Hello, dear readers! In today's article we want to tell you about an amazingly beautiful material for nail art - yuca flakes. The Japanese word “yuki” means snow, which very accurately and expressively conveys the appearance of the design with these sparkles. On nails they really resemble a veil of colored snow shining in the sun or shimmering under the moonlight. With their help, you can realize your brightest ideas and create unique nail art. In this article we will tell you how to apply yuca flakes, as well as offer design options and reveal the little secrets of an airy-light manicure.
Yuca flakes or “chameleon” - what is it?
Holographic sparkles sparkling in all colors, reminiscent of the boundless beauty of space or a sparkling sheet of snow, literally burst into the world of nail art a couple of years ago, becoming a real hit of 2022. Since then, manicure with them has invariably remained popular, both among professional manicurists and among amateurs who, using modern materials, create real masterpieces on their nails.
Yuca flakes are small and very thin metallized plates of various shapes and colors that can be ground, turning into shiny stars, or transferred to nails without rubbing, creating unusual voluminous compositions. They are a rub-in, a pigment, and a coating at the same time.
Yuki changes and expands the color range of gel polish, acrylic and any other coating. With them you can create countless nail designs. The amazing beauty of yuca flakes is difficult to describe in words. A photo or video camera also cannot convey it fully. They need to be seen “live”.
Bright ideas of yuca flakes for nails
Delicate manicure with yuca flakes
A gentle manicure means something light, airy, sweet and romantic. It is always in trend and is very popular among most women. It looks great on both short and long nails. A gentle manicure will complete your everyday look, and if you add minor decorative details to it, it can be used in a festive ensemble. If you think that a gentle manicure is represented only by a classic French manicure, then you are deeply mistaken. In fact, the delicate design is very diverse, which is why it is interesting.
It is made in pastel colors and is becoming increasingly popular. Many girls fell in love with him for his naturalness and tenderness. With its help you can transform your nails and make your hands more elegant and sophisticated. This nail design option is universal. It suits absolutely any look. Its versatility makes it indispensable in the dynamic rhythm of life.
Pink manicure with yuca flakes
Delicate pink manicure, like airy, cotton candy. It evokes the most pleasant impressions. In order to give it more sophistication, many decorate it with additional details. A soft pink manicure with yuca flakes is truly chic. Are you going to a celebration? Add to this manicure a scattering of rhinestones that can decorate 1-2 nails. It is easy to lay out various patterns from rhinestones or simply create a droplet effect.
Yuki flakes on ring finger
Even so long ago it was believed that fashion trends were set in Paris, the capital of world fashion. However, time passes and everything changes, and today, among fashion trends, you can feel the fresh and spicy wind of the East, luxurious India, and most importantly, unusual and mysterious Japan, which brought original fresh notes even to the art of manicure.
Nail designs with yuca flakes, photos of application options for which you can see in our article, appeared recently, but are already extremely popular and in demand among fashionable beauties around the world.
Manicure yuca flakes and rhinestones
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” – the chorus of a popular song has long become an independent aphorism. To highlight your beauty with a shining gemstone - not a single woman will refuse such a temptation. Rhinestones are, of course, not precious diamonds, but in combination with a beautiful design on the nails they look no less impressive.
How to work with Yuki flakes? This is the question that fans of shiny manicures ask. Iridescent scales with a blinding shine conquer everyone! On any substrate, and especially on dark shades, the crystals are incomparable! Although Yuki's nail rub is already extremely expressive, it can be interestingly played up using the rest of your nail art arsenal.
A mixture of styles, a non-trivial mix of techniques and means allows you to interestingly present even the most classic manicure, saturate it, turning it into a miniature masterpiece. Originally decorated nails are a great accent, a bright point in any look.
Distinctive features
How are flakes different from regular rub? When used, the latter is ground into pearl dust, and the yuki is cut into flat tiny layers, similar to the thinnest plates of mica. Light is refracted and reflected from many surfaces, creating an impressive holographic shimmer effect. It is for these optical properties that yuca received its second name - “chameleon flakes”.
These particles, as weightless as dust, can rightfully be called a pigment - the flakes have a rich color.
Gradient
Ombre is considered a current trend in nail art. The varied shades of yuca flakes can be arranged in a graceful transition from one color to another. The pigment concentration is maximum at the nail hole. The edge of the nail has the least amount of it. The flakes are applied by rubbing mica. It is best to choose the color tones of the gel polish used and metallized plates in tandem.
How to use it correctly
Yuki can be applied to almost any coating - acrylic, gel, regular polish, gel polish, topcoat. Before moving directly to the technique of applying flakes, let's focus on general important features that should be taken into account.
- When handling flakes, it is advisable not to yawn, sneeze or talk loudly. They are exceptionally light and volatile, so if you accidentally sneeze, the flakes will not be distributed throughout your entire nail, but throughout your room.
- Whatever application method you choose, it is important to use a coating with sufficient tack. The stickier the surface, the better the flakes will stick.
- For the yuki layer, it is better to use a material that takes a long time to dry. If you rub yuca flakes onto a quickly setting surface, you may not have time to complete the job and your manicure will be ruined. For example, if you want to apply flakes to an acrylic coating, then when creating it it is better to use a monomer that provides a fairly slow hardening.
