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How To Apply Different Nail Polish Formulas | Picture Polish Guide
May 17, 2023
Different nail polish formulas can behave very differently on the nail. Some look best in two thin coats, while others may need an extra coat, a particularly smooth base or a specific application technique.
The traditional understanding of nail polish application typically includes a base coat, two coats of colour, and a top coat. As the nail industry has evolved, the options for these basic steps have also expanded.
The fact is, to get the most flawless application, it’s essential to consider the formula! In this article, we’ve briefly summarised each PP formula and the best application method. We also include recommended base coats and top coats to enhance each formula. PP fans, we’ve got you covered!
Crème Nail Polish: The Classic Favourite
This formula is the OG of the nail polish world. We all know it, love it, and can’t get enough. Crème nail polish is all about smooth, solid colour. It contains no glitter or holographic particles and is available in everything from soft shades such as Sorbet to deeper neutrals such as Nougat.
How to Apply Crème Nail Polish
Crème nail polish requires two coats for even coverage. Start with clean, dry nails and apply a base coat. Dual Purpose Top’N Base or Naked Nail Care Base Coat works very well for this step. Apply the first thin coat of colour and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply the second coat (for lighter colours, “float” the brush to prevent streaks). Finish with a top coat. Dual Purpose Top’N Base or Fast Dry top coat both work beautifully.
Tip: Two thin coats are generally easier to control than one thick coat. Wrapping the free edge can also help protect the tips from premature wear.
Neon Nail Polish: Bright and Bold
Neon shades are bright, bold and designed to stand out. Because bright pigments can sometimes apply differently from deeper colours, thin, controlled coats are especially important.
How to Apply Neon Nail Polish
Neon nail polish requires two to three thin coats. Start with clean, dry nails and apply base coat using Dual Purpose Top’N Base or Naked Nail Care Base Coat. For extra vibrance, apply one coat of Bright White underneath to make the neon pop. Apply the first thin coat of neon and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply the second thin coat (work with less polish to avoid streaks). Apply a third coat if needed for opacity. For a glossy finish, apply Dual Purpose Top’N Base as your top coat. For a matte finish, apply G’Day Matte top coat.
Tip: If your neon polish looks streaky, use less polish on the brush and build coverage with thin coats rather than applying one heavier layer.
Pearl Nail Polish: Subtle Elegance
Pearl nail polish creates a soft, shimmery finish with added dimension. Depending on the shade and the number of coats applied, the result may range from sheer to more opaque.
How to Apply Pearl Nail Polish
Pearl nail polish requires two to three thin coats for full coverage, or one coat for a sheer look. Start with clean, dry nails and apply Fill’ Em Up base coat to smooth out any natural nail ridges. Apply the first thin coat of pearl nail polish and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply the second thin coat and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply a third coat if needed for full coverage.
Try this: For a softer, more translucent look, apply a single coat and allow the natural nail or free edge to remain slightly visible.
Jelly Nail Polish: A Playful Twist
Jelly polish has a translucent, glossy appearance that allows colour to build in layers. It can also be used for a jelly sandwich effect, where glitter or nail art is layered between coats. Be sure to try our jelly Henna for the fabulous torties nail art look.
How to Apply Jelly Nail Polish
Jelly nail polish requires one to two coats, depending on your desired opacity. Start with clean, dry nails and apply base coat, letting it dry completely. Apply the first coat of jelly polish and let it dry completely. For jelly sandwich nail art, add glitter, nail art, or anything else you want to throw in there. Apply another coat of jelly polish on top to make the art or glitter appear like it’s floating or suspended. Apply Gloss On Top gel-like top coat for a juicy sheen.
Tip: The goal of jelly nails is a juicy sheen. Gloss On Top takes longer to dry but delivers dramatically shiny nails.
Glitter Nail Polish: Sparkle and Shine
Glitter polish can range from a sheer glitter topper to a formula designed for fuller coverage.
How to Apply Glitter Nail Polish
Glitter polish requires one to two coats for toppers, or two coats for glitter with base colour. Start with clean, dry nails and apply Revolution water base coat for easier removal. For toppers, apply a thin coat with the bottle’s brush and use the corner of the brush to nudge the glitter. For full-coverage glitter, apply the first coat and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply a second coat if needed. For full coverage, use a sponge to apply the glitter polish. Apply Gloss On Top gel-like top coat to seal rough edges and enhance the sparkle.
