Mirror gel polish manicure on nails: technology, how to apply and reviews

Progress does not stand still and this statement applies to absolutely any area of our life. Every year, dozens of new products appear in the beauty industry that can please the fair sex. A relatively new technique that has won the delight of women is mirror manicure.

Beautiful mirror manicure

Using special compositions, you can create the effect of mother-of-pearl or a mirror surface on your nails. Until recently, to achieve a similar effect, they used self-adhesive film or special foil. But the method required high qualifications from the master and was quite inconvenient. In 2021, film and foil were replaced by a special rub-in with pigment and gel polishes from various companies.

Silver and gold mirror manicure

Mirror manicure with gel polish

One of the easiest ways to create a chrome shimmer effect on your nails. Almost every company involved in the production of gel polishes offers a line that includes several shades of a mirror finish.

Dark gray manicure

Applying mirror gel polish is a pleasure. This procedure does not require special skills and any girl can afford such a manicure by doing it herself. If we talk about the composition of this coating, it is:

does not contain toxins;
the material is easy to work with;
The liquid has no unpleasant odor.

Applying nail polish

Features of manicure with mirror varnish

In the diverse color palette of mirror varnishes, silver color is especially popular and versatile. It is suitable for absolutely all girls, regardless of their age and occupation.

Note! It looks very impressive on nails and the mirror metallic coating with a chameleon effect has won recognition.

Despite the spectacular appearance, making a manicure with mirror polish is not at all difficult. For this you do not need any additional tools.

But to get an impeccable result, you must follow these steps:

The manicure must be performed impeccably, since the mirror coating will definitely highlight all the roughness.
Before application, be sure to apply a colorless base to the nail plate.
Since the texture of the varnish is quite dense, shake the bottle before each use.
Apply the first layer of varnish, slightly away from the cuticle, in a thin layer.
When applying the next coat, control the amount of varnish on the brush to prevent bubbles.
Apply the polish in three quick strokes, first in the center and then on the sides of the nail plate.
Wait for the coating to dry completely.
Apply a sealer to ensure durability of the coating.
Correct any errors with a correction pencil.

Then you will certainly be pleased with a mirror manicure with gel polish. You can see a photo of a manicure using mirror polish in this article.

Application method

If we talk about the application technique, then there are some differences before applying regular gel polish without any effect. You just need to follow some recommendations that will help you achieve perfect coverage.

First you need to prepare the nail plate, walk over it with a buff, degrease and apply a layer of primer.
Cover your nails with base coat and place in the pampa.
Apply any desired metallic effect base and cure using a lamp.
Apply a tint that will cover the resulting sparkling layer, dry, and repeat the procedure if necessary.
Secure the resulting result with a topcoat and remove the unwanted sticky layer.

Bright mirror manicure

As a rule, mirror gel polish is available in 10 ml bottles. Thanks to the low liquid consumption, the coating will be used as economically as possible and will last for a long time. Mirror glitter gel polish for nails looks amazing not only as an everyday manicure. Due to its radiance, this coating is appropriate as an addition to a chic evening dress for any festive occasion.

Multi-colored nails with mirror polish

IMPORTANT! This coating must be applied with a special sponge, brush or fingers. The coating should be driven into the nail plate, starting from the base.

Rubbing (powder) for nails - instructions: how to use, how to apply step by step. Video lesson

To create a flawless manicure using rubbing, you will need the following:

Base coat;
Rubbing;
Gel polish;
Brush;
UV (or LED) lamp;
Top coating.

Procedure:

First, the usual hygienic treatment of the nail is performed: filing and polishing, removing the cuticle. For a flawless “mirror” manicure, it is important that the polish and polish are applied to perfectly smooth nails, so special attention must be paid to polishing;
The surface of the nails is degreased;
The nail plates are covered with a thin layer of base coat and dried using a UV (2 minutes) or LED lamp (30 seconds);
Gel polish is applied to the nails and dried;
Next is coating with a top coat (without a sticky base) and drying again;
Now carefully pour mirror powder onto the prepared nail and rub it with your finger or using an applicator over the entire plate from the cuticle to the edge of the nail. The remains are brushed off with a brush. If desired, the rub can be applied twice;
Everything is secured with a double application of topcoat.

Important points:

The color of the manicure should be chosen based on the length of the nails. Short nails look better in light colors, long nails like darker colors (but not bright red and the like - then the image will be vulgar). Any color scheme will look good on neat, medium-length nails.
The smaller the particles of powder, the more densely it applies, and the better the effect on the nails.
The result must be secured with a glossy finish; a matte finish will not allow the mirror effect to appear and will simply ruin the manicure.

