How to apply mirror rub on gel polish: simple step-by-step technique, design ideas, how to apply mirror rub on shellac

The gel polish should be rubbed on top of the top coat, removing the sticky layer or rubber base. To do this, use a spatula with a silicone tip, a sponge or a finger. The product is also fixed with a finishing coat, not forgetting to seal the ends of the nails. This is how all types of rubs are used: pearl, rainbow, prism, holography, chameleon and others. You can buy decor from Grattol, RuNail, Patrisa Nail, Vogue Nails and many others. Cost – 150-350 rubles. per jar weighing 0.3-1 g.

How to apply rub on gel polish correctly

The gel polish should be rubbed in after the topcoat has been used and dried. This is done with a silicone brush, sponge or finger. You can choose any type of product - from delicate pearl to metallic chrome. The manufacturer doesn’t matter either, the main thing is good quality of the rub. Bluesky, TNL, Grattol, Ingarden, Runeil and many other companies have products of this type.

You can apply the rub on any gel polish, but it is important to choose the right shades of both products. For example, pearl looks more organic in light colors. And it is better to combine the rainbow one with a coating of the same color that is in this rub.

It is equally important to avoid errors when using:

Uneven nail surface. If they are wavy, the rubbing will not give the desired effect, as it will lie unevenly, get stuck in the grooves and quickly fly off.
Poor performance of other stages of manicure. For example, poorly dried gel polish, top coat, or untreated nail ends that were not coated at the final stage.
Strong pressure on the plates when applying the product. Because of this, it will lie unevenly, may wear off in places, and later detachments and chips will appear.
Excessive savings in decor. This makes the design unimpressive.

We recommend reading the article about spectacular nail designs with foil on gel polish. From it you will learn about how to apply foil to gel polish, the secrets of using foil with gel polish, current trends in manicure with foil and types of designs. And here is more information about how to make a matte manicure with gel polish.

Types of rubs

Any rubbing is a shiny, sometimes multi-colored powder, consisting of tiny particles, but is divided into the following types:

Pearl . Creates the effect of a mother-of-pearl surface, available in pink, blue, grayish, and white shades.
Rainbow . With this one product you can create a gradient, since the powder contains several colors.
Prism . It consists of the smallest particles and provides the effect of shimmering frost.
Chafer . These are green and purple tints, similar to the surface of the back of an insect.
Holographic . Gives a voluminous shine to the nails.

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Pearl

Rainbow

Prism

Chafer

Holographic

In addition to those listed, there is also melange, chrome with a golden or silver sheen, “chameleon”, cat’s eye, a product with small flakes of yuca, “northern lights”.

Popular brands

Rubs are produced by the same manufacturers as gel polishes, and not only by them:

Bluesky;
Masura,
TNL,
Catrice Luxchrome;
In Garden;
Grattol,
NelTes;
VeraNail;
RuNail,
El Corazon,
Blixs,
Pink Up;
IRISK,
Patrisa Nail,
Vogue Nails,
Belle Pro;
Essence Metal Shock;
Milv.

And it is not necessary to use all the products of one company when creating a design.

Advantages of technology

Recently, rubbing has been very popular for many reasons:

the decor is easy to use, you don’t need to be a super-master and have special tools;
the abundance of funds makes it possible to create a unique design;
the powder is not washed off from the nails with water, the effect will last as long as the gel polish is worn;
if desired, it can be easily removed without removing the rest of the coating;
can be used for any color of gel polish, on a glossy or matte top;
the range of rubs is constantly expanding;
the product has an affordable price and is used very economically;
it goes well with other types of decor.

Watch the video about life hacks for applying the rub:

What to apply

To cover nails with rubbing use:

fan brush,
special sponge or applicator;
silicone brush to distribute decorative agent at the cuticle.

With these tools, the powder is spread over the plate, rubbed in, and excess is removed. You can simply apply the product with your finger, but then you will have to wash off small shiny particles. And in this case, the rub will fly off the nails faster, since sebum does not help keep it on the surface.

