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What are nail polishes? The main types of modern varnishes

If you are already tired of manicures using standard varnishes, and even neat patterns do not delight you as before, but you want to please yourself and impress your loved ones, then the time has come to talk about high-tech decorative coatings with extraordinary effects! 15 creative manicure ideas.

As they say, technology does not stand still, and the beauty industry also never ceases to amaze with innovations, such as creative manicure. Today, a variety of methods are offered to create a unique and original drawing.

Professionals advise to combine dissimilar textures, then the design will turn out to be fashionable and unique.

Types of nail polishes: a list with a photo


Thermolacquer

A cosmetic procedure using thermal varnish will definitely surprise others. After all, the meaning lies in the fact that under the influence of temperature, the color and shade change. That is, in cool weather there will be one tone on the street, but as soon as you go into a warm room, the shade will change.

It is better to use on long nails, since the temperature is higher at the base of the nail plate, which means that the structure will already give out different shades. The color play is especially noticeable in cold weather.

Holographic

The preset type offers a 3D effect on the nails. But this look is only suitable for lovers of shiny. The holographics are made up of a variety of unevenly sized sequins, which provide an impressive look to the design. Suitable for both artificial and natural nails, has different shades and textures.

Matte

The fashion for matte textures did not stop only at lipsticks, and this is for the better. After all, thanks to this, matte varnishes appeared. They look expensive and noble, especially when choosing dark shades. When applied, it creates a feeling of a velvet surface on the nails. A manicure that combines the usual glossy and matte composition will look advantageous.

Craquelure

This sample can be easily distinguished from the rest, as the craquelure creates the effect of either a marble structure or snake skin. That is why it became popular. In addition, it is not difficult to make such a manicure. Apply a base polish to your nails, and after drying, cover with craquelure on top.

In the process of drying, it begins to crack, forming unique decorative patterns, showing the background of the underlying varnish. To make the result more visible, it is necessary to choose contrasting colors.

Magnetic

Using magnetic varnish, you will not only create a unique manicure, but also spend time with interest, as the process of creating a masterpiece is addictive. At first glance, after painting, the surface of the nail will be standard. But one has only to bring a special magnet, as the surface begins to change, creating three-dimensional impressive patterns. For a start, of course, it will take practice, but then you will be able to perform original and beautiful drawings.

Sand

Types of nail polishes, a list with a photo can not do without a fashionable novelty with the effect of sand or sugar. It feels like there will be a rough coating on the surface that resembles sugar or grains of sand. An inimitable pattern with the association of sands of hot deserts is formed by abrasive particles included in the structure.

The composition is quite thick and dense, the color will be saturated. Before painting, shake the bottle thoroughly so that the particles are evenly distributed. It is not recommended to use too coat, the finishing solution will smooth out the roughness and the desired effect will not be. The main disadvantage is its removal, the process will be complicated.

Chameleon

Chameleon lacquer in action resembles thermal lacquer. But in the current situation, the hue does not change from the effect of temperature, but from the viewing angle, the incidence of light. Multichrome shimmers with a large number of shades, combining an impressive color palette, duochrome is limited to two. They have an unforgettable gloss and good durability.

Pearl

The traditional color is pale pink, pearl. Overflows of shade and shine are provided by the smallest particles of mother-of-pearl contained in the composition. It is difficult to operate, as stripes from the brush are easily formed and bumps are visible. It is recommended to grind the plate, use the base for manicure, apply in 2, sometimes it is required in 3 layers, fix the result with a special coating.

Mirrored

Metallic lacquer has an extensive palette of "metallic" glossy colors. More often they use silver or gold. The result depends on the quality of the texture. The application is no different from other categories of varnish coatings, the result is visible after hardening.

Less high-quality ones become like metal; when using professional grades, the surface will resemble a mirror or colored glass. Resistant structure, applied effortlessly, as it self-levels, which mother-of-pearl cannot boast of.

Neon

Youth version with bright "acid" colors: light green, yellow, blue, pink, purple, orange. Often chosen by party people who visit nightclubs, cafes, bars. Since neon lacquer often has a fluorescent coating, which glows under UV lighting in dark rooms. Masters advise applying to the base of an opaque white matte composition. Thus, the coating will look more saturated and dense.

