Rhinestone Nails: How to Set Stones and Charms in 6 Steps

Rhinestone nails · 6 steps · adhesive gel and a lamp

Stones and charms go on last, onto a finished set. A tiny dab of the right adhesive gel, a steady pick-up tool and a full cure keep every piece in place.

1. 1

   Finish the set first

   Apply your color and a no wipe top coat, and cure. The stones go onto the finished, cured surface.

   TipWipe the nail so no dust is under the adhesive.

2. 2

   Plan the layout

   Place your stones on a palette or a spare nail tip to see the pattern. Odd numbers and mixed sizes tend to look best.

   TipStart small. A few well-placed stones read as more elegant than a full scatter.

3. 3

   Choose the adhesive

   Use Rhinestone Adhesive Gel, thin and no wipe, for small stones and fine detail. Use Nail Jewelry Adhesive Gel, thick, for heavier stones, charms and 3D pieces.

   TipBoth cure under an LED or UV lamp.

4. 4

   Dab where each stone goes

   Place a very small bead of adhesive gel at each spot. Work one nail at a time so the gel does not run.

   TipA small bead is enough. Extra gel will ooze around the stone.

5. 5

   Set each stone

   Pick up a stone with the tip of a dotting tool and press it gently into the bead. Nudge it straight before you let go.

   TipFlat-bottom pieces, like the pearl accessory, sit flush and set cleanly.

6. 6

   Cure and check

   Cure under your LED lamp following the label. Run a fingertip lightly over the nail and re-set any piece that sits uneven.

   TipNever use gel on the skin. Keep the stones and the adhesive away from the cuticle.

Stones and charms

Rhinestone Nail ArtMSRP $7.50

Jelly Rhinestone Nail ArtMSRP $7.50

Diamond Nail ArtMSRP $7.50

Opalite Nail ArtMSRP $7.50

Pearl Flat Bottom 03MSRP $7.50

3D Flat Bows 08MSRP $7.50

Adhesive, tools and tiny stones

Rhinestone Adhesive Gel, ThinMSRP $10.95

Nail Jewelry Adhesive Gel, ThickMSRP $10.95

Pixie Diamond 7.5gMSRP from $5.85