How to glue mica to gel polish. Gel polishes “liquid mica”: photos of nail designs with shiny gel polishes, ideas for trendy manicure

Every girl wants to be irresistible, and sometimes in order to show herself to the world, a couple of catchy designs or beautiful iridescent particles on her nails are enough. This manicure looks very stylish and expensive, but in reality it is not anything complicated: the main material is mica, and it is very easy to work with.

What it is?

First of all, mica is a mineral. It is often found in nature and has a pleasant iridescent mother-of-pearl appearance, shines and has a very pleasant texture. It has also been used in jewelry, and in cosmetics. Mica is most often used for manicure, but this is no longer the same natural material, but artificial, but completely repeating the properties of its natural counterpart.

Kinds

Most often, artificial mica is produced in liquid or dry form - the first option is more popular, the liquid texture is easier to use, spreads well and is the most common. Liquid mica is an almost non-relief fine sparkling powder in varnish form, so the manicure with it comes out smooth and perfectly even. It can be used on both short and long long nails, and also at home - liquid mica is easy to work with. Dry mica looks like very small shiny dense plates that look like foil or shavings. It can easily be confused with a holographic rub. There is a single-color crumbly mica, with combined colors or plates of different sizes and shapes - the choice is truly huge, and it is sold in every major cosmetic store. It is this type that is most often used for extensions or the so-called design “ Aquarium».

Also worth a special mention is the chameleon mica. It can be either liquid or dry, and consists of particles of similar shades shimmering in the sun - for example, red and orange or pink and purple. They refract under the sun and create a color changing effect.

Peculiarities

It is thanks to mica that you can create a 3D effect on your nails. It can create a truly raised pattern with a flat, smooth finish. Various patterns under a transparent top look very interesting, especially in combination with rhinestones, beads and patterns. In general, the manicure options with this miracle of the cosmetic industry are amazing. It will be equally interesting to look like a French manicure with iridescent tips, patterns and drawings with mica, combinations of several different colors on the nails.

You can also find varnishes with mica - its particles are already mixed into the varnish, so all that remains is to cover your nails with it.

With dry mica you can create real holography on your nails - particles of different sizes refract differently in the light and sparkle differently. From a distance, liquid mica looks more like regular glitter. If necessary, you can also chop dry mica yourself using nail scissors. And what’s also really amazing is the price of mica - it’s quite inexpensive, and if you use regular gel polish rather than gel polish, you can also save on materials.

How to use?

Working with dry and liquid mica, of course, is quite different from each other. However, there is one constant - nails need to be prepared step by step in any case. File them down, remove or tidy up the cuticles, use peeling or salt bath, and at the end, moisten them thoroughly, and then degrease them. Next, apply one layer of gel polish and dry thoroughly. After that - the second layer, but do not let it dry completely and do not remove the sticky layer, because this is where the mica should adhere. Using an orange stick or toothpick, start transferring the mica plates onto the nail. Act carefully, quickly, but not hastily - the particles should not touch the side rollers and cuticles.

Now it’s the turn of the cling film. Carefully pack your finger into it, while at the same time gently pressing the mica onto the nail with patting movements of the fingertips. Place your finger under the gel lamp for twenty to thirty seconds. The final step is to apply a layer of sealer. Make sure that the mica lies tightly under it and does not fall off - the nail should be perfectly smooth, without roughness. Pollen may form - shake it off, apply more fixative and now you can remove the sticky layer.

Also, it is crumbly mica that is used for extensions.

Getting started is no different from regular extensions - you need to form the nail with acrylic or gel in special forms located under the free edge of the natural nail. After applying colored varnish and carefully using an orange stick or a toothpick, you can use a dot to distribute pieces of mica on the not yet completely dry coating. Next, dry your nails in a lamp and apply top coat – twice if necessary. Unlike dry mica, liquid mica is distributed with a flat brush or the one that comes with it in the package. You should dry the first layer of varnish in the same way, without removing the sticky layer, carefully distribute the powder over it - it applies easily - and dry it in a lamp for about twenty seconds. In the case of liquid mica, applying a second layer of topcoat is not necessary - the nail plate is already level.

