Manicure pigments - what are they and why are they good?

Posted date: July 9, 2017

Pigment is a highly concentrated colored dye powder. They can be used for makeup and manicure. With their help you can both highlight your makeup and create a unique manicure.

The market offers a variety of pigment manufacturers in terms of price and quality; choose based on reviews and the possibilities of your personal budget.

Previously, pigments were used only by professional nail artists. Now you can see a special variety of them on sale, designed for creating stylish designs with gel polish. This material opens up new possibilities for creativity - you can create completely unique designs and experiment with colors. With pigment, the manicure procedure turns into a real creative process. In this article you will learn how to work with nail pigments.

Pigments can be used not only in nail design. Their discreet colors are boldly used instead of shadows, and shimmering shades can be combined with regular face powder. This option is perfect for a disco or party.

Pigments and acrylic have similar properties. Therefore, they are prepared in separate containers. Using nail pigment in excessive quantities can reduce the rate at which acrylic hardens. At the same time, the resistance of the coating to external influences will also deteriorate. To avoid troubles when using the material, it is worth experimenting with the consistency in advance.

Few people know, but pigments come in different varieties. These include metal, synthetic and natural. Metallic is obtained through the use of a variety of metals and alloys that have been crushed. Synthetic can be either organic or inorganic. Natural pigment is obtained by grinding natural rocks and minerals

If you want to get beautiful extended helium nails, then in order for the gel not to lose its natural properties, you need to add about 5% pigment to the gel. As for the colored gel, you only need 1%. As practice shows, it is advisable to introduce metallic and pearlescent pigments into the gel base, as well as those that can glow in the dark.

Nail pigments vary in texture and can be dry or liquid.

• Dry powder form is the most popular.
• The advantage of liquid pigments is that their texture allows the product to be applied to the nails evenly, without streaks.

These substances consist of very small particles that range in size from 5 to 180 microns. Thanks to their small size, you can lay the coating in a thin, even layer and still get a rich shade.

It is very important to maintain the proportions correctly for the result to be successful.

They depend on the type of modeling material:

• Gel polish. No more than 5% of the substance is added to it, since it is important for the gel to preserve the polymerization properties. Adding more substance will increase the polymerization time.
• Colored gel polish already contains a coloring agent, so in order not to spoil the basic tone, add no more than 1-2%. The paint and gel can be mixed in advance or immediately before use. Use any available material for this, for example, an old orange stick will do. The gel may bubble a little during the mixing process - just leave it alone for a while and the bubbles will disappear on their own. Also, the pigment substance may settle a little - in this case the gel needs to be mixed a little again.
• Acrylic powder and regular clear varnish. You can add any amount, even in a 50:50 ratio. Acrylic and paint can be mixed with a brush. Please be aware that large amounts of paint may affect curing. To ensure you get the perfect combinations, use proven acrylics and mix the ingredients in advance - this will help determine the ideal proportions. If you are an absolute beginner in this matter and want to cover your nails with gel polish at home, then you can start with a simple experiment. To see how your mixing and coating techniques will work out, experiment with old eyeshadow and clear polish. You will get a rough idea of ​​how this kind of work works, but don't forget that the pigment for the varnish is designed specifically for such mixing, and is therefore more adapted to the job.

Rubbing pigment into the sticky layer

Here, at first glance, it seems that everything is simple: the pigment is transferred with a brush, finger or special applicator to the gel polish or pattern. But there are nuances.

• Some pigments are rubbed into the gel polish without stickiness, while others are rubbed into the sticky layer only. So, neon pigments belong to the second category, and they must be applied to gel polish or topcoat with dispersion.
• You can cover the entire surface with pigment (for example, make a gradient), or just the pattern (or make a gradient pattern!). If you choose the second option, then it is important to first remove the stickiness from the background gel polish so that the pigment does not cling to it, but remains only on the design. Well, for the drawing itself you need to use gel paint with stickiness.

I decided to make this abstract drawing with a neon gradient on a black background:

Black background gel polish in this case makes the manicure even brighter. Using lighter colors will tone down the neon a bit.

What are pigments and why are they good?

