8.25.2015

The BEST Way to Remove Glitter Polish (And It's Not What You Think)


I might be addicted to collecting nail polish. I have around 352 bottles. Included in that would be my love for glitter polish. I know not everyone is a year-round fan, but with school starting, football and holidays coming soon, I thought this tip would be perfect to save for later. For this week's ASK ELLE  Natalie via Facebook asked me how to remove it. And that is the biggest pain, right?

I'm testing out 5 of the top ways to remove glitter polish and sharing my results after lots and lots of glitter polish testing--you name the type of glitter, I've tried it. So when I say this is the BEST (and fastest) it really, truly is.

nails before: base coat with 3 different types of glitter

Removal was tested using various techniques, and I narrowed those down to the 5 fastest. Testing was done using various types of glitter polishes and ranged from freshly painted glitter nails to nails that had been painted over a week. Enough of the boring details, let's get to the methods!


Test 1: The Tinfoil & Cotton Method:
  • I don't know where I heard this one, but it really works. Essentially you take cotton balls (some sort of cotton product) and soak it in remover, preferably acetone. Place on nail. Then wrap this with a small strip of tin foil around your finger. Leave for 5 minutes and then remove. Pictured above is the store bought version--you can get these at CVS and I've seen them at Dollar Tree. Remember you will need to add polish remover to the cotton pad.


Test 2: The Nail Soakers
  • I got these for a couple of dollars from Ebay. You pour a little remover into a nail soaker. Pop your nail into it and wait a few minutes. Then remove and wipe away the glitter.


Test 3: Sephora Instant Nail Polish Remover for Glitter 
  • Filled with an acetone-soaked sponge with one scrubby side for removing glitter polish
Up&Up (left), Nail Aid (right)


Test 4: Up&Up Nail Polish Remover Dip-It
  • Similar concept to the Sephora one, but this is plastic, with plastic spiky scrubbers--just twist the nail to clean. Get this at Target.
Test 5: Nail Aid No Rub Glitter Polish Remover Gel
  • Dip finger into gel. Leave for 4 minutes and then wipe away. I found this at Walmart.

after
Results:
  1. Tin Foil with Cotton Ball--works well, but the preparation and waiting takes time. I found the store-bought wraps seemed to work the best and a little faster. In this test there is some glitter remaining around the nail bed. Removal time was around 1 minute to 4.
  2. Nail Soakers--These work but are so uncomfortable--there's almost like a suction when you put them on your nails. In the test pictured above, there is still some glitter on the nail. These had to soak for around 2 minutes.
  3. Sephora--This was my go-to for the longest time. The sponge can wear out and shift quickly but it works. This completely removed all traces of glitter in about 15-20 strokes. Second place winner.
  4. Up&Up--This is the winner. Hands down. It completely removed everything in 5-10 strokes (or dips) into the remover. 
  5. Nail Aid--This is SO cold, so make sure only the polished part is coated in gel. This took 1-4 minutes of waiting time. There was still a little clean up of glitter after.
What's your favorite nail polish shade?

Extra Elle:


63 comments:

  1. JessicaAugust 25, 2015 at 7:06 AM

    THANK YOU for this! I stopped wearing glitter polish because I hated the removal process. #TargetDoesItAgain ;-)

    http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/

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  2. Whitney and BlaireAugust 25, 2015 at 7:07 AM

    Great tips Elle! I always have the hardest time removing any kind of metallic nail polish.
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  3. EmmylouAugust 25, 2015 at 7:11 AM

    I don't do my nails a lot, but I agree that glitter is the worst to get rid off! I'll see if I can find that Up&Up here:)

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  4. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}August 25, 2015 at 7:49 AM

    Definitely going to have to see if I can find the Up&Up stuff! I usually don't wear glitter nail polish except for football season and the holidays so this was much needed!
    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  5. Katie @ Running With WineAugust 25, 2015 at 7:58 AM

    I'll have to remember this for when Thanksgiving and Christmas come around and I break out my glitter! Thanks for reviewing and letting us know what works and what doesn't!

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  6. Doused in Pink | Chicago Style BlogAugust 25, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    I don't wear glitter polish often but I'm definitely going to pick up the Up & Up! Thanks for the tip!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  7. Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/)August 25, 2015 at 8:02 AM

    great tip, glitter nail polish is always a nightmare.

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  8. Courtney ErinAugust 25, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    I am so excited to try that tinfoil method! I HATE getting glitter nail polish off but I love it so much...

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  9. BLovedBostonAugust 25, 2015 at 8:55 AM

    Target does it again with their winning product!!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  10. cat eyes & skinny jeansAugust 25, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    I have to check out the Up&Up - the results sound amazing!

    xx

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  11. PilarAugust 25, 2015 at 9:01 AM

    Great tips for removing glitter nail polish! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Shannon JenkinsAugust 25, 2015 at 9:30 AM

    I love this post!! I hate removing glitter polish is!! Definitely going to have to pick up some of that up and up!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  13. Rachel McCarthyAugust 25, 2015 at 9:32 AM

    I love this post! With the holidays just around the corner, I will be breaking out the glitter polish, so it's so great to know! Target is my go-to for nail polish remover, so I'm so glad you had so much success with it.