Luminescent

If the party does not involve the use of ultraviolet lighting as in nightclubs, but will take place in simple dark rooms, then you should opt for this type of lacquer coating. There is only one condition for its glow. Before using in the dark, you need to hold the nails in a lighted room for several minutes to absorb light. "Burning" for a long time and brightly.

jelly

Gel polish is rather unusual with a jelly structure. Even when stained in 2-3 layers, it will be a little transparent. Sometimes contains mica or shimmering particles. Great for preparing an evening manicure or as a foundation for a design. It differs in tones and degree of transparency. After drying, the impression of a wet surface remains.

shimmery

Lacquer with a shimmer - the smallest reflective shimmering patches of different concentrations, is popular for evening looks. These particles enhance the volume and glow of the resulting image. The coating is created uniform and dense, reminiscent of the shimmer of precious stones. When painting, it does not strip, but it is erased with difficulty.

glitter

Glitter lacquer contains glitter in a colored or transparent base, of various sizes, shapes and colors. It looks more original on a transparent basis. You can create an interesting bright design using glitter with sequins of various shapes. It can be round, oblong, faceted, cut into hearts, stars. As expected for such models, the decorative coating is difficult to remove.

Mica

Mica varnish contains particles of mica in a transparent or translucent jelly texture. Mica is a multilayer element of natural origin. It has an iridescent, iridescent structure. During staining, the bottle must be thoroughly shaken, as mica elements may sink to the bottom, and the design on the nails will be different. At the finish, it is recommended to sand with a buff, cover with a special coating.

A breakthrough in the field of nail service is a varnish that is worn on the nails for more than three weeks. Truth and reality? What is the name of nail polish that lasts a long time - what is the secret of the material. Correct application technology.

Nail polish that stays on nails for a very long time, does not chip or peel off, is called gel polish. Often, it is called "shellac", which in general is also acceptable.

What is gel polish? Shellac and gel polish - what's the difference?

Gel polish is nothing more than an ordinary hybrid, i.e. a mixture of ordinary gel and colored varnish. In measured proportions, these components give a durable color coating, which must be cured in a special LED or UV lamp.

Again, why is a varnish that lasts a long time on nails called shellac? The thing is that the company that first launched the product on the market was called CND Shellac (sea and di shellac). For a while, this brand was the only one to produce such a hybrid. The lack of competition "taught" the masters to call the product "shellac", that is, in fact, the name of the brand. Convenient: read what is written on the label.

Of course, in the future, other manufacturers began to appear, naming their gel polishes in a different way. However, the name "shellac" has taken root in the language so much that it has become a synonym for gel polish, although this is the name of the brand.

Why gel polish stays on nails for a long time - what is the secret

We have already found out the name of the coating, which can stay on the nail plate for a long time.

The secret ingredient contained in the gel polish that allows it to stay on the nail for a long time is the gel previously used in nail extensions. Do you remember this one? It is a thick, jelly-like mass, which must be placed in a lamp with ultraviolet rays for hardening.
As already mentioned earlier, gel polish is a mixture of colored pigment and gel. Accordingly, before applying, all the same steps go through as before coating the nails with gel, namely:

  • raising the scales of the nail, degreasing;
  • primer/adhesive application;
  • applying a base, protective coating;
  • drying each layer in a special LED and / or UV lamp;
  • application of a protective top coat.

If all the steps are followed, the coating polymerizes in the lamp, turning into a fortified colored varnish, reminiscent of organic glass in texture.

  • - aimed at solving a specific problem (stratification, thin nails, nail biting, etc.). As a rule, they can perform the function of a base coat.

What groups are decorative varnishes divided into?

  • Monochromatic enamel lacquers

As a rule, such varnishes make up the basic collection of the brand. They can serve as the basis for further.

  • Varnishes with various effects

Such varnishes are designed to diversify manicure.

The most popular varnish effects:

  • Magnetic varnish or - varnishes containing small magnetic particles that can line up in certain patterns under the influence of a magnet. The effect is created before the varnish dries, after which it cannot be changed.
  • - for several seasons, varnishes with a metallic effect have been at the peak of popularity. When dry, they form a semi-matte coating resembling foil.
  • - such varnishes react to the temperature of the body and the environment by changing color. For example, in cool weather, thermal varnish will darken at the tips of the nails and remain light on the main part. There are also light-sensitive varnishes that do not react to temperature, but to changes in the brightness of lighting. Such varnishes are indispensable for a strict dress code: indoors they look neutral, and in the bright sun they acquire a rich shade.
  • Duochrome - varnishes, the color of which changes depending on the angle of view. They contain a large amount of small multi-colored shimmer, which glares and reflects light in different ways.
  • Holography - differs from duochrome varnishes in a much larger number of shades of shimmer, due to which in the bright sun it shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow.
  • Craquelure is a varnish that cracks when it dries. It is most effective to use it over a contrasting colored varnish, which will be visible through the cracks.
  • - such varnishes contain a lot of shimmer or glitter. The particle size can vary, due to which pearl, glitter, satin and other effects are achieved. Often combined with a top coat.
  • - when dried, the varnish loses its glossy sheen and resembles a velvet surface.
  • Texture varnishes - the composition of such varnishes includes small particles resembling sand or sugar. When dried, the varnish becomes most often matte and acquires a rough surface.

