Application and selection of camouflage base coat

For manicures and pedicures, camouflage base coats are revolutionary. If you’ve never done this before, consider them a clever method of applying a flawless, silky base for your nail polish. These base coats are designed to match the color of your natural nails, giving you a more polished appearance and extending the life of your manicure.

The choice of base coat for camouflage can have a significant impact on the final result. Choosing an option that complements your nail type and matches your skin tone is crucial, especially with the abundance of options available. In this manner, you achieve a polished manicure with a natural look that brings out the color of your polish.

Application is as important as choice. A well-executed technique guarantees optimal adhesion and coverage of the base coat. A smoother, more polished finish can be achieved by applying the base coat correctly, whether you’re doing your nails at home or in a salon.

You can improve your manicure’s polish and longevity by learning how to apply camouflage base coats with ease. It’s a little step that adds up to a big difference in consistently getting that flawless look.

What is a camouflage base

Nail coating bases known as "camouflage" or "camouflage base" come in a range of saturation levels, from milky and nude to neon.

In contrast to traditional transparent bases, camouflage adds color to the nails after one to two coats, effectively replacing both a base and a gel polish in one application. The camouflage palette was restricted to soft hues until 2020:

• Nude;
• Peach;
• Milk;
• Pinkish.

They were all very subtle in their pigment, so you could get a natural, almost undetectable effect. When extra layers of material are not required, classic camouflage bases are used for French or nude coating.

A brand-new generation of colored camouflage bases debuted in 2020.

Unlike regular camouflage, colored bases have a dense, saturated pigment that enables you to apply a complete color coating to your nails.

Similar to the traditional transparent base coat, the camouflage base coat has distinct hardness indicators:

• Hard;
• Medium;
• Soft;
• Elastic, rubber.

Rubber or elastic is the most widely used product, along with medium density. This type of base applies evenly and densely, doesn’t flow, and works well on practically all nails.

Consistency divides camouflage bases in addition to rigidity:

A very thick one can occasionally be distinguished, but this is very uncommon, particularly when it comes to camouflage. Medium thickness camouflage is the most practical. Both novices and seasoned artisans can use it because it quickly self-levels and does not flow. Liquid requires leveling skill because it spreads and is thick.

How to use a camouflage base

Technique-wise, there are two ways to use a camouflage base:

• As a base coat under gel polish;
• As an independent coating, combining both the base and color.

Camouflage under gel polish

1. Prepare the nail – do a manicure, treat the side ridges, cuticle, file the shape;
2. Degrease the nail;
3. If your nails are problematic, for example, damp, apply a primer. This step is optional and depends on how the coating usually holds on the nail plates;
4. After the primer has dried, apply the camouflage in a leveling, moderately thick layer;
5. Dry in the lamp for 60-180 seconds, depending on the type of lamp;
6. Without removing the sticky layer, apply the colored gel polish of the desired shade;
7. Dry the gel polish, apply the top and dry again. Remove the sticky layer if necessary.

What color gel polish camouflage will produce is:

• Color enhancement. On the camouflage base, the color will be more saturated, bright, dense;
• Concealing nail color defects. A camouflage base will help hide spots, redness, and other color deviations. This is especially helpful when working with translucent gel polishes.

Potential issues:

• Low adhesion. Masters often encounter poor adhesion of camouflage, which leads to premature peeling. To avoid this, before applying camouflage, apply a thin layer of regular transparent base coat by rubbing it in. Acid primer will also help improve adhesion, but keep in mind that it will not bring any benefit to the nails and it is better not to use it without need;
• "Conflict" of shades. This happens when a translucent or stained glass gel polish is applied over camouflage – the color of the base distorts the shade of the gel polish. Here it is important to choose the right shade of camouflage – a milky base will almost always do, since it has a neutral color.

Camouflage without gel polish

Here, the base and the gel polish are swapped out for camouflage, which is a colored, pigmented layer. What is possible when using camouflage:

• French;
• Monochrome nude;
• Nude with a design – glitter, sliders, stickers, painting;
• Baby boomer gradient.

Depending on the chosen design, the manicure process can take a different order.

1. Prepare the nail as usual – treat the ridges, cuticle, file the shape;
2. Degrease the nail and apply a primer if necessary;
3. Apply a thin layer of camouflage base. The layer should be rubbed in, as thin as possible. Dry, as always – 60 sec in LED, 120-180 in UV;
4. Apply the camouflage again with a second layer, but this time with a leveling layer, dry again;
5. Cover your nails with a top coat, dry and remove the sticky layer.

Create any designs you have in mind, such as French, glitter, or drawings, before you apply the top coat to the second layer of camouflage. The same scheme is followed when applying colored camouflage.

If, as in the first instance, the camouflage manicure is not wearing well, consider applying a thin, hardly perceptible layer of a regular transparent base underneath it.

TOP-5 manufacturers of camouflage bases

GRATTOL, Camouflage

Grattol offers a variety of camouflage base series, including the traditional camouflage line, neon, colored, and shimmering versions.