Aquarium design

A special mention is due to the design called “ Aquarium“, because mica became popular precisely because of him. This technique allows you to apply to your nails volumetric patterns or compositions from various materials(mica, glitter, sequins, powder, dried flowers) and hide them behind a “glass” top – a product that creates a three-dimensional effect. Upon examination, it seems that the images are hidden behind glass and placed in an aquarium with water. " Aquarium"is also distinguished not only by its beauty, but also by its strength and durability - the “glass” top lasts about eight weeks and reliably seals the pattern, which allows you to safely engage in any active activities. It is suitable for any length and shape of the nail, you can also do extensions with it - it is easier and more enjoyable to paint on long nails.

Mica is ideal for this technique because it comes in the form of iridescent plates or sand, the shine of which only intensifies under the glass coating. It also completely smoothes out all the unevenness that may appear in the case of a dry type of product and, as it were, fills in all the flaws and micro-cracks of the varnish itself. As a rule, such a manicure looks very complicated - it seems as if the drawing was made special paints or in several layers - but it’s all about the glass top.

Geometry on nails

Dry mica big size Ideal for creating geometric patterns. It can be cut into different pieces and create the effects of cracked glass or shards. Main principle geometric manicure consists of using various shapes - triangles, squares or rectangles, which are easy to cut out of dry mica. In this case, you will need a base varnish - black or any other will look great dark shade, gel polish kit and light coarse dry mica. You must come up with a pattern in advance, cut the mica into the required pieces and then carefully glue it onto a still sticky layer of varnish, cover with cling film and wait.

The base polish can be matte, which will create even more contrast, and you can also use mica not on all fingers.

French

French manicure is an unshakable classic. This is the manicure when the tip of the nail is covered with more dark varnish than its base. But no one bothers you to change this design a little - for example, paint the plate with roses or other colors, and make the tip sparkling. To do this, you will need the usual set - gel polish, gel lamp, stencils for French manicure and mica itself - it can be either liquid or dry. In the case of nail extensions, also the shape and material. The principle of operation is not much different from covering the entire nail with mica – it’s just a matter of stencils. First of all, prepare your nails as usual - file, trim, remove cuticles and degrease.

Mica for nails is an artificial, very light decorative material that, thanks to its iridescent shine, resembles natural minerals. It happens various forms, sizes, colors and shades.

Nail designs with mica, especially in the sun, shimmer beautifully and give nail art a special depth. More often this material is used for volumetric designs (aquarium) in professional beauty salons, although you can make beautiful and fashionable nails at home.

Volumetric nail design with mica

The technique of designing nails with mica is actually not difficult; any girl can do it while at home. It's another matter if you want to get voluminous nail art on artificial nails. This will require basic knowledge of nail extensions with gel or acrylic. And in the case of more complex designs, you cannot do without the help of a nail service specialist. Let's look at the basic elements of designing with mica on extended nails:

• process the natural nail using a nail file and bonder, set the shape;
• use acrylic or gel to lay out the free edge;
• when working with acrylic, without waiting for it to dry, apply mica to the nail using a brush or dot;
• when working with gel, after polymerization, you need to lay mica on the gel (it will be fixed due to the sticky layer);
• lay out the next layer of acrylic or gel (polymerize), file, sand, and cover with finishing gel. And the manicure with mica is ready!

This manicure will decorate women’s hands; it looks gentle and elegant. Mica can be used in many designs, on any length and shape of nails, it will add a festive mood.

French manicure with mica at home

There are many options for mica nail designs that can be done at home. For example, you can cover the entire nail with decorative material, you can lay out a design, etc. We suggest trying to make a french coat from mica. To make beautiful French manicure

• with mica at home, you need to prepare:
• mica;
• clear nail polish;

dots.

• Design technique:
• apply clear varnish;
• Before the varnish has hardened, quickly and carefully transfer small pieces of mica to the tip of the nail using a dot; apply one to three more layers clear varnish

and let dry.

