DIY Gel Polish: How To Create Your Own Custom Colors Using What You Have

 

Gel polish offers durability and a glossy, long-lasting finish, making it a favorite among nail enthusiasts. But sometimes, the exact shade you want may not be available. The good news is that you can create your own custom gel polish colors using products you likely already have at home! This not only allows for creativity and experimentation but also helps you make the most of your existing nail polish collection.

Here’s how you can make your own gel polish colors and customize your nail look to perfection.

1. Mix Regular Nail Polish with Clear Gel Polish
One of the simplest ways to create custom gel colors is by mixing your regular nail polish with a clear gel polish. This method works especially well if you already have a favorite nail polish color but want the long-lasting benefits of gel.

Materials You’ll Need:
- Clear gel polish (base or top coat)
- Regular nail polish in your desired color
- A mixing tool (like a toothpick or spatula)
- A small mixing palette (or even a piece of aluminum foil)

Steps:
1. Prepare a small amount of color: On your mixing palette, drop a small amount of the clear gel polish.
2. Add your regular nail polish: Add a few drops of the regular polish to the gel polish. The ratio will depend on how pigmented you want the color to be—start with more gel and slowly mix in the polish until you reach the desired shade.
3. Mix well: Use a toothpick or small spatula to thoroughly mix the two together until the texture is smooth and even.
4. Apply to your nails: Apply the custom color to your nails just like you would with any gel polish, curing it under a UV or LED lamp after each coat.

2. Create Glitter Gel Polish
If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your nails, you can mix glitter with your clear gel polish to create a unique, custom glitter gel.

Materials You’ll Need:
- Clear gel polish
- Loose glitter (fine or chunky, depending on your preference)
- A mixing tool
- A mixing palette

Steps:
1. Mix clear gel polish with glitter: Pour a small amount of clear gel polish onto your palette, and add loose glitter to it. Start with a small amount of glitter and mix thoroughly, adding more until you reach your desired glitter density.
2. Apply and cure: Paint the glitter mixture onto your nails and cure it under the UV/LED lamp.
3. Seal with top coat: Once the glitter gel is applied and cured, finish with a clear top coat to seal in the glitter and ensure a smooth finish.

3. Blend Pigments with Clear Gel Polish
Another great way to create custom gel polish colors is by mixing pure pigments (such as eyeshadows, loose makeup pigments, or acrylic powder) with clear gel polish. This method allows for ultimate color control and creativity, as you can mix pigments to create unique shades.

Materials You’ll Need:
- Clear gel polish
- Loose pigment (from eyeshadow, cosmetic powders, or acrylic powders)
- A mixing tool and palette

Steps:
1. Crush or scoop out the pigment: If you're using eyeshadow, scrape a small amount of powder from the pan onto your mixing palette. For loose pigments or powders, simply pour a small amount onto the palette.
2. Mix with clear gel polish: Add the clear gel polish to the pigment and mix it until you get a smooth consistency. The more pigment you add, the more opaque the color will be.
3. Apply and cure: Paint the custom color onto your nails and cure as usual under a UV or LED lamp. Be sure to apply thin layers to avoid lumpiness.
4. Seal with top coat: Once you’re happy with the coverage, apply a clear gel top coat to give your nails a glossy and long-lasting finish.

4. Create Ombre or Gradient Gel Polish
You can also create beautiful ombre or gradient effects using multiple gel polish colors you already have. This technique adds a dynamic look to your nails without requiring you to buy new polishes.

Materials You’ll Need:
- Two or more gel polish colors
- A makeup sponge or blending brush
- Clear top coat

Steps:
1. Apply the base color: Start by applying a base color to your nails, curing it under the lamp after each layer.
2. Dab or blend the second color: Apply your second color to a makeup sponge and lightly dab it onto the nail to create a gradient. For a more blended effect, you can also use a blending brush to mix the two colors where they meet.
3. Cure and repeat: Cure under the lamp and repeat the dabbing or blending until you achieve the desired look.
4. Finish with a top coat: Apply a clear gel top coat to seal the design and give it a smooth finish.

5. Add Nail Art to Your Custom Gel Polish
Once you’ve created your custom gel polish color, you can take your creativity a step further by adding nail art using tools you already have.

Ideas for Nail Art:
- Stamping: Use nail stamping plates to transfer intricate designs onto your custom gel polish.
- Dotting: Use a dotting tool (or even a toothpick) to create polka dots or abstract designs with contrasting colors.
- Stripes and lines: Use striping tape to create clean, geometric lines on your nails.
- Freehand designs: For a more personalized touch, you can freehand simple designs like flowers, hearts, or abstract shapes using a fine brush.

6. Seal and Protect Your Custom Creations
No matter which method you use to create your custom gel polish, always remember to seal your design with a high-quality top coat. This helps protect your manicure, enhances shine, and ensures your custom color lasts as long as possible.

Recommended Gel Top Coats:
- **Gelish Top It Off**: A great choice for a long-lasting, high-shine finish.
- **Seche Vite Gel Effect Top Coat**: Known for its quick-drying and durable formula.
- **CND Shellac Top Coat**: Provides a durable and glossy finish that lasts for weeks.

Making your own gel polish colors is an exciting way to personalize your manicure and get creative with the products you already have. Whether you’re blending regular polish with gel, mixing in glitter or pigments, or experimenting with gradients, there are endless possibilities for creating custom gel polish looks. So the next time you can’t find the perfect shade, try making your own!