the polish to paper or a sponge.

Galaxy and Sand These are very forgiving and look great with random application. Just pay attention to the edges, and even if they chip, touch-ups are hardly noticeable. No need for a top coat, making them perfect for beginners.

Matte and Silk Matte polishes dry quickly and don’t tolerate repeated strokes. Apply each stroke swiftly and lightly, avoiding overlap. Correct mistakes only after drying.

Black Base and Duochrome For an intense duochrome effect, apply over a black base.

Neon Colors Neon colors have weak coverage. For an even application, use a white base coat.

Crackle For crackle polishes, use more polish and avoid repeated strokes. Just brush it on and let it dry for the crackle effect.

Applying Top Coat

After coloring your nails, always apply a clear top coat to protect the color and prevent chips. Dip the brush generously, covering the entire nail and edge for a lasting finish.

High-Gloss Top Coats
These are the most common and provide a glossy finish. Thicker top coats like Seche Vite (SV) are especially shiny but can shrink or bubble if applied too thickly. Ensure complete coverage, including the nail edges, in one go.

Matte Top Coats
To maintain a matte finish, use a matte top coat. Clean the bottle neck to avoid lumps.

Galaxy Top Coats
These can be used over galaxy polishes to smooth and protect the finish or to add a galaxy effect to any color.

Holographic Top Coats
Use these to add a holographic effect to non-holographic colors.

Tinted Top Coats
Tinted top coats are easy to apply but prone to bubbles and stringing. Avoid excessive strokes for an artistic look.

Gold and Silver Leaf Top Coats
Shake the bottle well before use to mix the flakes, then apply like a regular top coat.