LIQUID TAPE SKIN DEFENDER: AN ESSENTIAL MANICURE ASSISTANT

Since its introduction, Skin Defender has become one of the most favorite auxiliary products for creating complex types of nail art. Girls who adore water-marble, gradient, stamping, airbrush design and other techniques that involve involuntary contact of the coating with the skin immediately breathed a sigh of relief. It has become possible not to use a mountain of cotton swabs to correct soiled periungual ridges, adjacent skin and cuticles. By modernizing, this convenient manicure assistant acquired different shades, reduced the intensity of the aroma, acquired a stylish design and convenient volumes. Now creating an artistic nail look has become even more pleasant and comfortable with it. Today in our article we will reveal to you all the secrets of liquid manicure tape and teach you how to use it correctly.

Skindefender: what is it? Main characteristics, pros and cons

Liquid tape is a special composition created on the basis of high-quality natural rubber. It does not contain harmful synthetic rubbers, so the drug can be absolutely safely used on any skin type. It comes in a convenient package (with a brush or sponge applicator), which allows you to carefully apply the substance to the side rollers, touch the cuticle, and even “paint over” part of your finger while performing a water manicure. For practicing manicurists, as well as ordinary girls who love to decorate their nails with intricate, complex nail designs, Skin Defender has become an excellent saver of time, nerves and consumables. What can this nondescript-looking assistant do? Let's look at its main pros and cons.

The undoubted advantages of liquid tape include the following characteristics:

• With the help of this product, you can safely practice various manicure techniques, without fear that you will have to spend a long time and tediously cleaning your skin from colored varnishes, as well as correcting flaws in designs with stencils. Liquid tape will help you master the most complex types of nail art without hassle, without using too much nail polish remover or special corrector pencils. The ease of use of this product undoubtedly captivates beginners in manicure matters;
• The execution of even complex, creative and designer images will finally become a real pleasure. A variety of color pigments, decorating products to protect the cuticle and skin, as well as aromatic additives (including natural oils) bring their own share of positivity and aromarelax when creating a particular image;
• Skin Defender will be especially invaluable when working with liquid gel polishes when the artist is sealing the end. It reliably protects the skin from accidental contact with the coating, which can be extremely undesirable, especially for allergy sufferers;
• This product allows you to improve your skills by practicing careful manicure, mastering the techniques of stamping, French and moon manicure. Despite various cheap analogues, it is branded products that cope with their tasks best;
• Skindefender is convenient to take with you on a trip or vacation, when you don’t want to burden your luggage with excess weight, but want to experiment with new varnishes or shellacs;

• This product will be appreciated by those with sensitive and allergic skin, since applying a protective tape will avoid unwanted contact with aggressive components of nail polish and nail polishes;
• Skin Defender dries very quickly, its application and removal will take much less time than correction with improvised means. Unlike Vaseline or greasy cream (replacement options), Skindefender does not negatively affect the already applied coating. And you will not need to additionally degrease your nails and skin if you plan to further decorate your nails after using the drug;
• If you don’t have special stencils on hand, liquid tape can successfully replace them. Create the contours of the stencil design with a brush from a bottle of the product, and use thin nail tweezers to remove the dried “rubber” film after creating the finished image.

As for the existing disadvantages, they include the following points:

• It is worth stocking up on this drug in advance. If you prefer to order from online stores, then it’s worth replenishing your supplies of the “pink thing” before the cold weather sets in. Since the product formula does not imply delivery and transportation of bottles at temperatures below -0°C;
• Each manufacturer has its own skindefender consistency. Individual specimens harden in a uniform thin layer and are removed in one layer, without any “bits.” With others you will have to tinker, or apply a protective product in several layers, which will increase its consumption;
• Although manufacturers are trying to make this product as pleasant as possible, or at least not with a pronounced odor, it still cannot be called absolutely neutral. If you are sensitive to the aromas of waiting lists and correctors, be prepared for the fact that you will have to create your design in a ventilated area.

Types of keratolytics used in manicure

To choose the optimal product, the specialist needs to understand the principle of the effect of keratolytics on the skin. Softening of keratin is carried out by alkalis, acids, urea or urea. They are the main structural components of removers. In a professional cosmetics store for manicure, you can choose the following options for keratolytics:

• Alkaline;
• Acid;
• Based on urea or carbamide.