Tip: Glitter polish can dry textured. A glossy top coat brings out the sparkle and seals rough edges.
Flakie Nail Polish: Edgy Elegance
Flakie polish contains flakes rather than traditional glitter particles, creating a finish that can look different from nail to nail depending on how the flakes settle.
How to Apply Flakie Nail Polish
Flakie nail polish applies well in two coats. Start with clean, dry nails and apply base coat, letting it dry completely. Apply the first coat of flakie polish and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply the second coat and pay attention to the flakies when creating a smooth cuticle line. Some may need assistance with the corner of the brush to rest where you want them. Apply Fast Dry top coat for a glossy finish, or G’Day Matte for a matte finish.
Tip: Flakies are naturally irregular, so small differences in placement are part of the finished look.
Holographic Nail Polish: A Spectrum of Wonders
Holographic nail polish can reveal a rainbow effect when it catches the light. A smooth nail surface is particularly important for linear holographic finishes, as ridges and unevenness may be more noticeable.
Picture Polish is known for creating dynamic nail polish with unique colours, particularly holographic elements. We’d argue we helped spread this trend worldwide!
How to Apply Holographic Nail Polish
Holographic nail polish requires two coats. Along with two coats for application, holographic polishes require a smooth base. Any imperfections or bumps will be visible if the holo is linear. For this reason, apply a Ridge-filling Base Coat. This base coat fills in any ridges or unevenness on your natural nails. Apply the first thin coat of holographic polish and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply the second thin coat and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply Looking Glass fast-drying top coat to accent the holographic twinkle. Looking Glass dries quickly with a glossy finish.
Tip: Avoid applying overly thick coats. A smooth, even application will help the holographic effect look its best.
Multi-chrome Nail Polish: Colour Shift Magic
Multi-chrome nail polishes contain a type of pigment sorcery that shifts in colour depending on the light. Almost hypnotic in their ability to morph from one colour to another, multi-chrome polishes replace the need for loose powder.
How to Apply Multi-chrome Nail Polish
Multi-chrome nail polish requires two coats. Use Cuticle Exfoliate beforehand and start with a clean natural nail. Add a coat of Fill’ Em Up base coat for a smooth application. Apply the first thin coat of multi-chrome and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply the second thin coat and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Finish with either glossy or matte top coat. If you’re craving an edgier look, G’Day Matte top coat is definitely the way to go.
Tip: Apply smooth, even coats to help create a consistent colour-shifting finish.
Magnetic Nail Polish: Transform Your Nails
Infused with tiny metallic particles, these formulas react to a magnet to create striking effects across the surface of your nails.
Depending on the technique and magnet you use, magnetic polish can create everything from dramatic cat-eye streaks to soft, shimmering velvet finishes, as well as unique aura and French-tip effects.
How to Apply Magnetic Nail Polish
Magnetic nail polish requires two coats, with magnet application on the second coat. Start with clean, dry nails and apply base coat, letting it dry completely. Apply the first thin coat of magnetic polish and let it dry for 2-3 minutes. Apply the second coat of magnetic polish to one nail only. Immediately hold the magnet close to, but not touching, the wet polish. Hold the magnet in place for 30 seconds until the polish has hardened slightly. Repeat for each nail, working one nail at a time. Apply top coat if desired. For best results, use the magnet again for 30 seconds after applying top coat while it’s still wet.
We recommend holding the magnetic nail polish magnets in place until the polish has hardened slightly, approximately 30 seconds. The magnets will continue to move before the polish dries, so it’s essential to keep them in place.
Learn more: What is Magnetic Nail Polish?
Cat Eye vs Velvet: Two Ways to Use Magnetic Polish
Magnetic polish can create dramatically different effects depending on the magnet you use.
Cat Eye Effect
To create a cat-eye effect with the Magnetic Wand, apply the second coat of magnetic polish to one nail at a time. While the polish is still wet, hold the magnet close to the nail and experiment with its position and angle until the magnetic particles form a defined line or streak. Hold the magnet in place for approximately 30 seconds before moving to the next nail.
Small changes in the magnet’s placement can create completely different effects, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Velvet Effect
For a soft, multidimensional velvet finish, use the Velvet Magnet.
Apply the second coat of magnetic polish to one nail at a time. While the polish is still wet, position the Velvet Magnet around the nail to draw the magnetic particles into a diffused, luminous finish. Hold the magnet in position for approximately 30 seconds before moving to the next nail.