Let's figure out what the pigment is for and why it has gained such popularity. When creating a manicure, it allows you to achieve the following effects.

• Creating a juicy, bright nail color. If you mix the pigment with a regular clear base coat, you will get a very rich and intense color.
• Unique design. With pigments you can create unique designs - make intricate designs, make unusual inclusions. Each new nail art will be a real work of art.
• New shades. By mixing pigments with each other, you will get the color that you need. In intensity and saturation it will surpass ready-made varnishes. Moreover, now you can buy pigments of all colors and shades: matte, pearlescent, shimmering. Working with them is a pleasure; you can experiment, imagine, and create.
• Gradient. The pigments will also be useful for those who love gradient nail designs. The substance can be applied with a dry brush, resulting in truly smooth and interesting color transitions.

For many, this product has become an indispensable material for nail design. Once you learn how to use it correctly, you will open up new possibilities for creating a stylish manicure.

Mixing pigment with gel polish

The pigment can be carefully added to the top or base - then you will get the same neon colors as the material itself.

You can also mix pigments with ordinary colored gel polishes - this way you can get both different shades of the same color by adjusting the amount of pigment in it, and completely different colors if you add the same pigment to different gel polishes.

I made this design with just two colors of gel polish: one of them with glitter, and in the second I added 2 different pigments, thus getting 2 more additional colors!

These are such different options for using one inexpensive material!

The KrasotkaPro online store thanks blogger Tatyana Samal (blog: Tanyusha) for her review and photos.

Price and availability of pigments

The cost of color pigments largely depends on the manufacturer. So, you can opt for the budget German brand Patrisa Nail and purchase the desired color at a price of 50 rubles per five-gram jar in Russia and from 15 hryvnia in Ukraine.

Professional brands MAC and CND will cost much more: from 190 hryvnia in Ukraine and from 1000 rubles for MAC pigment in Russia, CND pigments can be found on sale at a price of 500 rubles per 5 grams.

Pigments can change the color and texture of your nail polish. They are often sold in glass jars or plastic bags. For long-term storage, place them in screw-top containers and store them like spices, keeping them away from moisture.

Rubbing

To perform this technique, standard skills in working with gel varnishes are sufficient. A little more difficult to mix, but allows you to achieve interesting design solutions. You need to act according to the following plan:

• For a hygienic manicure, after the primer, a layer of base coat is applied and dried in a lamp;
• then comes the turn of the gel, spread in a thin layer and set for fixation for 2-3 minutes;
• pick up pigment with a pusher, shake it in a chaotic manner onto the plate, rub it into the coating with a brush;
• then add another color or pigment with a contrasting effect, thus distributing it over the entire area of ​​the nail;
• limit yourself to 2 types, or add more, the same rule applies to the coating, it can be partial or completely fill the entire plate;
• smooth out the boundaries between different shades with your finger, shake off excess with a fan brush;
• cover with topcoat and fix in a lamp;
• remove the sticky layer with lint-free wipes.

Advantages and disadvantages of rubbing

The rub has gained immense popularity in a very short period of time, thanks to its many advantages.

The main advantages of this tool include:

• the coating from the rub is effective;
• ease of use - a mesmerizing manicure can be done at home;
• the rubbing is resistant to solvents, water and sunlight;
• quickly and easily removed from nail plates;
• unlimited opportunity to dream up the design of your future manicure;
• rich palette;

• low price;
• does not cause harm to the nail plates, as it is applied to the base.

There are practically no disadvantages to rubbing. The only thing that can upset beginners is the high consumption of material. However, this phenomenon does not last long. Over time, the necessary experience is acquired, and it is easier to control the amount of material - no excess will remain on the applicator.