1. Alkaline keratolytic was one of the first options to hit the market. It is the most aggressive in its effects on the skin and requires the use of a neutralizer after use. This is necessary in order to return the Ph level to its original level, preventing further destruction of keratin.
2. Acidic keratolytics for manicure have replaced alkaline ones as they are softer and more gentle in their effects.
3. The third generation is urea-based softeners. They do not destroy keratin, but only nourish it and soften it, lifting dead skin particles and facilitating their further removal.

The division into acid and alkaline keratolytics is carried out according to the Ph level. Indicators from 5.5 to 7 Ph are considered neutral. Everything below is acid, and everything above is alkali.

The higher or lower the Ph value is from neutral on the scale, the higher or lower the acidic or alkaline properties of the softener.

What is the purpose of the “pink thing” and why is it pink?

The so-called “pink thing” is necessary and necessary both in home manicures and also when there is a large flow of clients. It is very economical, the product may well be enough for at least 50 manicures. And this more than pays for the cost of good, branded drugs, with an increased content of useful components in the composition and the most muted aroma.

As for color pigments (defenders are available in literally all colors of the rainbow and even black!), the additional ingredient plays an auxiliary role in the product. With its help, manufacturers help us visualize the already treated skin from the area where there is no protection. The pigment itself does not affect in any way (either for the better or for the worse) the strength of the liquid tape or its additional caring properties. You can be sure that a white, pink, or green bottle will please you just as much as a purple or blue one.

Acid cuticle softeners

Acid keratolytics have a mild, caring effect. Produced on the basis of fruit, lactic or salicylic acids.

They can combine several options in one composition. It is worth noting that lactic acid has a whitening effect.

The higher the Ph value, the milder the acid softener. Typically the working range of these products is Ph 2-4. The exposure time of the acid agent is 2-3 minutes. The instructions must be strictly followed. It is recommended to use the product once every 7-10 days to keep your hands in well-groomed condition.

Cuticle Defender: dangerous or safe for the skin? Alternative and analogues

As with any other product applied to the skin, girls who are getting acquainted with it for the first time have many questions about liquid tape. One of the main ones is whether the product is as safe as the manufacturers say about it? As the experience of professionals in the manicure industry shows, high-quality professional skindefenders will not cause any negative reaction in your skin. They do not contain any components harmful to the health of the skin and nails.

An allergy test should be carried out only for those girls who have previously encountered manifestations of allergies to various manicure products, including gel polish itself (read about the manifestations of allergies to shellac in our article “Allergy to gel polish: causes, types, symptoms, treatment and prevention"). Other nail fashionistas can safely use products from any professional brand, without paying attention to the color pigments in one or another version of the liquid tape.

Surprisingly, this manicure assistant not only performs protective functions, but also manages to take care of the skin. This becomes possible thanks to the natural composition of the cuticle protector, in particular neroli oil. Thus, the defender not only prevents the penetration of color pigments of varnishes into the nails and skin, but also performs disinfecting functions and also restores the skin in areas of microdamage. In a short time on the skin, the cuticle protector manages to slightly moisturize, nourish and protect it from drying out.

The second most popular question that worries girls in the process of creating their next manicure masterpiece is how to replace the skin and cuticle defender if the existing one has run out, is missing altogether, or the order from your favorite online store has not yet arrived. Let's look at the existing replacement options and their advantages and disadvantages in comparison with a professional drug.

Among the products for protecting the skin around the nail during manicure, the following “substitutes” are the most popular:

• scotch;
• PVA glue;
• fat cream;
• petrolatum;
• cuticle softener and remover;
• correction marker;
• cotton swab + cotton swab (or a thin synthetic brush, cotton swab and dry cloth);
• cuticle oil or regular vegetable oil;
• orange stick + nail polish remover;
• After a manicure, take a hot shower (an hour later) or wash your hands with soap and apply moisturizer.

Why shouldn't you use tape instead of a defender?

Although tape is, of course, cheaper than a specialized liquid for protecting the cuticle, however, it is extremely ineffective for water manicure. In water, the tape gets wet, stops adhering tightly to the skin and allows the varnish to flow through. In addition, it is difficult to cut the tape to the shape of the nail, especially if it has a high adhesive layer.