What nail polish effects do you prefer? Share in the comments.

Types of nail polishes are striking in their diversity. They are able to satisfy any needs and tastes of women. Varnishes differ in durability, texture, composition, drying speed, brush shape and other factors. What are nail polishes, let's try to figure it out.

Types of varnishes by consistency

According to the consistency, two types of coating are distinguished: liquid and solid.

Liquid varnishes are glass bottles with a brush attached to the lid. Convenient option for home manicure. In the salon, the master prefers to use a brush with natural bristles, which allows you to reduce varnish consumption and create a more perfect finish. Solid varnish is a sticker in the form of marigolds. It is removed from the film, pressed tightly against the nail plate, and the manicure is ready. This coating lasts for about a week.

Composition and functionality

According to their functions and components, nail polishes are divided into several types. The most popular of them are the following:

  • gel;
  • acrylic;
  • the basis;
  • fixative;
  • express coverage;
  • pill-off;
  • medical;
  • hypoallergenic;
  • male.

Gel polishes are especially popular today. They combine the properties of a gel for nail extension and regular varnish. Such a coating is applied with an ordinary brush, dried with a lamp. It has high durability (up to three weeks). You can remove it at home, using a special technology with foil.

Acrylic lacquer creates a protective film on the nails that lasts up to seven days. Protects the nail plate from the negative effects of the environment and from mechanical damage.

Lacquer base is designed to protect the nail plate from staining and yellowing from the use of varnishes with colored pigments. Aligns the nail, so that the decorative coating lies more evenly. Most often it is transparent.

Fixative varnish gives juiciness to the decorative coating, contributes to the durability of the manicure.

Express polishes are designed for girls who are always in a hurry. Their convenience is that they dry quickly. This property allows you to create a neat coating within a minute and use them in nail design.

Pill-off varnish is water-based, it is not removed with acetone, it is removed with a whole plate. Not applicable for pedicure.

Healing varnishes contain keratin, liquid silk and other useful components. They solve various problems: strengthen nails, accelerate their growth, prevent delamination. They well protect nails from the harmful effects of household chemicals, and after a month of using a high-quality medical coating, they become stronger.

For those who like to bite their nails, there is a varnish with a bitter aftertaste, which quickly helps to get rid of a bad habit.

For allergy sufferers, a special hypoallergenic varnish without toluene is produced. It is usually odorless and does not cause irritation. Sold in such a varnish pharmacy.

Men's nail polish is produced mainly in natural colors. Most often, the coating for men does not have a pungent odor and gloss characteristic of transparent varnishes. It contains useful ingredients. Basically, it is a quick-drying coating with increased durability.

Types of decorative nail polishes

There are so many colored varnishes that, if necessary, you can choose not only the desired color, but also the shade.

Among the colored coatings, mother-of-pearl varnishes are distinguished. They are universal. Suitable for both everyday life and special occasions.

Matte varnishes are characterized by the absence of a glossy sheen. Even in one layer, they create a dense, smooth, velvety coating.

One of the types of colored varnishes is enamel. It creates on the nails the effect of natural haze, characteristic of healthy nails. Enamel is most often in pastel colors: from white to pale pink and beige, it is used to create a jacket.

Among the coatings with special effects, the following types of varnishes stand out:

  • metallic varnish;
  • neon;
  • with sequins;
  • thermal varnish;
  • chameleon;
  • craquelure.

Metallic varnishes contain aluminum mica. Their color may be different, but they all have a metallic sheen.

The neon coating usually looks normal in daylight, with neon lighting it shimmers and glows. A good choice if you need to adhere to the dress code during the day, and in the evening there is a party in a nightclub.

Sequins in varnishes can be completely different in color and size. This coating is highly durable. But if necessary, it is not easy to remove.

