Mirror manicure: how to do it?

A mirror manicure is a common trend in nail art that gives your nails a glossy, reflective sheen that makes them appear like tiny mirrors. Anyone looking to add a little glitz to their appearance will love this striking look. The finest aspect? This gorgeous effect can be accomplished at home without the expertise of a professional.

You can make an eye-catching mirror manicure at home with just a few simple tools and instructions. This guide can help you learn how to do anything, whether you’re trying something new or preparing for a special occasion. We can help you with everything from selecting the appropriate products to applying them perfectly.

All set to shine? Let’s explore the world of mirror manicures and discover how to achieve your nails’ stunning, reflective finish. It’s time to up your nail game and make your nails as true to your style as you can!

Step	Description
1. Prep the nails	Start by cleaning and shaping your nails. Push back the cuticles and remove any old polish.
2. Apply base coat	Apply a thin layer of base coat to protect your nails and help the mirror powder stick better.
3. Apply gel polish	Use a gel polish in a color of your choice. Cure it under a UV or LED lamp as per the instructions.
4. Apply mirror powder	Use a sponge applicator to rub the mirror powder onto the cured gel polish until you achieve a shiny, reflective finish.
5. Seal with top coat	Apply a gel top coat to seal in the mirror effect and cure it

A mirror manicure is a chic and gorgeous nail art style that gives your nails a metallic sheen that reflects light and looks like a mirror. Applying a unique chrome powder over a gel polish base and then top-coating it with a clear coat will give you the desired effect. This post will walk you through the easy steps of doing a mirror manicure at home, so you can look put together and stylish with little effort.

Mirror manicure with gel polish and rubbing

Using rubbing (a shiny powder in various shades and densities) to create a mirror coating on nails remains one of the hottest manicure trends. Mulberry nail stylists selected "chrome" nails for the fall/winter 2024 collection, for instance (we went into further detail about this season’s other trends here).

Gel polish and all the materials needed for coating are required if you want to use rubbing to create a mirror manicure. What order of events should be followed?

• If the old gel coating remains on the nails, it must be removed. Those who do not have time to go to the salon can do it at home. But keep in mind: to remove the coating without damaging the nail plate, you will need at least an hour.
• Remove the gel polish first from one hand, then from the other. To do this, you will need foil, special silicone caps for removing gel polish, cotton pads and gel polish remover (instead, you can use any acetone-based nail polish remover).

For a minimum of twenty-five minutes, wrap your fingers in foil and keep them in this position. Use an orange stick or pusher to remove the old gel polish when it "comes off." Work with the nail plate gently and avoid applying too much pressure to avoid damaging it.

Give your nails a manicure and remove any oil. Gel polish should be applied in a base coat and cured for two minutes under a UV lamp.

This fall, wear your nails painted in two layers of burgundy or wine-colored gel polish (you can use Essie Gel Couture in shade 370 "On the Hook"). Give each layer a two-minute UV light cure.

Apply two layers of a clear top coat to every nail, curing each one for two minutes under a UV lamp.

Take your nails out from under the lamp and rub the color in right away using an eyeshadow sponge while they’re still hot.

The look of the rub-in will be brighter and more saturated the hotter the nail plate. It will resemble pearls on a light background and a cosmic sky on a dark background.

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Mirror manicure with metallic polish

Applying a metallic-sheen polish will help you achieve a mirror-like effect. For instance, it comes in four shades in the Essie palette. How should they be used?

Apply two or three layers of the metallic-effect polish. Applying such a product usually calls for extra caution; to get an absolutely smooth surface, try spreading it in one direction.

Mirror manicure with loose glitter

Using loose glitter (there are over a dozen shades in the NYX Professional Makeup Face& palette Body Glitter) is another way to achieve a mirror coating on your nails. Observe the detailed photo instructions.

Put on a single layer of base coat. Use an eyeshadow brush or sponge to apply a layer of glitter on top while it’s still wet.

Using a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover, remove any extra pigment that may have built up around the nail plate.

Mirror manicure with flash tattoos

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to create a mirror manicure is to get temporary tattoos on your nails. Attempting to replicate!

Apply two colors for the base coat in a single layer. Permit each layer to fully dry.

Starting from the edge, remove the temporary sticker from the plastic base, and attach the reverse side to the nail.

Using a damp sponge or damp makeup brush, go over the tattoo; soon, the paper portion will "come off" on its own.

Using a makeup brush, gently round the edges of the flash tattoo. Then, if required, use nail polish remover to remove extra design from the nail’s edges using the same brush.

How can the gel polish coating be made as long-lasting and non-damaging to nails as possible? We were given answers to the most frequently asked questions about gel polish by nail artist Olga Ankaeva.

mirror manicure with gel polish: 8 tips

We addressed the most common queries concerning gel polish.

Is it harmful to do a coating with gel polish?

It’s all personal; some people have nail plates that break down, while others are unaffected by gel polish. This is a coating that typically "breathes." If you perform your own gel polish manicure, use files with low abrasiveness and avoid "filing" your nails with a buff prior to coating application. For women, it is advised to get their nails done once a year, and for men, twice a year.

How often can you do a coating with gel polish?

It is recommended against getting a gel manicure more than three times in a row. Remember to take pauses of one week or more in between "approaches."

What to do when your nails have grown out, but there is no time to remove the gel polish?

Use a base or fixing polish to refresh the coating. This will give your nails a shine and prevent the gel polish from pealing off the nail plate.

Why does gel polish "peel off" at the edges of the nail?

There are two possible causes for this: either the nail plate wasn’t properly degreased, or the skin on your hands is frequently moist. There is only one solution: if you are unable to visit a salon, thoroughly dry and apply a top coat to your nails.

What to do if your gel polish has chipped?

The person whose nails are covered in transparent or neutral-colored gel polish—where the chips are almost undetectable—wins this contest. If the color is vibrant, a fixing polish and regular polish in the same shade will work wonders for the chipped area.

Can you file your nails with gel polish?

Numerous experts advise against doing this. However, carefully file your nails in a single direction if the current length bothers you. Next, use a top to secure the coating.

How to choose a gel polish to match your skin color?

Pay attention to your skin tone. Girls with porcelain skin tones should wear warm hues (cold ones can look unnatural), and light pastels are appropriate for tanned skin. Any varnish color will blend in well with dark skin.

Is it possible to use gel polish if the nails are peeling?

Yes, but first you have to use a buff to remove all of the "peeling off." Secondly, ensure that the nail surface is smooth; only then will the gel polish be applied uniformly.

A mirror manicure is a gorgeous way to give your nails a little glitz and shine. The steps listed below will help you achieve a glossy, reflective finish that will look amazing. It can be enjoyable and satisfying to create a mirror manicure at home with the correct supplies and a little practice.

Never forget to begin with a tidy and ready-made base. By doing this, you can make sure that the mirror powder applies correctly and produces that lovely reflecting effect. To preserve your design and keep your nails looking great for as long as possible, don’t forget to top coat what you’ve done.

Try varying the colors and methods you use to create a personalized mirror manicure. Regardless of your preference for a striking, multicolored look or a traditional silver mirror finish, this manicure style promotes creativity and individual expression. Have fun and relish the process of making your stunning mirror nails!

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