What's wrong with the PVA method?

This product is another more than budget alternative to Skindefender. PVA is applied to the skin with a brush and removed with water and a cotton swab. With the right level of dexterity, it can, of course, give an effect similar in effectiveness to the “pink thing”. However, the product is not as safe for the skin, contains harmful ingredients and can cause severe irritation. In addition, PVA is more liquid than skindefender, which means the risk of “staining” the design with it is higher. Also, due to the lower density of the film, it often breaks when removed.

What is the disadvantage of using a rich cream (Vaseline, cuticle oil)?

When choosing a cream, you may be mistaken with the level of its fat content (you need one that is suitable for dry skin or recommended for the winter). In addition, cream (vaseline and oil) are not very effective when performing an ombre design, since a lot of varnish gets on the skin and it will be difficult to remove. For the same reason, a product for softening and removing cuticles will not work. It will simply be washed off with water when performing a water-marble manicure.

It should also be remembered that if you want to further apply other decor to the skin after stamping, gradient or water design, you will have to spend time not only removing oily cuticle protectors, but also use preparations for degreasing the skin, cuticles and the surface of the hardened varnish (gel -varnish). Another important point: if you awkwardly apply Vaseline or oil to the skin and cuticle area, you risk ruining the design and having to redo it.

The use of various correctors (a cotton swab or an orange swab with a liquid, a brush with a liquid, a special felt-tip pen-corrector) also has its disadvantages. A cotton swab and a marker-corrector, even ultra-thin ones, will not allow you to trace the contour of the nail as delicately as a brush. When working with a cotton swab, there is a risk of over-saturating the ZhDSL cotton and getting stains on the coating under the cuticle. By using the orange assistant, you risk damaging the skin with an awkward movement or pressing too hard on the nail (and this will lead to the formation of a dent). As for the brush, frequent contact with nail polish remover or gel polish is detrimental to the hair, and breathing product vapors during the correction process is a dubious pleasure.

Options with correction through water procedures after creating the design are also not always an adequate alternative to skindefender. When getting a manicure with gel polish, your nails should not be wet for at least 2 hours. You may not have time to wait if you are going to an event right after your manicure. In addition, there are capricious varnishes, when working with which it is better not to wet your nails for as long as possible, unless of course you want to redo the design.

Advantages

Among the main advantages of the new product, experts pay attention to the following:

• quick removal of varnish coating from the surface of the skin;
• high-quality correction of manicure defects;
• antiseptic properties;
• restoration of damaged areas of the skin;
• moisturizing and enriching the cuticle surface with vitamins;
• affordable price range;
• economical use;
• possibility of use not only by professional craftsmen, but also by beginners;
• the ability to use new styles and technologies of nail design;
• economical use of cosmetic consumables;

How to properly apply manicure around the nail?

Liquid tape is perhaps the simplest, most pleasant and effective way to protect the design being created, regardless of the type of coating and the chosen nail decoration technique. To ensure that the process of using it gives you only positive emotions, follow the following technology and recommendations for working with Skin Defender:

• Before starting work, be sure to perform a trimmed or untrimmed manicure, work well on the cuticle (tweezers or cuticle remover and an orange stick). Do not file or polish your nails after applying liquid concealer, as the film may tear during its removal. And you will have to spend more time removing it from the skin;
• Gently brush over the periungual skin with a brush generously dipped in the “pink stuff.” Try not to let liquid get on your nail, otherwise your design (be it a water design, gradient or stamping) will turn out unclear or blurry, and the polish or gel polish will not lie evenly. If you plan to create a water-marble design, then you should treat not only the skin around the nail, but also the two phalanges of the finger with a protective preparation. Apply the product generously so that the film becomes thick and strong enough to make it easier to remove;

• Make sure Skin Defender is completely dry before creating your design. Due to its component composition, the liquid turns into a film in about 30-60 seconds (depending on the manufacturer brand) and becomes colored (the color that you see in the bottle);

• Having finished creating the nail art you have chosen, use tweezers to pick up the edge of the elastic film and gently pull it to the side and up. All traces of coatings on the film will be removed along with it, leaving clean skin and a smooth, beautiful edge along the line of the nail.