Fan brush Applicator Silicone applicator

What is rubbing? "Holography" and "Prism": similarities and differences

What is a nail rub? Rubbing is a crushed micronized pigment. These can be either ultra-fine particles or larger microgranules, or decor in the form of mica flakes. Depending on the color, texture and size, they create a different visual effect, similar to popular coatings - chameleons, holographics, mother-of-pearls, microglitters. Rubs are produced in small jars (similar to other small decor for nail art). The choice of tool for applying (rubbing in) them - a fan brush, a sponge applicator, a silicone design brush, a master's latex gloves - also depends on what effect you want to achieve in the finished image.

Among the variety of existing products that love the bright sun or strong artificial light, fashionistas pay tribute to the beauty of holographics and prisms. Like no other, they create a special, festive mood. In summer - emphasizing sunny weather and creating a positive mood. And in winter - driving away the blues and bringing to mind thoughts of a pleasant series of holidays. What is the difference between these two beauties?

Incredibly popular prism (aka rubbing-mirage)

is a colored finely dispersed pigment. Its particles are so small that the coating with them produces an impressive deep 3D effect. The mesmerizing rainbow tints are visually similar in part to the veil of the northern lights, but most of all - to gasoline spilled on water. Particles of pigment rubbed into varnish or gel polish form a homogeneous, reflective, smooth canvas, without clearly visible shining particles.

Holographic

The rub
is an almost identical twin of the “mirage” pigment. It is very easy to confuse them in photographs, since under certain lighting and the angle of incidence of light, the “gasoline” beauty can also appear. The key difference between holographics is that their particles are larger. Even with perfect application (in one or two layers), the shine of individual grains of glitter is clearly visible. And scattered (fan) or linear holography, which is so popular at any time of the year, is visible.

Holographics give the effect of a diamond crushed into dust, and prisms are closer to the delicate beauty of pearls. Mirage rub is the choice of those girls who are not afraid to shine to the maximum. Modest holographic designs are an ideal compromise for the office, as their shimmer is more graceful and calmer. Due to their textural properties, mirages are better suited to varnish designs, since it is easier even for a beginner to rub them into almost set varnish. And the holographic glitter pigment is ideal for gel and gel polish, in the thickness of which it shimmers beautifully and does not rub off when worn.

Prismatic rainbow tints make the design original, stylish, and effective. When creating such images, it is important not to overdo it, but to demonstrate sophistication, a sense of proportion and taste. It will be much easier for you to do this if you know all the advantages and disadvantages of both types of rubs.

How to apply mirror rub on gel polish: technique

Apply mirror rubbing to gel polish:

on all nails or one or two;
covering the plate entirely or only a design, pattern, or individual areas;
Having first leveled the coating well, since the bumpiness will be very noticeable.

The technique of applying this rubbing onto gel polish involves:

performing hygienic manicure;
degreasing, using a primer;
applying 2 layers of base, after drying them - colored gel polish;
use and polymerization of top;
distribution of the decor itself over the plate until the top coating has cooled;
shaking off excess powder from nails with a fan brush or brush;
sawing the ends;
applying finishing agent to plates and ends, drying.

Watch the video about the technique of applying mirror rubbing:

The last time the topcoat is applied in 2 layers. A drop of top needs to be transferred to the palette; use a brush not from the bottle. The first layer of finishing agent should be thin. When applying it, you need to make sure that the rubbing particles from the skin do not cling to the brush and do not end up on the nail plate.

Pearl rub

Pearl rub is used as follows:

Nails are prepared as usual, that is, manicure is performed, degreased, base is applied twice, and dried both times.
Paint the surface with gel polish; it is better to choose delicate pastel shades and apply them in two layers.
Another polymerization follows.
The nails are coated with a finishing agent without a sticky layer and dried.
Then, using a sponge or gloved finger, apply a rub over the entire plate.
The ends of the nails must be filed down to remove protruding decorative sparkles.
The pollen is brushed off the skin with a brush or wide brush.
The ends need to be coated with primer, so the decor will last longer.
Then a thin layer of base is applied to the nails and polymerized.
The top coat is used last and is also dried.

This type of rubbing is best applied to the entire nail plate or large areas of it. This will make your marigolds look more like pearls.