"Mirror Shine"

The “Mirror Shine” nail rub outperforms other products - varnish, foil and the like, since it perfectly covers the surface, be it the entire plate or just part of it. The most popular colors: gold, bronze and silver, as well as blue, pink, burgundy. Now the colors of precious stones, such as emerald, ruby, and aquamarine, have come into fashion.

An ideal mirror surface requires very careful handling, since any scratch on it will immediately catch your eye.

Pearl rub

A manicure made using pearl rubbing makes any look romantic and unusually gentle. That is why brides have increasingly begun to prefer this nail design. Soft tints and noble shine highlight the beauty of hands and look great on nails of any length and different designs.

Pearl manicure looks best with delicate summer dresses and clothes in light pastel colors.

To achieve the effect of natural pearls, it is recommended to use white gel polish or light nude shades as a substrate for pearlescent rubbing. However, if you want to experiment, you can apply pearl powder to a black or colored base.

Metal rubbing

Metallic rubbing differs from mirror rubbing in that it makes the surface of the nail more matte, “chrome-plated” . Most often, this option is used not in the entire manicure, but on one or two accent nails.

Using this rub, you can create an everyday manicure with a slight shimmer or achieve a clear metallic effect. Depending on the color of the base polish, your nails may also look different.

A light gel polish under a metallic rub will make the manicure soft and unobtrusive, a dark base will turn it into a noticeable and rich one, and the colored background will look like a metallic rainbow.

Don't miss the most popular article in the section: How to extend nails with gel polish. Nail extension instructions for beginners. Photo.

Mirror rub for nails

This method of nail design has become an absolute favorite among nail design artists and their clients. Achieving the desired effect is quite simple. To do this you need to use a mirror rub. In other words, this is very finely ground aluminum powder, which is applied to the layer of gel polish you have chosen.

Light mirror manicure

You should prepare your nails as thoroughly as possible for applying such powder, because it emphasizes all the flaws and irregularities as much as possible. Therefore, manicurists recommend using a special leveling base.

Varieties

For many girls, mirror manicure with gel polish is associated with a shiny silver coating. In fact, the range of manicure products is presented in a wide color palette. Moreover, any colored mirror coating can be complemented with an original hand-painted pattern. Manicure can be decorated with ribbons, rhinestones, and beads. Masters and fashionistas using mirror gel polish in the photo claim that this type of manicure is stylish and modern. And in order to achieve the desired stunning effect, it is recommended to adhere to the technology of applying reflective gel polishes.

Which coating color to choose

So, before applying the mirror rub on the gel polish, you need to choose the color of the substrate, which the gel polish will serve as. If you've ever encountered nail pigment, you'll notice that it has a translucent color. Want to achieve a gilded effect on your nails? It is better to choose a dark gel polish, preferably black. On colored gel polish, you can achieve a pearlescent effect using a mirror coating.

Golden rub

The range of powders is quite wide and it is important to understand exactly what kind of shimmer on your nails you want to achieve. It’s not difficult to understand the variety of pigments; you just need to know the characteristics of each of them. There are gold, silver, and metallic pigments of different colors.

Blue nails with mirror polish

Among the most common:

pearl rub;
chromium;
"Northern lights".

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 2021 is the color chameleon.

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

Pearl rub

This manicure will look impressive not only on long, but also on short nails. You can apply pigment not only to gel polish, but also to regular polish. Thanks to its delicate shine, this type of nail design has won millions of fans. The nail coating can be done in one color or applied shades that are similar in color, but contrasting.

The undeniable advantages of this method are:

ease of working with pigment;
the base can be any color, but it is better to stick to the most natural shades.

Nail rub

It is better to apply the pigment with your fingers, gradually and gently rubbing it into the nail plate. In some cases, it is recommended to work with a special applicator that comes with the rub. Don't forget to seal the result with a top coat that has a glossy finish.

Mirror rubbing - fashionable manicure

Techniques for applying mirror manicure

Usually, if you choose a certain style, you need to master the method of applying it. But with mirror manicure the situation is different. There are several ways to create it, they vary in complexity, durability, and aesthetics.

There are five most common methods:

Extended mirror nails

The method of extending metal plates is complex, since the plate must exactly match the shape of the nail, and the specific material requires special heating to take the required shape, and special attention and skill on the part of the artist.
The result is the closest to a mirror effect; the coating remains smooth for a long time.

