A crème manicure is a great way to give your nails depth and texture. This distinctive look gives your manicure an elegant and creative appearance by simulating the appearance of aged surfaces or cracked paint. For those who want to try something a little different, it’s ideal.
The endless customizability of craquelure is one of its best features. The cracked finish can work with a variety of shades to suit your mood and style, whether you prefer strong, contrasting colors or a more subtle tone-on-tone approach.
Craclure is a fantastic choice if you’re willing to try something different and want your nails to stand out. We’ll look at some original ideas in this post to help you get the ideal crackle effect for your upcoming manicure.
- What is a cracked manicure
- For long nails
- For short nails
- With additional design
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What is a cracked manicure
A cracked manicure, also known as a craquelure, is a style of nail art where there are cracks all over the second coat of varnish. There are two ways to accomplish this effect: either use metallized foil for casting or a unique varnish.
Using a specialty varnish is, of course, the simplest method—especially given the variety available.
Rust-resistant varnishes:
- Dance Legend. The palette includes a little more than 30 shades of cracked varnish;
- OPI. The world brand OPI has also prepared its own version of craquelure. More than 30 colors are offered – from pastel to poisonous neon;
- TNL. Unlike the two previous companies, TNL does not offer varnishes, but gel varnishes with a cracked effect.
There are many gel and cracking varnish options available in Chinese internet retailers, but occasionally the quality falls short of expectations. However, keep in mind that occasionally varnishes of respectable quality are made in China. If you can purchase the appropriate product from reliable producers, there’s no need to take a chance.
Two colors are combined in a craquelure process: a base color that will serve as the coating’s backdrop and a top color that represents cracking. The background color will show through the cracks created once the crackle varnish has cracked.
It is advised to combine contrasting colors that pop against one another because of this.
Instances of color combinations:
- red – black;
- white-blue;
- pink-black;
- yellow-black;
- black – gold;
- black – silver;
- silver – white.
These are classic color schemes that have gained popularity among fans of craquelure, but don’t limit yourself to them—a cracked manicure allows you to experiment with daring concepts.
A few remarks regarding the application:
- if you use regular varnish, do not neglect applying a base coat and fixer. So the design will last up to 10 days if worn carefully;
- the sequence of nail design using the craquelure technique is the same as in the classic gel polish coating, but with the addition of an additional layer. The scheme looks like this: base-color-craquelure-top;
For long nails
It is preferable for the nail to be long or medium length when dealing with craquelure. In this manner, the fissures will appear clean and conspicuous. Any shape of nail can be used to create an eye-catching design.
Since cracked nails themselves appear rich, many people prefer to mix craquelure with a single-color coating, diluting it with something simpler. The silver varnish in this picture is meant to counterbalance the cracks.
One more instance of combining craquelure and a single color coating. The coating appears sophisticated and festive with just two accents—on the thumb and ring finger.
A pleasing blend of golden cracks and brownish photos.
Once more, gold with a black foundation. It should be noted that the craquelure gel polish can be covered with both a glossy and a matte top coat. Such a coating will be amazing and unique.
It is not necessary for the base to be the same on every finger. All three classic colors—black, white, and gold—in one manicure.
Such a manicure is appropriate for daring young ladies who enjoy trying new things and vibrant colors. For a summer manicure, cracks on bright nails are a terrific idea.
As was previously mentioned, Chinese online retailers sell varnishes that have a cracking effect. An Aliexpress gel polish is seen in the picture. Under red cracks, it is preferable to use basic colors like white, black, gold, or silver.
Pearlescent varnish, not glossy varnish, is used as the background in this picture. The craquelure is positioned on top and is tone-matched to each background individually. delicate and unique manicure.
An inspiration for a craquelure varnish manicure that is patriotic. Even with just three colors, you will still need a large amount of money: two colors of varnish for the design, two colors of background and craquelure varnish, plus a base and top.
A few more remarks regarding the background: it shouldn’t be overly detailed. Under the cracks in this picture, a transparent varnish containing gold glitter has been applied.
Even in the same hand, the "crackle" varnish produces a unique pattern of cracks. By the way, you can make original designs with this and never worry about being copied.
An inventive method of decorating ten nails without needlessly overpowering the piece. Take note of the craquelure’s color; holographic foil can be used to replicate a similar design.
Look Nail is a company that makes manicure supplies. This brand’s cracking-effect varnishes dry outside without needing to be polymerized under a lamp. and enable you to produce such vivid designs.
The holographic craquelure patterns in the first two photos are from this background. For a special occasion, like a wedding, a manicure is created with white.