There are chameleon varnishes that change their color depending on the temperature in the room and on the lighting. They look spectacular on long nails, when there is one color near the cuticle, and another on the regrown tip. There are chameleon coatings that change their color depending on the tilt of the finger.

Lacquer craquelure has a cracking effect. First, the main coating is applied, and craquelure is applied on top of it. The top layer is cracking and the varnish of the first layer is visible through it. Craquelure must be applied only on a well-dried first layer, otherwise the main coating will slip along with the second layer.

Varnishes for nail design

An interesting design can be created using magnetic varnishes. They contain in their composition metal shavings, which line up in an interesting pattern with the help of a magnet. To do this, the lid of the bottle, which contains a magnet, is brought to the applied coating for 10 seconds.

Watercolor is used in French manicure. This is a transparent coating that, after application, forms a shiny surface and the effect of wet nails.

It is used in the creation of a French manicure to smooth the border between the free edge and the nail bed, and in artistic painting to give depth to the pattern.

Cream varnish is used infrequently. It forms strips when applied to the nail plate, it is used to create patterns on the nails.

How to choose the right nail polish

The design cover is often sold as a set. They have a high density and rich color, the brush in the bottle is thin and adapted for drawing.

When buying varnish, you need to pay attention to its composition. It is desirable that calcium is present in the composition, which helps to strengthen nails.

The consistency of the coating should not be too thin or too thick.

A brush for regular coverage should not be thin. They choose a manicure for the occasion, outfit, season, makeup and just the mood. The modern cosmetic industry provides endless possibilities for choosing a coating.

There are a lot of nail polishes out there. They can not only paint nails, but also create the most complex and original patterns, complement them with jewelry and decorative elements. Photos of types of nail polishes will be presented in our article. In fact, there are so many of them that there are hundreds of varieties. We offer you a list of types of nail polishes (with photos) that are in the greatest demand.

glossy and matte

What types of nail polishes are there? The first one should be called liquid, which is considered a traditional coating for nails. Bright and smooth tones are in fashion today, as well as nude, that is, delicate shades. Sometimes a glossy finish is also called an enamel or cream finish.

What other fashionable types of varnishes exist? The photos prove that the hottest trend of recent years is the coating, which has no shine at all. A matte effect can be given by special gel polishes or an additional transparent coating that turns any gloss into dull and rough. Essie has a great matte top. It is important to note that a matte finish can emphasize all the imperfections of a manicure, especially on a dark varnish. Also, matte varnishes are less stable than glossy ones. do not tolerate oils and cuticle lotions. You can see a similar matte effect in the photo below. A variation of this varnish is a product with a velvet effect.

Mother of pearl, shimmer and glitter

Pearl shine on the nails has been fashionable for decades. Mother-of-pearl varnishes are again produced by famous brands. It is important to note that mother-of-pearl emphasizes all the irregularities of the nails and is able to visually add several years to the hands. To use mother-of-pearl varnish, perfectly groomed hands are needed.

Fashionistas very often use varnishes with large shiny particles in the composition, which are called glitter. Transparent coatings with an abundance of glitter are quite popular. They allow you to transform any design into a festive one. Even the most strict manicure with shiny particles will become fun and relaxed. Liquid glitter is a transparent varnish with large sparkles.

Shimmers are the second most popular polishes after glossy ones. They contain a lot of small shining particles that shimmer very delicately. Light shimmer can be used even for daily use. It resembles small particles of shining powder, softly shimmering on the nails, slightly shimmering.

Sand and caviar coating

A bumpy sandy coating on the nails will provide a varnish with small particles. Professional craftsmen use a special powder for this effect, which is applied over gel polish. The main disadvantage of such a sand coating is the frequent occurrence of chips.

Another type of texture varnish is considered to be a "caviar" coating with large colored particles resembling small beads. To create a "caviar manicure", various crumbly pigments are most often used, which look like small eggs.

Holographic and metallic

Holographic nails have become a new phenomenon in nail art. From such an effect, similar to plasma or gasoline film, it is impossible to take your eyes off. This is a brilliant and trendy nail design. To create it, a special holographic powder is applied to the gel polish. With it, the original plasma spots on the nail plates shimmer with different colors of the rainbow. This type of varnish also includes a product with a chameleon effect. This chameleon polish contains reflective particles, due to which the color changes under different lighting angles.

A spectacular version of nail art is a metal manicure. When you look at this design, it seems that pieces of foil have been glued to the nails. Metallic manicure can be golden, silver, copper, bronze shades. Especially such a metal design is suitable for a festive event, such as the New Year. Mirror metal manicure is especially popular.

