Nail rub: how to apply? Step-by-step instruction

Rubbings “Prism” and “Holography” are recognized as one of the most popular among this decor due to their incredible beauty in the finished image. The outwardly inexpressive pigment turns any classic polish or gel polish into a coating with the effect of an iridescent diamond. Since their appearance, designs using these decorative rubs have always been in demand in the price lists of practicing nail artists. What is the secret of their success, and what are these rubbings? We will tell you about this in detail today.

What is a nail rub?

Nail rub is a special finely ground acrylic powder. Its particles are so miniature and weightless that when applied they fit tightly to each other, creating the illusion of an absolutely smooth metallized surface. Usually this pigment for design is sold in a jar and its price is very symbolic, but consumption, on the contrary, is very economical.

Chrome rubbing is similar in properties to foil, but significantly exceeds it in terms of durability and reflective capabilities. It has a number of advantages that not only professional nail technicians, but also beginners should know about:

• unlike varnish containing glitter, the coating with grout is easily removed from the nails without unnecessary friction;
• wide price range and the widest choice of palettes. There are even brands that make a vegan rub that is not tested on animals. A striking example of this is the company Severin or Melange;
• It’s easy to create shiny nails at home, because it doesn’t require any special skills or additional tools;
• volumetric design on nails? It’s elementary, just sprinkle a drop of glitter on the sticky layer of the design. The powder will evenly cover the decor and fix itself on it;
• regular shellac extends its original durability when grout is applied to it.

Nail design options with rubbing

It is not necessary to cover all the nails with the rub. This manicure looks quite bright, so it may not always be appropriate. The optimal solution is to use the rub on one or two fingers. Shiny accents will make your manicure interesting and appropriate in many situations.

Another fashionable option is to apply patterns on your nails, leaving one or two for rubbing. A homemade option is to use stickers instead of drawings. This manicure looks interesting and stylish.

A kamifubuki manicure in a duet with rubbing looks original. This is a type of Japanese nail art that resembles confetti. You can make one of the nails using the kamifubuki technique, and cover the rest with a mirror rub.

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.

Holographic

This powder is visible on the nail, since each sparkle is clearly visible, unlike a prism. An interesting design can be obtained if you use holographic powder in tandem with fashionable colors: lime, mint, turquoise, Tiffany, etc. The ideal option would be to cover the entire nail with rubbing, because with partial use (for drawing, for example), the level of skill matters.

The shimmering colors of the holographic rub give your nails a special look. Its presence in a manicure will be appropriate not only for everyday wear, but also for special occasions. For a pleasing effect, you should cover your nails in 2 layers of color so that there are no gaps left.

Rub metallic shine

An ultra-fashionable option for decorating marigolds is to achieve a metallic effect. This fashionable manicure is obtained after applying a special rub that contains tiny particles of pigment. You can get the perfect manicure even at home, because the technique of rubbing in glitter is no different from other options: the more evenly applied, the better the metallic shine you will get.

A popular use is to combine with color for a stencil design. The color for the base is not important, since metallic is universal for any solution.

There is powder with shades of silver (pronounced glossy effect), mother-of-pearl, and also with chrome shine (muted metallic). Choose a more suitable option for a particular case.

Shiny manicure

Rubbing in fine glitter creates a shimmering effect, and it can be used in any combination: to match the main color, as a design, for stencil design, etc.

An uneven concentration of glitter can ruin a beautiful manicure, so the level of the nail technician is important. When applying glitter rub yourself, you should use an applicator to apply an even layer. Rub in slowly, without pressing into the nail, so as not to damage the shiny layer.

Glitter designs look elegant on long and short nails, but you shouldn’t overuse them. If a manicure is done for everyday wear, then nails covered in glitter will look inappropriate and provocative. It is worth considering the need for a shiny rub to ensure its presence suits the occasion.

Chafer

Quite unusual. But an expressive way to decorate your nails is to use chafer rub. It is often compared to the chameleon effect, as the nail takes on a new shade depending on the angle of view. “Chafer bug” is usually applied to all nails, involving the entire area of ​​the nail plate.

Purple, green and gold shades

Using a colored coating under mirror powder, you can achieve a different effect: brighter and richer or darker and muted.

Pearl

A pearl rub can create a delicate effect of natural pearls on your nails. This mirror rub can be applied to any color of varnish, the final result will depend on it. For example, when applied to red nail polish, you get a delicate pink tint, and when applied to orange, you get a slightly peachy tint.