Mirror nail polish

This coating must be chosen carefully. To ensure your manicure looks perfect, use the following rules :

• It is advisable not to take varnish of dubious quality from unknown companies.
• Make sure that the composition does not contain harmful components : toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate
• The consistency of this product should not be thick.
• Pay attention to the production time , and that there are no deposits in the varnish, much less delamination.
• Also, if the company producing the varnish values ​​its reputation, then not only the varnish , but also the brush of good quality

How to choose a polish to create mirror nail art on your nails?
Advantages of varnish for mirror manicure:

• Ease of use, accessibility
• Variety of colors
• Manicure is done quickly

Mirror shine made with gel polish
Disadvantages of metallic nail polish:

• It cannot be said that the quality of the mirror coating is the same for all manufacturers; for some it is more consistent with a simple varnish with glitter
• No matter how brilliant the manicure made with these varnishes is. If you look closely, brush marks are visible especially in the light

Lacquered, mirror finish

What is acrylic powder used for?

Acrylic powder first found its use in dentistry. When hardened, this powdery polymer substance became very durable, and it was used in the manufacture of dental fillings and in dental prosthetics. Some time ago, manicurists drew attention to this powder, and now acrylic powder is considered an indispensable material among professionals of modern manicure art. Acrylic has strength and ductility; the hardened substance is elastic and does not require special care.

When caring for their nails, the fair sex faces various “surprises”. For example, many people know the problem of brittleness and softness of the nail plate. In some cases, this deficiency is inherited, but sometimes the problem arises under the influence of unfavorable external factors. Among other things, hangnails and overgrown cuticles spoil the appearance. And the nails themselves peel and break, which gives the hands a rather unsightly appearance. Acrylic powder allows you to easily and quite simply solve such problems.

The big advantage of acrylic is that it helps to care for your nails, especially if they constantly peel and break. In these cases, the use of acrylic powder becomes a real salvation, because the powder strengthens the nail plate well and provides additional protection. With its help, you can “repair” a broken nail, and, in general, without much effort, grow strong and healthy nails.

The use of acrylic powder helps to grow nails, since acrylic does not deform the nail plates. Thanks to its durable composition, the powder lasts a long time.

Nail art masters use acrylic powder to create various patterns, including voluminous ones, that look impressive on well-groomed nails.

When using gel polish, acrylic powder is often used as a base to ensure an even coating on the nail plate.

In conclusion, we add that after strengthening with acrylic powder, the life of the manicure is significantly extended. And the nails themselves become less susceptible to adverse external factors.

Preparation

In order for the intended design to turn out perfectly, an important part of the whole work will be putting the nails in order:

• remove the previous coating;
• move the nail hole away with a nail file or spatula;
• carefully trim the cuticle, try to do it in one line without gaps, then you will be able to avoid the appearance of hangnails;
• then use a nail file to give the desired shape;
• align all plates to the same length;
• sand with a low-abrasive buffer or use a special machine, you need to lightly walk over the nail itself for better fixation during subsequent coating with gel polish;
• clean from dust and sawed-off keratin layer using a special stiff brush;
• treat with primer, wait a minute for it to dry completely.

Application of pigment
. There are 2 options - mix with top coat or apply gel polish to a still wet coating. It all depends on the desired result; in the first case, you will get an interesting monochromatic coating in a matte or glossy finish. For the second method, you can use the gradient manicure technique, or apply it to create different accents.

The best qualities of pigment manicure

Chrome design is quite widespread among girls, as it has a number of the following properties:

1. Small particles are tightly attached to each other and to the nail, thereby increasing the durability of your manicure.
2. The color of the design is dense, but due to the nature of application, one thin and uniform layer is sufficient.
3. Glitter is inexpensive, and its consumption is low.
4. Pigment manicure is quite easy to apply and can be done by a beginner.
5. Mirror powder has a reflective effect, which allows it to be many times superior to conventional gel polishes.

Why does the nail rub “not rub in”? Possible reasons

In the previous sections, we have already found out what kind of animal this is - the now fashionable metal powder. We figured out how to use a funny powder to create a steel mirage on the nails. And they even began to implement the exciting plan “X”, but something went wrong in the process. The rub came out in flakes, began to flake off, or didn’t “rub in” at all? There is no need to panic; working on mistakes only consolidates your newly acquired knowledge and improves your skills. Find answers to all your questions in the video:

Mirror, chrome, holographic rainbow and even unicorn rub. So many ways to brighten up your everyday life. Which one is closest to you?

