Crackling nail polish

Hello, dear readers! Have you noticed that vintage nail art is back in fashion? Many girls use craquelure nail polish to highlight their individuality. Want “snake skin marigolds”? Or maybe you are attracted to spider manicure? Then you should definitely get acquainted with the amazing craquelure coating.

Today I will tell you what this design is and how to do it correctly. You will also learn the techniques used by professionals when applying such varnish and the rating of its best brands.

"Cracked" technology

Do you agree that a regular manicure has long ceased to be the harsh reality of a well-groomed woman? Now it can rightfully be considered a part of fine art. There are so many techniques that can be used to make real masterpieces out of tiny ladies’ nails!

So the nail industry, several years ago, borrowed the technique of artistic aging in painting - craquelure (in other words - crackle, crack). Translated from French, “craquelure” means “crack.” Which led to the creation of vintage nails in manicure.

What is craquelure?

More and more new trends are appearing in such an area of art as manicure. Yes, yes, you were not mistaken, manicure has long ceased to be a severe necessity for a well-groomed woman and has become a part of fine art! Volumetric design, extensions, drawings using acrylic paints and gel polish, decoration with rhinestones - all this can turn tiny ladies’ nails into real masterpieces.

What is craquelure? A manicure with this name may be associated with something magical. However, there is no magic in this technique; you only need two products to apply the color to your nails.

Artificial aging of manicure became fashionable at the beginning of 2011 and still remains relevant. This technique is chosen by both young fashionistas and serious adult ladies. Still would! According to the women themselves, craquelure looks stylish, unusual and relevant.

Nail polish with a craquelure effect, as soon as it appeared on the market, was immediately loved by many girls. “Crackelure” is not a Russian word, this term is borrowed from French. True, it was initially used not in nail design, but in furniture decor. Translated, the word means “giving the effect of an antique, cracked surface.” The craquelure effect is used to decorate mirror frames, furniture surfaces, and for some time now has been a worthy and effective decoration for the nails of beautiful ladies.

Varieties

Ten years ago, “antique” designs on nails were created using a brush, then they got the hang of using foil. However, the nail industry does not stand still. Experts have created a varnish with a craquelure effect.

This is interesting. What do you think causes cracking? It turns out it's all down to one tricky component. The varnish contains a special solvent, the particles of which repel each other at the molecular level. As a result, small cracks and veins appear, which expose the first layer of coating.

These days, four types of craquelure on nails are most often used:

python - imitation snake skin;
crocodile - your nails will look like the skin of this reptile;
cobweb - the nail is strewn with small cracks that look like a cobweb;
fence crack - creates an imitation of large cracks, like on an old, shabby fence.

Craquelure coating can be hard or soft. The first is the most popular in nail art. This is what allows you to create pronounced cracks.

Create openwork cracks

Making a craquelure manicure is quite simple. Any of us can easily cope with this task, even at home. However, before moving on to step-by-step recommendations, I would like to tell you a little about some of the nuances in working with such a coating.

This is interesting. Did you know that craquelure has one very unusual and interesting property? As the varnish coating dries, cracks of various lengths and shapes appear - they never repeat! As a result, each of your nails will have a completely unique design.

Design secrets

Creating a spectacular craquelure coating depends primarily on the correct combination of colors and the right combination of two primary colors. There are several subtleties to achieve the perfect manicure with imitation cracks. The nail experts' recommendations are as follows:

Choose complementary shades of varnish. This way you will get the most natural nail surface with small cracks.
For a more pronounced openwork pattern, use contrasting or bright colors (classic - black and white).
For pronounced deep cracks, spread the varnish in a thick layer.
In order not to spoil the appearance of your nails, do not use a transparent varnish or hardener as a base. Otherwise, the decor will look like unerased old remnants from a previous manicure.
Not quite sure how to apply once the polish is completely dry? Here you can deviate from the rules (paint from the base to the edge of the nail) and distribute the substance randomly. This will give you a more interesting finish.

Execution technique

In order to do a crack manicure, you need to acquire the following tools and materials:

manicure set;
"base";
regular colored polish or you can use gel polish;
craquelure varnish;
finishing coating.

First of all, you need to do a classic manicure: remove the old coating (if any), file your nails and give them the desired shape, polish the surface with buff.