A manicure with pearl pollen will be a trendy addition to your everyday look, as well as for special events. Colored gel polish as a base will add its own zest to any outfit.

Northern lights

Externally, the rubbing effect is similar to the May bug, only the northern lights do not have such a wide palette of iridescence - warm colors (red, orange, yellow) are excluded. The main color that should be used as a substrate is chosen to be neutral - black or white gel or varnish.

It looks impressive if you use the rub on all nails. Many craftsmen prefer to make additional designs on the ring and middle fingers (rhinestones, sequins).

Gold rub on nails

It is difficult to imagine any other mirror dust that can produce such an “expensive” and “rich” effect. The color of gold on your nails is possible if you use a gold rub. Additionally, it has a mirror shine, which brings this coating closer to natural precious metal.

Used to cover the entire nail plate. Also used as an addition to stencil design (often in jackets in the place of the “smile”), for artistic purposes. Silver and gold rubs should be combined very carefully: there is a risk of getting a tasteless manicure.

The ideal effect is achieved if the pigment is applied to a perfectly even and smooth gel coating. If you use regular polish, you should polish the nail plate to a smooth surface, since all flaws will be noticeable after applying the mirror rub.

How to use nail rub

Nail rub is not a fussy material, but it requires some skill and knowledge of certain subtleties. The special composition of the decorative product requires the presence of crumbly glitter, and for their proper application in manicure, there are a number of tools, the purpose of which is highlighted in our table.

Stylish ideas with rubbing on long nails

There is no better way to show off the beauty and charm of the rub than by placing it on long nails. Moreover, the shape of the nails is of secondary importance. The rub looks great on almond, pointed nails, pointe nails and others. The choice of rubbing depends on the preferences of the girl herself. On long nails, black, white, burgundy, and pale blue designs with rubbing look equally attractive.

On long nails, a plain manicure with rubbing looks great. The master’s task is to show the beauty of the material and not to fill it with additional decor such as contrasting patterns.

How to make mirror nails at home

Many girls are interested in the question - how to create the coveted metallic effect so that the result pleases with its impeccability and is distinguished by the extraordinary durability of the coating? You shouldn’t immediately put off the desired idea, explaining this by the excessive complexity of the design. Knowing some of the nuances of the work, you will understand that nothing is impossible.

Rubbing on regular nail polish

Pink and white, lilac and rainbow, gold or silver - the variety of powders for decorating nails beckons you to immediately realize your ambitions as a creator. Let’s not put things off for a long time, explaining the algorithm of actions step by step:

• We prepare the nails as standard, performing the usual manipulations of cutting the cuticle and correcting the shape of the nails;
• We pay special attention to grinding the plate, thoroughly polishing every unevenness with a buff;
• apply the base protecting the lipid layer with a loose ball;
• choose the desired shade of varnish, giving preference to consistencies of medium fluidity;
• apply the varnish in two or even three layers so that the coating is completely opaque;
• remember how rubbing works and apply the finishing top directly to the undried layer of varnish;
• a metal rub is placed on top with translational movements;
• We complete the manicure and, for a change, we can play with contrast by choosing a matte top coat to cover the rest of the nails.

Another variation of decor is the use of art stickers; the pink up brand is in high demand among craftsmen.

How to rub in gel polish

If in the case of ordinary varnish everything is more or less clear, then the question of applying a rub-in to gel polish still remains open. In fact, the technique is as simple as two:

• Perform a routine hygienic manicure, carefully polishing the nail plate to avoid unevenness. This manipulation directly determines how well the steel rubbing will fit and whether it will emphasize the relief;
• degrease the nails with a special product;
• Apply the strengthening base in a thin layer, drying it for 30 seconds in an LED lamp or 2 minutes under ultraviolet light;
• after choosing the shade you like, apply a layer of color to the claws, drying them again;
• The question arises - which top to choose for such an intricate decor? The most common glossy topcoat for gel polish, when applying it, do not forget to seal the ends;
• While the coating is still “warm”, we begin to rub our powder directly onto the top with a sticky layer. This can be done with an applicator or even with your finger. We act extremely carefully, without pressing too hard with the pads;
• Use an orange stick to easily remove any remaining glitter from the skin. If you have hangnails on your cuticle, wait until they are completely healed and only then begin your beauty experiments;
• Apply a glossy top coat on top again, dry it and remove the sticky layer.

Voila, enjoy a catchy, unusual design that adds variety to even boring everyday looks.

