Rubbing: what it is, how to use it and all application methods with step-by-step instructions

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• 04-01-2021
• Author: Mysekret Team
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Every woman has her own concept of a beautiful manicure: for some it’s long cat nails, others are delighted with short and colorless ones, and still others are in constant pursuit of trends and choose only the latest designs. Let's talk about one of these today. On the agenda is a manicure with rubbing of different types and colors.

Types and characteristics of rubbing

Rubbing is a polyester powder with different degrees of grinding and different effects created.

Usually it is packaged in jars of 1, 2, 3 grams. The powder can be colored, pigmented, or create only the effect of glare and shimmer on the surface of the varnish. It may also contain flakes or small glitter.

For the base-substrate you can use:

• Regular varnish
• Gel polish
• Shellac
• Top coat without color
• Extension gel transparent or camouflage

Camouflage nail gel - let’s figure out what it is and how to use it correctly

There are the following types of nail rubs:

• Chrome or superchrome with metallic effect (gold, silver)
• cat's eye
• Prism (very fine grind)
• Holographic
• Pearl (with or without pigment): mermaid, unicorn, aurora
• Yuki with small flakes
• May bug, combining 2-3 rich colors in a composition
• Chameleon
• Colored, pigmented, covering the shade of the base
• With colored sparkles
• Melange fine

Popular manufacturers of mirror rubbing into gel polish are Irisk, TNL, Bluesky, Fox, Patrisa Nail, Lianail, Nano Professional.

Let's look at the most popular types of nail rubs with illustrative photos:

Mirror rubbing with a metallic effect, also called chrome or superchrome, is the most popular. It doesn't just come in gold or silver. Its peculiarity is an even shiny coating with metallic tints in one color, without transitions. It interrupts the color of the base and can be applied to both dark and light backgrounds.

The chameleon changes color depending on the lighting. The brighter it is, the richer the pigments. You can choose rhinestones to match the color of the rub and create a harmonious nail design. Depending on the color of the base, the chameleon will show a deeper or lighter shade.

Pearl - can be uniform white with a characteristic pearl tint, or contain light pigments of blue, green, pink, creating colored highlights. Pearl pigment with glitter looks good on a light base. The rub can be used for wedding and everyday designs.

Colored mirror rub contains dense pigments that cover the color of the base. They can be applied not to the varnish, but directly to the base, and covered with a top coat. The colored pigments contained in the material create an even color coating.

The Maybug with the “Northern Lights” effect is distinguished by a combination of several dark, rich tones, hence the name of the pigment. Most often it has one distinct color, which is the leading color after application. The combination of blue and green, red and purple, pink and green is suitable for evening looks. The pigments reveal themselves well on long nails, demonstrating all the color transitions. The brighter the lighting and the darker the tone of the base-background, the richer the shine and shades of the “beetle” rub.

Holographic – has a very fine grind and is considered one of the most difficult to apply. It is similar to a prism rub. The main focus of the pigment is on the rainbow circles extending from the central highlight.

Yuki flakes give an effect similar to foil casting. They can be applied in two ways - by patting (foil effect) and rubbing (mirror effect). They can have either a two-color or a transparent base, depending on which they either interrupt or highlight the background varnish.

Manicure design with rubbing – fashion trends 2022

A distinctive feature of all fashionable looks in 2022 is femininity and naturalness, so these are the criteria that form the basis of a stylish manicure with rubbing. First of all, this, of course, influenced the choice of the length and shape of the nail plate, and in 2021, according to designers, a smoothly rounded almond or oval shape is the ideal base for a manicure. At the same time, it is important that the length of the free edge is at least 5-7 mm, which once again confirms the gradual return of long nails to fashion.

As for the style direction in manicure, minimalism remains an unchanged trend, as well as the play of textures and accentuation using painting or decorative decorations on a pair of nails.

In addition, any type of rubbing can be used to create a design, which we will discuss in more detail in the next section.