The more layers of clear varnish are applied, the more interesting the design looks. Upon completion, such a manicure can be decorated with dots, using the same dots, or you can draw simple curls.Geology and the beauty sphere are two different poles, two parallel ones, which, it would seem, will never intersect. But in our bustling world, everything is possible and mica for nails is a clear confirmation of this. After all, it is she who combines geodesy with manicure; it is she who has become a decorative element that has become widely used in nail art. Nails with mica look fresh and unique, festive and extremely elegant. At the same time, such designs are easily adapted to everyday outfits and do not look flashy or provocative. We continue the eternal theme of shine on our website, where your faithful guideProstoNail

will tell you in detail what mica is needed for, where to buy it and how to use it.

What is mica for nails - a natural kaleidoscope There are rumors that to create an attractive, Only a professional master working in a salon can do this. ProstoNail will take the liberty of debunking this myth. Our readers, using knowledge, useful life hacks and acquired skills, can easily independently implement the most intricate nail designs with mica and glitter - no exception to the rule. Surely many of you are overcome by the question - what does mica for nails look like and what is it? We hasten to dot all the i's.

Initially, mica was an object of study by geologists, since it is nothing more than a natural mineral with a layered texture and the ability to bend light, creating bizarre holographic effects. This metamorphic rock very presentable and, most importantly, relatively inexpensive. This is why semi-precious jewelry with mica is so popular among the fair sex. Afterwards, the mineral became the inspiration for the creation of limited editions of accessories and fittings for outerwear. But mica has gained the greatest popularity and demand in the field of nail services.

True, manicure uses an interpretation or imitation of real mica, created from ultra-thin, pliable plastic particles. Mica for nail design - in demand synthetic material, which does not require special professional training. You can buy it in specialized manicure stores, and the price is literally symbolic, while the consumption is extremely minimal. There is an assumption that the Americans were the first to patent varnishes with mica, but one fact is undeniable - this type of decor is now produced in almost all countries of the world. Mica is often compared to Yukia flakes, but it should be remembered that the former is a product of plastic processing, and the latter is a pressed pigment, although the effect of their use is very similar. Next, we will take a closer look at the types of mica and how to use it.

Types of mica for manicure - in the world of mineral textures

According to social surveys, almost every third girl in Europe regularly does it, either in a salon. Every fourth person regularly experiments with design and tries out innovations created by enterprising businessmen. Often these experiments end unsuccessfully, but with mica for nails such an outcome is simply impossible. The uniqueness of this material is that it does not harm the nail plates and is incredibly easy to use. Globally, several varieties of mica are distinguished:

• wet mica or liquid mica;
• dry mica.

Below we will look at each of the subspecies in more detail, but first we will weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of such decor.

Don't be afraid to experiment and feel free to realize your cherished fantasies on a manicure canvas.

Liquid mica for nails

Liquid mica for nails is essentially an ordinary gel polish or shellac with glitter. Moderately thick, viscous consistency is evenly distributed over nail plates, has good adhesive ability and stays securely on the nails for a long time. It’s easy to work with such mica if you decide to cover the entire surface of your nails with shimmering particles; things are somewhat more complicated with partial decoration. In this case, use a special synthetic brush for painting. flat shape or a thin hair brush that creates graceful and straight lines.

Dry mica for nails

Dry mica for nails consists of many light, small shiny pieces that are obtained as a result of specialized processing of the layered structure of the mineral. Not sure how to make finer mica? Just take nail scissors and get it to the size you need. In addition, dry mica is easily layered to achieve the desired volume, and also naturally strengthens and compacts excessively thin plates. Aquarium nail design with mica is another area of ​​application for such a functional material, creating the shimmering effect of pebbles lying on seabed, under the water column.

Mica for nails in a roll

Designs with mica are very common among modern beauties due to their versatility and trendiness. Therefore, it is much more profitable for practicing craftsmen to buy mica in whole rolls than to waste money on individual jars. If you purchase a large roll, you just need to separate the layers of material immediately before the procedure and cut it with tweezers.

Gel polish with mica

Gel polish with mica has been a find of the last few years. You simply choose the shade of pigment you like or choose one with shiny splashes and apply it over the standard gel, creating an unusual, but stylish look. Gel nails They are also “friendly” with such a universal coating, so such varnishes are often recommended after the extension procedure.