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  14. Natalia | Look-A-PorterAugust 25, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    I honestly don't even remember when I last used anything with glitter. What I do remember is a note from the fashion mag saying that glitter polish will last forever... because they sort of do... :) Thank you for the tips, Elle! x

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  15. Kaitlin August 25, 2015 at 9:50 AM

    Love this post because there's nothing I hate MORE than removing nail polish ... it seems like they can always get it off way faster at the salon. I always buy the cheap drug store remover though so definitely will look into the Up & Up!!!

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  16. Christina Lea LovesAugust 25, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    Amen!! This is perfect! I don't do glitter often but love a red glitter coat over my normal red around the holiday season and it's always so terrible to take off!

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  17. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 9:58 AM

    good to know! glitter polish can be such a beast to remove!! xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  18. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 10:10 AM

    I would like to try the tin foil and the Up & Up right now, because I am wearing glitter polish now and am already thinking "oh, I need to remove..." and it's a bit hard :) I like your tips, and will certainly try the tin foil method today :) 352 bottles, amazing! I would love to see the whole collection one day!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  19. Laura BAugust 25, 2015 at 10:11 AM

    Up&Up-who would have thought?! This is such great information since my little one is now a huge fan of glitter nail polish! :)

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  20. Kate at Green FashionistaAugust 25, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    Thank you SO MUCH for this - there is no greater struggle than a woman trying to remove glitter nail polish! Target for the win :-D

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  21. Shireen L. PlattAugust 25, 2015 at 10:33 AM

    Oh wow, this is great! I avoid glitter nail polish because it's such a pain to remove so this is definitely helpful!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  22. Rebecca JoAugust 25, 2015 at 10:38 AM

    Those little things on the nails are so funny looking.
    Its crazy that things are needed to get all these sparkle polishes off. I had one on a few weeks ago & I never thought I'd get it off but found a new polish that is made for it & it swiped right off. I was impressed. I think it was Target brand.

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  23. Rebecca JoAugust 25, 2015 at 10:39 AM

    (Not the same UP & UP you used) ... just wanted to clarify :)

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  24. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMeeAugust 25, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    The tin foil method is such a pain, isn't it?! LOL That's what I do when I use gel polish.

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  25. Caroline @ In Due TimeAugust 25, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    Up and Up for the win! Perfect - that is what I use :)

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  26. Shea LennonAugust 25, 2015 at 10:47 AM

    I hardly ever wear glitter polish because it's so dang hard to take off! I'm pinning these tips for sure and I'm so glad that it's the Target Up&Up brand that got the win! Sometimes being cheap pays off :)

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  27. Megan, TfDiaries.comAugust 25, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    That's pretty impressive. I love glitter nail polish but hate taking it off, I always end up picking at it. ugh.

    Xo, Megan, www.TfDiaries.com

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  28. CarrieAugust 25, 2015 at 10:57 AM

    Wow! Up&Up won, eh? That is awesome! Go Target ;) I did not know Sephora had a polish remover just for glitter! I need to spend more time in there. And, wow, can I come over to your house when I need to paint my nails? It sounds like you have a great collection.

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  29. Katelyn SloanAugust 25, 2015 at 11:02 AM

    YES! Thank you for this!! Glitter nail polish is the best, but removing it we all know is the worst!! This is awesome! :)

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  30. Jana @ Jana SaysAugust 25, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    This is good to know! I also bought the glitter base coat (at your suggestion) so I'm hoping that when the glitter polish phase starts up again, we'll be all set for quick and efficient removal.

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  31. P!nkyAugust 25, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    This is awesome. I love glitter nail polish but the removal is always the worst!!!!

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  32. Kristen @ See You In A PorridgeAugust 25, 2015 at 11:53 AM

    yay for up&up winning! that is awesome. i never wear glitter nail polish, but i might be for halloween so it's good to know how to get it off. those suctiony things really do look uncomfortable, glad you said it!

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  33. Kerry @ Till Then Smile OftenAugust 25, 2015 at 12:32 PM

    Looks like Up&Up is the clear winner. Good to know since I most likely will wear some for Halloween.

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  34. LeslieAugust 25, 2015 at 12:33 PM

    Great tutorial! I stopped wearing glitter nail polish because it's such a pain to get off, but I will have to try out your tips!

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  35. Elizabeth August 25, 2015 at 12:35 PM

    I'm definitely going to be picking this up. I've always used 100% acetone but the dipping-thing looks like it would be even quicker. I hate taking off any kind of nail polish!! lol

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  36. Kimmy (Beauty Isles)August 25, 2015 at 1:19 PM

    Man, I wish I'd been clued in to the Up & Up remover thingy before my trip this weekend. I would have totally picked it up in Target this weekend! Back home now. :-( Hehe.

