Fluorescent nail polishes can now be found in various perfumeries, but if you want to better understand how this type of product works without spending a cent, you can try making it at home. If you use the liquid extracted from starlights, or glowsticks, the result will be unpredictable, while with powdered pigments it is usually possible to do a better job. Here's everything you need to know to create a fluorescent nail polish at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Starlights
Step 1. Get everything you need
Since you'll be using starlights (which only light up for a certain amount of time), it's best to prepare for perfection. Organize yourself with the times, so that you create the nail polish just before applying it. Make sure you also consider the drying time. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 starlight;
- A bottle of nail polish (partially full);
- Sharp scissors;
- Strainer (recommended).
Step 2. Choose the color of the nail polish and starlight
You can use clear or colored nail polish. If you opt for a colorful product, be sure to pair it with the starlight. For example, if you are going to use a pink starlight, get a nail polish of the same color.
- A transparent nail polish will allow you to get a particularly bright result. You can also apply it over a solid color nail polish, using it as a top coat.
- With white nail polish, you can use any type of starlight.
- For a glitter effect, you can use a clear nail polish containing glitter.
Step 3. Make sure the bottle is not full
Since you will be pouring the starlight liquid into the bottle, you will need space. Choose a bottle that is half or two-thirds full. If it is totally full, you should pour in some of the product, otherwise it will overflow.
Step 4. Activate the starlight by breaking it in half and shaking it
Grab it with both hands and snap it off with a sharp motion. If you are using a long, tapered starlight, such as a bracelet or necklace, it may need to be broken in several places. Make sure you shake it well.
Step 5. Cut one end of the starlight with a sharp pair of scissors
Try to do this on a sink so that the liquid doesn't get all over the place.
Step 6. Open the nail polish bottle and carefully pour the starlight liquid into it
Bring the tip of the starlight close to the opening of the bottle and carefully pour the contents into it. Try not to get it on your work surface or on your skin - the liquid can stain certain materials and irritate the skin. Keep pouring it until it runs out or the bottle is full.
Starlights contain glass tubes, which shatter when you break them. If you are concerned that a piece of glass will end up in the glaze, place a fine mesh strainer over the opening of the bottle before pouring the liquid into it
Step 7. Close the bottle and shake it vigorously
Once you have poured the liquid extracted from the starlight without letting the bottle overflow, set the stick aside and close the nail polish tightly. Shake it to mix the two liquids.
Step 8. Paint your nails as usual
Just remember that glow-in-the-dark nail polish tends to take longer to dry, so you'll want to apply thin layers.
If the base is a dark color, three or four coats of enamel are required. If it's clear, you need two or three
Step 9. Protect the nail polish with a clear top coat
Apply it once the glow-in-the-dark nail polish has dried: the color will last longer.
Remember that the effect obtained with this technique will not last as long as the nail polish you used for the base. In fact, it will probably last a couple of hours at most
Method 2 of 3: Using Powdered Pigments
Step 1. Get everything you need
Contrary to what happens with the glaze created with starlights, in this case the effect will not fade. However, you will need to renew it by exposing your nails to sunlight or a bright light source for a few minutes. The effect will fade at some point, but you can always get it back. Here is the list of everything you need:
- Phosphorescent powder pigment;
- Transparent nail polish (partially filled bottle);
- Piece of paper;
- Two or three small ball bearings.
Step 2. Buy a phosphorescent pigment powder
You can find it in the most well-stocked fine art stores, otherwise online. Try to choose a non-toxic, skin-safe, or cosmetic product. Many powdered pigments that are used for painting can be toxic.
Step 3. Slip two or three ball bearings into the bottle
They will allow you to better mix the pigment with the enamel.
Step 4. Pour some glow-in-the-dark pigment powder
It is a very fine powder, so be careful not to inhale it. You will need about a teaspoon of pigment. The more you use, the duller the nail polish will be. The less you use, the softer the final result will be. There are several ways to pour it into the bottle:
- Create a small funnel by rolling up a small piece of paper. Try to get a cone. Insert the pointed end into the neck of the bottle and pour the pigment.
- If the pigment is in a sachet and you already know the amount, you can open it by cutting it in a corner. Insert the cut part into the bottle and shake the bag until empty.
Step 5. Close the bottle tightly and shake it for a few minutes
The powder should blend evenly with the glaze. You may hear the sound of the ball bearings - their function is to help mix the polish and pigment better.
Step 6. Paint your nails as usual
You can do this by using the glow-in-the-dark nail polish, or apply a regular polish and use the glow-in-the-dark nail polish as a top coat.
Step 7. Apply a clear top coat:
it will protect the enamel from chipping.
Method 3 of 3: Use Eyeshadow
Step 1. Get everything you need
You can create nail polish that glows under an ultraviolet lamp by using a powder eyeshadow that is reactive to this type of light. But remember that without ultraviolet lights it won't glow. Here is the complete list of everything you need:
- Eyeshadow that glows in the dark;
- Transparent nail polish (partially filled bottle);
- Airtight plastic bag;
- Two or three ball bearings;
- Cutter or engraving knife (optional).
Step 2. Buy a glow-in-the-dark eyeshadow
You can find it in the most well-stocked perfumeries or in a costume shop. You can also buy it online. Make sure it's powder - the cream ones won't work.
If you can find it, you can also use a fluorescent pigment
Step 3. Open the eyeshadow package and remove it if necessary
If it's the only pod in the package, leave it intact. If, on the other hand, it is a palette with different colors, you will have to extract it. Insert a utility knife or carving knife between the metal pod and the plastic base of the palette. Gently zigzag the blade to detach the metal pod from the plastic package. With a little patience you will be able to extract it. Don't pay too much attention to accuracy, you will have to crumble the eyeshadow anyway.
If you can't get an eyeshadow out of a palette, try pulling it out with a spoon or scribing blade. Don't worry if it shatters, as you will have to shred it later anyway
Step 4. Put the eyeshadow in an airtight plastic bag and close it tightly
Any sachet will do, but sturdier ones are preferable for later steps.
Step 5. Start shattering the eyeshadow using the rounded part of a pencil or brush
Keep crumbling it until you get a fine powder. Make sure there are no large chunks of product left: if the pigment is grainy, lumps will form in the glaze.
Step 6. Remove the waffle or eyeshadow case from the bag and reseal it
You can throw it away or save it for another DIY project, like a homemade blush or lipstick.
Step 7. Open the nail polish bottle and slide two or three ball bearings into it
They will help you blend the eyeshadow and nail polish better.
Step 8. Open the bag by cutting it into a corner
This will make it easier to pour the powder eyeshadow into the bottle. Be careful not to spill the contents of the sachet.
Step 9. Pour the eyeshadow into the nail polish
Carefully insert the cut corner of the sachet into the bottle and shake it until empty.
Step 10. Close the bottle tightly and shake it to evenly blend the eyeshadow and nail polish
Step 11. Apply polish as usual
Use thin strokes to speed up drying.
Step 12. Finish with a coat of top coat
Acrylic paint smears more easily than enamel, so a top coat will keep it from getting damaged right away.