How to use mica for nails

Surely, after reading so much information and detailed viewing of a million inspiring photos, a completely logical question is brewing in your head - how to use mica for nails? The fact is that each type of this decorative material has certain nuances that should be taken into account when applying. Therefore, read carefully and do not forget to take notes.

Step-by-step instructions for applying dry mica:

• We carry out the usual hygiene procedures, adjusting desired shape and the length of the nail plates;
• do not forget to thoroughly polish your nails with a buff in order to eliminate all roughness and unevenness;
• Using napkins or a thin linen cloth, wipe the nails with a degreasing solution. If you don’t have one at hand, micellar water for makeup remover can successfully replace it;
• You should not level it with an acid-free or acidic primer, which significantly prolongs the durability of the manicure;
• After waiting for the primer to be completely absorbed, apply a thin layer of base and polymerize it under UF or LED lighting;
• then apply your favorite shade of colored gel polish or shellac in two layers, distributing it evenly and immediately removing streaks with an orange stick;
• Now you can begin the painstaking and responsible process of decorating, using cut pieces of mica for this. Having picked them up with tweezers, place the particles on the surface of the nail and move them if necessary with a dot or stick, now fix the efforts with a layer of matte or glossy topcoat;
• remove the sticky layer and enjoy your fingers, which are guaranteed to fall into.

• perform a routine trimmed or untrimmed manicure;
• then prepare your nails for applying varnish by first sanding them with a buffer, as well as degreasing them and covering them with a primer;
• when the primer is completely absorbed, repeat the steps for application and polymerization of the base, as well as the main color layer;
• Without removing the sticky barrier, dip a flat brush into a jar of liquid glitter and create a golden mica manicure;
• take a picture of your fresh manicure on your phone and don’t forget to post a new card on Instagram.

Nail design with mica

Colored mica for nails is an inexhaustible source for embodying the brightest and most memorable nail art ideas. Some of them are especially worthy of your attention, so the editors of ProstoNail decided to make a stylish selection of memorable designs. All you have to do is select a few from the proposed list:

• by itself it looks quite catchy, but at the same time goes chic with any sandals. Of course, you can stop at completely covering your nails with shimmering particles, but partially filling your nails, divided or divided, also looks stylish;
• mica for nails broken glass is another cool solution that complements and equally beautifully. By the way, for the warm season it is good to use a holographic one, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow;
• French with mica is another neoclassical interpretation that modernizes the standard one. There is no doubt that by replacing the holes or creating a smile line with sparkles, you will definitely not go unnoticed;
• nail design with mica “honeycomb” is a bright theme, the implementation of which does not require a highly qualified master. You just need to buy mica the right size and forms, and then put it in;
• Since mica is quite a presentable and catchy decorative element, it is often used to decorate or. Fortunately, we have already collected unusual ideas for the celebration in previous articles;
• It also looks funny in combination with shimmering mica particles. A phantasmagoric picture, worthy of impressionist paintings, is guaranteed.

Let our ideas and bright pictures will serve as a source of inspiration, encouraging you to quickly make an appointment with a manicurist.

Spectacular, Beautiful design nails do not always have complex technology. Manicure with mica is a prime example of this! And the abundance of materials different shapes and shades will allow you to bring the most interesting ideas to life!

Have you ever seen mica in nature? This mineral has a beautiful silvery pearlescent luster and a textured layered surface. The structure of the mineral is lamellar. Mica exfoliates into thin sheets that have jagged edges.

The scope of application of the natural mineral is very wide. For example, mica is successfully used in construction. Thanks to the beautiful appearance It was used in interior design, painting, stained glass, even in jewelry.
Manicure mica – artificial material, maximally repeating the features of natural: layering, pearlescent shine. It consists of thin films resembling foil with torn edges. In the rays of sunlight (or under artificial lighting), mica sparkles beautifully, creating a magnificent 3D effect.

How to do a manicure with mica?

There are two types of mica used in manicure: dry and liquid. Their properties are slightly different. Accordingly, the manicure technique will be different.

Dry mica

Dry (loose) mica is small plates that look like foil or shiny shavings and have a relatively dense structure. The material is packaged in small bags or jars. It can have different colors, so it can be easily matched to any design.

