You can wear them alone or layer them over a colored base. For a subtle look, apply a single thin coat; add a second coat or additional layers to increase sparkle and coverage. Seal with a top coat for smoothness and longer wear.
They create sparkly, shine-enhancing finishes ranging from transparent top-coat looks with mixed-size glitter flakes to pearlescent or duochrome shimmer. Confetti-style polishes often have a clear base with suspended flakes for a playful, textured look.
Drying time and wear vary by product. Some formulas are labeled quick-dry or smudge-free and claim surface-dry times around 60 seconds; wear claims vary, with a few products advertising up to about 6 days of wear. Many simply describe themselves as quick-dry, chip resistant, or long-lasting without a specific day count.
Common claims include vegan and cruelty-free formulations, and so-called 'free' lists such as 17‑Free or 21‑Free that exclude many commonly criticized ingredients.
Descriptions mention brushes designed for smooth, streak-free application, such as accurate/precision brushes, curved precision brushes, and easy-glide wide brushes sized to fit various nail widths.
Bottle sizes in these results typically range from about 0.33 fl oz up to 0.46 fl oz, with common examples at 0.33 fl oz, 0.45 fl oz, and 0.46 fl oz.
Apply a thin glitter top coat over a fully dry base color, allow it to dry (some formulas note ~60 seconds), add a second coat for fuller coverage if needed, and finish with a clear top coat to seal and protect the manicure.