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Doing your own nails in the comfort of your own home has been commonplace these days and with the endless options available online, the only decision you have to make is what color to try this week.
One great color recommendation to check out are holographic nail polishes. They are full of sparkle, glitter, and glitz. There is no better time to try out some of these bold, bright, and sparkly color mashups.
Our options include both regular nail polishes, gel polishes, and some amazing metallic and chrome powders that will give you the most intense sheen. We have also included holographic colors with intense glitter options and a bunch of shine shifters that will look different and amazing when they are hit by the light at any angle.
Premier Holographic Nail Polish in Detail
Color Club Nail Polish — Best Overall
This multicolored nail lacquer is far from basic and a great option for when you want all the glitter feels. This is a regular nail polish that has an intense holographic finish with multicolored hues that will take on multiple looks with different lighting setups. Apply as you normally would any polish including using a base coat, two thin polish coats, and your favorite top coat for a long-lasting, glittery sheen.
Pros
- This nail polish formula is cruelty-free and vegan friendly
Cons
- When this nail polish is not under any lighting, it will not shine as much
Beetles Chrome Nail Powder — Runner Up
Chrome nails are another great way to get a cool, holographic, and metallic effect. This is a full set of eight nail powders along with eight applicators in a fun array of colors including holographic silver, chrome tones of gold, silver, pink, and purple, pearly blue and green colors, and one iridescent color. Suitable for all nail types, this powder can be applied on gels, acrylic, and natural nails and these powders make it easy to experiment and come up with some cool color options on your own.
Pros
- This set comes with a bonus powder brush
Cons
- A curing machine is necessary for proper application
BORN PRETTY Nail Polish — Honorable Mention
This unique set of nail polishes is described as having a “galaxy chameleon effect” giving you the multicolor hue you want with the added bonus of not needing a black base. This set comes with three different tones that, in one coat, provide a cool color shift from green to purple or from green to a slight blue depending on the angle. This professional polish also provides a smooth, long-lasting finish, and comes with a specialty nail brush to help you create unique designs.
Pros
- A UV lamp is not required for the application of these polishes
Cons
- These polishes might be on the smaller side
ILNP MEGA Nail Polish — Editor's Pick
Similar to another of our options, this holographic-based nail color gives off a full spectrum of colors with its intense holographic sparkle. This polish is long-lasting, fast-drying, and is unique as it has a fully opaque finish with no need for a base coat. When applied, this polish dries to a glossy finish, shines like glass, and is also super easy to remove with no soaking required.
Pros
- Get maximum coverage in 2-4 coats
Cons
- The color may show a light gray when not in optimal lighting conditions
Firstfly Nail Polish — Best Duo
This glitter two-pack of nail polishes is made with holographic pigments that produce shifting colors based on different viewing angles. The two colors in this set include a pink with blue shift and a purple with a rainbow shift and each one has a high gloss finish with glitter shine and is extremely long-lasting. Application is fast and easy and the two colors can be combined to create a unique color or applied over a darker base for a bold look.
Pros
- These polished can be used with a UV lamp for faster drying but one is not required
Cons
- The bottles may be on the smaller side
LECHAT Nail Polish — Also Consider
This holographic diamond polish is a gel polish with easy application and quick soak-off qualities. It has a glitter base with a silver holographic shift and has a high gloss finish that will last for weeks. Pair this diamond formula with a dark purple, blue, or even black shade underneath for a bold, glimmering look that will look different and amazing in every type of light.
Pros
- This polish comes with a free color matching nail lacquer for touch-ups and perfectly matched manicures and pedicures
Cons
- A curing lamp is required
Buying Guide: Holographic Nail Polish
The color options in top holographic nail polishes in 2024 are endless, which means that you can achieve the playful, trendy look even with nude shades. With so many manufacturers now providing holographic nail polishes, it can become difficult to choose between brands. Our team has formulated this guide to make this job easier for you.
What is a Holographic Nail Polish?
If you still have not discovered the world of holographic nail polishes, you are surely missing out. The special thing about these nail polishes is that they contain small particles which create a multicolored rainbow effect on your nails. People often think that holographic nail polish is just regular nail polish with glitter added to it. This is not the case. A glittery nail polish reflects light, but a holographic nail polish refracts light. This means that when light falls onto your nails, it will bend, just like it would in a prism. This leads to the fracturing of the light, creating a rainbow effect. Such a look is very unique and cannot be achieved with regular nail polish, even if you add glitter to it. Since there are so many brands now providing holographic nail polishes, you no longer need to visit the nail salon to get that unique look. You can choose from nail powders and nail polishes, depending on your preference.
How to Apply Holographic Nail Polish
Buying a holographic nail polish is the first step in achieving that colorful, trendy look. You need to follow a few steps in order to ensure a smooth and perfect application that lasts a good amount of time. The first step will be to prep your nails, of course. The shape of your nails should be even, so make sure you clean and file all your nails. You can also remove your nail cuticles for a more even application. If you directly apply the nail polish on dirty and unprepared nails, it is bound to look messy and uneven. Use a buffer to even out your nails even more, so that the nail polish has a smooth base to glide on to. If you do not already have these tools, invest in them because they are not very expensive, and they can have a major impact on the overall application of your nail polish.
Most nail salons apply a base coat before applying the holographic nail polish because it helps it stay on longer. You can use any transparent nail polish as your base coat. Once the base coat is dry completely, start applying your nail polish. Always start from the cuticle area and gradually apply, moving towards the tip of the nail. The brush of your nail polish will have an impact on how many applications you need in order to cover the entire nail. No matter how thick or thin the brush is, just make sure that you flatten it out while applying for an even coat. Apply a top coat to complete your look. Lastly, let it dry completely before you do any other activity. If you are impatient, you can even invest in those small devices that use LED and UV light to help dry it out faster. If there is any extra nail polish on the sides of your nails, dip a cotton bud in nail polish remover and rub it on the sides to get rid of any residue.
What is the Difference Between Holographic Nail Polish and Powder?
Holographic nail polishes are just like any other nail polishes in the market. You simply apply them directly onto your nails, like you would apply regular nail polish. However, holographic powders are a little different and require a little extra work. If you do not get it right the first time, not to worry because it can take a little bit of practice and getting used to. We have already described the procedure for applying holographic nail polish. With a holographic powder, you will need to start by applying a base coat and any regular nail polish on top of that. The colors you choose will depend entirely on your preference. Once it is dry, you will need to apply a gel coat on top, which will allow the powder to stick to your nails easily. Use a brush to dab the powder on top of the gel coat, making sure that every part of your nail is covered completely. Once your nails have dried, you can brush off any excess powder on your nails. Secure with a top coat to make sure everything stays in place. Lastly, cure your freshly painted nails under UV light to ensure that it lasts a good amount of time.
Our Final Thoughts on Holographic Nail Polish
Holographic nails are in trend these days and are not going out of fashion any time soon. From the several varieties including metallics, chromes, and shimmer, you can choose one that strikes you the most. Your holographic nails will surely grab the attention of people, even if they are at a distance from you. They are ideal for occasions like weddings or parties, where you plan to wear shimmery gowns or clothing. As long as you choose the right colors that contrast or complement your overall look and wardrobe, you are good to go.
