Sand effect manicure: what is it and how is it done?

Sandy nail designs look equally delightful on the nails of young ladies and respectable ladies. It is perfect for a romantic date and a formal business meeting. Some fashionistas are interested in the features of plush design, execution technique, useful tips, pros and cons. Other young ladies want to learn about new trends in fashion, see unusual velvet images on their nails.

It has become fashionable to decorate nails with soft sand and a matte top. The result is a gorgeous plush surface. Sand manicure looks luxurious and original. It is created using a special powder called velvet sand.

Flock is of several types. It can give your nails the look of velor, corduroy, cashmere, satin or suede. After finishing, a matte finish may result. The color of the sand depends on the base gel, when mixed with which the powder acquires its color. Interaction with varnish does not affect the texture of the sand.

Sand manicure is great for natural and artificial nails. All types of varnishes are suitable. A plush manicure looks voluminous even without applying a finishing top. Any design created with gel can be decorated with velvet or acrylic powder.

There are undoubted advantages to the design.

• Sand manicure is easy to do. The material is very easy to apply to the nail, lasts a long time. No special professional tools are required to apply the powder. They are only needed to create a pattern on the nail surface.

• A chic manicure with a sand effect can be done at home on your own. You must first familiarize yourself with the instructions for the correct application of the material to the nail. Covering the surface with sand is easy, simple and quick.

• If the velvet sand was not enough, then it is quite possible to replace it with acrylic powder. You can purchase the material at any specialized store.

• The versatility of manicure lies in the fact that it is combined with any clothes, suitable for ladies of all ages.

The disadvantages include difficult removal of rough texture. The remains of the sand design are removed with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover. The cotton pad must be pressed against the nail plate and held for several minutes. After the sand has softened, it is not difficult to remove the substance.

There is another drawback: a sand-effect manicure, done at home, lasts for several days. It can be made for a specific event. In beauty salons, sand design is an expensive procedure.

To create a sand manicure, you will definitely need velvet powder, varnish and a brush.

One of the most excellent materials for decorating nails is velvet sand, or flock. It looks like a multi-colored fine powder. Consists of acrylic powder brought to a dry consistency. The structure of the powder resembles glittering dust. A special viscose added to the sand creates a shimmery effect.

Acrylic powder is often used, which is similar in consistency to velvet sand. With its help, you can create a more sophisticated sand manicure. The print looks very neat and lasts longer than a drawing made with velvet sand.

Sugar varnish, or liquid sand, fits well on the nail surface, does not spread. But according to the reviews of some girls doing manicure on their own, liquid sand highlights the relief and emphasizes the unevenness of the nail. To avoid this, two conditions must be met:

• sugar varnish should be chosen of high quality;

• the nail plate must be polished smoothly and soundly.

There are various techniques for applying velvet sand to your nails. You can use any method you like, just to properly cover the nail plate with sand.

• A lot of powder should be poured onto the not yet dried nail surface, dried and the remnants shaken off with a brush.

• A finger with varnish applied to the nail is dipped into a jar of special sand.

• Liquid sand can be easily applied with a brush to the surface, because it is much thicker than regular varnish.

Technique for performing a manicure using velvet sand:

1. first, the nail plate is leveled with a nail file;

2. the cuticle is removed, the nail is cleaned, degreased and polished;

3. a base is created, dried in an ultraviolet lamp;

4. two layers of gel are made;

5. again, the nails are thoroughly dried in a lamp;

6. the nail surface is treated with a top;

7. patterns, ornament, any pattern are applied to the dried plate;

8. sprinkle abundantly with sand on the not yet dried surface, while the drawing should be completely covered with the substance (it is recommended to perform actions on the jar to shake off the excess there);

9. drying in a lamp takes twice as long as usual;

10. after polymerization, remove the remnants of the material with a brush.

There are two more ways to create a sandy manicure without using a base gel.

First method:

1. preparation of the nail surface: cleaning, removing the previous varnish, degreasing, filing;

2. applying clear or creamy varnish;

3. after about 10 minutes, the surface is sprinkled with velvet powder;

4. remove excess sand with a brush;

5. draw patterns;

6. the nail plate is covered with shellac;

7. it is advisable to dry your nails in an ultraviolet lamp.

Second method:

1. after cleaning the nail, it is imperative to apply varnish;

2. then a drawing is made;

3. then you need to use velvet sand;

4. after drying, excess powder must be shaken off;

5. then the application of the fixing varnish follows.

You can use acrylic powder. It forms a slightly different roughness. The velvety effect is enhanced.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a sand manicure using acrylic powder:

1. file to give the necessary shape to the nails;

2. degrease the surface;

3. a base coat is applied and dried;

4. make a layer of gel, dry thoroughly;

5. repeat the previous action;

6. apply top, dry, remove the sticky layer;

7. create a drawing with a gel;

8. dry the layer;

9. it is not necessary to remove the sticky layer;

10. gel again;

11. sprinkle with acrylic powder;

12. dried in a lamp;

13. shake off excess powder with a brush;

14. do not cover with a finishing top to avoid loss of velvety.

When applying such a manicure, you can use the advice of specialists.

• Flock of proven companies must be purchased in specialty stores or at beauty industry fairs. You should see the date of manufacture, expiration date.

• There is no need to save velvet or acrylic powder. Sprinkle abundantly on the nail surface. For better fixation, you need to press it slightly.

• A jacket sprinkled with sand will help to add charm to the nails. Rhinestones will add a special piquancy.

• It is recommended to apply crisp and bold lines. They are needed to get an expressive drawing.

• Matt shades of varnishes ensure good sand adhesion. It is easy to draw on such a surface, the image does not spread. When applying a pattern to the entire nail, it is possible to use a glossy varnish.

• It is best to use several shades of sand.

• Before applying patterns with gel paints, the nail plate must be rubbed with a grinding buff.

• It is recommended to mix very thick paint with gel or varnish of the same color.

• Longer drying in the lamp allows the velvet powder to take on a darker color. If you want to achieve this result, you must exceed the recommended drying period.

• The sugar varnish must be completely dry before applying the finishing top.

• When drying without using a lamp, nails covered with velvet sand should not be touched for 40 minutes. The drawing will definitely not be erased if an ultraviolet lamp is used.

Any decorative element applied to the velvet surface of nails adds elegance and solemnity. Various patterns, flowers, symbols look amazing on a plush nail plate. This season it is fashionable to use floral and floral designs. Velvet roses, delicate flower buds look extraordinary.

The dew drops on the flowers, created with the help of rhinestones, give a special charm to the image. Plush flower arrangements can be seen. White wedding sand manicure with the image of flowers, magnificent patterns looks very beautiful.

The trend is oriental drawing. The print with the image of sakura branches, oriental ornaments remains the most popular and fashionable design.

The novelty of the season is the gummy nail design. It is similar to a sugar manicure. A non-dried nail plate, covered with gel or varnish, is abundantly sprinkled with powder melange.

Sand manicure is excellent for creating winter designs. Frosty velvet patterns look amazing on nails. Knitted manicure imitates the weaving of a scarf or sweater. Looks great on almond-shaped and short nails. It is perfect for the winter season.

Black sand manicure will suit the evening celebration, inlaid with white shiny stones will give the design a special gloss. Velvet sand goes well with any colored varnish. Red varnish on the background of sand looks bold and bright.

The use of golden sand is suitable for any clothing, suitable for all events, including everyday life. Golden velvet always looks elegant and luxurious.

About what "velvet sand" is and how to work with it, see the next video.