Nail rub: how to use, apply, how to make a “mirror shine” rub

What is a nail rub?

By rubbing we mean a finely dispersed powdery pigment that gives a shiny effect.
Its texture resembles weightless powder or finely ground sand. The size of the glitter varies. It is recommended to use smaller ones for the first layer, and larger ones for the second and subsequent layers. If desired, you can use pigment not only of different sizes, but also of different shades. A brilliant gradient with a smooth flow from one tone to another always looks non-trivial.

The finer the rub, the more densely it is applied and the more uniform the effect.

The rub is sold in miniature jars, just like glitter. The kit often includes a special foam applicator for easy removal of the contents and application to the nails.

The pigment owes its name to the method of application. It is literally rubbed into the surface of the nails. Thanks to its fine dispersion, the pigment adheres perfectly to the base coat. His role is played by:

regular varnish;
gel;
shellac;
acrylic.

Rubbing in requires the mandatory application of a top coat. Otherwise, the pigment will only last until the first hand washing.

Useful tips when using the rub

Naturally, the main advice when performing any manicure is to use only high-quality materials, otherwise it may turn out like the well-known saying “the miser pays twice.”
If you use a brush when applying the rub, then it is better to choose a natural one with soft bristles, so the pigment will lie directly on the artificial surface and will not drag along with the brush.
The smaller the pigment particles, the better it adheres to the nail; a manicure with such a rub will always look chic. When applying two layers, use rubs of different sizes (1 mm and 2 mm), such a manicure will also look more interesting.
Before starting a manicure, prepare all the tools at once so that the process of creating “beauty” will be easier and without annoying troubles!

Benefits of rubbing

The rub quickly gained success, which is well deserved. Its main advantages include:

a more spectacular result in contrast to gel polishes with a metallic effect and foil;
ease of use - the desired manicure can be done at home;
resistance to water, solvents and sun;
easy removal from nails;
wide variety of designs;
wide selection of colors;
low cost;
economical consumption;
harmless to nails, since it is applied to the base coat.

The rub is used on both long and short nails. In the first case, it looks more impressive due to the larger area of the nail plate. Long nails allow you to see the play of light in all its glory. When using the rub on short nails, it is important to avoid flashy shades. The ideal option is pastel colors. In any case, rubbing draws attention to the manicure, so it must be flawless.

Types of rubs, their differences from each other. Advantages and disadvantages

As you already know, there are many different rubs, each pigment has its own structure, and when applied to a particular color of varnish, it can give its own unique interesting result . We will talk about several main types of rubbing:

Rubbing “Mirror shine”

Mirror pigment on nails is a bold and profitable solution. Such a manicure will always attract many admiring and surprised glances. Depending on what color of varnish the rubbing is applied to, the shade of the “mirror” shimmer will depend. It can be silver, white or even copper.

"Pearl" rub

A very gentle and romantic manicure option. Ideally emphasizes the femininity and sophistication of its owner. Suitable for both festive events and everyday life. Looks beautiful on both long and short nails. Usually, when creating a pearl effect, white and light pink tones of varnish are used as a base. But you can experiment with brighter shades.

If you wish, you can decorate a manicure with pearl pigment with rhinestones, stickers, painting, etc. Fantasy in this case is not limited by anything. Choose what you like.

Rubbing "Chafer bug"

The Maybug rub is suitable for almost any look. When applying this pigment, the effect of a play of colors (yellow, green, blue) occurs. This type of rub is often confused with the “Northern Lights” rub, but they have a difference: the Maybug pigment has warmer shades. The rub is easy to use, easy to apply, easy to remove.

The Maybug pigment has a small peculiarity - it loves a perfectly smooth surface of the nail plate. Therefore, before applying, carefully treat your nails so that there are no irregularities or nicks, otherwise you risk ruining your manicure and your mood. A similar rule also applies to mirror and steel manicure!

Rubbing “Northern Lights”

As we have already said, the difference between this rub and the “chafer bug” is expressed in a cooler color range of shades. Here we already see the play of blue, cyan, and violet shades. To achieve the “northern lights” effect, you need to use a varnish for the pigment of the appropriate color (blue, purple shades).

The Northern Lights pigment looks very beneficial on both short and long nails.