Release forms

Rubbing for nail design is available in two formats:

• Crumbly;
• Pressed.

Loose rubbing is a fine powder in a small jar. This is the classic format that is most common.

The second option is pressed or hard rubbing. It is something similar to eye shadow - a small palette with refills - small compartments with pressed rubbing powder, or the same jar, but with solid contents.

There is no fundamental difference between the two formats - the result is the same if you follow the application technology. But masters who have already tried hard rubbing note that it is more practical - nothing crumbles or scatters.

More photos for inspiration

Nail rub is a new design that is suitable for women of all ages: those over 50 and young 20-year-old girls. If you think this design looks too flashy, ask your nail technician to apply powder to one or two nails and paint the rest with a base shade. This will create a stylish multi-colored manicure, which is at the peak of popularity today.

See photos for inspiration!

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Materials and tools

Mirror pigments can be rubbed in and applied to nails using several different techniques. Next, we will look at the four most popular options, and here we will provide a list of everything that a novice master or amateur needs to master the technology.

• The rubbing itself is the desired color with the desired effect;
• A transparent base, preferably of a liquid consistency, since the design requires a large total number of layers;
• Gel polish, shellac;
• Transparent modeling or camouflage gel (can be used without varnish)
• Top with and without sticky layer. According to the technology, both options can be used; a product with a sticky layer has its own nuances in application;
• Bond or primer, always acid-free, for sealing the ends of the nails;
• Cleaner, degreaser, lint-free wipes;
• Soft brush to remove powder residue;
• Eyeshadow sponge or silicone brush for working with glitter dust.

Benefits of using rubbing

When the technique used to make pearl nail polish is mastered to perfection by the master, he will be able to delight his clients with brilliant work.

Limitless possibilities will be available to him - a fashionable design with a gold and silver tint, a light pearl sheen, a shimmering scattering of small shiny crumbs. Rubbing has other advantages. Among them:

• simplicity of technology,
• fast execution of any design,
• the ability to create beautiful smooth transitions,
• coating durability,
• impeccable work results,
• unlimited scope for the creative realization of a nail art artist.

Applying a rub on gel polish, shellac with top coat without a sticky layer

This is the most common, classic method of applying mirror pigment. Before performing the design, it is recommended to have a trimmed or hardware manicure. This is the first preparatory stage for all of the following methods of applying the rub.

Nails are degreased and covered with a thin layer of base. After drying the base, apply two more layers of gel polish or shellac, allowing each to dry.

1. We apply the top without a sticky layer, level the surface of the coating, and send it to dry for half the time recommended for complete drying. For example, 60 seconds in a 38W UV lamp and 30-40 seconds in a 36-48W LED lamp.
2. It is recommended to apply the top one finger at a time before rubbing, so that it does not have time to cool, and it is well distributed, without bald spots.
3. Apply mirror powder to your nails with your finger, sponge or brush and rub in well, spreading from the center to the edges. Don't skimp on rubbing; it's better to brush off the residue with a brush. If you apply the powder with your finger, it is recommended to work hard-to-reach corners with a thin brush. This is true when applying background gel polish under the cuticle. Afterwards, brush off the remaining rubbing compound with a soft brush. Do not use brushes to avoid scratching the mirror texture.
4. The pigment is covered with a top or finish in two layers to ensure the result is well secured. The first layer should be distributed very carefully, without pulling.
5. After drying the first layer in a lamp, it is important to treat the ends of the nails well, otherwise the powder may chip off, because it does not have a strong adhesion to the material.
6. Using a file, the edge of the nails is completely removed from the bottom and sides, up to the growth zone. The filing areas are treated with an acid-free bond so that the primer does not get on the surface of the nail. Usually the bond dries in the open air for 2 minutes. Some brands – from 30 to 60 seconds, you need to look at the recommendations on the packaging.
7. After the bond has dried, a second layer of topcoat is applied, the ends are sealed and everything is dried in a lamp. Mirror manicure is ready!

