Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Glue Basecoat For Easy Glitter Removal: Instructions, Tips & FAQ

Oh, the things we do for glitter... Right, girls?

True. So painfully true.

Luckily, as I'm sure by now many of you have heard by now, there's a new, easier way to take off your glitter polish: glue basecoat. It all began when Essence came out with a peel-off basecoat, which it turned out was basically just the same ingredients as craft glue, plus some water and preservatives. Remember the weird satisfaction of peeling dried glue off your hands as a little kid? Well this is pretty much the same idea: being able to peel off glitter nail polish all in one go! No scrubbing, no foil, no hassle!

I will try anything for easy glitter removal, so naturally I had to test this out for myself after hearing all the hype. After doing several manis with a glue basecoat, I wanted to share my results with you all, plus some tips in case you were curious to try it too! I'm happy to report that the glue basecoat really works and is the easiest method I've ever tried for glitter removal!

The ingredients are really simple--and dirt cheap too! All you need is some non-toxic glue and an empty polish bottle.

Like so.
 
I made sure to clean out the bottle really well by turning it upside down for a few hours and then swirling some acetone inside for good measure too. Then I squirted the glue inside the bottle until it was about 85% full. I added a bit of water to make the glue thinner and more workable, but this step is completely optional. I personally don't like working with thick bases, but everyone is different, so you can fill it all the way up with just glue if you prefer. If you do add water though, make sure you shake the bottle up afterwards to really mix it in good with your glue.

Then, simply apply the glue like you would a normal basecoat. Allow about 5 minutes to dry (5-10 if you didn't add water), then go ahead and paint your nails like usual. When you're ready to take your mani off however many days later, wedge in a cuticile stick or something similar and go to town peeling! It's oddly addicting! I always just peel the polish off in the shower. The glitter comes right off and you can usually get it all in one big piece too.

Now for the FAQ portion of this post:

Is it safe?
So long as you're using craft glue (check your labels--think Elmer's or something similar), then it's non-toxic. Children have been using this stuff in school for years with no ill effects. Heck, some of you probably ate Elmer's glue in elementary school--you know who you are. ;)

Does it damage your nails?
I haven't seen any negative impact on the strength or texture of my nails. If anything, it's made my nails and my cuticles happier because I'm not soaking them in acetone all the time! However, this does lead me to my next point, which is important...

Do I use a regular basecoat with a glue basecoat?
No. I've read some people saying you can if you really want to, but that it makes removal more difficult. Others have also said that pairing glue basecoats with some traditional basecoats (Orly Bonder, OPI Nail Envy, etc.) has caused the glue to pull up layers of their actual nail. So only use a glue basecoat on bare nails!

Is this basecoat waterproof? How well does it wear?
I've been able to shower and wash my hands as usual with the glue basecoat and the glue holds up just fine. I haven't noticed any significant differences in weartime or durability.

Hopefully this post has been helpful! I think this is a real game-changer for us glitterhounds. It's cheap, it's easy and it works! What's not to like? :) Happy polishing, ladies!

18 comments:

  1. That's really interesting! Thanks for all the info!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can't get mine to last more than approx 12 hrs. Then they start popping off. I got tired of redoing them over and over. How long did yours last?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The longest I've tried a glue basecoat for is about two and a half days (After that, I get too impatient and have to change my polish!) and it seemed to hold up about as well as regular basecoat does on me. How weird that it doesn't last longer on you! Maybe a different type of glue might work better for you? Hmm...

      Delete
  3. Thanks for sharing!!!! I am going to add water to mine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No prob, Meredith! I've tried it both with and without water and I honestly like it better with water--way easier to apply!

      Delete
  4. The only problem I have found with the peel off method is that I get all antsy and peel it off within a day, lol. I have always been bad for peeling my nail polish anyway, so at least it makes it easier and less damaging :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I usually wind up peeling my glitter polish off anyways like you, so I also love that this makes it even easier! And like you said, better for your nails too. :)

      Delete
  5. I actually had a few questions about this method and you're the only blogger so far who has addressed them (namely, how do you empty out a polish bottle). As soon as I get home, I will be prepping and old base coat bottle since I've already picked up the glue!

    I am also going to pin that meme you have on top. Priceless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll have to let me know how it goes! And that meme is totally one of my favorite polish memes ever!

      Delete
  6. Thanks for the info..very interesting! Maybe I would use glitter polish more often now.. Foil method is awesome but kind of tedious, haha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed, I like the foil method but if you wear glitter a lot--as I obviously like to :)--then it's still a bit of a hassle. I've worn glitter all week now with my glue basecoat. It makes it so easy and I love it!

      Delete
  7. Oh God... This is amazing! I LOVE peeling polish off AND glitter polish, so being able to use glitter polish and then being able to PEEL it off is just... just... GAH! I can't even... XD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I know, it's so weirdly addicting, right?! I am a big polish peeler too. The glue base makes it soo easy and I always enjoy being able to peel off a whole layer of polish in one piece now!

      Delete
  8. Really.............!!!!!!!!!!!! its damn good. I really appreciate it.........

    ReplyDelete
  9. Are you using a topcoat over the glitter? I'm wondering if this keeps the glue on thru showering and all

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, I still wear my regular topcoat, Seche Vite!

      Delete
  10. I get so anxious, I take my polish off the next day. It doesn't always come off in whole sheets but it definitely makes it easier.

    ReplyDelete

I love reading all of your comments! Please do not post any unsolicited advertising, links, etc. All comments with links will be deleted.