Manicures are transformative and can instantly elevate people's mood and confidence. One fun way people have been leveling up their manicure game is by incorporating gemstones into their nail designs.

Gemstone nails are usually done by professionals, but anyone can do them at home as long as they have the right tools and a guide to follow. Creating nail designs with gemstones is all about unleashing your creativity and choosing the styles that suit your taste. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant look or a bold, maximalist one, gemstone nails always look luxurious.

Here's how to master the art of gemstone application for a stunning result.

Obtain the proper tools

To achieve precision in gem application, make sure to use the right tools. Using just the hands might smudge the nail polish.

Luckily, there are some common household tools you can use to securely grasp the rhinestones and accurately place them where you want them to go.

Thin-tipped tools like tweezers or rhinestone applicators are recommended, providing the precision you need.

Get a rhinestone adhesive

To get the luxurious manicure you desire, invest in a quality rhinestone adhesive.

Applying gems directly on top of nail polish would likely result in them falling off after a few washes. To counter this, use a specialized rhinestone adheserve designed for flawless application.

Products like Kiara Sky Bling It On Rhinestone Adhesive, which has a gel-like formula, ensures long-lasting gemstone manicures.

Research gemstone nail designs

If you don't know or can't decide what gemstone design to create on your nails, research different looks on sites like Pinterest and Instagram. This step is particularly crucial if it's your first time applying gemstones. Exploring various designs will give you a clear idea of what you'd like to achieve.

Prep your nails

Before applying the crystal or gems, it's essential to prep your nails first. This preparation significantly influences the longevity of the nail art.

Begin by shaping and buffing the nails. Next, apply your base coat. You can then paint your nails with whatever color you prefer or leave your nails natural.

Then, rather than applying a top coat over your nail color, start adhering the rhinestones onto the nail using adhesive after the polish has set.

After you are done placing the gems, apply the top coat to finish the look. This ensures a longer-lasting gemstone manicure because the top coat secures the gems in place, preventing them from easily peeling off.