Everything You Need to Get Salon-Level Glass Nails at Home

Manicure looks are constantly changing, so it’s always a good sign when one sticks around longer than a season. The key is to evolve with the trends, picking up the best elements of different looks and blending them into one look. That’s exactly why glass nails have been so successful. A mashup of alluring cat-eye manicures and glossy patent nails, the trend has become a go-to look for any occasion. It’s alluring, captivating and elegant, thanks to beautiful color schemes and a high-shine finish. But it’s also easy to DIY. All you really need is pigmented magnetic nail polish, a magnet of some sort to create your design and a great top coat. 

Given the popularity of glass nails, it’s unsurprising how many brands have created kits to help get the look. However, if you’d prefer a more customized manicure, it’s best to stock up on the essentials. Below, we’ve gathered everything you need to create a stunning glass nail manicure in the comfort of your home.

Products to help you achieve glass nails

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Halo Taco Sacrificial Lacquer ($15)

Though the glass nail trend works with almost any color, red is one of the most popular shades. Halo Taco Sacrificial Lacquer is a deep cherry shade with dark berry pigments that create a sleek and stunning glass manicure.

• BUY NOW – $15

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Mooncat Dark Night of the Soul ($15)

Blue is another popular shade for glass nails. Like red, it’s rich in color and has enough depth to create mystery. The key is finding a metallic polish with reflective and dark pigments.

• BUY NOW – $15

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Londontown Skyline Reflect ($16)

Starting your manicure with a base of reflective black polish can help intensify the glass nail effect. Instead of opting for a traditional magnetic polish, you could try this shade, which has metallic pigments that complement the look and intensify the color you choose.

• BUY ON LONDONTOWN – $16
• BUY ON AMAZON – $16

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Cirque Colors Fatal Attraction Magnetic Wand ($5)

This magnetic wand helps you create an alluring glass nail manicure with ease. Simply hover the magnetic bar above the polished nails to maneuver the particles into your desired design. The instructions recommend a 30 to 60 second period per nail but you can opt for more time to ensure the pattern is fully set.

• BUY NOW – $5

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ILNP U Magnet ($23)

This U-shaped magnet takes the guesswork out of creating a beautiful design. Instead of waving it above your freshly painted nail, the unique shape surrounds your fingernail with magnetic force as you paint it. The result is an even design with little effort required.

 

• BUY NOW – $23

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Olive & June Super Glossy Top Coat ($9)

Of course, no glass nail look is complete without a glossy finish. After polishing your nails, add one-to-two layers of this top coat to give them maximum shine that lasts for days.

• BUY ON OLIVE & JUNE – $9
• BUY ON TARGET – $10