Then you will need to perform the following series of actions:

Paint your nails with the “base” and let it dry thoroughly.
Apply regular varnish. Choose the color depending on the craquelure. Don't forget that the tones must match.
Cover your nails with several layers of crackling nail polish. Do this carefully and quickly, since the substance tends to harden at lightning speed.
Spread the top coat and let it dry for 3-5 minutes. Manicure is ready!

Advice. Before opening a bottle of craquelure, you need to roll it out well between your palms. This is due to the fact that small particles that are responsible for cracking usually settle at the bottom.

I suggest you watch a video in which the master shows how to apply gel polish with a craquelure effect. There is nothing complicated about it. You can see for yourself!

Crackling nail polish

The latest innovation in nail art is the introduction of crackle nail polish, also called python nail polish and craquelure nail polish. Translated from French, the word “craquelure” means crack, and such varnishes were previously used exclusively for furniture and paintings in order to create the effect of an antique object. It was from this area that this idea transferred to the nail industry, and a way to obtain the effect of a cracked, “old” nail surface appeared. It should be noted that manicure with cracking varnish has become a hit today and more and more girls are thinking about how to apply cracking varnish.

Cracks on nails are caused by applying craquelure over varnish - a base of a different color. The result is cracks through which the color of the underlying varnish is visible. Cracked nail polish is classified according to the type of cracks:

Small cracks, through which the layer of underlying varnish is barely visible, are created when using spider craquelure;
Large cracks, through which the color of the underlying varnish is clearly visible, are created using fence craquelure.

How to properly apply cracking varnish?

Let's take a closer look at how to use cracking varnish, because the final result also depends on compliance with certain conditions. So, here are all the stages of a manicure with cracking varnish:

You should clean your nails of varnish, glitter, etc. using a special product without acetone and give them the desired shape;
Next, a base varnish is applied, which will show through the cracks in the nails. Of course, you need to think about an effective combination and choose the right colors. The combination of black and white colors, as well as base varnishes in pink and gold colors, look win-win. The same can be said about the use of various varnishes with glitter as a base. It all depends on your mood; to create a bright manicure, use contrasting shades. If you want a more delicate manicure, you should turn to pastel colors. The duo of white varnish and baked milk varnish looks very good, creating a porcelain effect. To introduce current Gzhel motifs, turn to a combination of soft blue and white colors. Don't be afraid to experiment and use the full range of colors. It is optimal to apply two layers of base varnish to obtain a rich color. Dry the base polish on your nails completely.
Then you need to apply a thin layer of crackling varnish over the base varnish. We wait until the layer dries and watch how cracks of various shapes spread on the nails. If you want to get harder and more pronounced cracks, then you need to apply as thin a layer of top varnish as possible and use a dried brush for each nail.
The final touch to an unusual manicure will be the application of a fixative, colorless varnish. This step is mandatory, as it will give your nails shine and the cracking effect polish will not disappear from the nails ahead of time.

Thus, the above is the answer to the most pressing question of the season: how to paint nails with cracking varnish. Remember that only with careful implementation of all stages of manicure will the result be amazing. And using different color combinations, you can express your mood or make a manicure to match your outfit or accessories. Of course, you can go to a salon and get a manicure with cracking polish and not have to think about how to paint your nails with it. But the process seems quite accessible to any girl. However, everyone will choose where to apply cracking nail polish on their own. What is certain is that such a manicure will not go unnoticed, the main thing is that it matches the situation and your style.

Craquelure varnish: review of the best brands

Many companies produce cracked varnish coatings. They are available for both professional and home use. Below I have given a rating of the most popular manufacturers.

O.P.I.

American brand, leader in the nail industry. Sells craquelure varnishes in natural shades: olive, coral, pearl, gray, gray-brown. After drying, the effect of small cracks is created. All products have a liquid texture, so you need to apply the varnish in several (4-5) layers. Lasts a long time. There is only one drawback - the palette is not very rich, the colors are dim. The price for 15 ml is at the level of 600-700 rubles.

D.L.

Dance Legend is a Russian company that has been on the nail industry market for 15 years. Craquelure varnish is presented in a wide range of colors, so you can come up with a variety of combinations. Dries quickly, lasts a long time, cracks well. The cost of a 12 ml bottle is about 300 rubles.

El Corazon Crackle

Russian manufacturer of cosmetics. This is a budget brand. However, the quality of the products remains at a high level. The line of craquelure varnishes is presented in a large assortment. You can find any color: from dark to very bright. The company claims that all craquelure coatings begin to crack within 10 seconds of application. They dry quickly and do not require many layers (two are enough). The price for a small bottle is from 150 rubles.

