High Gloss, High Shine, Height of Fashion
Chrome nails are bang on trend right now. From understated to show-stopping holographic nails, these modern metallics are “the new black”.
Of course, metallic nails have been around for a while. I remember searching for the shiniest, sparkliest nail polish I could find back in the day. Then, there were only shimmery type polishes – the ones where you could see the individual specks of glimmer, which, although lovely, lacked that full-on mirror finish I longed for. Now powders have hit the metallic market big time, with spectacular results. However, for a powder novice, it can all seem a bit daunting – fortunately, it’s easy to get the look!
So, what’s the best way to create the mirror look with powders?
You can create chrome nails on either a clear nail or with a base color. When the base is a dark color, such as black, you’ll get a different end result than with a light one; so have fun and experiment with base colors.
Initially, follow your normal nail routine, up to and including a base coat. You then apply the chrome powder with an eyeshadow applicator. Wipe off the excess, buff and add two layers of no-wipe top coat, and you’re done. Quick and simple. Once only available in salons, thanks to a flurry of DIY acrylic manicure sets, powders and polishes, the control, and budget, is in our hands.
Now you know how to achieve that impossible shine, which are the best products to use?
1) iMethod Holographic Chrome Nail Powder
What Makes It Great
Using ultra-fine salon-grade pigments, these little pots of magic from iMethod, contain real silver and can achieve a super glossy finish. I found them so simple to apply, using the accompanying applicator, with no mess, and after a couple of top coats, my nails looked amazing. The shine is really high gloss and remained chip free and perfect for nearly two weeks. Plus you need such a small amount of powder, the jars will last forever.
Where It Could Be Improved
This works better with no-wipe top coats, rather than no-tack, so beat that in mind when you’re using it.
Holographic Chrome Nail Powder - iMethod Premium Salon Grade Rainbow Unicorn Mirror Effect Multi Chrome Manicure Pigment, 0.04oz/1g
- MONEY SAVER - iMethod nail powders are made of ultra fine salon-grade pigments. A little goes a long way. You can get at least 25 manicures in one jar, means 40 cents per time. At salons , Holographic manicures cost 20-35 or more.
2) PrettyDiva 7 Jar Mirror Powder
What Makes It Great
With 7 shades to choose from, and each looking dramatically different depending on the base coat, this is a great set. Following the instructions, as I buffed the powder, the shine came through impressively, giving my nails a perfect mirror finish, which was increased by adding the top coats. Lasting nearly three weeks, with a quick buff every morning, this set of powders is a really good choice for gloss, shine and durability.
Where It Could Be Improved
As the jars are difficult to open one-handed, it’s a good idea to have them open and ready. Just remember not to sneeze near them!
PrettyDiva 7 Jar Pearl Powder Mirror Effect Chrome Nail Powder Metallic Nail Manicure Pigment
- 【Pearlescent Gloss】- The aurora powder shinning like sea pearl and will give your nail feeling like pearl when you apply it with white base gel.
- 【Chrome Effect】- Ultra fine powder takes great chrome effect, if you like the effect as picture, so you must apply them with white gel or black gel.
What Makes It Great
The set contains silver, gold and champagne chrome powders, and a generous 50 applicators. Using light or dark base coats changes the finished result quite dramatically, so it’s great to experiment and see what works best for you. I preferred these on a black base and felt that gave the best shine. They go on smoothly and you hardly need any powder to produce a great finish. Without any touching up, these powders lasted well over two weeks.
Where It Could Be Improved
You do need to put a bit of pressure on your nails when buffing this powder. If you end up with a sparkly surface, it means you didn’t press hard enough.
CoulorButtons 3 Boxes Mirror Nail Powder Champagne Silver Gold Shimmer Glitter Powder Manicure Nail Art Chrome Pigment Dust With 50pcs...
- PACKAGE CONTENT-1 box Silver Mirror Nail Powder, 1 box Gold Mirror Nail Powder, 1 box Champagne Silver Nail Powder, 50pcs Eyeshadow Sticks
- MATERIAL-Made by high quality import powders,contain 0% of plumbum.
4) Wenida Holographic Chrome Nail Powder
What Makes It Great
Wenida’s chrome powder set consists of eight high gloss chrome powders and enough applicators to go round several times. The powders go on smoothly, leaving a beautiful finish with real depth – this was on a black base. On a white base, the color is a more pearl-like chrome. For nearly three weeks, my nails retained their awesome appearance.
Where It Could Be Improved
It can be tricky to pick the right amount of tackiness of base coat to apply this so that it sticks well.
Nail Powder Wenida 8 Colors 1g/Jar Holographic Chrome Mirror Laser Synthetic Resin Pigment Manicure Art Decoration With 8pcs Eyeshadow Sticks
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: Nail powder is 10 Micron and made of 100% pure Synthetic Resin Powder, non-toxic, long-lasting. Smooth and non-grainy texture, giving better effect on your nails
- COLORFUL: Ultra sparkling nail powder comes in 8 amazing shades: Laser Silver, Hot Pink, Rose Gold, Purple, Deep Blue, Silver, Champagne Gold, Red, vivid colors satisfy all your choices of nail art
5) PrettyDiva Mermaid Chrome Nail Powder
What Makes It Great
I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this powder, and, as recommended for the best effect, I used a black base, and WOW! The finish was amazing, catching the light and throwing back fire-like flickers. It appeared to change color depending on the angle, and it literally drew gasps from friends. It remained undamaged for just over two weeks, and I’ll definitely be using this again and again!
Where It Could Be Improved
The applicators that are included are not particularly durable, so I ended up using eyeshadow sponges, which worked perfectly.
PrettyDiva Mermaid Chrome Nail Powder - Aurora Iridescent Unicorn Nail Powder Neon Nail Pigment Manicure Pigment Dust#13
- 【High Quality】- Prettydiva nail powder is ultra fine salon-grade pigments, ONLY RUB ON NAIL with powder to achieve chrome finish. NOT DIP POWDER.
- 【Updated Capacity】 - Increase capacity and jar size according to customer request, it is enough to do nail art many times, A little goes a long way.
What else is popular?