Yuki "Chameleon" flakes

The rubbing is very similar in appearance to the “northern lights” or “chafer bug”. "Yuki" translated from Japanese means snow, hence the structure that is different from other rubs - in the form of small thin plates of different sizes. You can apply them carefully without destroying the plates, or you can turn them into dust with a slight movement of your fingers and use the usual technology of applying pigment. Yuki flakes got their name “Chameleon” because they change color at different angles. The main difference between this pigment and other rubs is the huge number of application methods, each of which will give its own unique result.

Holographic rubbing

An ideal option for girls who like to “shine” everywhere and always, be it in the summer under the bright sun or in the gloomy winter, to lift their spirits. Holographic pigment is often confused with prism pigment. Both rubs have a bright shine, as they consist of tiny shiny particles that shimmer in the sunlight. The difference between the pigments is that the holographic rub has slightly larger shiny particles, while when applying a “prism”, a softer effect is obtained, close to a pearl rub.

Rubbing "Prism"

As we noted above, the “prism” pigment is almost similar to the holographic pigment, differing only in the smaller structure of shiny particles. When looking closely at the “prism” pigment, it is almost impossible to see a separate shiny particle; the coating turns out to be continuous and uniform, but no less shiny.

Steel rubbing

The pigment is a type of “mirror shine” rub. The main feature of steel pigment is its unusual metallic effect. One gets the impression that the nails are made of steel, polished to a shine. This manicure will certainly attract the attention of others. A very brutal design for brave and active girls.

Mirror rubbing “INDIGO NAILS”

Another irresistible rub option. This pigment is perfect for both everyday life and evening social events. The rub is easy to use and does not require special professional skills.

Rainbow rub

Rainbow rubbing is no different in composition from other rubbings - polyester dust, consisting of small shiny particles. In addition to the name “Rainbow Rub”, the pigment is also called “Unicorn” or “Mermaid”. The main feature of the rub is that it is a mixture of three different rubs: pearl, holographic and a little “northern lights”, resulting in an unusual “fabulous” effect.

Rub “Liquid Diamond”

With this type of pigment, every girl will look like a Hollywood star on the red carpet. An incredible dazzling metallic shine is what distinguishes this pigment from other rubs. In addition, the structure of the rub can be different, from the smallest powder to flakes. However, like other rubs, the pigment is easy to apply at home.

How to choose a rub

The rub is available in a wide variety of colors. The choice depends on personal preference. Popular shades of the rub are: pearl, red, blue, mother-of-pearl, rainbow, chameleon, gold, pink silver.

It is recommended to match the color of the rub to the base varnish. They must harmonize or complement each other. The rubbing manifests itself differently on each color.

To create a bright and rich manicure, use a base polish in dark shades. In this case, the applied rubbing will give greater depth. And, conversely, for a delicate design, give preference to calm colors, or do not use a substrate at all.

Popular and well-established brands that produce nail rubs are:

Masura;
Zoo Nail Art;
Nika Nagel.

The range of each brand is quite diverse, and prices vary.

Before purchasing, pay attention to the quality of the pigment. Cheap rubs can ruin your manicure by creating unsightly stains of unclear color.

How to use rubbing: important rules

Applying the rub is usually not difficult. The procedure does not require special skills, but has nuances that are important to know. Even a small deviation from the rules can lead to unexpected results.

Nail preparation

Thanks to its shiny effect, the rub accentuates the manicure, so it must be flawless. You cannot steam your hands in water or do a trim manicure. The optimal solution is to use a special product to remove dead skin particles and remove cuticles only with an orange stick.

The nail plate should be perfectly flat. Otherwise, the pigment will rub in poorly, and roughness and unevenness of the nail will be noticeable. Polish your nails thoroughly, remove dust and apply a good base coat to avoid bald spots. If there are any unevenness or kinks or kinks from the extension, do not apply the rub yourself. Contact a specialist who will do micromodeling. Otherwise, the pigment will simply slide into the creases of the nail plate.

It is also important to monitor the condition of the skin of your hands. It should be smooth and moisturized. On unkempt hands, a manicure with rubbing loses its attractiveness.

How to apply the rub

There are no strict rules here. It is allowed to rub the pigment in either with your fingertips or with a special manicure rubber hoof. You can use eye sponges or a brush. The latter should be loose, but soft. This allows the pigment to immediately adhere to the nail in one go.

The choice of application tool depends solely on personal convenience. It is important to distribute the rub evenly over the entire nail plate, including areas near the cuticle and side ridges. It is often difficult to do this with your fingers, so it is still advisable to use a special tool.

How to choose a varnish for rubbing

It is necessary to check the expiration date of the product and its consistency. It should not be thick and viscous.

