Nail polish: what is it and how to use it?

Fashion trends in manicure change season after season. Recently, at the peak of popularity, a manicure with a reflective surface effect. Contrary to the wishes of fashionistas, it is impossible to complete it with varnish alone. To achieve a mirror effect, a nail polish is used. Manicure masters know what it is and how to use it, but the secrets of technology can be learned at home.

Nail polish is a pigmented polyester powder. It has such a small fraction that it is similar to powder in consistency and appearance. Depending on the color of the polyester particles, a white, colorless or bright coating with a mirror shine is obtained on the nails.

The rubbing got its name for the way that powder is applied to the nail plate. Complete with a jar of powder is a special applicator or brush that helps to collect the right amount of powder and evenly apply a layer on the nail.

The base for rubbing can be any coating: enamel, gel polish, shellac.

Depending on the application method, different results are possible: a monochrome coating, an emphasis on several nails, a jacket, decorative elements, a smooth or voluminous manicure.

The material is classified according to two criteria: grinding (particle size of the powder) and the effect it gives.

Manicurists have two main sizes.Numbering or marking these dimensions do not have. Conventionally, they are divided into powder and melange.

The powder is very small, soft, loose. With its help, they achieve a perfectly smooth coating and varying degrees of gloss.

Melange is large particles. In appearance, they look like acrylic sand. Melange is sometimes called “sugar”, “marmalade” or “snow” manicure, which is quite true. The manicure with melange is voluminous, embossed, under the top layer visible particles are visible.

Sometimes a third kind will be distinguished - Yuki flakes. They got their name for their resemblance to snowflakes. In size and shape, they are unlike the previous species. These are the thinnest and smallest flakes with an iridescent surface. Often this effect is called a chameleon.

Yuki flakes are very fragile. This is both a plus and minus material. On the one hand, they can be ground into powder and divided into fragments of different sizes, or used as a whole. On the other hand, you need to work with them carefully so as not to destroy the plates by accident.

By the type of coating, much more varieties are distinguished.

• Pearl rub. The color of the coating corresponds to the name. It is light, delicate cream, gray-white, pale pink, with a bluish tint. The surface of the nail is pearlescent, like pearls. This type of material is popular for weddings and romantic looks. Suitable for evening wear and everyday wear. It is relevant at any time of the year. Transparent, white, silver jewelry of small size goes well with pearl rubbing: rhinestones, sparkles, caviar beads for manicure, velvet sand.

• "Unicorn". In appearance, it looks like a pearl, but the color is more saturated and warm. Azure, pink, blue shades, the color of pure water are common. The Unicorn (sometimes called the Mermaid or Aurora) has a glossy surface that reflects light. Bright decorations are unnecessary in such a manicure, but with matte coatings this type of rub is combined perfectly.

• Metallic In the classic version it has the color of precious metals: silver, gold, copper, platinum, bronze. But the palette of metallic has long gone beyond these colors. Today, a coating with this effect can be chosen in blue, yellow, red, green shades. The surface of the nails under the metallic looks like polished. It is difficult to see your reflection in it, but the nails catch and reflect the light, drawing attention to the stylish manicure. Using several shades of the same color, you can create a gradient on the nails.

• Mirror rubbing or "chrome" nails. The masters tried to achieve a mirror effect on the nails in different ways: with the help of glitters, foil, sequins, but it turns out to create an even smooth "mirror" only by rubbing. It gives the same effect of glass and silver on the nail plate. The manicure looks unusual and fragile, although in fact the rub is held firmly. With a mirror manicure, you should not combine bright accessories on the nails. They are best complemented with rings of silver to match the coating. Rings can be with light stones and diamonds. Suitable jewelry made of base metal without stones.

• Rubbing a chameleon (or "May bug"). The peculiarity of this coating is that in addition to smoothness and gloss, the nails acquire a beautiful multifaceted color. Reflecting light, they shimmer in different colors, like the wings of a May beetle, hence the name. Chameleon coatings are rich in dark shades: emerald, blue, purple, black, dark olive. On the surface of the nail plate, several colors are simultaneously visible at once, since the light falls on the nails in different ways. The chameleon rub is combined with voluminous decorations and other shades from its palette. For everyday wear, this is a controversial option, but at an evening event, it will be very useful. It is noteworthy that in a jar the powder does not have such an effect.It has an inconspicuous beige-gray color, and in all its glory it is revealed only on the nails.