Loose mica is often used for building and aquarium design. You need a thick enough topcoat so that the mica pieces are not visible above the surface of the record. Otherwise, the manicure will become unsightly bumpy and sloppy. Since the particles of dry mica are relatively large, they look better on long nails.

Read also: Manicure for a girl aged 12: learning the basics

For the design you will also need:

• colored or transparent gel polish for base;
• finishing coating (gel);
• cling film;
• orange stick.

Manicure with loose mica step by step

• Complete all required preparatory procedures nail care: shape correction, cuticle treatment, removal of hangnails.

• Apply a layer of gel polish and dry it completely.

• Cover the base with a second layer, dry for 2 minutes, but do not remove the sticky layer. Then pick up the mica with an orange stick and spread the material on a certain part of the plate or over the entire surface. Do not go beyond the edges of the plate, onto the side rollers.

• After required amount mica is distributed, you need to carefully wrap the nail with cling film and press all the particles tightly with your finger so that they stick as tightly as possible to the base.

• Place the film-wrapped finger into the lamp again a short time(20-30 sec).

• Then, just as carefully, remove the film and apply a fixative to the nail.

• After drying, make sure that there are no rough spots on the plates, all pieces of foil are hidden under the finish. If necessary, you can walk over the tubercles with a buff. Shake off any accumulated pollen.

• Cover the plates with another layer of fixative, and after drying, remove the stickiness.

How to use dry mica for extensions?

There are several ways to do a manicure with loose mica, but we will tell you about the most common and simplest method.
The technology for acrylic and gel extensions is slightly different. Let's hope that you already know the main stages of the work.

Let's pay attention directly to the use of mica for nail extensions.

• Install special forms for extensions. Use acrylic or gel to form the free edge.

• After the acrylic has dried or the gel has polymerized, apply a colored coating (according to your idea).

• Without waiting for the acrylic to dry completely, apply mica pieces with an orange stick (or dots) and smooth them over the surface. When working with gel, attach the mica to the sticky layer, after drying the coating. Some craftsmen prefer to lay mica on a layer of non-polymerized gel. Only after this dry the composition in a lamp.

• Cover the nail with a transparent finish and dry. If necessary, apply another layer of topcoat.

Read also: Beige manicure with rhinestones: simple and luxurious!

Volumetric manicure with mica is a magnificent sight! Shiny pieces of material behind the thick “glass” of the gel create an incredibly beautiful composition. Check it out in the photo!

Liquid mica

Small particles of the material are more reminiscent of sparkling powder, so liquid mica received another name - wet glitter or liquid foil. A manicure done with gel or acrylic, gel polish or even regular polish can be improved with mica. This material is more docile and easier to use. The surface of the nail will be perfectly smooth and not rough.

On natural nails do a manicure using gel polish.

Performing a manicure with liquid mica step by step

• Cover the plate with a thin layer of gel polish.

• Using a flat brush, we pick up mica particles and transfer them to the nails.

• We level them with a bone on the surface. Liquid mica adheres fairly evenly and tightly to the sticky layer.

• Dry the surface in the lamp for no more than 20 seconds.

• We apply the fixative. In most cases, there is no need to re-coat with a topcoat, because the base of the plate becomes smooth after the first application of the top.

Liquid mica is available for sale different shades, packaged in small containers. If pieces of mica are already mixed into the varnish, then the technology for working with such material is even easier: it is enough to coat the colored or transparent base with mica 1-2 times, and original manicure ready! You can also facilitate the technology of manicure with mica on natural nails by mixing sparkling particles with gel.

French manicure with mica and creating brilliant designs

How to change the execution technique in the case when it is necessary to cover with mica only certain part nail? How to make, for example, a French look with a brilliant smile?

What attracts women to the popular manicure with mica? The answer is clear: brightness, sparkle, volumetric effect. When you first see such a design, it may seem that special materials and complex techniques will be required to complete it. Not at all! You can create the same beautiful manicure at home!

Mica in nature is a mineral with a layered structure. Pieces of mica have a specific pearlescent luster, so they are used not only in industry and construction, but also in art.