The color of the polish does not matter when it comes to mirror manicure. It will be completely blocked by rubbing.

How to apply the rub

An important condition is that the rubbing is applied to sticky drying varnish or shellac that has not undergone polymerization. To create a mirror manicure, the top layer, on the contrary, should not be sticky, otherwise there will be no shiny effect.

It is important to apply the base coat as thinly as possible and do not forget to “seal” the nail. To do this, just walk the brush along the cut of the nail plate. Gel polish also needs to be applied thinly. Even gaps and stripes in the coating are acceptable, since the pigment will cover them anyway.

The rubbing must be coated only with a glossy topcoat. Matte finish is on trend today, but in combination with rubbing, it makes nails unattractive.

It is important not to dry out your nails in the periods between applying the base polish, top coat and rubbing. In case of overexposure in the lamp, the pigment simply will not rub in. The mirror rub is applied immediately after drying in the lamp, otherwise it will not fit well on the nails.

Application methods

Experts say that the rub is a non-fragile material, making it easy to apply at home. But before you practice, first you need to familiarize yourself with some subtleties...

Features of using the rub

In order for your manicure to turn out flawless, you must adhere to several important rules. Professionals recommend using the following tips:

The smooth and shimmering shine of the rub depends on your nail plate. It's no secret that many women's nails are uneven: somewhere there are bulges, somewhere there are dimples. Therefore, it is necessary to level the surface using gel. This is the only way a shining manicure will look perfect. Otherwise, fine powder will highlight all imperfections.
Properly selected varnish will help in creating your masterpiece. Here it is important to check the expiration date of the dye and its consistency. It should not be too thick or runny. Color doesn't matter.
You are allowed to rub in dust with your fingertips, a sponge, or an eyeshadow brush. It all depends on your preferences. Multi-layer top fixation. This is the final touch in creating a manicure. This is the product that will help the rub last a long time.

This is interesting: Did you know that American celebrity nail artist Jenna Hipp came up with an original idea - to make eyeshadow rubs? Yes, yes, she used this technique when Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Lawrence came to her for a manicure. The old decorative product did its job perfectly!

For varnish coating

Don't have time to go to a nail specialist? Do you need to look chic and with well-groomed hands this evening? A pearl rub (if you don’t have it, then use eye shadow) on regular polish will help make your nails unmatched. This is a short procedure, taking only about 30 minutes.

You will need:

pearl powder;
any varnish;
manicure set;
fluffy brush;
glossy top.

Algorithm of actions:

Do a classic manicure: give your nails the desired shape, remove cuticles, and thoroughly polish the nail surface.
Apply the varnish you like and let it dry a little (but not completely, so that a sticky layer remains).
Take pearl powder and apply it thickly on your nail. Don’t be afraid to go beyond the surface of the nail; the rub should cover both the cuticle and part of the finger (this is the only way to achieve a high-quality design).
Gently rub the particles in a circular motion, but do not overdo it: you can easily damage the varnish layer.
Use a brush to brush off any remaining powder.
Using a glossy topcoat, fix the rubbing. Apply multiple coats for stronger adhesion.
Dry the nail and move on to the next finger.

Experts say that it is not necessary to apply fine sand to all nails. You can distribute the rub over a full nail, one nail, two, etc. It all depends on your imagination and taste preferences.

For gel coating

Some girls believe that only nail technicians can apply rubbing onto gel polish. However, it is not. Even a beginner can master this technique. And you can be sure of this!

You will need:

manicure set;
Ultraviolet lamp;
leveling gel;
dehydrator;
strengthening base;
any gel polish;
rubbing (at your discretion);
glossy top.

Step by step process:

Do a classic manicure: give your nails the desired shape, polish the surface, trim the cuticles.
Apply a dehydrator to your nails.
Smooth the surface of the nail with gel and dry in an ultraviolet lamp for 1 minute.
Apply your favorite shade of gel polish onto two layers. Hold your hand in the UV lamp for 30-40 seconds.
Distribute the glossy top coat over the surface, do not forget to seal the end of the nail (this will preserve your manicure for a long time).
Using circular motions, apply a thick layer of rub. Try to distribute the powder carefully, without pressing too hard on the nail.
Carefully remove shiny particles from the skin (you can use a brush or an orange stick).
Apply glossy top coat to your nails twice and dry in a lamp for two minutes.
Remove the sticky layer with an alcohol wipe.