- Typically, yuca flakes are applied to gel polish, but if necessary, regular polish can be used. In any case, it is important to fix the manicure with two or three layers of top coat so that the surface is smooth and the scales do not protrude.
- When working with yuki, craftsmen often use dark colors for the main coating: holographic scales look most impressive on them. Of course, you can experiment with light shades. Especially if you have already gained some experience with yuki, then it will be easier for you to come up with a profitable design.
- Before applying the top coat, it is advisable to treat the ends of glitter-decorated nails with a buff.
- If you use the same brush over and over, be sure to remove any remaining flakes before applying the finish coat. Otherwise, yuca particles will get into the top and as a result you will not be able to properly cover the nail surface.
Difference from others
Many may have noticed the similarity of the scales to foil or mica for manicure. Small particles look like metallized fine and compressed dust. Yuca flakes look luxurious in the photo, but all the beauty of the real iridescence can only be observed live, looking at every detail of the manicure. The effect is best seen in natural light during the day.
The pigment is quite practical to use. If foil is used only to achieve a mirror-like surface of the nail, then several design options can be created from chameleon flakes. And each of them will be unique.
Application technology
To capture and distribute flakes over the nail surface, you can use a flat or fan fluffy brush or sponge.
A rubbing applicator is also suitable. You can also just work with your finger. It is convenient to form drawings or individual small design elements with a pencil for laying out broths and rhinestones, a thin brush or other similar tool.
Yuca flakes can be applied to the nail surface in two ways:
Separate flakes
- We collect yuki onto a brush and distribute it over the surface of the nail. You can apply very little flakes or stretch them over the entire surface, or you can evenly fill the entire nail with them - at your discretion.
- With this method, we do not rub the flakes into the sticky layer, but press them to the nail surface with light “trampling” movements of the brush.
- Then, using the same brush, carefully smooth out all the unevenness. Due to the fact that the flakes are very thin, they fit perfectly, do not bulge at all and look very impressive. The result is a magnificent rainbow mosaic.
- In order for our yuks to last without flying off or peeling off the nails, it is recommended to cover them with a double layer of topcoat, making sure to seal the ends. Don’t forget to dry each layer of top coat in a lamp.
The finishing coat not only secures the entire manicure, but also gives it the final shine - as you know, any design elements, including sparkles, kamifubuki, and flakes, always begin to shine brighter under the top coat.
By rubbing
With this method, you need to rub in the yuca like a pigment - then they lie flat and completely cover the nail.
- We take more flakes onto the brush and apply them to the sticky layer with light tapping movements. Our task is to completely cover the nail surface with flakes.
- Using a sponge or finger, smooth out all the unevenness, rubbing all the particles into the sticky layer.
- To consolidate our design, we also cover the nails with two layers of top coat, not forgetting to seal the ends and dry them in a lamp.
Both options are good and which one to choose is up to you or your clients to decide.
Yuki manicure at home - how to do it correctly.
This design is done on shellac quite simply and quickly.
- You should prepare your nails, apply a base and dry it.
- Next, apply the gel polish base without removing the sticky layer. Dry for 2-3 minutes in a UV lamp, 30-60 seconds in an LED lamp.
- Apply top coat without sticky layer.
- Apply the flakes to the hot top using a fan brush, applicator or fingertips. Gently distribute the rub using polishing and trampling movements in the direction from the center of the nail plate to the edges.
- Secure the final result with two layers of shellac topcoat with or without a sticky layer, carefully sealing the ends to prevent chips and cracks. Dry each layer of topcoat for 2 minutes in a UV lamp, 30-60 seconds in an Ice lamp.
- Having obtained the desired effect, remove excess from the side rollers and cuticles with a sticky layer remover or degreaser.
- A sparkling galactic manicure with stunning chameleon tints is ready!
This simple but impressive painting on your fingers will delight you for a long time with the incredible beauty and uniqueness of the created image. Beauty experts say that manicure can be an independent part of the image, so you shouldn’t resist the temptation to decorate your fingers with incredible yuki. Light as gold leaf, captivating as precious stones.
These treasured miracle flakes called “Yuki” can be purchased using the link, and your nails will become simply irresistible!
Design options
Magically beautiful yuca flakes can create countless nail designs.
You can make an interesting, mirror rub, ombre or gradient; lay them out like marble textures or create other diffuse effects. Yuca flakes look great under both glossy and matte topcoats.
Specialty stores sell not only yuca flakes in all the colors of the rainbow, but also silver, gold and holographic flakes. Shiny and elegant, they are ideal for any special occasion, for example, for the bright New Year holidays.
It is not at all necessary to apply yuca to the entire surface of the nail. You can decorate only part of the nail plate with flakes, use stencils and stamping, and also combine both methods of applying flakes in a manicure. The gradient with sparkles of various colors also looks incredibly beautiful. There are no strict limits here - yuca flakes will help you implement any of the most daring nail design ideas.