• Holography (or "Prism"). To describe the effect of the holographic rubbing, it’s enough to recall the back of the CD. In the classic version, the manicure looks like a silver coating with colored tints. You can diversify a manicure with a colored base or rubbed with a bright pigment, but the effect of an iridescent rainbow on the nails will remain. A manicure with this effect is relevant in the cold season, especially on New Year's holidays. It shimmers like snow in the sun, and recalls the winter's tale. You can combine the iridescent rubbing of “winter” shades with white, silver, bluish decor. For example, beads or melange. Velvet sand and matte details are also relevant.

• "Cat's Eye." A few years ago, magnetic manicure gained popularity. Special varnish contained magnetic particles. The kit included sticks with magnets that helped create beautiful stains on the nails. Rubbing with a similar effect is a more modern way to quickly create a popular “cat flare”. However, it also involves the use of a magnetic stick. The advantages of rubbing over gel polish with a similar effect is that the powder is used sparingly, and a clear picture is obtained the first time. Bright flare can be achieved on the basis of a simple varnish of good quality and any gel polish.

• "Northern Lights". Rubbing different colors, mostly dark, the surface of which shimmers from a light gradient to a dark, like radiance. The palette of this variety of polyester powder is not rich. These are mainly shades of blue, green and red. "Northern Lights" harmoniously combines with glitters, rhinestones, sparkles that resemble sparkling ice and stars in the night sky.

• "Liquid Diamond" - rub with the effect of Hollywood chic. The powder contains particles of different sizes, from pollen to flakes. They are distinguished by the maximum bright shine, so the nails literally sparkle after application. You can compare such a manicure with foil or “broken” coating, but it looks more expensive and neat.

The use of vodirok already due to the characteristics of the technology deserves attention. It has a twist. She makes others wonder how to create such beauty on the nails and how much time was spent on it. And in most cases, those who do not yet know about the rub are mistaken. At first glance it seems that performing mirror manicure is difficult, long and expensive.

Three main advantages of the rub: simple application technology, affordable price and quick results.

In addition, rubbing has a number of advantages.

• Wide possibilities of nei-art. The material is malleable, the color palette is diverse, so you can implement the most daring ideas.
• Universality. Any type of rubbing is suitable for use on all surfaces. It can be ordinary enamel, which does not require polymerization in a lamp, gel varnishes, biolacs, shellacs. It is important to consider only the composition of the enamel. It should not contain acetone - it will corrode particles of powder.
• Persistent manicure. Nail design will last as long as the foundation. For enamels, the period is short - a week or a half. With gel polish you can not think about a new manicure for at least three weeks.
• Harmless composition. The rub does not contact directly with the nail plate. She cannot scratch her or do other harm.

• Simple application technology. To create drawings using colored powder, practice is needed, but a monophonic coating is even for lay people.
• It looks beautiful on nails of any length and shape.
• Glitter and pearlescent overflows visually make nails denser, smoother and healthier.
• Economic expense of means.To spend a minimal amount of rubbing, you need to get used to the bulk material, but this is not difficult.

There are fewer drawbacks than the advantages. It can upset with an unpredictable result when combined with acetone-based enamel. Also, at the first time of use, everyone notes an unusual way of applying material that you need to get used to.

In rare cases, the rub is not fixed on the nails. This may be due to poor-quality material or the characteristics of the body. Some types of gel polishes do not take root on the nails, and with them the decor also departs. This situation can be corrected by selecting a suitable foundation and second-hand from a professional brand. Such a tool will cost more than from a Chinese site, but the effect justifies the cost of materials for the pros.

You can apply current trends in manicure at home. It is enough to take the classical technique and apply new material to it. And if there is no clear idea of ​​the result, you can spy on ideas from nail art masters.

The classic one-color coating on all nails looks stylish and appropriate in any environment. With the addition of rubbing, this simple technique will sparkle with bright notes of brilliance and iridescent overflows.

Mirror shine, pearl and pastel shades are successfully integrated into everyday and festive looks.

“Chintz” coating is a good opportunity to apply a new solution in nail design. With a rub, it looks more luxurious than in other techniques. At the same time, matte manicure has many advantages. It lasts longer, is suitable for any shape and length of nails, it looks noble. In the matt version, bright colors look muffled. If it is difficult for office employees to decide on color manicure with a noticeable brilliance, then matte will not look defiant.

Mirror manicure is the most common option in techniques that involve the use of rubbing. The surface of the nail looks chrome.

Glitters successfully emphasize design features with a rub. Gloss and pearlescent coating on a light or transparent basis visually make nails strong and healthy, therefore such a coating is a salvation for thin and brittle nails.