Vibrant summer color scheme with hints of daylight sky.
For short nails
We’ve chosen some effective short nail designs in this section. The craquelure pattern is only weakly visible on a small area, so please be aware that there are hardly any really short nails in the picture without a free edge.
White and chocolate brown isn’t particularly unique, but it does look chic.
Gradient or multicolored backgrounds are the most fascinating and time-consuming aspect of the coating. As you can see in the picture, the watercolor or gradient substrate used for the craquelure.
Orange and black are classic Halloween colors. It appears imaginative and bright at the same time.
The shade "Stripes & Sails" by Essie is seen in the picture. When combined with silver craquelure varnish, the manicure looks elegant and feminine.
Here’s an illustration of how to make craquelure composed and controlled. Use a yellow that is almost pastel and a classic gray for this.
With the aid of craquelure, artists can create an antique effect with this combination of colors. You can, however, wear this manicure to the office or to formal gatherings because it is understated and uncomplicated.
An appropriate manicure for the New Year is a spider craquelure with tiny cracks in a coordinating color palette.
Here, the natural nail plate is covered directly with craquelure. Remember to give your nails a transparent base coat if you choose to repeat.
Try selecting hues that are all within the same color family, as in this picture, even though contrast is advised. Purple and lilac go well together and don’t clash.
Black and saturated blue make for a sophisticated manicure that can be worn every day or to go with a festive outfit.
You could, for instance, apply foil prints or a light coating of glitter to the cracked layer. It appears to be an animal print of some sort.
It is paradoxical that under the craquelure, even vivid hues like orange, yellow, and green appear fairly serene.
A lightning strike pattern is created by the combination of dark purple elements and such narrow and shallow cracks.
When multiple background colors belong to the same type, as they do here (which is all pastel), they look particularly good together.
Here, nude brown is mixed with white craquelure varnish. Such a background allows you to create the illusion of negative space.
Proof that an unexpectedly harmonious duet can be created on nails even with incompatible colors.
Small cracks caused by craquelure can make the pattern resemble snake skin.
Furthermore, crocodile skin is now the subject of this pattern rather than snake skin. attractive, stylish, and feminine.
Cracks in a manicure of calm gray. The hue complements nails of any length.
With additional design
Since it is simple to turn a chic manicure into a hodgepodge in this situation, craquelure is more frequently not complemented by other decor. However, some are able to incorporate craquelure with other elements of design.
A yellow backdrop, craquelure, glitter, and patterns are all included in one manicure, but the overall style still seems cohesive and new.
Here, the elements of glitter, patterns, and vivid colors are practically replicated. This kind of manicure is suitable for a theme party or celebration.
Though interesting, it’s not a daily option. Craquelure is only applied in distinct areas, one for each nail.
An interesting concept for a manicure featuring smooth varnish cracking. By the way, if you look closely, the ring finger also has a gold accent.
Orange print nail sliders and Look Nail varnish create a vibrant and juicy manicure.
You could even wear such décor to your own wedding. While you wouldn’t call this design appropriate for every day, it would be suitable for a corporate or holiday event.
One benefit of craquelure is that it looks complete even without extra embellishments, but if you still feel like you need some variation, check out our ideas below. Which design caught your attention? Tell us in the comments below!
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A craquelure manicure is a distinctive and fashionable nail art that gives your nails a textured, artistic finish by simulating cracked paint. Whether you want a bold, dramatic look with contrasting colors or a subtle, elegant crackle effect, this technique offers countless creative possibilities. You can create this striking manicure at home with a few easy steps, giving your nails a pop of modern art.
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| Idea | Description |
| Classic Crackle | Apply a dark base color and top with a light crackle polish for a bold contrast. |
| Metallic Touch | Use metallic shades under the crackle for a modern, edgy look. |
| Colorful Combo | Experiment with bright, contrasting colors for a playful, eye-catching design. |
| Matte Finish | Pair a matte base with glossy crackle polish for a chic, textured effect. |
| Glitter Accent | Add a glitter base under the crackle for a sparkling, glamorous manicure. |
A creative way to give your nails a distinctive twist is with a craquelure manicure. Its textured, fractured appearance provides countless ways to customize it. There is a style to suit every taste, whether you like strong contrasts or a more understated effect.
Playing around with various color schemes and textures will help your craquelure manicure stick out even more. You can experiment with different shades to match your mood or outfit, from traditional black and white to bright hues.
Accept your originality and attempt something different with craquelure. It’s a simple method to add a modern, artistic touch to your nails that will stand out and draw attention.