Note: To create an even, glossy layer with a holographic effect, it is best to use a brush - any one that is convenient. It is perfect for both full application and for creating a gradient and stretching. Due to the softness of the brush, the effect of strong rubbing disappears, as a result the surface acquires a more embossed texture.
Marble effect
If the original integrity of the plates laid out on top or gel polish is preserved, the nails will have an incredibly impressive image, similar to marble. The flakes are applied pointwise using a brush or rhinestone pencil, laying out the required shape over the entire surface of the nail plate. This manicure will be an excellent addition to your daily look, and can also be used as a themed manicure, for example, a New Year's or evening manicure.
Editor's choice: Manicure for short nails 2022: photos of the best design options, new items for the season and fashion trends
Photo gallery
We bring to your attention a series of photos with various nail designs made using magic flakes.
Winter manicure with spider web design
The thick gel paint “cobweb”, which gained high popularity in nail design last season, remains relevant in winter manicure. An interesting design reminiscent of threads on nails is often used in winter manicure.
This could be a delicate nude manicure with a white web or a contrasting design with a dark web on a light background and vice versa. The cobweb looks best with a matte winter manicure. It remains fashionable to apply cobwebs on accent nails on the top part.
Shimmer and metallic highlights in winter manicure
In winter, when we are so lacking in bright and catchy shades in manicure, the best way to give our nails the missing brightness is to use all kinds of nail decorations and rhinestones. A chic winter manicure 2019-2020 will be in any shade if you add a little sparkle and shine to the design.
Iridescent mother-of-pearl cat-eye shades have always been a hit in winter manicures. The fashionable holographic and rubbing “chameleon”, which changes shade under different angles of view, looks no less impressive in winter nail design.
By rubbing in chrome, winter nails acquire a metallic sheen, on which patterns and designs with rhinestones look very cool. Yuki flakes, reminiscent of the Northern Lights, will add more shimmer to your winter manicure.
Another bright design for winter manicure 2019-2020 will be kamifubuki. Round multi-colored or plain confetti sparkles can complement a winter manicure in different ways. This can be either an accent design or a main one.
A fashionable winter manicure with foil can also boast of sophistication in design. Like rubbing, foil has different shades and structures, which allows winter manicure to find new interesting ways to design in the most incredible combinations.
A manicure with a pixie rhinestone design looks very wintery. Small crystal chips on the nails look like snow, so it’s fashionable to cover the entire nail with it.
Glitter applied to the accent nails of a winter manicure will look successful and luxurious in tandem with any shade. Such gloss can also be used for drawings and separating holes and strips of French.
“Broken glass” will become beautiful colored highlights in winter manicure design. Bright pieces of special cut foil that resemble shards will perfectly complement your nails this winter.
Chic winter nails with rhinestones
Winter manicure with rhinestones, which are constantly being updated with new types, should be highlighted as a separate trend. Today, such decorations are used not only in evening or holiday manicures.
With a minimalist design, an elegant winter manicure with rhinestones can be worn every day, even to the office. Luxurious compositions with rhinestones or inlays made on one of the nails not only decorate a winter manicure, but with them the design looks magnificent and unsurpassed.
A striking novelty in rhinestone manicure, not only in winter, is the unusual design with spreading voluminous drops, which are called “unicorn tears” and “liquid metal”. Such winter options are very original, and if you want something new in winter manicure, you can’t help but try this design.
Fashionable designs for winter manicure
We can talk endlessly about fashionable winter nail art. Numerous techniques and methods of applying designs only multiply the options for manicure in winter.
If you do not take into account thematic winter designs with New Year and Christmas paraphernalia, which are so popular in winter manicure 2019-2020, there remain no less stylish nail art designs.
How about fashionable inscriptions in winter manicure, super-fashionable leopard print or funny animal faces? Such designs remain relevant in fashionable winter manicure designs.
What about flowers on winter nails? Why not! A winter manicure with flowers will look gentle and amazing in subdued colors and a laconic design.
And how can we do without geometry in winter manicure? Geometric designs always remain trendy, and in winter manicure you just need to stick to current color combinations and tandems with matte shades and negative space.
Excellent winter gradient on nails
The transition from one shade to another looks very beautiful and original not only in bright and rich shades. In winter, gradient manicure 2019-2020 will look spectacular in black and red, purple, bird, and blue tones.
And if you add a mirror or metallic rub to the gradient, you will get a magical, incredibly beautiful winter manicure. If such a winter design seems very catchy, an ombre manicure can be done with a matte finish, which will look no less impressive.
New knitted manicures in winter
The real winter manicure, which can only be done in winter, is the original knitted design or “sweater”. Beautiful knitted textured patterns make winter nails very delicate and romantic.
The most fashionable options for winter sweater manicure remain pastel matte shades. The pattern cannot be made on all nails; the “knitting” itself can complement the design, for example, a hat, scarf or mitten.
The latest innovation in knitted manicure in winter is an unusual combination with negative space on one nail. A striking example of such a tandem is the photo of a winter manicure above.
Fashionable new items in winter manicure 2019-2020 in the photo: beautiful ideas for nail design in winter
Source: https://lady-glamor.ru/modnyy-zimnij-dizajn-manikura/