That's all! Decorating the marigolds is finished.

For clarity, I suggest you watch the video in which the master explains in detail how to apply the rub on gel polish.

How to rub glitter onto gel polish

You will need:

colored gel-based varnish;
glossy top coat;
fan brush;
file;
polishing buff;
sponge;
fine grinding;
Ultraviolet lamp.

Execution technique

Remove cuticles, file and polish your nails.
Degrease the plate and remove nail dust.
Apply a base layer of gel polish and cure in a lamp.
Apply a second coat to your nails and dry again.
Apply some rub to a brush and sprinkle it generously over each nail.
Rub the glitter in with a sponge and dry your nails.
Shake off excess pigment and apply top coat.

How to properly rub in “mirror shine”

You will need:

fan brush;
file;
polishing buff;
colored gel polish;
glossy top coat without a sticky layer;
black varnish base;
mirror rubbing;
drying lamp.

Execution technique

Perform a hygienic manicure: remove the cuticles, give the nails the desired shape and polish. The last procedure directly determines how well the rub will be distributed.
Degrease your nails, apply a thin layer of base varnish and dry under a lamp.
Cover your nails with gel polish and dry again.
Apply top coat and dry your nails.
Take a little rubbing onto a brush and spread over the entire plate. It is important not to leave any gaps.
Brush off any remaining pigment and coat your nails with two coats of a glossy finish, allowing time to dry in between.

To enhance the mirror shine after the first coat of finish, repeat the rubbing procedure. After this, apply another layer of finish. Mirror rubbing can be done even with a top coat, but masters still recommend following the technology to obtain a long-lasting, high-quality manicure.

Features of applying the rub. Step by step instructions

So, the workplace is prepared, the tools and necessary materials are at hand, the nails are well processed. Now you can start applying the rub. To ensure a high-quality and durable coating, you must follow the following instructions:

Applying rub on gel polish

We apply the base according to the classic scheme, not forgetting to seal the ends of the nail, and dry it under a UV lamp;
Next we apply colored varnish, one layer will be enough. Dry well under the lamp.
We take a small amount of rubbing with an applicator or a fingertip and, with gentle movements, rub the pigment into the sticky layer of shellac. Repeat application for deeper color.
Remove excess rubbing with a brush.
Dry the applied pigment under a UV lamp for 60 seconds.
We apply a glossy shine on top of the rub and also dry it with a lamp. The nail is ready.

You can apply the pigment directly to the topcoat, but it should not have a sticky layer. Next, the result is fixed with another layer of finishing coating.

How to do a manicure with prism rubbing

“Prism” is one of the varieties of mirror rubbing. It is distinguished by a finer grind, which allows you to get a 3D effect on your nails. Quite often, a prism is confused with a holographic pigment. The difference lies in the size of the grains of sand. “Prism” has a texture reminiscent of homogeneous dust and looks like sparkling mother-of-pearl. Individual sparkles are clearly visible in the holographic rub.

The choice of substrate depends on personal taste. Its color affects the shade of the “prism”. The classic application option involves using black or white rubbing.

You will need:

file;
polishing buff;
base and top coat;
colored gel polish;
sticky layer remover;
rubbing;
fan brush;
drying lamp.

Application technique

Remove cuticles, file and polish nail plates.
Apply the first base coat and let dry.
Cover with colored gel polish and dry again.
Remove the sticky layer with a special product.
Take the required amount of pigment onto the brush and apply it to the nail with light massage movements, distributing evenly.
Shake off excess glitter.
Cover your nails with a glossy topcoat in two layers and dry.

Rubbing “prism” gives nails a stylish and expensive look.

Work on mistakes

It happens that the rub does not stick to the nails and immediately peels off. This indicates that the application technique was violated. To avoid this, I suggest you familiarize yourself with common mistakes that even pros make:

Wrong size of fine particles. The rubbing can be different - from small “sugar” grains to weightless dust. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right size. In this case, it matters: large particles do not attach well to the nail surface, and very small ones take a long time to dry.
Poor choice of gel polish. If this product has a poor-quality sticky layer, then the fine powder is unlikely to adhere to it. It will immediately fly off and sadden the owner of a shining manicure.
Before applying a glossy base or topcoat, the gel polish must dry thoroughly. Otherwise, the powder will cling to the brush or sponge when applying the “top”. And this will lead to the appearance of bald spots.

These are the three most common mistakes, so be sure to pay attention to them. And then your hands will look great.

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.