Mirror overlays
False mirror nails

false nails yourself.
You need to choose the color and shape of your nails. This manicure can be done quite quickly. If necessary, the shape can be adjusted on your nails using a special file.
Mirror effect nail polish
Varnish. It is quite simple and easy to use, especially at home. It is worth choosing special varnishes marked “mirror” , which means “mirror” .
It should be of medium consistency; it is better to apply it with a wide, dense brush so that the manicure is uniform.
You can use the following varnishes: Layla Mirror Effect Nail Polish, China Glaze Millenium, Essie Mirror Metallics . Also, the mirror effect is available in the line of such a well-known brand as MAYBELLINE.
Foil . Has a wide variety of colors. The method is average in complexity, but you can create it at home.
Stickers . This method is the most complex and has a huge number of nuances. We'll talk about them below.

Foil and stickers are not common methods. They are not used very often at home, so it is worth focusing on how to properly do this manicure at home.

Chrome rubbing

This is a fine dispersive pigment that has the texture of powder. To create a chrome manicure, you need to prepare your nails, apply a base coat and any color to them. For best results, it is recommended to use black gel polish. After applying the top without a sticky coating, you can begin the fun part, namely decorating your nails with pigment. It should be applied with trampling movements, starting from the hole. After the procedure, remove excess powder.

Silver gel polish

This coverage:

stays on nails for at least 2 weeks;
easy to apply;
Can be applied over regular polish, gel polish or acrylic.

The procedure for creating a mirror with gel polish

Having chosen the appropriate composition for a glossy manicure, let's start creating it. No one needs to be taught how to apply the most common product to a surface for a long time. There is, perhaps, only a recommendation - to use a base and a fixer.

The surface of the nail must be perfectly leveled before applying the mirror coating, otherwise all the grooves and bumps will be obvious.

Masura powder

This article will tell you why you need a primer for gel polish.

Another thing is gel polish. A modern product that, if the technology is followed, lasts up to three weeks, is not afraid of either active life or washing dishes. You don’t have to go to a salon for this kind of pleasure; you can spend a little more time at home.

So, we present a mini-instruction on how to do a manicure step by step using a hybrid of gel and polish:

Preparation. To do this, the cuticle is moved back, freeing the plate, and the latter is leveled, disinfected and treated from excess moisture and fat.
The base is applied first, the function of which is to level the surface and ensure a stable bond of all layers. It must be dried in a UV lamp.
Coating with colored varnish is carried out with vertical strokes, starting from the center and ending at the edges. This method will ensure maximum reflective effect. The layer is also dried in a lamp.
The last thing to apply is the fixative (top coat) and again dry it under UV rays.

Layla

If your curls have become brittle and dull, read why you need hair conditioner.

Even a sparkling monochromatic manicure in itself is self-sufficient and creates an extraordinary or festive look. Most often, fashionistas choose shades of noble metals - gold or silver. The palettes of many manufacturers include many more colors.

And yet, fashionable nail design allows you to diversify the uniform mirror finish. Today it is popular to do this using colored vertical stripes, abstract or geometric patterns.

You can add patterns from more matte products to the shiny surface, which will become an original nail decoration. But as for volumetric rhinestones, it is better to use them with caution (for example, on one finger) so as not to overload the image and not cross the line of bad taste.

El corazon Kaleidoscope

You can find recipes for homemade hair lamination with gelatin here.

"Northern lights"

Many women are interested in how they can achieve the “Northern Lights” effect on their nails using rubbing. It's very simple, the pigment contains tiny reflective particles. Working with this material is no less easy than with the previous ones. The rub should be applied to any colored coating that has been previously dried or to a topcoat. To obtain an excellent result, the nail design master should apply a second layer of rub on the previously applied topcoat. Thus:

manicure will last longer;
your nails will acquire a dazzling shine.

Now there is no need to visit beauty salons every week to update your manicure. With the advent of gel polish, this procedure can be visited no more than 2 times a month. And a mirror rub on gel polish will become an invariable companion to your perfect manicure. In addition, you can apply this coating to your nails yourself, without visiting a nail design specialist.

Fashionable manicure ideas with a mirror effect

So that you can choose a suitable manicure with a mirror effect, created using rubbing or other materials, we have made a selection of photos with ideas.

Mirror manicure with varnish with foil and tips

Using tips, you can create a very beautiful and quick mirror manicure. Remember that it will look stylish only if you choose the right size.

A special varnish with a metallic effect will also help create such a stylish design.

Foil is a great helper for girls who want to create an original manicure on their own.

Gold and silver mirror manicure

One of the brightest trends this year is a gold mirror manicure, which looks flawless on both long and short nails.

The silvery shine and the effect of “chrome” nails are suitable for lovers of long lengths.

A soft golden glow will add tenderness and mystery to your image.