Sequins

It is better to apply glitter on a single tone, covering 1-2 nails. You can use it with geometry, monograms, patterns, but again not for all fingers at once. This decor is very bright, expressive, and if you take too much of it, the design will turn out vulgar.

The technique is almost no different from applying other types of rubbing:

Gel polish is placed on the base, after drying it, a top coat with a sticky layer is applied.
Next comes polymerization in a lamp.
Apply glitter to the sticky layer with a silicone brush.
Then you should go over it with a brush, or a dry lint-free cloth.
Now you need to file down the ends with a soft file.
The next layer is the top, which is also dried.

The second stage requires a coating with a medium tack top layer. It will hold glitter more reliably. And the decor will not slide off the nails along with the sticky layer. Glitter can be applied both to the entire plate and to its individual sections, highlighted with a different color or geometric lines.

Holographic

If we talk about the technique of the procedure, holographic glitter powder is applied in the same way as all other types, that is, on top of the flower bed and covered with a top coat.

It is more important to choose the tone of the varnish, since the decor looks completely different on light, bright and dark. Pink and nude colors disappear under the holographic rub. The overall tone becomes silver, with rainbow stains and highlights clearly visible on it. Bright and dark gel polish are better visible, but their intensity and shades under the holography also change.

Prism

A prism differs from holography in that its particles are smaller. Therefore, the coating is denser. So the nuances of use are the same as with holography, that is, saturated colors look better under a prism. You can cover the nails entirely or partially - a pattern, any part of the plate.

It is important to apply the product evenly so that the highlight comes out even, ellipsoidal, and the colors are not randomly distributed, but equally on all nails.

Chafer

The Maybug rub shimmers in green, gold and purple shades at different lighting angles. And therefore it looks most advantageous with the same colors of gel polish, as well as with black, burgundy, blue, and emerald.

If you apply the product to a light tone, it will disappear, but the radiance of the rub will not decrease. Therefore, you can experiment with shades of varnish. And the application technique is no different from those described earlier.

Watch the video about the varieties of pigment “Chafer bug”:

General rules when using rubbing

Those who use technology for the first time have different questions. For example, is it possible to apply pigment directly to the base layer? It is possible, but the effect will not be as pronounced as when using gel polish. Whatever color you choose, it will look more advantageous with powder in any case.

To ensure that the coating pleases you for a long time, remember the following rules:

do not skimp on the rub, otherwise you will get an inexpressive color;
This technique can only be used on perfectly smooth nails, so it is important to polish them thoroughly with a buff;
do not use a matte finish;
the layer on which the powder will be applied must be well dried;
there is no need to distribute the particles with your finger, since it contains sebum, which can affect the durability of the coating;
the remaining glitter that remains on the cuticle should be brushed off with a brush.

Nail industry experts believe that rubbing is the future. It looks impressive on both dark and light gel polish, and besides, it can be combined with other decorative elements. And, most importantly, this technique is suitable even for beginners, as it is very easy to use.

Whatever pigment you choose, follow the application technology. Watch the video for step-by-step instructions.

More ideas for white manicure with rubbing

Rubbing allows you to create a luxurious shine on your nails. Gold powder can be used for festive designs in combination with stones, glitter, painting, and silver can be used to create a fantasy space manicure, as in the photo below.

A gradient manicure will look even more original if it is supplemented with pearl or diamond rub. The soft transition of color, complemented by gentle tints, will appeal to lovers of feminine, discreet manicure.

The combination of glossy and matte textures looks beautiful. Shiny “dust” will enhance the shine of a glossy coating. A matte manicure with rubbing and white gel polish turns out to be very contrasting and expressive. If the design is created for long nails, it can be supplemented with a pattern in the style of geometry or floral themes.

In manicures for short nails, designs are used less frequently. If you want to make the design more original, you can add transparent holes, shiny kamifubiki, and simple ornaments on some nails.

Shellac and rubbing: how to apply, use

Rubbing and shellac are also an acceptable combination, despite the fact that flower beds of this type are less durable than gels. The base and top must be appropriate, that is, intended specifically for such coverage.

