First things first, always start by prepping your nails. Push back your cuticles and lightly buff the surface of your nails to remove any natural shine. After buffing, wipe your nails with alcohol to get rid of any oils or dust. This step is key to making sure your manicure lasts.

Now, you can use dip powder, gel polish, or skip the color and go with a clear Build Powder or Gel Polish base coat. The base color you choose will affect how the chrome reflects light and alters the final look. Experiment with different base colors for a variety of chrome effects!

If you are using gel polish start by applying a thin layer of Nailboo’s Forever Glaze Base Coat to the natural nail. Apply in a rubbing motion for best adhesion. Apply to all 5 nails and cure for 30 seconds. Remember not to touch your nails until your manicure is complete.

Next, pick your favorite color, here we are using newly released “Sagebrush” gel shade.

Start by painting from the middle of the nail. Press the brush down, allowing it to fan out, and gently push it towards the cuticle. Apply very thin layers — don’t worry if the first layer looks streaky, as the color will even out with additional layers. Applying too much gel can prevent proper curing, leaving the bottom layers uncured. Apply to all five nails and cure for 60 seconds.

Once cured, apply a second thin coat of color, making sure to cover the entire nail evenly. Avoid getting gel polish on your cuticles or surrounding skin. Repeat on all five nails and cure for 60 seconds.

Check the opacity of your nails. If you want deeper coverage, you can apply a third coat. Thin, even layers are key for achieving the best results.

If you're using dip powder, complete your dipping steps as usual. Apply the Dip Base to the 3/4 of the nail and immediately dip your nail into the powder of your choise. Here we are using Boo Jeans powder. Repeat on all the nails and let the powder absorb. Brush away all excess powder. Repeat the process gradually getting closer to the cuticles and side walls with your dip coats.

Apply Activator generously to all nails, ensuring that all layers are thoroughly saturated. Wait for the powder to fully harden.

After powder layering shape everything very carefully with a file. Make sure that the center of the nail is thicker, while the sides and tips are thinner and the whole surface is completely smooth.

Remember to not buff the surface of the nail. Instead, leave the surface slightly rough with visible texture from filing. Do not wash your hands at this stage, as moisture and oils from hand soap can hinder adhesion and cause the gel top coat to peel. Instead brush away the filing dust or wipe the nails with alcohol.

Now it’s time for the best part! Apply Forever Glaze Top Coat on your nail. Apply an even layer on two nails at the time. Cure for 25- seconds. If you cure too short the finish will end up glittery. If the top coat was cured for too long, powder might not adhere properly leaving empty spots.

Using the Chrome Applicator Wand dip the silicone applicator into the chrome powder and tap off any excess. Start rubbing the chrome powder onto the cured nail. Continue rubbing until the chrome effect appears. Use the edges of the wand to get into the sides and around cutilce area.

Chrome applies the best when the top coat is still warm from the lamp. We recommend applying top co at to two nails at a time.

To prevent the chrome coating from chipping, use a buffer or a fine-grit file to gently etch the end of the nail. This step is very important. We don’t want any chrome powder at the free edge of the nail for the top coat to stick.

Gently dust off all chrome powder, remove all loose chrome powder from the sidewalls and cuticle. Any leftover dust can cause cause chipping.

Apply a thin layer of gel top coat. Make sure you cap the free edge and wrap the gel top coat over and around the free edge and sides. This will make sure the free edge is protected and gel is adhered to product on the nail not only chrome powder. Apply a second, final layer of top coat and fully cure.