Nail art powders are loose decorative powders rubbed, pressed or puffed onto gel to change its finish: mirror and pearl chrome, aurora shimmer, glitter, flakes or a soft woolen texture. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks small jars and sets from YHH, Vinimay, Kaniu, ONME and MNBS.
Types of nail art powder
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror, pearl, aurora and cat eye | Reflective mirror, pearl, aurora and cat eye effects over gel. | Mirror Moon 1 g, Mirror Pearl 1 g, Sheer Pearl Aurora 1 g, YHH Silk Moonlight 0.5 g, ONME Cat Eye Powder 1 g |
| Glitter, flakes and sparkle | Sparkle in clear gel, on a tacky layer or over 3D work. | Glitter Powder, 8-jar set, Opal Glitter 3 g, Macaron Flake Powder, Kaniu Nail Art Powder 3 g, YHH Diamond Powder 1 g |
| Woolen and sugar textures | Soft sweater and sugar effects on winter sets. | Woolen Powder 1 g, Sugar Woolen Powder 1 g |
| Spray powders | Quick glitter or colour fades puffed from a squeeze bottle. | Vinimay Sparkle Spray Powder, Vinimay Pigment Spray Powder |
How to choose nail art powder
- Know where it goes. Chrome and pearl powders are rubbed onto a cured no-wipe top coat; glitter and flakes go into or onto a tacky gel layer; woolen powder is pressed onto an uncured layer.
- Small jars go a long way. Only a thin film of chrome or pearl stays on the nail.
- Seal what should be smooth. Chrome, glitter and flakes need a top coat to last; texture powders are usually left uncovered so they keep their feel.
Related: Chrome powder, Cat eye gel colours, Cat eye magnets, Gel top coat, All nail art
Nail art powder FAQ
What is woolen powder and how do I use it?
Woolen (sweater) powder is a fine flocking powder that gives a soft, fuzzy texture. Apply the colour gel, add a layer of top coat or clear gel, press the powder onto the uncured layer, cure, then brush off the loose powder. Leave it without a top coat so it keeps its texture.
How do I keep glitter and flakes from sticking up?
Press them into a thin, uncured layer of clear gel or top coat with a silicone tool or a brush, cure, then cap with a second layer of top coat so no edges stand out.
How do spray powders work?
Vinimay Sparkle Spray Powder is a fine reflective glitter in a squeeze bottle: short squeezes puff it onto the nail. Spray over a cured no-wipe top coat or a tacky gel layer, tap off the loose powder, then seal with top coat and cure.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.