Can you tell the exact color of a dip or acrylic powder just by looking at the jar? Most likely, your answer would be “sometimes” or “rarely”. Looking at it now, this is probably the reason why swatch sticks were invented in the first place!
When purchasing multiple nail collections for your business or personal use, having an actual color reference provides accurate color assessment and helps compare similar shades. With this season of holiday sales, your assortment of powders and dip foundations/monomers is about to expand! Efficiently and easily swatch your nail powders now to have a preview of the most suitable colors for you and your clients.
Nail Powder Swatches: The Basics
• Find the best swatch sticks
There are different types of swatches that you can find online or in physical nail stores. Depending on your application and your tip shape preference, you may opt for clear/transparent swatch sticks, white/off-white swatch sticks, a color wheel type, or individual tips inside a swatch book. We recommend purchasing one sample first of those swatch sticks you’re interested in so you can have an idea of what to buy in bulk next time.
• Labeling Tips
Before you go straight to swatching all the nail powders, remember to label your chosen swatch sticks to avoid any confusion or mistakes. The most common methods are writing with a permanent marker directly on the stick and writing on a double-sided tape. (Pro Tip: You may erase and wipe your writing with alcohol). If you have an extra budget and want to speed up the swatching process, you may invest in entry-level label marker machines that you can find online and in bookstores or office supply shops.
• 3 Ways To Swatch Your Nails
There are three ways to swatch your dip powders and acrylics:
1. Top/Over - More commonly used for any application and swatch sticks sold commercially; color is clearer and there’s less distortion
2. Bottom/Under - The preferred method by acrylic users since the bead is easier to form; the application looks more consistent or even
3. Both - A combination of both top/over and bottom/under; lengthy process but the best color payoff
Step-by-step Guide on Dip Powder and Acrylic Swatches
DIP POWDER SWATCH
Dip Method
1. Base Coat
Apply your Pro Gel Base or on the swatch stick in thin layers only.
2. Dip Powder
After the base, stir your powder loosely, then dip your swatch stick. Make sure everything is covered with the powder. If you want to add more layers (2-3 are recommended), repeat steps 1 and 2 until you are satisfied with the color. Remember to tap off the excess.
3. Activator (optional)
If you dip on top of the swatch stick, we recommend using so your powder can fully dry faster over the swatch stick. On the other hand, Activator is optional for those who prefer under application.
4. Top Coat
After the final dip or the Activator, finish off with for a long-lasting manicure and let it dry for 1-2 minutes or as needed.
5. Buff (optional)
File and buff to your desired length and shape. Buffing is recommended for top swatches.
(Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Dip Powder Nails)
Gel Method
1.Base Coat
For this method, use Pro Gel Base for the first coat and do not apply too much of this base product.
2. Dip Powder
Similar to the second step previously, begin dipping your swatch stick into the powder after stirring the powder loosely. If you want to add more layers (2-3 are recommended), repeat steps 1 and 2 until satisfied with the pigment.
3. Top Coat
Once you have brushed off the excess, seal the swatch stick with the crowd-favorite iGel No Cleanse Top Coat 0.5 oz.
4. Cure
Since we are now using the gel method, the swatch stick must be cured under a nail lamp. You can find our latest UV/LED lamp here.
5. Buff (optional)
File and buff to your desired length and shape. Buffing is recommended for top swatches.
(Learn more: Beginner's Guide to Gel Polish)
ACRYLIC POWDER SWATCH
1. EMA Monomer
Pour a small amount ofLiquid Monomer EMA - 32 oz into your dappen dish or acrylic dish.
2. Kolinsky Brush
Grab yourAuthentic Blackwood Acrylic Brush Pure Kolinsky #14 or any acrylic brush, then dip it into your monomer. Press or slide the brush against the side of the dish to remove excess liquid.
3. Beading
Form a bead with your Kolinsky brush and acrylic powder by placing the brush into your chosen powder. Note that the bead must have a good balance between wet and dry (moist and spreadable but not too dry). For reference, it should appear like a round, soft-chewed bubblegum.
4. Acrylic Application
Apply the bead smoothly on the swatch stick and ensure it covers the entire nail. It’s ready for the next step when there’s a clicking sound when you tap it against the handle of the brush. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 until you reach the opacity or pigmentation that you need.
5. Top Coat
Complete the acrylic swatch with the application of iGel No Cleanse Top Coat 0.5 oz and cure it under your UV/LED lamp as well.
6. Buff (optional)
File and buff to your desired length and shape. Buffing is recommended for top swatches.
(Learn more: Acrylic Nails: Everything You Need to Know)
It’s time to start taking action and begin testing our dearest nail powders! These techniques and tips will inspire you to master the art of color swatching and become more productive in your nail business. Want to see swatches of our very own iGel Beauties? Join our iGel Beauty Facebook Community, and prepare to be amazed by the uploaded albums and search bar results. We also encourage you to post swatches of your collections and share them with our fellow nail lovers. Our beautiful community is waiting for you!
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