Urea keratolytics

Urea keratolytics are considered the safest modern means for removing cuticles.

They have a strong softening and moisturizing effect on the skin. Can be used for diabetic conditions, vascular problems, after chemotherapy. Urea or urea is suitable for those clients who have contraindications for the use of acid and alkaline softeners. It has a slight analgesic effect, reduces irritation, soothes the skin and accelerates exfoliation of the epidermis.

Urea-based keratolytics do not disturb the Ph balance, so their use does not require neutralizers.

Popular manufacturers: TOP 5 liquid tapes for protecting skin during manicure

Which Skin Defender should you choose? This product was released by almost all well-known and top nail brands. Today's list of favorites is:

• Irisk - Cuticle Defender and Skin Defender;
• El Corazon - Cuticle Defender (white and pink);
• Masura - liquid tape (pink thing) and liquid tape (pink thing) LUX;
• Mo You London - Latex Cuticle Guard Watermelon;
• TNL Professional - Skin Defender cuticle protection product.

Brands such as Konad, Dance, Kasako Docai, RIO Profi, Planet Nails, JessNail, In'Garden, RuNail have also released their versions of liquid tape.

Flaws

Like any other cosmetic product, Skin Defender has a number of disadvantages:

• purchase only in the warm season;
• possibility of use and transportation only at positive ambient temperatures;
• the presence of different structures and methods of removing products from different manufacturers;
• the need for regular ventilation of the work area.

Experts recommend testing for an allergic reaction before using the Defender for the first time, which will make it possible to identify possible individual intolerance.

Mini video master class on using skindefender.

To make the process of application and removal clearer for you, we invite you to watch small training videos with one of the most popular skindefenders - Mo You London Latex Cuticle Guard Watermelon:

To summarize our review, we note: by purchasing a manicure defender, you can forget about such little things as a crooked brush in your favorite varnish or shellac, as well as an inconvenient consistency (too liquid or with a generous presence of different sizes of glitter). Thanks to the “magic” film of the “pink” thing, even a novice manicurist can indulge in any experiments, ultimately getting an invariably great result!

You can buy Skin Defender using the link.

The best strengthening varnishes for nail care

Transparent varnishes, saturated with strengthening agents, are used as a base for colored coatings to protect the plate. For brittle, thin and peeling nails, discard decorative varnishes and apply a strengthener daily or every other day until complete recovery. Strengthening varnishes are also mandatory in restoring the plate after extensions, shellac and other beauty procedures.

Kinetics K-Nano Shark Emergency Nail Treatment

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The highly concentrated formula instantly thickens nails and gives them a well-groomed shine. The universal product is used as SOS therapy and a means for regular protection when creating colored manicures.

To restore splitting nails, apply two layers every 2-3 days. To protect the plate from damage, use K-Nano Shark as a base and fixer for the color coating. Ceramides in the product quickly eliminate the problems of fragility, delamination, weakness and lack of shine, giving a well-groomed manicure look.

Advantages:

• Effective composition;
• Instant and prolonged therapeutic effect;
• Multifunctionality;
• Thickens the plate;
• Affordable price (about 450 rubles).

Flaws:

• Hard to find on sale.

Kinetics K-Nano Shark is a multifunctional product recommended for regular use by girls with fragile nails.

NailLOOK SOS Emergency Base

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The product promises to restore very damaged nails in just one week. This is a transparent nitrocellulose-based varnish, rich in antifungal and strengthening components, as well as vitamins C and B.

The base layer dries on the nails in a couple of minutes, and a thin brush is provided for convenient distribution of the product. The manufacturer recommends applying this strengthener 2 times a week. Young ladies who have already tried it claim that it quickly transforms the plate after unsuccessful removal of a gel manicure.

Advantages:

• Restores damaged nails;
• Antifungal effect;
• Universal transparent shade;
• Good composition;
• Convenient brush;
• The price is about 250 rubles.

Flaws:

• Unpleasant aroma.

NailLOOK strengthener is designed specifically to restore the integrity of the nail plate damaged by unsuccessful beauty procedures.

Sephora Super Hardener

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

Colorless multivitamin varnish created for intensive care of brittle and thinning nails. The complex of caring components in its composition eliminates delamination, thickens, and adds shine and smoothness to the plate.