The famous line consists of:

• Camouflage in natural shades;
• Muted colors – red, khaki, orange;
• Pastel – yellow, pink, blue, lavender.

The grattol camouflage bases in this series have a consistency of medium density and moderate color density. Outstanding self-leveling. Use of an acid-free primer is advised by the manufacturer prior to base layer application.

Kodi, Natural Rubber Base

The Natural Rubber Base collection features camouflage bases in natural shades. The base coats have an elastic rubber base, as the name implies.

There are six gentle, natural shades in the line:

1. Natural beige;
2. Dark beige;
3. Ivory;
4. Tea rose;
5. Pink;
6. Cold pink.

Every base self-levels, lays down flawlessly in 1-2 layers, and doesn’t bake under the lamp. The layers don’t peel for two to three weeks if the technology is used as directed and they are properly dried. It is not advised by the manufacturer to use Kodi camouflage bases as a foundation for colored gel polish.

Apart from this range, the company also provides:

• Lint base – with microfibers for thin and weakened nails;
• Cover Base – medium hardness;
• Colored – more than 50 bright shades of different colors.

UNO, Rubber

Well-liked UNO rubber camouflage bases come in fifteen natural shades, some of which have shimmer added to them. Because the nail’s surface is densely textured, align it perfectly. Remain intact for a maximum of 30 days.

CosmoLac

The CosmoLac brand provides a range of colored and natural camouflage bases, as well as nude and French. Natural shade classic camouflage has a medium density and is simple to apply and align. Pastel and neon colored base coats have brighter colors and are denser. They align well and do not run in a drop, but they are not for beginners.

The base layer of CosmoLac camouflage lasts for up to four weeks. For improved adhesion, the manufacturer advises priming nails before application. For extremely thin nails that pose a problem, apply a thin layer of Rubber Base.

IQ Beauty

The elastic rubber formula of IQ Beauty camouflage bases is enhanced with calcium to enhance the quality of the nail plate. When applied, they do not leave streaks and adhere well to even a single layer; however, we advise applying a thin trampling layer first, followed by the main, thicker layer.

• Wear for 3 weeks;
• Available only in natural shades.

Questions

Why does the stress zone cause the camouflage base to sag?

Typically, rubber bases with an elastic formula experience this. The rubber base shrinks under load and moves with the nail because it is movable. Use a harder base coat if your nails are thin.

Are camouflage base and camouflage gel interchangeable?

No, camouflage gel is an opaque, thick substance used for modeling and nail extensions. It is not appropriate to use camouflage base for modeling; in rare instances, if the product is very thick, you may be able to build up a fragment, but not a full extension. Its job is to add a shade and enhance adhesion.

Can I purchase camouflage bases from AliExpress?

Theoretically, you certainly can. However, bear in mind that there are some risks involved when ordering materials from China:

• Damage to goods during transportation;
• Low quality of products and unknown composition;
• Lack of certificates of conformity – this is important for beauty salons and manicurists.

Compared to reliable manufacturers, Chinese-made products that come into direct contact with the nail tend to cause more allergic reactions.

Do you employ a base that blends in? Which of the brands mentioned above is your favorite? Feel free to add more brands to our rating in the comments section.

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For a perfect manicure or pedicure, a camouflage base coat must be chosen and applied. In addition to providing a smooth, even surface for your polish to sit on, this base coat helps to conceal flaws and discolorations on the nail, guaranteeing longer-lasting results and a polished appearance. This post will walk you through choosing the best camouflage base coat shade for your skin tone, applying it correctly, and caring for it to get the greatest look.

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2 comments on “Application and selection of camouflage base coat”

Farida

Hi, could you please tell me if the camouflage base can be applied before using acrylic powder?

Olga

The light pink Trendypresent camouflage base is my favorite because it is streak-free, has good coverage, and is the coolest coating for French people—it can even be used without a top coat.

Application	Selection Tips
Creates a smooth base for nail art	Choose a shade close to your natural nail color
Hides imperfections and discoloration	Opt for a formula with good coverage
Provides a natural look for a nude manicure	Pick a base that complements your skin tone
Extends the wear of your manicure	Ensure it has a long-lasting, chip-resistant formula

The choice and application of a camouflage base coat can significantly impact the appearance of your manicure or pedicure. These base coats work wonders for evening out imperfections and extending the life of your polish by providing a smooth, even base. A good camouflage base coat is essential to achieving a polished, professional look, whether you’re covering up discoloration, fixing nail imperfections, or just looking for a flawless base.

When choosing a base coat for camouflage, take your needs into account. To ensure a seamless blend, choose one that complements the color of your natural nails or your skin tone. Try a few different brands and formulas if you can; the correct one will depend on your nail type and the brand. Long-term time and effort savings can be achieved by selecting a base coat that is durable and resistant to chipping.

Application is as important as choice. Before applying the base coat, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Before continuing, apply a thin, even layer and allow it to completely dry. This will assist in achieving a smooth canvas and shield your final look from bubbling or unevenness. Your nails will appear more polished and faultless than ever with the correct camouflage base coat and application.

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