Rub in shellac as follows:

Lightly polish nails and degrease.
Apply the base, dry in a UV lamp, do not remove the sticky layer.
Paint your nails with shellac in 2 layers, polymerize each one.
Apply the topcoat first in a thin layer and dry.
After cooling, you need to remove the stickiness from the surface of the nails.
Next apply the rub using a silicone spatula.
After sharpening the ends with a file, the plates are covered with another layer of topcoat.
All that remains is to dry it again and remove the stickiness.

You should use the rub on shellac carefully, with gentle movements. Otherwise, the decor will begin to wear off and become thin. During its application, you need to make sure that particles of the rub from the skin do not cling to the brush and do not end up on the plate.

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.

Is it always possible to rub in gel polish?

You can apply a rub on gel polish with any color of coating, if the following conditions are met:

a flower garden of good quality, with an unfinished shelf life, does not curl or wrinkle during drying;
between the varnish and decorative pollen there is a layer of topcoat;
There is no allergy to the rub.

The latter can make itself felt during a manicure. The decorative product consists of small particles that fly into the air at the slightest wave. No intolerance occurs due to contact with nails, since it is absent. After all, the rub is not placed on a bare plate, but on a substrate of several layers.

Interesting nail design with gel polish and rubbing

Nail design with rubbing gel polish will make it even more attractive if you use one of the following options:

highlighting the free edge with decor, as with a French jacket, or holes (for example, white varnish and silver pollen);
gradient with colored rubs on 1-2 nails with a dark base;
ombre gel polishes and application of pearl decor;
a combination of kamifubuki and shiny pollen, when the nails of adjacent fingers are decorated with both;

using rubbing on 1-2 plates and matte top on all others;
emphasizing a large minimalist design made with black or white gel paint;
dew effect, when drops of a glossy top coat are applied to the coating over the rubbing;
a combination of different types of decor, for example, gold or silver for the ring fingers, pearl for the rest on a nude background;
combining matte and rub on one nail plate, dividing it diagonally;
addition of rhinestones to the manicure in small quantities.

We recommend reading the article on how to do a manicure with red gel polish. From it you will learn about manicure design options for short and long nails, and techniques for their design. And here is more information about how to make cat eye gel polish.

It is no coincidence that many people like rubbing, the application technique is simpler than for other elements, and the effect of different types of decor is noticeable and unusual. The product is cheap and will last a long time. With just one rub and different gel polishes you can come up with dozens of designs and ideas.

French on different nail shapes

The versatility of the French manicure is also evident in the fact that it can be done on any nail shape. Length is also not a limitation. The optimal length of the free edge is 2 - 3 mm, but you can make a beautiful French manicure on both long and short nails with rubbing.

For almond nails

Almonds are the most popular form in 2022. Lovers of long nails appreciated it for its practicality and neat appearance. Almond is created only on long nails. If your length is not enough, you can extend your nails with gel.

The almond jacket looks very feminine and sophisticated. To draw a smile line, you need to use a thin brush and gel paint to make the lines smooth and soft. The slightly pointed, smoothly rounded free edge of the almond-shaped nail implies the drawing of a classic semicircular smile line. It’s beautiful when it duplicates the outline of the free edge.

The V-shaped “smile” looks interesting, but not so natural. To draw this shape of the free edge on almond-shaped nails accurately, you need to have a “full hand” or use stencils.

For oval nails

French looks organic and natural on oval nails. Made in a classic color combination, a French manicure will have the most natural, natural effect. This manicure will suit even the strictest dress code and will be a good choice for those who are tired of complex designs and colors.

More photos and publications: Photos of bright manicure 2022: adding colors to your image

For short nails

French can be done on short nails; with rubbing, the manicure will turn out to be unique and interesting. Short nails limit the master’s capabilities when creating designs and using decor, and rubbing is one of the few materials that has no restrictions on the length of the nails. You can even use it on very short nail plates.

A shiny coating visually makes the nails wider and longer. But for short nails it is recommended to choose light shades of decor. The ideal option is pearl, mother-of-pearl, holographic rubbing.