The product is applied with a thin brush, dries in a minute and lasts up to 5 days. The multifunctional product is used as an independent coating to improve the health of the plate or as a base and top for regular protection of nails from damage.

Advantages:

• Multifunctional;
• Dries quickly;
• Persistent;
• Prevents delamination;
• Gives nails smoothness and shine.

Flaws:

• Emphasizes the relief of the plate.

Sephora Super Hardener is recommended for every girl who regularly uses colored polish and wants to keep her nails in good condition.

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The best nail care creams

Does wax and oil for manicure take a long time to be absorbed and leave a sticky residue? Nail and cuticle care creams are a more comfortable alternative to such products and are easy to use in any setting. Absorbed in a few seconds, they instantly give the manicure a well-groomed look and promote rapid healing of wounds and hangnails.

Mavala Nailactan

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

100%

buyers recommend this product

The remedy restores the damaged matrix, promoting the growth of healthy, strong and smooth nails. The creamy-gel texture of the product is easily distributed over the plate and roller, quickly absorbed, leaving behind a pleasant herbal aroma.

The cream contains: a cocktail of collagen amino acids, proteins, lecithin, as well as vitamins A, E and B. This combination deeply nourishes, moisturizes, strengthens, restores and evens out the relief of the plate.

The product has a cumulative effect, allowing you to restore the integrity and normal shape of nails after mechanical injury or fungus.

Advantages:

• Rich composition;
• Cumulative therapeutic effect;
• Restores the shape and relief of the plate after injury;
• Quickly absorbed;
• Convenient packaging;
• Pleasant aroma.

Flaws:

• The price is over 2 thousand rubles.

Mavala Nailactan nail cream will help quickly restore the nail matrix damaged by blows, inept hardware manicure and other unsuccessful manipulations.

Artdeco Nail Massage Cream

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

Massage nourishing cream from Artdeco will restore the beauty of rough and cracked cuticles. SPA care based on vegetable oils and vitamins A and E has a dense texture that is absorbed in a couple of minutes.

Regular massage of nails and cuticles with this cream stimulates the growth of a healthy and strong plate, and also has an intense softening, nourishing, moisturizing and regenerating effect.

The product does not leave any stickiness behind, but pampers with a pleasant fruity aroma, which makes the nail care process even more enjoyable.

Advantages:

• Nice texture;
• Beneficial effect on nails and cuticles;
• Does not form a film;
• Eliminates burrs;
• Prevents nail brittleness;
• Pleasant aroma.

Flaws:

• Absorbs for a long time;
• Inconvenient packaging.

Artdeco nail cream is an ideal assistant in creating a European manicure, the effect of which will be appreciated by professionals and ordinary amateurs.

Reviews

The universal properties of the protective agent, affordable price and ease of use have made the product popular and in demand. A huge number of positive reviews are left not only by professional craftsmen, but also by novice decorators.

This product has become indispensable for creating complex types of manicure, gradient nail plate design, nail art and unusual water decoration.

Liquid tape has become an indispensable product for home use when there is a high probability of varnish getting on the skin. Affordable price, high quality, ease of use and cost-effectiveness are the main advantages of the protective coating.

The high speed of life of a modern woman and the presence of a huge number of things to do leave very little time for visiting beauty salons or independently caring for her body. Knowing this problem, manufacturers of decorative cosmetics have released a new product that makes it possible not only to use new technologies and styles in nail design, but also to save a lot of time. Skin Defender has become an indispensable assistant for both professional professionals and beginners , who appreciated all the positive qualities of this product.

Description

Skin Defender is a natural product that is made of rubber and does not contain chemical components. Long-term laboratory studies have revealed the absolute safety of the product and the possibility of its use on any type of skin. For ease of application, manufacturers have developed a convenient brush, which makes it possible to apply the composition to the side rollers, cuticle, and also to the skin around the finger.

The beautiful glass container and bright design of the liquid tape will appeal to even the most capricious fashionistas and will look harmonious among other bottles with varnishes and decorative products. On the shelves of specialized cosmetic departments you can see a large number of protective products, which differ not only in color and country of production, but also in price range.

To apply a high-quality protective layer, novice craftsmen must know the main stages of performing this type of work.