Silver glitter will highlight the impeccable shape of the nail and attract maximum attention to your hands.

A combination of different rubs in one manicure is a solution for brave fashionistas.

Colored mirror manicure

To ensure that your nails are not just shiny, but have a certain shade, the rub can be applied to a colored base or you can use powder of the desired shade. This way you can get, for example, a fashionable blue manicure with a mirror effect.

Blue mirror manicure is another charming idea that will suit those with cool skin tones.

Mirror manicure with chameleon effect

Nails look very mysterious and stylish, the shade of which depends on the angle at which the rays of light fall. They fascinate with their soft tints.

Silver “chameleons” also look very original and will make your hands unusually attractive.

The delicate shades of this manicure are suitable for romantic girls and look great on short nails.

This effect can be achieved either with rubbing or with a special varnish, but in the latter case the shine will be weaker.

Combination of mirror and color manicure

By highlighting only some of your nails with chameleon or mirror polish, you will add expressiveness to your manicure.

This duo looks especially good with light shades of varnish.

A matte finish on some nails and a mirror finish on others is a very stylish solution.

Decor of mirror nails

By decorating these nails with designs and rhinestones, you can feel like an eastern queen.

Mysterious play of shades, pebbles, stripes-stickers - all this is perfectly combined with such a manicure.

Even small rhinestones will add even more mystery to the look.

Painting with a special paste will add a touch of femininity.

Fashionable animal patterns will complement the mirror design.

Combination with other types of design

The combination of mirror and marble manicure is a great idea that will be appreciated by fashionistas who love laconicism.

By highlighting the hole with golden glitter, you will create an amazing effect.

You can also use mirror elements to emphasize the free edge.

Reverse French with a mirror effect is a stylish and elegant design.

Using a mirror rub, you can leave the hole transparent - this will add lightness to the design.

You can use the rub both to create an independent design, and as an additional element for a lunar manicure, as in the left photo.

How to properly do a mirror manicure at home

If, while looking through stylish new nail products, a mirror manicure caught your attention and you cannot take your eyes off such photos, we offer an algorithm that describes the sequence of actions step by step: before making such a design, be sure to perform a hygiene procedure. It can be either trimmed (in this case, first make a bath for the hands, after which the cuticle and dead skin are removed from the nail folds using tweezers and scissors), or untrimmed (in this case, the cuticle is treated with special remover compounds, after which push away with an orange stick).

Pay special attention to processing the free edge: the slightest flaw in the shape will be very noticeable. You can only file dry nails - after the bath you need to wait at least 7-10 minutes.

After this, you can start creating a mirror manicure at home: select the desired type of product and use the following step-by-step instructions.

Instructions on how to do a mirror manicure yourself

To create a design using rubbing , apply it to shellac or regular varnish. In the first case, you need to cover your nails with a base, then with one or two layers of colored gel polish (dry each one in a lamp). Remember that you need to dry it a little longer so that the material has time to properly polymerize. Without removing residual stickiness, apply a small amount of powder to the nail, then rub it in with a sponge, brush or finger. When the surface is shiny, brush off any remaining glitter with a fluffy brush and seal with topcoat. In the case of regular varnish, you should proceed in the same way, but the rubbing is applied when the second layer of varnish is not completely dry.
To create a mirror shine using stickers , select them depending on the width of your nails. Then prepare the nail plate: treat it with a buff so that the surface is perfectly smooth. Wipe your nails with nail polish remover (this will degrease them). Then use the stickers: warm them up a little (for example, by holding them near a table lamp) until they become elastic. Apply each one to the nail plate and level it, starting from the base of the nail towards the free edge. This can be done conveniently using a cotton swab or disk. The remainder of the sticker is cut off with scissors, and the edge is processed with a file. You can secure the result with a top coat.

Another way to create a beautiful mirror manicure at home is to use special foil . It needs to be “set” on the glue, so the sequence of actions should be as follows: preparing the nail plate (treating it with a buffer for the smoothest possible surface), applying glue (make sure it doesn’t flow under the cuticle). Wait a couple of minutes, then apply the foil to the nail and press it carefully. Using smooth movements of an orange stick, level the material. Remove excess pieces of foil. This type of design does not require a finishing coat.

The simplest ways to create a mirror manicure are to cover your nails with mirror gel polish (usually one layer is enough, and this procedure is no different from applying a regular colored coating) or to glue mirror tips. To fix them on your nails, first select products that are suitable in size, then degrease your own nails and coat them with glue. Apply the tips, press for a few seconds - and you're done, you can show off to others your flawless manicure with a radiant shine.

Any manicure always looks great on healthy nails, so don’t forget to take special vitamins.