Brilliant French: a new take on the classics

Odes sung to French manicure do not subside. Designers love this coating option for its laconicism, girls appreciate the timeless style and chic look, and specialists in the field of nail art consider design as a way to show their imagination and find a new successful variation of its execution.

So, this season, instead of a monochrome coating - a beige base and a white tip, manicurists offer their clients to try a French manicure with rubbing. He looks amazing. Combining modesty and the elegant simplicity of a classic design, the French rub-in gives your nails an impeccable shine and makes the result original and stylish.

To make sure that pearl nail polish is an appropriate complement to a well-known French manicure, you should look at photos showing a similar design. They will become a source of inspiration and can be taken as an example for the master before the next trip to the beauty salon.

Applying rub on top with dispersion

A professional nail artist always has several options for tops in his arsenal, but what should an amateur beginner who only has a top with a sticky layer in his cosmetic bag do? You can come out of this situation with a good result.

1. The procedure for preparing nails for applying the rub is the same as in the first method.
2. After drying two layers of gel polish, apply a top coat with a dispersion layer to the nails and cure in a lamp for half the standard time.
3. From the still warm top, remove the sticky layer with a napkin, and while the clinser on the surface is not completely dry and the top is warm, distribute the powder until the desired uniform shine is obtained.

In this option, it is very important to treat the nails one at a time so that they do not have time to dry out after removing the dispersion and cool down after the lamp. After rubbing in the powder, cover the nails with one layer of top coat, treat the ends as in the first method, and seal them together with the second coat of top coat.

Where to buy rubbing, price

The pearlescent pigment must be chosen wisely and carefully in order for the pearl manicure to be successful and worthy.

Romantic and pleasantly shimmering images are obtained with the following stamps:

• Zu Nail Art;
• Vogue Nails;
• Entity Beauty;
• Runail;
• Bluesky.

These inimitable and unique products help achieve very attractive iridescent surfaces. They can be purchased in company stores and through company websites. A pearlescent product from well-known brands can cost from 300 rubles. and higher.

Instead, pearl rub can also be purchased on Chinese resources. When choosing this option, you should remember that sellers must be verified. And the product that arrived cannot be poorly packaged, since due to the broken seal, the rub loses quality. In this case, moisture will certainly get into the pollen, which will certainly destroy it.

The price of Chinese rubs ranges from 170 to 350 rubles.

Classic pearl powder has the following types:

• aurora with ghostly flicker;
• a mermaid with a silver glow, like fish scales;
• unicorn with lilac glow.

A fashionable rub with mother-of-pearl will help you quickly and easily add variety to any manicure. The advantage of such a pearl product is its low price. On nails, the pigment will look decent with any shade of varnish. Photos never cease to convey its effectiveness and attractiveness.

Author: tanyda

Applying a mirror or colored rub directly onto gel polish, without topcoat

This method differs in that we get fewer layers of topcoat as a result, and the manicure does not look as dense. This will save time for professional professionals when there is a heavy flow of clients.

1. Pink rub is applied to black gel polish. After drying the second layer of gel polish, remove the dispersion from it and get a matte background.
2. Wet the tip of your finger in alcohol or cleanser, dip it in mirror powder, and rub it into the gel polish or shellac. The finger should always be wet when working with the rub. The secret of this method is that the alcohol or clinser quickly dries, evaporates, and a beautiful mirror finish is obtained. The rubbing time may be seconds longer than usual, but the mirror effect is the same.
3. We seal the mirror layer with two layers of topcoat, filing the tips and ends of the nails after the first, and sealing them with the finish when applying the second.

Rubbed with rhinestones

Rhinestones are the best thing that can decorate a piece without stealing all the attention. They seem to emphasize the mirror shine of the rub and highlight their color. It is better to choose small rhinestones themselves to decorate no more than three nails. It is better to choose a universal color for rhinestones: silver, gold, white or black.

