I did these myself with purple acrylic powder and Mia's Secret monomer. I think I did well 😌 ☺️
2025/2/1 Edited to
... Read moreHey everyone! So, you saw my purple acrylic toes and might be wondering how I did them myself. It was such a fun and rewarding project, and I'm here to spill all my secrets and tips so you can try it too! I was a bit intimidated at first, but honestly, it’s totally doable, especially if you love a good DIY beauty moment.
For me, purple just feels right – it’s vibrant, a little mysterious, and it adds such a fun pop of color, especially for summer or a vacation. I went for a lovely light purple shade, similar to what you see in the picture, which looks amazing against any skin tone. Plus, having perfectly manicured feet, even with something as simple as light purple acrylic toenails, just gives you an extra boost of confidence, especially when you're rocking some cute open-toe shoes or those comfy pink fuzzy slides decorated with pearls like mine!
Before diving in, gathering your supplies is key. I used purple acrylic powder and, as I mentioned in my original post, Mia's Secret monomer. I found these to be super reliable. You'll also need:
Acrylic nail brush (size 8 or 10 is good for toes)
Nail primer/dehydrator
Dappen dish (for your monomer)
Nail file (100/180 grit) and buffer
Cuticle pusher and nipper
Lint-free wipes
Acetone (for clean-up)
Top coat (gel or regular)
Optional: Nail forms (if you need to extend a nail)
Good lighting is a must!
Here's a quick run-through of how I got my light purple acrylic toenails looking so good:
Prep is Everything: Seriously, don't skip this. I started by pushing back and trimming my cuticles, then gently buffing the natural nail plate to remove any shine. A good wipe with dehydrator and primer makes sure the acrylic sticks well.
Mix Your Potion: Pour a small amount of Mia's Secret monomer into your dappen dish. Dip your brush into the monomer, then lightly touch it to the purple acrylic powder to pick up a small bead. You want a consistency that's not too wet (runny) nor too dry (crumbly).
Application: Apply the bead to your toenail, starting near the cuticle and gently pushing it down towards the free edge. You'll need to work quickly but smoothly, shaping the acrylic as you go. For toes, I found thinner layers are better to avoid bulkiness. I focused on making sure the shape was nice and uniform, especially at the free edge.
Shape & File: Once the acrylic sets (it hardens pretty fast!), I used my file to shape the nails. I aimed for a natural, slightly rounded square shape. Then, buff out any ridges to get a smooth surface.
Finishing Touch: Clean off any dust, then apply a top coat. I love a good gel top coat for extra shine and durability. Cure it if it's gel, or let it air dry if it's regular polish. And voila! Beautiful purple acrylic toes.
A few things I learned along the way:
Practice makes perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless.
Small beads: It's easier to add more acrylic than to take it off.
Keep your brush clean: Wipe your brush frequently on a lint-free wipe to prevent acrylic from hardening on it.
Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, as monomer can have a strong smell.
Don't overuse monomer: Too much can lead to lifting.
Focus on the cuticle area: Make sure it's smooth and sealed to prevent lifting and ensure a natural look.
And, of course, once they're done, they look super cute with casual footwear, even when you're just relaxing with your feet resting on dry grass!
To keep your light purple acrylic toenails looking fresh, moisturize your cuticles regularly and be gentle when cleaning around them. Acrylics are durable, but avoiding harsh impacts can extend their life. I usually get a good 3-4 weeks out of mine before needing a fill or removal.
Doing your own purple acrylic toes is a fantastic way to save money and express your personal style. It’s incredibly satisfying to look down and see your perfectly done feet. Give it a try – you might surprise yourself with how good you become!