Types of nail rubs

Inspired by bright pictures from Pinterest and Instagram, beauties begin feverishly searching for the treasured jars of powder. This must be done in specialized manicure stores, but in order not to get confused by the breadth of the assortment, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the types of powder in advance, choosing the most desirable one for yourself.

Mirror rub for nails

The luxurious mirror shine that attracts attention to your graceful hands is thanks to the chrome effect rubbing. Gold and silver powders are popular, highlighting the luxurious shine of precious rings on the thin fingers of their owner. There are also blue, red, purple, cyan and other colors of “star” dust, which look especially cool in futuristic, alien designs.

Pearl rub for nails

Surely you have more than once noticed the gentle, soft tints of a manicure, asking a completely logical question - what is the name of a nail rub of this type? Let’s not pretend to be too mysterious; this type of decoration is called pearl powder. It imitates the creamy glow of natural pearl beads. Mother-of-pearl beauty complements the seasonal New Year's manicure, the bride's manicure, which we already talked about in the previous article, as well as the classic French manicure.

By the way, in the rich world of nail art there are several interesting variations of the classic pearl rub and these are:

• unicorn powder Fantastic lilac powder for a “princess” mood and complete immersion in a fairy-tale, childishly naive atmosphere;
• mermaid powder It is easy to guess that the inspiration for creating the decor was the silver of the illusory mermaid tail. Ariel's fish scales are an unusual option for brave young ladies who are fans of the work of old man Disney;
• aurora powder The ghostly glow of a mystical star sounds romantic, doesn't it?

Holographic nail rub

Holography on nails is a simple but effective way to make others look at your manicure with interest. Repeats the effect of gasoline spilled on asphalt, making the display in a puddle a colorful extravaganza of color. Essentially, this is a rubbing prism that bends the light. The principle of its application is simple, the main thing is to use a contrasting background. Black paint is best suited for this role.

In addition to the well-known options, there are a couple of new products that have won the hearts of the most discerning young ladies and force even the most avid conservatives to surrender to the power of experimentation. These are the heroes:

• a chameleon rub that changes its color depending on the angle of light;
• chafer rub, imitating the emerald green shell of an insect;
• diamond rubbing, relevant for those ladies who love rhinestones and diamonds, stones and cubic zirconia not only in accessories, but also on their nails.

Shiny nails, manicure: pink, red, black, blue

Next, see various options for mirror nail art.

Chic blue mirror manicure

Red metallic glitter on nails

Beautiful examples of mirror manicure

Black nail polish with mirror shine

How to make mirror shine for nails with powder?

To get a noble shimmer on your beautiful nails, use magnetic glitter powder (mirror powder). This material for creating nail design fits perfectly on a gel base, acrylic, regular polish, gel polish.

How to properly do a metallic shine manicure with mirror powder?

Metallic nail design with powder

1. Prepare the material: base varnish (most often a black coating is used for this), powder, fixing coating
2. The next step is to tidy up the nail plates and degrease them.
3. Apply polish to your nails, let it dry slightly so that the surface of the plates is slightly sticky, but the paint does not stick to your fingers.
4. Then sprinkle your nails generously with glitter powder over a napkin.
5. Lightly rub the powder on your nails with your fingers.
6. Shake off excess dust
7. Finish your manicure

Mirror manicure in bright colors

Awesome neon jacket, photo examples

Since modern French manicure 2022-2023 is increasingly popularizing color options, the time has come for nail experiments with neon shades. An excellent acid jacket will look harmonious even in a multi-colored style.

If it is difficult to decide on a neon shade for the tip, you can safely combine different colors, and this will be appropriate in a French manicure. The same approach can be applied to lunar manicure. With neon shades, lunar manicure will gain expressiveness and originality.

Multi-colored combined neon manicure, photo examples

The largest number of fashionable ideas for colorful and bright acid manicure 2022-2023 are, of course, found among multi-colored designs. Each nail can be covered with a different neon color, and the manicure will not look intrusive and tasteless.

In such a multi-colored manicure in neon colors, it is better to adhere to minimalism in terms of decor. Sometimes it may even be unnecessary. Look at the photos for examples of multi-colored acid nails, and you will understand what we are talking about.