They always need to be glued on top of a ready-made coating with the addition of rubbing or varnish mixed with rubbing. An additional layer of finishing coat is always applied on top of the rhinestones.

What is pearl rub for nails?

Pearl rub is a spectacular new addition to nail polish and gel polish that has become incredibly popular among bridal designs in 2022.
Its peculiarity lies in the soft, gentle and noble radiance inherent in natural pearls. Ultra-fine grinding into microfine dust ensures ease of application, without the formation of lumps, and uniform glow under the light source. Visually, on the surface it looks sophisticated and feminine, without any vulgar, deliberate mother-of-pearl. That is why the new product has become very popular among girls who prefer modest but elegant nail decoration. Romantic shades beautifully emphasize the grace of hands and the shape of nails, look stylish at any length and look appropriate in designs for any age.

Nail design with rubs

There are many options for using a variety of powders. It all depends on your desire, here we will present several interesting, unusual ways to use the material. Most often, powder can be rubbed into pastel varnish to add emphasis. But this is not necessary. You can highlight just a few nails, for example on the ring and middle fingers. After covering with top, you can apply stamping or draw on top.

Nail design with rubs

Monograms on a matte top with rubbing

These powders look very good with a variety of stones and a matte top. If you want to draw some details and make them shiny with powder, then you need to follow the instructions.

Instructions:

• To do this, the nail is prepared in a standard way, covered with colored varnish, dried and covered with a top coat. After this, the sticky layer, if any, is removed and the gloss is removed using a buff.
• After this, a drawing is done with paint without a sticky layer, dried in a lamp and powder is applied. This way it will only rub into those parts that have been painted and dried in a lamp. The pigment is not applied to the matte coating; it simply does not stick to it.
• After this, the remains are brushed off with a soft brush and, if necessary, covered with a glossy top or left as is. If you want a matte finish, instead of buffing, you can simply use a matte topcoat. Powder is also practically not rubbed into it.

Monograms

Drops on matte top

We present an interesting, unusual design that can be created using rubbing.

Instructions:

• To do this, you need to prepare your nails, apply two layers of colored gel polish on them and cover them with a top coat without a sticky layer.
• Next, the powder is applied, and after that it is not fixed with anything. Volume dots are placed using a thick topcoat or sculpting gel
• Everything dries in the lamp, try to place the dots one at a time to maintain the volume and sufficient height of the droplets
• Everything is listened to in a lamp and the sticky layer is removed using a cotton pad soaked in a degreaser or cleaner.
• This way, the powder that was not fixed with a top will remain on the cotton pad.
• And the shiny areas that are covered with droplets will remain underneath them
• It turns out to create an interesting and unusual design. This way you can create a variety of designs
• If desired, those areas that are not covered with pigment can be covered with a matte top.

Drops on matte top

French manicure with rubbing

Oddly enough, you can also create a metallic French manicure using rubbing.

Instructions:

• To do this, the marigolds are covered with two layers of any flower bed that you have chosen.
• A matte topcoat is applied, listened to in a lamp, and dispersion, if any, is removed
• The smile line is covered with a glossy top without a sticky layer, dried, and while the top is still hot, powder is applied
• Use a soft brush to remove residue that does not adhere to the matte topcoat.
• The entire design is finished with a glossy or matte finish. If desired, in this way the pigment will remain only on the smile line, which was formed by a glossy top without dispersion

French manicure with rubbing

Fashion trends

Modern manicure is distinguished by the active use of rhinestones, geometric patterns, sparkling and iridescent effects, and a combination of various unusual techniques and combinations.

• Combined manicure has gradually turned into a special type of art, suitable for different styles and trends.
• It can be absolute minimalism or oriental nail art replete with decor.
• Fashionable rubs can be easily combined with any design: geometric prints, natural motifs, scatterings of rhinestones, shimmering additives and other interesting design finds.

In a short period of time, using modern techniques, you can create an amazingly beautiful original design that can decorate the hands of any woman.