Learn how to create your own nail polish in a few simple steps. Making polish at home lets you craft custom shades, save money, and enjoy long-lasting, beautiful nails.
With a little girl in the house, we go through a lot of nail polish. My daughter and I love painting each other’s nails and experimenting with simple nail art.
I already make my own makeup and skincare, so I finally decided to try nail polish. After several trials, I settled on a reliable homemade nail polish method that I use all the time.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Nail Polish
Custom Colors: The biggest advantage is that you can make any shade you want. Mix pigments to match outfits, create seasonal shades, or make completely unique colors.
Easy to Make: This is a quick project that takes only minutes to assemble. The process is straightforward and the results are surprisingly professional.
Save Money: Buying an untinted suspension base in bulk keeps costs low. A small amount of base makes several bottles of colored polish, so it’s very economical.
What You’ll Need
- Untinted suspension base
- Mica powders (or other cosmetic pigments)
- Miniature funnels
- Empty nail polish bottles
- Polish mixing balls
How to Make Nail Polish
Step 1. Place mixing balls into the empty polish bottles. Fit a small funnel into the neck of each bottle to make adding pigments easier.
Step 2. Add pigments or glitter to the bottles. Start with 1/4 teaspoon (or less) of mica powder for a subtle, translucent finish. Increase to 1/4–1/2 teaspoon per 15 ml bottle for a bolder, more opaque color. Blend multiple pigments to create custom shades.
Step 3. Gently tap the funnel and bottle so any powder falls to the bottom of the bottle.
Step 4. Carefully pour the suspension base into each bottle until it reaches the neck, then remove the funnel.
Step 5. Secure the lid and shake the bottle vigorously for at least 60 seconds, or until the pigment is fully dispersed and the color is even.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- If you plan to mix more than one mica color, blend the powders together on a sheet of paper first so you can preview the shade before adding them to a bottle.
- Use a suspension base if possible — it helps keep mica and glitter evenly distributed. If you use a standard clear base coat, expect to shake the bottle well before each use because pigments can settle.
- Add cosmetic-grade glitter for sparkle. Avoid craft glitters that aren’t formulated for cosmetic use.
How to Apply Nail Polish
To extend the wear of your polish, follow a simple multi-step application routine rather than applying color straight to bare nails.
Application method for longer-lasting wear:
- Clear base coat: Protects the nail and provides a smooth surface for color.
- Color polish: Apply your homemade polish. Two thin coats usually give an even, opaque finish; add additional thin coats if needed.
- Clear top coat: Finish with a top coat after the color is dry to add shine and protect against chipping.
Ingredient Notes
Untinted Suspension Base: A suspension base is a clear polish formulated to keep mica and glitter afloat in the liquid so they don’t settle at the bottom. Many people prefer a “10-free” base that avoids common toxic additives.
Mica Powders: Mica can be sourced unethically in some cases, so choose vendors who publish ethical sourcing statements. Using ethically sourced mica ensures your cosmetic projects align with your values.
FAQ
You can use acetone-free removers or gentle, natural nail polish removers formulated to be less drying. Cotton balls or pads work well for removal. Always follow with nail and cuticle care to keep nails healthy.
Yes. Finely crushed eye shadow can act as a pigment when mixed thoroughly into a suspension base. Mica powders tend to be more consistent and easier to work with, but eye shadow is a workable option for experimentation.
More Recipes for All-Natural Manicures and Pedicures
- DIY Nail Growth Serum
- All-natural Mascara Recipe
- DIY Cuticle Oil for Dry Nails
- 8 Amazing Pedicure Foot Soak Recipes
- Homemade Lipstick
How to Make Nail Polish
Equipment
- Tiny funnel
- Empty nail polish bottles (15 ml)
- Polish mixing balls
Ingredients
- Untinted suspension base
- Mica powders (any color)
Instructions
- Place mixing balls into empty bottles and insert a small funnel into each neck.
- Add pigments or glitter, starting with 1/4 teaspoon. For a 15 ml bottle, do not exceed about 1/2 teaspoon of mica for best texture.
- Tap bottles gently so all pigment settles into the bottom.
- Fill bottles to the neck with suspension base and remove the funnels.
- Secure lids and shake vigorously for at least 60 seconds, or until color is evenly dispersed.
Notes
- See the step-by-step images above for visual guidance.
- Mix multiple mica colors on paper before adding to bottles to preview the result.
- Choose ethically sourced mica powder whenever possible.
- If you use a regular clear base, expect to shake the bottle well before each use as pigments may settle.
- Use cosmetic-grade glitter if adding sparkle.
This recipe is for personal use and not intended as medical advice. Perform your own research and tests before trying any DIY cosmetic recipe.