Glow in the dark nail polish can be purchased at most beauty supply stores, but if you want this look without spending a fortune, you can try it yourself first. Using glow stick liquids has varying results, but pigment powders are usually much more effective. Here's what you need to know to make your own glow in the dark nail polish.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Glow Stick
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
Since you'll be using a glow stick, which only glows for a short time, it's best to have everything ready. Plan to make this nail polish before using it, but make sure to allow sufficient drying time. Here's a list of things you'll need:
- 1 shining stick
- 1 bottle of nail polish (half full)
- Sharp scissors
- Filter (recommended)
Step 2. Choose a nail polish color and a shine stick color
You can use clear or colored nail polish. However, if using colored nail polish, be sure to match it to the color of the glow stick. For example, if you're using a pink glow stick, use pink nail polish.
- Clear nail polish will give the best shine. This nail polish can also be used on dry colored nail polish, acting like a top coat.
- You can use any color of shine stick with clear nail polish.
- Consider using clear nail polish with glitter in it for a shiny effect.
Step 3. Make sure the nail polish bottle is not full
The glow stick liquid will be poured into the bottle, which will fill the bottle. Choose a bottle that is two-thirds full. If you start with a full bottle, then some of the contents must be removed; otherwise, the contents will spill.
Step 4. Use the glow stick by breaking it in half and shaking it
Hold the glow stick between your fingers and break it firmly. If you're using a long, slender glow stick, such as a bracelet or necklace, you'll need to break it in several places. Make sure to shake it properly.
Check the effect by turning off the light. If the shine effect is uneven, or if there are areas that are missed even though they have been thoroughly smeared, it may be that the shine solution and nail polish need to be shaken longer
Step 5. Cut out one end of the glow stick using sharp scissors
This needs to be done over the sink so the liquid doesn't squirt everywhere.
Step 6. Open the nail polish bottle and slowly pour the glow stick liquid into the bottle
Hold the cut end of the shine stick to the mouth of the nail polish bottle and pour it. Be careful not to let the glitter stick liquid wet the surface for painting nails or skin; the liquid can stain the surface and irritate the skin. Keep pouring the liquid until it runs out or the bottle is full.
The glow stick contains a glass tube, which can break when the stick is broken. If you're worried about shards of glass getting into your nail polish, consider placing a tightly woven filter over the mouth of the nail polish bottle before pouring the glow stick liquid
Step 7. Close the nail polish bottle and shake vigorously
If the bottle already contains a large amount of shine stick liquid and doesn't spill, set the glow stick aside and close the nail polish bottle tightly. Shake to mix the two liquids.
Step 8. Paint your nails as usual, like using any other nail polish
Shiny nail polish takes longer to dry than regular nail polish, so you can apply it lightly.
For dark nail polish, you will need three to four coats of nail polish. For light nail polish, you will need two to three coats
Step 9. Protect the nail polish with a coat of clear nail polish
Adding clear nail polish after the shine has dried will protect the color and make it last longer.
Note that the effect produced this way will not last long. Usually, it only lasts a few hours at most
Method 2 of 3: Using Pigment Powder
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
Unlike nail polish made from shine sticks, this nail polish will not lose its shine. However, you should renew by leaving it in the sun or in bright light for a few minutes. Eventually, its radiance will fade, but it can always be renewed. Here's a list of the ingredients needed:
- Pigment powder glow in the dark
- Clear nail polish (half full)
- A piece of paper
- 2-3 small ball bearings
Step 2. Purchase a glow-in-the-dark pigment powder
You can find them at well-stocked craft and arts stores or buy them online. Look for pigment powders that are non-toxic, skin-safe, or intended for cosmetic use. Many of the pigment powders used by artists, mixed with paint, can be toxic.
Step 3. Put two to three ball bearings in the nail polish bottle
These bullet pads will help the pigment mix well into the nail polish.
Step 4. Pour in the glow in the dark pigment powder
This powder is very fine, so be careful not to inhale it. You need 1 teaspoon of this powder. The more powder used, the more opaque the color of the nail polish; the less powder you use, the more transparent the nail polish will be. There are several ways to pour this powder into a bottle:
- Make a small funnel by rolling a piece of paper. Attach the tip of the funnel to the neck of the nail polish bottle and pour the powder into the bottle.
- If the powder is in a bag and you already know how much it contains, you can snip off one of the corners. Insert the cut corner into the mouth of the bottle and shake the bag until the powder enters the bottle.
Step 5. Close the nail polish bottle tightly and shake it
Beat for a few minutes until the powder is mixed with the paint and there are no more lumps. You may hear the ball bearings moving inside; it helps the nail polish and pigment mix.
Step 6. Paint your nails as usual
You can paint your nails using only a glow in the dark nail polish or you can paint them with regular nail polish first and use a glow nail polish as the top coat.
Step 7. Apply clear nail polish as a top coat
This layer will protect the nail polish from peeling off.
Method 3 of 3: Using Eyeshadow
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
You can make your nail polish glow in the dark by mixing in a powder eye shadow (UV-reactive/black light eye shadow). Note, without dark light, this nail polish will not shine. Here's a complete list of the ingredients you'll need:
- Eye shadow that can glow in the dark
- Clear nail polish (half full)
- Ziploc brand plastic bag
- 2-3 small ball bearings
- Xacto brand cutter or knife (optional)
Step 2. Buy glow-in-the-dark eyeshadow
You can find them at a well-stocked beauty supply store or costume supply store. You can also buy it online. Make sure the eyeshadow is in powder form, as cream eyeshadow can't be used.
You can also use a glow-in-the-dark eye shadow powder, if you can find one
Step 3. Open the eye shadow container and remove it, if necessary
If there is only one color of eyeshadow in the container, do not remove it from the container. If there is some color in the container, you will need to remove it. Take an Xacto cutter or knife and pierce the metal plate and plastic guard. Gently move the blade of the knife to loosen the metal disc from the eye shadow case. The eye shadow will come out. Don't worry if it's messy; You will destroy the eyeshadow later.
If the eye shadow doesn't come off and there is some color, try removing it with a spoon or Xacto knife. Don't worry, if the eyeshadow gets ruined; You will destroy it in the next step
Step 4. Put the eyeshadow in a Ziploc plastic bag and seal it tightly
Any size Ziploc plastic bag can be used, but the thick plastic bag is durable enough for the next steps.
Step 5. Crush the eyeshadow
You can use the blunt end of a pencil or paint brush. Crush the eyeshadow to a fine powder. Make sure no pieces are left; Coarse pigment powder will result in rough nail polish.
Step 6. Remove the eye shadow container from the plastic bag and close the plastic bag again
You can throw this container away or save it to use as a craft item, such as a container for homemade eyeshadow or lipstick.
Step 7. Open the nail polish bottle and put 2-3 ball bearings in it
The ball bearing will allow the powder to be evenly distributed in the nail polish.
Step 8. Cut out one corner of the plastic bag
This will make it easier to pour the powder eye shadow into the bottle. Be careful not to spill the powder.
Step 9. Pour the eyeshadow into the nail polish bottle
Be careful to insert the cut corner of the plastic bag into the mouth of the nail polish bottle and shake the plastic bag until all of the eye shadow powder is in the bottle.
Step 10. Close the nail polish bottle tightly and shake it
Keep beating until the eyeshadow is evenly mixed and there are no more lumps.
Step 11. Apply nail polish as usual
Apply a thin layer to dry faster.
Step 12. Finish with a top coat of nail polish
Acrylic paints peel off more easily than regular nail polish, so a top coat of polish will help prevent this premature damage.