Marble and craquelure

The effect of a cracked surface - craquelure - looks very nice on the nails. The nails are first painted with a contrasting color, and then a craquelure coating is applied, which immediately forms peculiar cracks. Through them, the first layer of varnish is effectively visible. Such a varnish must be fixed with a top coat.

It is quite possible to make an up-to-date and unusual marble manicure from several tones of gel polish. He won the hearts of many stylish beauties. Marble effect is created using interesting abstract patterns on the nails, reminiscent of the texture of natural stone. Water is used to mix gel polishes. Gel polish of two or three tones is dripped into it, they are stirred a little, and then the nail plates are lowered into the water. The result is dried in a lamp.

Gradient hue blending

A popular trend in the nail industry is gradient coverage, or ombre. The types of this technique are still degrade and All these types of design consist in a smooth transition of color from one to another. There can be many combinations of such a manicure. Some women of fashion like gentle transitions of pastel colors, others - bright and expressive shades. Gradient design involves the use of several colors or a smooth transition of one shade (from light to dark). In this case, you need to give free rein to the flight of fantasy.

Lacquer watercolor and other rare media

These are transparent products of different tones, after application of which a shiny surface is formed on the nail plates, resembling wet. Often, watercolor lacquer is used to create a jacket or moon manicure. It is able to advantageously smooth out all the borders of the nails. Nail artists use watercolor lacquer to convey the depth of the composition.

Sometimes you can find cream polish. It contains insoluble pigments, which on the nails resemble peculiar stripes. The original effect of a rough surface gives mica varnish.

On sale there are whole sets of special varnishes for drawing. They contain the most necessary shades. Each jar has a brush for painting.

For those who do not have much time at their disposal, a tool has been developed for express coloring of nails. After its application, the plates dry very quickly. Express varnish dries within 30 seconds.

For going to a nightclub, a manicure in neon colors is suitable. A varnish has been developed that shimmers and glows in the dark. In daylight, it looks like a regular glossy.

Hypoallergenic products

But what about women who are allergic to dyes and their components? For them, special hypoallergenic varnishes are produced. They do not contain toluenesulfonamide Inside the bottle there is a special nickel-free metal ball. Such a varnish can be bought at a pharmacy. There are many reasons for choosing such a coloring agent. Many people have sensitive skin. Conventional varnishes cause redness around the plates, and even abscesses may occur. Hypoallergenic products are recommended for pregnant women.

Strengthening varnishes

A special category of varnishes are those that do not have any decorative function. We are talking about strengthening coloring agents for marigolds. They are applied before the decor of the plates is made. The strengthening varnish has a healing task. It is carried out thanks to the liquid silk fibers and keratin present in it. It protects the nail plates from the harmful effects of the environment. If such a strengthening coloring agent is applied to the nails for three to four weeks in a row, then they become noticeably harder and look healthy. It also provides a smooth and perfectly even finish. Often the composition of strengthening agents includes zinc, vitamins A, E, C, diamond powder, seaweed extract. Very often it is applied before painting the nails with colored varnish. This prevents the penetration of coloring pigments and other chemicals into the nail plates.

Gel polishes and shellacs

The most popular today are shellacs and gel polishes. They are very durable, attractive and bright. Many novice craftswomen are interested in the types of gel nail polishes, photos of these products. Gel polish is a plastic gel that dries in an ultraviolet lamp. For hardening and polymerization of this agent, it is precisely ultraviolet that is needed. Before gel polish is applied to the nail plates, they are treated with a special primer for strong adhesion to the nails. Manicure with gel polish can last two to three weeks, while maintaining brightness and shine. The gel is great for brittle, thin and fragile nails. The list of types of gel nail polishes largely coincides with conventional products. Gel polish is removed by cutting with a special nail file, foil and a special liquid.

Many are interested in another type of nail polish - shellac. It combines the properties of gel and varnish. Before applying it, the nail plates are treated with a dehydrator or degreaser. To do this, the claws no longer need to be polished with a nail file. Shellac also comes in a variety of shades and textures. Its convenience is that it can be removed with regular nail polish remover. Such an innovative coating is very popular and costs a little more than gel polish. Shellac dries very quickly in a UV lamp. For the first time, such a coating was released by the American cosmetics company CND. The only drawback of shellac is the problematic of its independent use. Therefore, to obtain an impeccable result, it is preferable to get salon services. This requires money and time.