China Glaze

This is not Chinese at all, as one might assume, but the most American brand. The company appeared in California and gained fame in the mid-1990s. Produces products for professionals in the nail industry. The craquelure coating is durable, there is a rich palette of shades. Does not require the application of a colorless “top”, since the varnish does not fade. You can buy the product in specialized stores. Cost – from 300 rubles.

Sally Hanson

Also an American company, it has occupied one of the leading positions in the nail industry market for 50 years. Varnishes with a craquelure effect have a wide range of shades and last a long time. The brush is easy to use. The consistency of the substance is thick. It cracks well, spreads evenly, and produces interesting patterns. The price is around 400 rubles.

How to apply craquelure varnish?

Take these recommendations into account and you will end up with the perfect manicure:

Get a manicure and lubricate your hands with cream.
Buff clean, oil-free nails and coat them with a care product like smart enamel. This preparation of the nail plate will allow the manicure to last for at least a week.
Apply a second coat of varnish. This is the base layer that will show through the cracks of the craquelure. Attention! This varnish must dry well before applying the craquelure directly. Also, be responsible when choosing the color of the base varnish. If you apply the color base carelessly, the cracks will not turn out beautiful.
Let's apply craquelure. Shake the bottle with the product thoroughly before doing this - craquelure contains heavy particles that settle to the bottom of the container. Apply the varnish in one stroke, as the product begins to crack literally immediately after application. If you apply craquelure in two or three layers, then cracks will not form or will be unsightly. The product is best applied with a dry brush. To do this, wipe it with a sponge after each application of varnish.
After applying the craquelure effect varnish, let it dry and coat the top with a fixative.

Reviews

I decided to find out how girls feel about cracked manicure technology. I suggest you read the opinions of consumers. They are taken from popular Internet resources.

Anya, 22 years old - “I love experiments in manicure, so I was happy to purchase an inexpensive craquelure varnish from the Russian brand El Corazon. I liked the effect with cracks, I chose universal colors. The appearance of the marigolds changed immediately. Many didn’t even believe that it was such a varnish - they thought that I had painted the nail plate like that.”
Zhenya, 31 years old - “For 15 years now, I can’t imagine my nails without coating. I bought a new product from OPI - craquelure varnish. But at first I didn’t know how to use it. It turns out there is nothing complicated about this. The craquelure fits well on the nail, the cracking effect appears after 2-3 minutes. It’s a pity that this design didn’t last long – only 5 days.”
Marina, 28 years old - “Once I tried to give myself a cracked manicure using varnish from Dance Legend. To be honest, I didn’t understand this design at all. Yes, it looks unusual, but after applying the black craquelure it felt like I was digging in the garden and forgot to wash my hands. The effect is for an amateur."

Let's sum it up

Craquelure nail polish once made a real splash in the nail industry. With its help you can achieve an amazing “aged” or “animal” image on the nail plate.
In order for it all to look appropriate, it is important to correctly combine shades. But don't be afraid to experiment! This is welcome.
The coating process is quite simple and does not require much time. Even a beginner can handle the technique.
For a long-lasting craquelure manicure, choose proven products. Focus on consumer reviews and don’t be afraid to imagine.

Have you done craquelure on your nails? What do you think of this technology? Share your opinion in the comments!

See you in the next articles!

Bright ideas and stylish designs

To make a bright and noticeable craquelure on your nails, you don’t have to rack your brains about it. We will be happy to share with you a collection of photos with unusual ideas for vintage manicure. To begin with, we would like to present you a nail design in a composition of complementary shades. Chic and discreet nail art looks very rich and elegant. You can easily create the effect of crocodile or python skin on your nails. In the photo you see a manicure that will make you a real queen.

If you're drawn to a bolder nail design, don't be afraid to experiment with color. A bright contrast in manicure is perfect for both summer days and a noisy party. Apply cracking varnish not only according to the growth of the nails, but also perpendicularly or diagonally.

Having mastered the technology, try combining several colors of craquelure, creating the effect of a gradient manicure. In addition, you can decorate each finger in a different style. If you are an extraordinary person, then you will probably like the bright ideas presented in the photo.

Did you like the craquelure effect on your nails? Then go for it and get ready for an excellent result. After all, as you understand, the technology for applying a vintage coating is quite simple and understandable. To dispel your doubts in your own abilities, in conclusion, we invite you to watch an educational video lesson, the author of which will share his own experience in creating a unique and picturesque manicure.