The magnet distributes the metallic particles across the nail to create an even, luminous velvet effect. Unlike a cat eye, the finished look doesn’t have a defined linear streak. Instead, it has a diffused flash of magnetic shimmer that catches the light as you move.
Tip: Experiment with your magnets to discover which shapes, angles and finishes you like best.
Wudu Friendly/Halal Nail Polish
At Picture Polish, we believe beauty shouldn’t require compromise. That’s why we’ve created a vibrant range of Wudu Friendly nail polishes designed to combine beautiful colour with water permeability.
Picture Polish Wudu Friendly nail polish uses a breathable, water-permeable formula designed to allow water to reach the nail surface during wudu, or ritual washing.
Our Wudu Friendly range offers more than 90 shades, so you can enjoy a wide variety of colours and finishes while choosing a formula that aligns with your beauty preferences and religious practices.
Learn more: What is Halal Nail Polish?
How to Apply Wudu Friendly Nail Polish
For Wudu-friendly application, apply two thin coats of any of the following combinations. You can choose from the following combinations:
- One coat of base coat and one coat of nail polish.
- One coat of nail polish and one coat of top coat.
- One or two coats of nail polish without a base or top coat.
All Picture Polish regular nail polishes are water-permeable when applied in thin coats. Many of our polishes offer one-coat coverage, and even without a topcoat, manicures can last 3-5 days.
There is much debate online about the permitted number of water-permeable coats. The concern is that one coat of water-permeable polish may not remain water-permeable after several coats. Stick to two thin coats total for best results.
Can Magnetic Polish Be Wudu Friendly?
Yes. Picture Polish magnetic nail polish can be used as Wudu-friendly nail polish when applied according to the recommended application method.
For a Wudu-friendly magnetic manicure, use one of these combinations:
- One thin coat of magnetic nail polish followed by one thin coat of top coat.
- Two thin coats of magnetic nail polish on its own.
Common Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Applying Coats That Are Too Thick
Thick coats can be harder to control and may take longer to dry. Build colour gradually with thin, even coats instead.
Rushing Between Coats
Applying the next layer before the previous one has had enough time to dry can affect the finish. Follow the recommended drying time for your specific formula and product.
Using the Wrong Technique for Magnetic Polish
Magnetic polish works best when you work while the relevant coat is still wet and hold the magnet close to, but not touching, the nail for the recommended amount of time.
Skipping Surface Preparation for Reflective Finishes
Holographic and multi-chrome finishes can make natural nail texture more noticeable. Where appropriate, use the Picture Polish base coat recommended for smoothing the nail surface.
Using More Coats Than Recommended for Wudu Friendly Application
If following the Wudu Friendly application method, use only the number and combination of coats currently approved and tested by Picture Polish.
Troubleshooting Nail Polish Application
My Crème Polish Looks Streaky
Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat. For lighter shades, gently float the brush across the nail on the second coat.
My Neon Polish Looks Patchy
Use less polish on the brush and build coverage gradually with thin coats. Applying Bright White underneath may also help increase vibrancy where recommended.
My Jelly Polish Looks Uneven
Apply thin, even coats and allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
My Glitter Polish Looks Sparse
Build the glitter gradually. For denser coverage, use a sponge application technique where appropriate.
My Holographic Polish Shows My Nail Ridges
Start with a smooth base and use a ridge-filling product to help minimise the appearance of natural nail texture.
My Multi-Chrome Polish Looks Uneven
Use a smooth base and apply thin, even coats.
My Magnetic Effect Isn’t Showing
Make sure you are using the magnet while the relevant coat is still wet. Hold it close to the nail without touching the polish and keep it in position for the recommended time.
My Magnetic Effect Softens After Applying Top Coat
Use the magnet again after applying top coat while it is still wet, following the recommended method for your chosen magnetic effect.
Find the Application Method That Works for Your Manicure
Every nail polish formula has its own personality, and even a small change in technique can make a noticeable difference to the finished result.As the nail industry continues to evolve, so do we.
Understanding your formula will help you get the most from every manicure. Experiment with different application techniques, finishes and tools to find what works best for you.
Do you have lingering questions or challenges with any of these formulas? What are your go-to tips and tricks? We’d love to hear from you!
Have a favourite application tip or a magnetic manicure you’re proud of? Share your results and tag us on Instagram @picturepolish. We love seeing what you create!