Of course, for nail art they use a material that resembles a natural mineral in appearance. Manicure mica is small thin film plates of different shapes. They have bright color and a beautiful holographic effect. The plates sparkle beautifully in the rays of light, creating the appearance of volume.

Manufacturers noticed the growing interest of manicure lovers in this material and expanded their range. Synthetic mica is now available in different shades and sizes. There is an opportunity to create new three-dimensional designs of unsurpassed beauty!

There are two types of mica for manicure: regular and liquid.

Regular (loose) mica is small plates, resembling pieces of foil that have a relatively dense, solid structure. There are large pieces in the jars that can be cut with nail scissors. Loose mica is used in aquarium design and when growing. The particles will have to be covered with a thick layer of gel or topcoat so that there are no roughness or bumps on the surface.

Read also: Manicure with cats: show your character!

Liquid mica is a shiny powder, which has a softer structure, lies evenly on the nails, and shines beautifully in the sun. There are other names that the manicurists themselves came up with: wet glitter, liquid foil. This material is more suitable for working with gel polish and creating designs on natural nails.

Home manicure with mica: three techniques

Experts advise doing a manicure with mica at home using gel polish. The shiny material is firmly attached to the sticky layer. Therefore, we will talk about the three most popular techniques.

Design using regular mica

The initial treatment of your nails is always very important. Sanding nails, applying primer and base are mandatory steps, but we won’t dwell on them.

• Apply a thin layer of colored gel polish to the base. Dry in the lamp for exactly two minutes, as the instructions indicate.

• Use an orange stick to grab pieces of mica from the jar and distribute them over the plate. We fill them with the entire base completely or part of the nail, depending on the intended design. You can thickly cover your nails with thin plates or carefully place them at a fairly large distance from each other. We try not to go beyond the edges of the plate and onto the side rollers.

• Cover the nail with cling film and press firmly. Use your finger to straighten the pieces a little as far as possible. The mica pieces stick tightly to the nail, and the surface becomes less lumpy.

• Place the film-wrapped finger in the lamp and dry for about 20-30 seconds.

• After drying, remove the film. Make sure that all the pieces lie evenly.

• We paint the nail with the finish and send it to polymerize in the lamp for 2 minutes.

• After this, we carefully inspect the base, go over it with a nail file, if suddenly pieces of mica are visible above the finish.

• To be on the safe side, we go through the base with a buff. Shake off the dust. Make sure the surface is smooth.

• The design is ready. Small pearlescent particles are sealed under the topcoat. If desired, you can additionally draw patterns with gel paint.

• We cover the nails with another layer of topcoat and remove the sticky layer.

Read also: Halloween manicure: both scary and beautiful

Liquid mica design

Soft, thin, small particles from a distance resemble sparkles. In this case, cling film for manicure is not needed. Liquid mica can be smoothed over the surface with a brush. It is this type of shiny material that is recommended for designing not only long, but also short nails.

Let's describe the scheme step by step.

• Apply the selected color of shellac or gel paint to the base. Dry it in a lamp.

• Using a flat brush, grab pieces of mica and place them on the sticky layer. We level it well, shade it, and distribute it evenly over the surface. Let dry for about 20 seconds.

• Cover the top with a finishing layer. Let it dry and admire the result!

• If you notice some unevenness or bumps on the record, you can sand them down with a buff. But in most cases this is not necessary. Usually one coat of finish is enough, but to be on the safe side, you can apply a second one.

• Brilliant designs with mica

How to cover only certain design elements with mica? How to create a shiny edge of a French nail?

• Paint the base with the chosen color and let it dry.
• Carefully remove the sticky layer.
• We make drawings with gel paint: flowers with wide petals, stripes or geometric shapes.
• We dry the images, but do not remove the sticky layer.
• Now we apply mica to the drawings and shade them with a brush. The particles stick only in those areas where there is a sticky layer.
• Brush off the remaining mica from the base with a dry brush and cover with top coat. Removing stickiness.
• Now you can decorate the base with subtle patterns, monograms, and plant motifs.
• We cover the finished design with another layer of topcoat.