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Do you remember when showing off your newly manicured nails with a burst of color or a French tip was a great icebreaker? Wow, a lot of time has passed since then. Not only have wild patterns and bright colors become more mainstream, but so, too, have changes in the texture (or at least the appearance) of nail polish. The velvet manicure is a perfect illustration.
The sparkly style isn’t just an embellishment, it’s the complete shebang. To understand more about the trend and how to recreate it at home, we contacted Morgan Haile of Morgan Taylor Lacquer and Hannah Lee of Sally Hansen. The best advice from these experts is below. Please visit Maby blog to update the latest nail news.
What are velvet nails?
To start, the velvet mani isn’t made of velvet. Nail surfaces appear three-dimensional, however this is an optical illusion. “Velvet nails are the result of a specific type of polish formula that gives a dimensional shimmery velvet appearance,” Haile says. “It’s accomplished by employing a one-of-a-kind polish and magnet to regulate the’velvet’ sparkles’ motion,” the author writes.
Lee elaborates, saying that the magnetic polish makes it “appear as though it has a fuzzy finish,” but that this is only a trick of the light. In addition, please refer to: Velvet Nails Are the Holiday Upgrade to Your Glazed Donut Manicure
Velvet nail tutorial
The velvet mani is not as difficult to achieve as other manicures or methods.
Lee claims, “It’s incredibly simple to carry out on your own.” Either ordinary nail paint or magnetic gel polish can be used. Apply a base coat, and then a thin coat of magnetic polish on top. Put the magnetized wand to use by pressing it firmly on all four sides of your freshly painted nails for a few seconds. After the first layer has dried, apply a second. Two or three layers are usually sufficient. Apply a top coat, holding the magnet to the nail’s four corners to ensure the velvet appearance is firmly established.
“Remember to hold the magnet to each side of your nail during each layer so you can set the magnetic effect,” advises Lee, “to maximize the staying power of your velvet manicure.” You must use the magnet while the lacquer is still wet, so work on one nail at a time.
Haile adds that this style is most suited to those who have learned the technique of applying gel at home, claiming that this method yields “the best and longest-lasting results.” And if you do go to the nail salon, I highly recommend trying gel.
When will I finally have velvet nails?
Lee warns that this may take somewhat longer than a regular manicure due to the magnetic magic involved. “You have to set the velvet effect with the magnet for each layer,” she explains. However, it shouldn’t take too much longer, especially if you’re doing it at home with conventional polish and not gel.
Top-rated velvet-finish polishes
The bright side of this pattern is that there are various approaches to implementing it. “The special magnetic effect is featured by a plethora of incredible brands,” Lee says. Whether you prefer gel or traditional nail paint, your best bet is to look for options that feature a magnetic effect. These are not commonly sold at big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, but they are readily available online.
There are also solutions if you’re just seeking for a velvety finish with a little of shine that you can get close to home. “They don’t include the magnetic aspect, but they can still get the job done,” Lee says.
INS, toxin
Red velvet is the quintessential velvet color, its deep, richness making a statement no matter the season. This enticing color is perfect for holiday gatherings and beyond, and it will let you embrace your inner risk-taker. Two coatings are suggested to achieve the desired effect, and a magnetic wand is available for purchase separately.
Costs thirteen dollars and may be acquired by visiting ilnp.com
The velvet crown by Sally Hansen Insta-Dri luxe finish
If you want to get in on the fad without spending a ton of money (or putting in much work), read on. For less than $5, you can have a deep burgundy color that looks almost identical to the velvet manicure. In addition to saving you money, this polish dries in about 60 seconds and looks great with just one coat. You won’t feel quite as magnetic, but it will still feel silky smooth.
Priced for $4 on Amazon.com
It’s a Matte Velvet Iris from Zoya
This is a great option for those who prefer a more low-key, at-home experience. The seasonally appropriate dark purple is also the most straightforward method to implement the look.
Priced at $12 with more information available at zoya.com
Velvet rose, mooncat
The silver-pink pigment in this magnetic lacquer is loaded with tiny gold micro-holographic sparkles. This lovely neutral will see you through all four seasons. The magnetic wand included with the polish allows you to direct where the glitter lands.
Priced at $16 USD on mooncat.com
Colorful circling contradiction
Magnetic multichrome pigment in this formula changes from a deep blue to a vivid fuchsia pink to a deep boysenberry red. The magnetic wand included in the package activates the different colored particles, allowing you to direct their movement.
Prices start at $15 at cirquecolors.com