The Ultimate Chrome Nail Design Lookbook: Mylee Edition
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Time to read 9 min
The chrome nail trend is back, and we’re here for it!
If you're one to pay attention to the latest nail trends, then you've probably seen this look popping up all over your social media feed.
Chrome nails are all about getting a glossy, mirror-like finish that adds just the right amount of drama to your digits.
From mirror chrome nails to shimmering rainbow and ombre effects, you can get seriously creative with this trend.
We think chrome nails are fab for just about any occasion. They look great on any length and shape of nails – from short to long, square to almond-shaped and everything inbetween.
How to Do Chrome Nails & Achieve the Perfect Shine
There are a few different methods and products you can use to do chrome nails, depending on the look you're after and how much effort you want to put into your mani.
We'll run you through the 2 most popular...
Method 1: Chrome Nail Powder or Pigment
One way to get chrome nails is by using chrome powder or pigment.
This is a fine powder that you can apply over a No Wipe Top Coat to create a metallic effect.
How to use:
1) Buff the pressed powder onto your No Wipe Top Coat.
2) After the powder is applied, you can add a clear Top Coat to give your nails an ultra-glossy finish.
3) Cure this top coat layer under your Mylee lamp.
If you're using this method, make sure that you buff the chrome pigment into your nails thoroughly enough so that you're not left with patchy or uneven results.
Method 2) Chrome Nail Cushion Powder Pens
These nifty cushion powder pens (and our personal favourite method) are another great way to achieve shimmering chrome nail designs.
The pens come with a cushion applicator and a pressed pigment powder in the lid. When you dip the pen into the lid, it will pick up the chrome-effect pigment on the cushion tip, giving you complete control and precision over the design.
The cushion powder can be applied directly onto your nails, or you can get super creative by using a nail art brush to come up with some nail art designs.
We have a beautiful selection of Cushion Powder Pens in metallic, chrome, and iridescent finishes.
Our Chrome Nail Design Lookbook, Complete With Step-by-Step Guides
To help spark some inspiration, we've curated a lookbook of our favourite chrome nail designs.
From bold and beautiful to subtle shine, there are loads of chic nail ideas for you to try out using our salon-worthy Chrome Powder Pens and gel nail goodies.
Let's delve in!
Look 1: Green Chrome Nails
These green chrome nails are giving us major Christmas vibes. The combination of the glossy finish, metallic hue and seasonal colour makes them perfect for the festive season!
To create this chrome nail design, we've used the Mylee Cushion Powder Pen in Dragon Egg – an oil-slick effect chrome powder that you can use for this look or any other colour-shifting chrome designs.
To recreate this look at home, you need:
Here's How to Recreate Our Green Chrome Nails Design
Step 1) Prep your nails as usual, then lay down a layer of Base Coat. Apply a coat of black gel polish – we recommend Mylee Stalker – and cure under your Mylee LED lamp.
Step 2) Apply a few layers to your nails to build up opacity and cure between each layer.
Step 3) Once your base colour is cured, paint a layer of No Wipe Top Coat and cure.
Step 4) Take your Cushion Powder Pen and dip the cushion into the lid. Rub the chrome pigment over the whole nail in a circular motion, buffing the product into the Top Coat.
Step 5) Once your nail is coated, apply another layer of No Wipe Top Coat straight onto the nail and cure for a final time.
Your nails will be left with a glossy, shimmering chrome finish!
Look 2: Chrome Leaf Nail Art
If you consider yourself a bit of a nail art connoisseur, then this chrome leaf design is the perfect way to add some creativity to your manicure!
This look is super easy to recreate at home, and the outcome can be quite mesmerising.
To achieve this chrome nail design, you’ll need:
How to Recreate Chrome Leaf Nails
Step 1) Start by preparing your nails for painting, then apply a layer of Base Coat.
Step 2) Brush on a coat of black gel polish (Stalker) to some nails and a nude polish (Flix & Chill) to other nails and cure under your UV or LED lamp. You should apply a few layers to your nails to build up opacity and cure between each layer.
Step 3) For your full chrome nails, go in with your No Wipe Top Coat over the whole nail, cure, buff in the cushion pen powder, and top it off with another layer of top coat.
Step 4) For the design, once your base colour is cured, remove the tacky layer with prep & wipe on a lint-free wipe and very gently buff the nail to remove shine.
Step 5) Cleanse the nail and then go in with your black polish in your design and cure. Then go over the top of the black with the no wipe top and cure.
Step 6) Take your Cushion Powder Pen and dip the cushion into the lid. Rub the chrome pigment over the whole nail in a circular motion, buffing the product into the Top Coat.
Buffing and cleansing the nail before applying your design means that the powder pen pigment will only stick to the design and not the rest of the nail.
Step 7) Finish with a layer of No Wipe Top Coat to seal in your chrome leaf design! Your nails will be left with an eye-catching chrome nail art look!
Look 3: Silver Mirror Chrome Nails
These mirror chrome nails are the definition of sleek.
For this look, we've used our Cushion Powder Pen in Silver and followed the same steps as we did in look 1.
Look 4: Purple Chrome Nails
This set of purple chrome nails is made even cuter with the flower nail art design.
