at first i used glue also..but then i found out the beads/crystals didnt last long lo..easy to fell off.. now im using the thickened transparent nail color to stick the deco... or, u can stick it on ur nails directly after u apply top coat an important step is to press the crystal/beads before the top coat dries out so that the deco will 'sink' a bit into the top coat ps:press with caution so that the deco does not tergelincir and spoil ur work!