Use this 2-Step Trick to Get Perfect Glitter Ombre Dip Nails

This is the Easiest Way to Get Perfect Gitter Ombre Dip Nails

If you have attempted glitter ombre dip nails and instead of a gorgeous gradient, it looks more like a weird glitter blob, don’t worry. This beginner-friendly 2-step trick will make it so easy to achieve the perfect glitter ombre effect!

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Many tutorials recommend using a fluffy brush to tap on the glitter and create an ombre effect. The problem is that it can be difficult to control where the glitter lands. Not to mention, some glitter dip powder is harder to work with than others.

nail design ideas for glitter ombre dip nails

The trick is to break your glitter ombre application into 2 steps. This will pave the way for the perfect glitter ombre dip nails every time!

Please note: this tutorial is for a glitter ombre that falls from the cuticle area. If you’d like to do an ombre that cascades from the tip of the nail, the technique is slightly different. You can watch this tutorial to learn how to do ombre glitter tip nails.


Watch Video: How to Do Glitter Ombre Dip Nails

Watch this video to see how to do perfect glitter ombre dip nails.

Products Needed for Glitter Ombre Nails

You don’t need much to create this nail art! Simply pick out a dip powder color to use as your base. Then select a gorgeous glitter dip powder to ombre on top!

You’ll Also Need:

  • Fluffy brush – Use a fluffy brush like this one to apply glitter dip powder.
  • Clear Dip Powder – To protect your glitter ombre dip nails, finish them off by encapsulating with a clear dip powder.

TIP: I recommend using dip liquids with a slow-drying formula when doing ombre nails with dip powder. Fast-drying base liquids are more challenging. They may dry before you get a chance to apply the ombre. This can be especially frustrating for beginners who need a bit more time during application.

Here are recommended slow-drying dip liquid sets that are best for doing ombre nails:

  • Sparkle & Co dip liquid set – these liquids dry more slowly. Plus, they’re one of my favorite beginner-friendly dip nail kits to recommend as they’re easy to work with.
  • Makartt Dippies dip liquid set – these liquids also dry more slowly. This dip nail kit is also super affordable!

Looking for the dip powders used in the tutorial video? Here they are:

How to Get the Perfect Glitter Ombre Dip Nails

Before you begin applying your glitter ombre, make sure you’ve applied a base color with dip powder.

If you are following my process for how to apply dip powder, only apply the first 3 dip powder layers. That means you will apply 3 layers total: 1 dip of the entire nail, 1 dip of 1/2 of the nail and 1 dip of 3/4 of the nail. This will create the apex underneath your glitter ombre to add strength. It will also prevent the cuticle area from being too bulky.

Once you’ve applied your dip powder, activate and then buff smooth. By buffing the nails at this stage, you can ensure the glitter ombre is applied to a smooth surface. This will limit the amount of buffing required after you complete your ombre and prevent buffing away your design.

Step 1) Apply Base Liquid to 3/4 of the Nail

Once your base is completely smooth, it’s time to add the glitter!

If you want your ombre to fall from the top of the nail, then add base coat to the top 3/4 of the nail. Starting from the cuticle area. If you want the ombre to fall from the nail tip, then reverse this to apply base liquid to the bottom 3/4 of the nail. Starting from the tip. By avoiding a quarter of the nail, you’ll prevent glitter from sticking all over the nail. This will improve the ombre effect.

Then take a fluffy brush and dip into the glitter. Hold your nail at a 45-degree angle. Then tap the bristles to lightly dust the nail with glitter.

You can gently tap the glitter down to ensure it’s lying flat. Then trace your cuticle line with a toothpick to create clean line.

Once your base liquid has fully dried, brush away the excess glitter before moving on to the next step.

Step 2) Apply Base Liquid to 1/4 of the Nail

For the next step, we are going to repeat this exact process. Except we’re going to change where we apply the base liquid. This will focus the glitter in the upper (or lower) part of the nail to create a beautiful ombre effect.

If you want your ombre to fall from the top of the nail, add base liquid to the top 1/4 of the nail.

For an ombre that begins at the tip of the nail, add the base liquid to the bottom 1/4 of the nail instead.

Then take your fluffy brush and dip it into the glitter. Tap the bristles to distribute a moderate amount of glitter to the base liquid.

You can pat the glitter down to ensure it’s lying flat. Then use your toothpick to clean the cuticle line.

Don’t Forget: Encapsulate Your Glitter Ombre with Clear Dip Powder

Once your glitter ombre is complete, apply the base liquid to the entire nail and dip it into a clear dip powder. This will encapsulate your glitter ombre dip nails and ensure they’re protected.

Finish it off by activating and lightly buffing. Then you’re ready to apply top coat to finalize your glitter ombre nails!

More Nail Art Ideas

Glitter ombre dip nails like this aren’t the only nail art design you can do over dip powder! Once you get more comfortable doing ombre nails, you can learn how to do french ombre dip powder nails or even ombre dip powder using two of your favorite colors.

You can see all of the nail art ideas you can do with dip nails here. to jazz up your dip powder manicures.

I’ve also shared lots of nail art inspo on Pinterest too!


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