Flowers are a classic nail design, and the chrome twist makes it even more eye-catching!
We love how subtle yet sparkly this look is – you'll be sure to shine with this mani.
To create this chrome flower nail art design, you will need:
Mylee Flix & Chill Gel Polish
Mylee LED Curing Lamp
Create Our Purple Chrome Nail Art Following These Steps
Step 1) Start by prepping your nails for painting, then apply a layer of Base Coat.
Step 2) Apply a coat of Mylee Flix & Chill Gel Polish to your middle and ring fingernails and Mylee Stalker Gel Polish to your remaining nails. Cure under your Mylee LED lamp.
Step 3) Apply a few layers to your nails to build up opacity and cure in between each layer.
Step 4) Once your base colour is cured on your black nails, paint a layer of No Wipe Top Coat and cure.
Step 5) Take your Cushion Powder Pen and dip the cushion into the lid. Rub the chrome pigment over the whole nail in a circular motion, buffing the product into the Top Coat.
Step 6) Take your nail art brush and paint your flower design with Stalker and cure. Go in again over your design with the No Wipe Top Coat onto your middle and ring fingers, then cure.
Step 7) Buff in the powder from the cushion powder pen, and it'll only stick to the design and not the rest of the nail.
Step 8) Finish with a layer of No Wipe Top Coat to seal in your chrome flower design! Your nails will be left with an elegant, subtle chrome nail art look.
Look 5: Bronze Chrome French Tips
A French mani is quite possibly the nail art OG, so it seems only right that we give it the chrome treatment!
These chrome French tips quietly make a statement and elevate your mani.
To achieve these bronze tips, you'll need:
Mylee Fix 'N' Flash Gel
Mylee No Wipe Top Coat
Mylee Stalker Gel Polish
How to Do Our Bronze Chrome French Tips
Step 1) Apply Fix 'N' Flash Tips to your nails follow the proper application.
Step 2) Apply a layer of Stalker to your gel tips in a French mani style. If you want to create gold accent nails like we have, apply the top coat to your entire nail. Cure underneath a Mylee lamp for 30-60 seconds.
Step 3) Take the No Wipe Top Coat and apply over the top of your black gel polish.
Step 4) Take your Bronze Chrome Cushion Pen and buff it into the No Wipe Top Coat you have applied.
Step 5) Apply another layer of the Top Coat and cure under your lamp for a final time.
Look 6: Pink Chrome French Tips
You can never have enough French mani designs, and these are incredibly sweet!
We love how the pink polish and chrome pigment complement each other to create a truly cute set of nails.
You'll need all the same products as the chrome tips in the last look, just switch out the Stalker Gel Polish for Watermelon Sugar and our Magic Potion Cushion Pen.
Look 7: Gold Chrome Nails
You can never have enough French mani designs, and these are incredibly sweet!
We love how the pink polish and chrome pigment complement each other to create a truly cute set of nails.
You'll need all the same products as the chrome tips in the last look, just switch out the Stalker Gel Polish for Watermelon Sugar and our Magic Potion Cushion Pen.
Hop on the Trend With Our Favourite Chrome Nail Designs!
From iridescent purple chrome nails to floral chrome nail art designs – these looks are perfect if you're looking to keep up with the current trends.
You don't have to be a pro to recreate these designs either – they're achievable with a few simple steps and the right products.
We love how eye-catching and unique these chrome nail designs are, and we know you'll love them too!
FAQs
How do you do chrome accent nails?
To create chrome accent nails, start by prepping your nails. Apply a base coat and 2-3 layers of nail polish in the colour of your choice (for a true chrome finish we recommend using black as a base colour.) Once cured, apply a layer of No Wipe Top Coat and cure again. Take your Cushion Powder Pen and dip it into the lid – rub the chrome pigment onto the top coat. Finish with a layer of No Wipe Top Coat to seal in the chrome pigment. Top tips: work on one nail at a time and the chrome buffs in easier when the nail is warm straight from the lamp.
How long do chrome nails last?
Make sure you apply a top coat over your chrome nail designs, and your manicure can last you up to 3 weeks without any chipping. If you use a base coat over the chrome before your final top coat, this’ll help to seal in the powder so it doesn't rub off over time.
How do you use a chrome pen on nails?
To use a chrome pen on your nails, simply dip the sponge tip into the powder that’s inside the lid. Then, buff the pigment into the No Wipe Top Coat with the cushion applicator. Make sure you buff enough to apply an even layer of chrome pigment. Feel free to dip in for more powder for a more even finish.
Can you add chrome to any nail polish?
You'll need to buff the chrome pigment into a No Wipe Top Coat for it to stick. However, you can apply any gel polish colour underneath the top coat to create different nail art designs, like French tips.
Ellie Simmons
Ellie is the Brand Manager at Mylee, where she immerses herself in all things gel nails.
Alongside being a skilled and certified nail technician, Ellie's expertise extends to gel manicures and nail extensions. Her heart and soul are devoted to all things nail-related, and she loves flaunting her own long, natural nails with captivating nail art.
Ellie's ultimate favourites are iridescent and sparkly designs!