How to apply rubbing on gel polish?

The pigment received this name precisely because of the method of application - rubbing into the nail surface covered with gel polish.
Let's look at this process in more detail. In addition to the rubbing itself, to complete the design you will need all the same materials and tools as for the usual creation of a long-term coating of nails with gel polish.

1. Perform a manicure with careful removal of the cuticle. To do this, use any method convenient for you: hardware, classic, European or file manicure. Additionally, you can polish your nails to make the surface smoother. This is an important point in applying the rub.

2. Remove the natural shine from the nail plate using a buff.

3. Degrease all nails with a special product and try not to touch the degreased surface with your fingers again.

4. Apply gel polish base to your nails. If you see that the surface has unevenness, then it is necessary to level it with a base, that is, apply it in two layers with leveling. Don't forget to seal the ends.

5. Cover the nail plate with colored gel polish in 2 layers and dry each one in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for your type of lamp (time for UV, LED and hybrid lamps is different). For pearl polish, use light shades of gel polish; for other types of polish, use dark shades, preferably black.

6. Next, the rubbing itself is applied. This can be done either on the pre-dispersion (sticky) layer or by removing it. But please note that the effect will be different. If you wipe the pigment into a sticky layer, it can clump and remain glittery without creating a mirror finish. To get exactly that mirror shine, you need to remove the dispersion layer and, while the coating is still “warm”, that is, only from under the lamp, rub it in. To do this, you can use the applicator or your finger, whichever is more convenient for you.

7. Send the rub to fix in the lamp for the same time as the gel polish.

8. Use a brush or remove with an orange stick all the excess small glitter from the surface around your nails, otherwise it will easily get into your top coat.

9. Apply a glossy finish and cure under a lamp.

You can also rub glitter over the topcoat (it’s better to immediately use a topcoat without dispersion), but it will still need to be fixed again with topcoat.

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?

White jacket with rubbing

Start your experiments with a white classic jacket. The rub can be used to highlight the edge of the nail plate or the entire space of the nail. Use gold, silver, pearl rubs for design. They harmonize perfectly with white, beige, gray, pink.

As for the design, you don’t have to complement the jacket with any other decor. The only exception may be rhinestones, which are best placed in the root zone of the nail.

White manicure with rubbing really looks luxurious and noble. This design is best done on oval and almond-shaped nails. You should not complement a white manicure with a rub in with contrasting patterns, otherwise the charm and charm of the white color and pearl rub will be lost.

Let's talk about the benefits

Unlike the usual gel polishes with a metallic or foil effect, the rub-in is well resistant to moisture, sunlight and solvents. If you learn how to apply it without the help of professional artists, you can change your look every day without damaging your wallet.

Multi-colored nails with mirror polish

Advantages of rubbing in “mirror shine”:

• Easy to apply, no need to purchase special tools, can be used at home;
• It can be easily removed from nails without damaging them;
• Using rubbing, you can create not only a metallic, but also a sparkling effect;
• Suitable for French manicure, in this case the rub is applied only to the “smile” area;
• If you apply pigment to gel polish, the effect will last for three weeks;
• Securely attaches to nails;
• The “mirror shine” nail rub is applied to the varnish coating, so the nail plate is not injured;
• Perfectly matches any outfit;
• Low cost, consumables are affordable.

Rubbing powder

There are powders on sale in a variety of color options; the most popular are gold, silver, blue and purple colors. The absolute hit of 2022 is the color chameleon.

Mirror manicure

It is important! When purchasing a “mirror shine” rub, pay attention to the manufacturer and price of the cosmetics. A low-cost product may be of low quality and will not highlight your original manicure, but will only ruin it by forming unsightly stains on the surface of the nail.

Variety of nail polish colors

Possible mistakes

While using the rub, some difficulties may arise. The most common mistakes are:

1. Insufficient nail treatment. In order for the rubbing to lay down in an even and uniform layer and not reveal flaws in the nail plates, they must be sanded and polished in advance.
2. Strong pressure on the nail. If your nails are soft or brittle, you should not make any serious efforts to rub in fine glitter. In this case, the rub should be carefully applied using a soft brush.
3. Incorrect gel polish application . If you violate the technology of applying gel polish to the nail plates, peeling of the coating, chipping or cracking may occur.

Consider all the nuances of the technology for applying gel polish and using rubbing. In this case, the coating will serve you for as long as possible.

On this topic:

How to apply gel polish at home: step by step

How to remove gel polish at home: available methods