Various combinations of matte and glossy textures always look win-win. They balance each other out. Wet gloss on a muffled basis helps to add volume to the picture, and matte patterns on the gloss still look unusual.

The combined jacket looks beautiful: a matte white plate and a silver or gold smile along the edge of the nail.

Another variation of this combination is reverse jacket. It is possible in two variations: the matte finish of the “smile” and the glossy surface of the nail, and a similar version in mirror image.

The author's technique of manicure with negative space has arisen recently. Its essence lies in the fact that the nail plate is partially covered with color, and the other part remains “bare” or “empty”.

There are two types of stencils for this technique. The first allows you to apply the drawing on a transparent base, and the second - leave an empty space on the colored nail plate.

Stamping manicure is a type of stencil manicure. It involves the use of special applicators made of silicone or metal. An ornament is engraved on the applicator, which is transferred to the nail. Usually, acrylic paints or colored varnishes are used for this purpose. Working with rubbing is more difficult than with liquid consistencies, but the result is worth the trouble.

Stickers are best used on a plain coating. For dark stickers, light bases are suitable, for light ones - contrasting ones. Also on light colors elements in the color of gold and silver look luxurious.

The sticker is not applied directly to the rub. First, it is sealed with a glossy top, and ready-made patterns can be applied on top.

The gradient technique is commonly called ombre. It involves the use of two or more colors or shades of the same color on the nail. Colors smoothly blend into each other, forming a beautiful stretch.

The rub is convenient for gradient manicure due to the powdery consistency. She literally shades on her nails.

At home, the use of rubbing involves several stages. Not all of them relate directly to design work. A significant part is preparation.

To implement nail ideas, you will need a coating, a rub, tools for preparing nails, a small set of tools for working with pigmented powder. A simple varnish, gel, shellac or acrylic will suit the role of the base. The choice depends on individual preferences. It is imperative to have a high-quality top coating in the kit.

The base is literally glued to the base, and a transparent top protects it from mechanical damage, water, the sun.

The finer the grinding, the easier the tool is applied to the base. The coating is more dense and uniform.

Manicure set must match the type of coating. If the base is a regular varnish, a minimal set is enough. If the work is carried out on a gel, you need a llama, liquid to remove the sticky layer, special brushes and nail files for grinding gel nails.

Gather and apply colored powder with an applicator or brush. It can come in a kit with a tool, it can also be purchased separately. Brushes come in different sizes and from different materials.

It’s more convenient to use brushes and an applicator when a little experience appears. At first, it’s easier to drive the powder with your finger (hence the high consumption at first). So that the rub does not stick to the skin, it is advisable to use silicone gloves.

In addition, you will need a wide fluffy brush to remove excess funds from the nail plate.

For complex design, you can use stencils and additional decor.

Any manicure is done according to a certain scheme: preparation, base, decor, topography. Working with rubbing is no exception.

Preparation consists of basic techniques.

1. To process a cuticle and rollers. The classic way is suitable for girls with normal skin. For owners of delicate skin, the European technique is more suitable - when the cuticle is not cut, but softened and pushed back with an orange stick. Hardware manicure is considered universal, but is done on dry skin without steaming.
2. Eliminate cosmetic defects of nails: remove bumps, mask broken nails, cracks. The base for varnish can be applied with any type of coating.
3. Make nails the desired shape.The choice of length and shape is determined by the condition of the nails and personal preferences. Rubbing favorably looks on any nails.

The sequence of actions differs when using different materials as a base. Working with ordinary enamel is the fastest, and with gel polish is the most lasting result.

On the enamel.

1. On the prepared nails, apply the base enamel in one layer. She should grab but still be sticky. If the layer is not smeared at the touch of a finger, you can proceed to the main stage.
2. Collect the powder with the applicator, sprinkle the nail in the varnish thickly. Using a fingertip, gently squeezing, rub the pigmented mixture. The pressure should be light so as not to remove the coating.
3. Remove excess powder with a brush.
4. Apply top coat.
5. Allow all layers to dry completely. A lamp is not needed for this.

On gel polish.

1. Apply and dry the base. It is important to "seal" the nail along the edge.
2. In one layer, coat with colored gel, polymerized in a llama.
3. Without removing the sticky layer, spread a little rub on the nail. Gently rub the pigment. To make the color brighter, you need to repeat the procedure.
4. Brush off excess powder with a brush.
5. Dry dry in the lamp (no longer than one minute).
6. Seal the top coat with a glossy finish top and cure.

For how to properly apply the rub on gel polish, see the next video.