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  37. RachAugust 25, 2015 at 1:57 PM

    Yay! Target for the win! :)

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  38. NadineAugust 25, 2015 at 2:31 PM

    I know I can count on you for all my beauty ailments...like glitter polish remorse when it is time to come off! LOL! I will be sure to grab that at Target next time I am there. Last time I did the foil wrap I walked around quoting ET because I felt like an alien and looked ridiculous.

    I forgot Neil Patrick Harris had a book! Duh! I need to get on that. I also want to listen to Holly Madison's.

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  39. LeighAugust 25, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    This came at the perfect time because I'm trying to get rid of some glitter polish at the moment. I'll be picking up the up and up soon.

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  40. DarcyAugust 25, 2015 at 2:40 PM

    oo these are great tips! Going to have to check out that up and up! I definitely stopped weraing glitter polish for the sole reason that its a pain to take off ahahah!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  41. roothAugust 25, 2015 at 2:41 PM

    Perfect, I'm always left for glitter on my nails for weeks

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  42. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 2:42 PM

    I usually use the cotton pad and tin foil, but now that I know the Target one works great, I will be giving it a shot. Another reason to go to Target, like I needed one!

    Louboutins & Lipstick

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  43. JaclynAugust 25, 2015 at 2:54 PM

    My nail salon does the tin foil method for removing gel manis. Lol Target brands really are amazing. I totally stand by everything Up & Up.

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  44. Mattie @ Northwest NativeAugust 25, 2015 at 3:28 PM

    I love that the winner is from Target! Means I can probably afford it. :)

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  45. Amy's Fashion BlogAugust 25, 2015 at 3:29 PM

    I have use similar products like this. I love my glitter polish's.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

    ReplyDelete
  46. AiringMyLaundryAugust 25, 2015 at 3:34 PM

    Nice. I'll keep this in mind because my daughter loves glitter polish.

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  47. awhiteAugust 25, 2015 at 4:35 PM

    You are such a trooper for trying all these methods out- I cannot ever seem to get all my glitter polish off, haha! Going to pick up the Sephora stuff for sure. :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  48. Rowena @ rolala lovesAugust 25, 2015 at 4:45 PM

    I haven't worn glitter polish in awhile because it's such a pain to remove. Thanks for testing out all these options. I so need to pick up the Up&Up Remover the next time I'm at Target.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  49. nuriaAugust 25, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    Great tips!!
    Would you like to follow each other in GFC, Instagram (@travelera.es), Bloglovin? Let me know to follow you! :) xxx
    www.travelera.es

    ReplyDelete
  50. Candace ShifletAugust 25, 2015 at 7:27 PM

    I love how much I get to learn from your cute blog :) I usually end up picking off nail polish because I never know what removers are the best haha so this helps tons, thanks Elle!!
    xo, Candace | Lovely Little Rants

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  51. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 7:34 PM

    These are all great ideas! I can see how those little individual soakers would be uncomfortable

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  52. ShybikerAugust 25, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    Useful advice. I've experienced frustration at removing glitter polish from my nails, so I'll try your number 4.

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  53. LulleAugust 25, 2015 at 9:58 PM

    Oh wow, I'll definitely try the Target dipper when my Sephora-dupe by Cutex gets worn out!

    Beaumiroir

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  54. Lindsay T.August 25, 2015 at 10:10 PM

    oohh good to know!

    Also - super curious about NPH bio!

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  55. Head to Toe ChicAugust 25, 2015 at 10:58 PM

    That sephora nail polish remover is my absolute favorite!!

    xo,
    Angela

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  56. UnknownAugust 25, 2015 at 11:45 PM

    This is brilliant. I always struggle with taking this type of polish off but I love the look of it. Great post!

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  57. HeatherAugust 26, 2015 at 10:35 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing this advice, Elle! I'll be looking for that Up&Up product.

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  58. PriancaAugust 26, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    I must try the sephora nail polish remover, I hope it will be time saving for tough manicure removals.

    http://naturelbellefemme.blogspot.com

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  59. Inge JaneAugust 26, 2015 at 5:31 PM

    One of the biggest reasons I rarely wear glitter polish is because I know it's a pain to remove. I'd heard about the sephora remover, but I'm so happy to hear that the store brand version is even better!

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  60. willsingformakeupAugust 27, 2015 at 11:27 AM

    I've just used the foil and cotton method for the longest time. I'm going to try the remover from Target now! Thanks for testing all of these!

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  61. CAugust 31, 2015 at 6:15 PM

    I've been using the Sephora one, but definitely need to try Up&Up. The tinfoil and cotton method is how my gel polish is removed at Julep. It was so easy (and cost me $10) that I've been doing it at home since then. I didn't even think about doing it with glitter too.

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  62. LyddieGalSeptember 1, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    Thanks for sharing! Getting off glitter polish is the worst, I've almost completely given up on wearing it all together. But now I know the easiest solution is at target, so I will have to give it a try!
    http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com

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  63. LaNaeSeptember 3, 2015 at 3:47 PM

    I've tried all but the soakers and the one from target! I'll have to look into that one! The sephora on is pretty bomb! The gel IS cold--terrible for winter time!! And the tin foil works great but does take time for sure.

    ReplyDelete

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