|
Color Application Techniques
Nail
Polish Preparation
Before applying nail
polish, roll the bottle well between the palms of your hands as some
colors tend to separate or settle. The small stainless steel balls found
in the bottom of many bottles help keep the mixture uniform in color and
consistency and facilitate smooth application. Before beginning your
manicure, make sure that the nails are absolutely clean, dry and free of
any oily film.
Application Techniques for Nail Color
Always protect the nail
plate with a base coat, MAVALA 002 or
Barrier Base, and
allow it to set before applying polish. Use long, even strokes when
applying polish ; avoid dabbing, The second coat will cover missed areas.
Dip brush into polish and wipe off excess on bottle neck.
- Test consistency of
polish on nail tip before beginning.
- Begin by applying polish
down to the center of the nail in one stroke, from base to tip, leaving
a small space between polish and cuticle.
- Apply polish to cuticle
base, stopping just short of the cuticle.
- Lift brush and stroke
one side of nail from base to the tip, avoiding the cuticle.
- Stroke other side of
nail from base to tip. If color has touched the cuticle or skin, wait
until the polish has dried and remove with a cotton wool wrapped cuticle
stick dipped in nail polish remover, or use MAVALA's handy
Correcteur pen
which is designed for this purpose. To make your manicure last longer,
apply Colorfix top
coat or Mavadry 918
following the final coat of polish and allow to dry thoroughly. An
additional coat of Colorfix
applied every second day will extend the life of a manicure.
Fantasy Nails
These are fun - great for a
party ! Some professional manicurists specialize in what is known as "nail
art" and the results can be spectacular. The do-it-yourself nail artist is
advised, however, to keep it simple. Various arrangements of stripes and
dots can be achieved by using a cotton-tipped cuticle stick saturated with
nail polish remover or, easier yet, MAVALA's
Correcteur pen.
Subtle or dramatic
graduations of color are possible by applying the same color in different
densities or by using different but related colors. Combinations of
contrasting colors, or cream and pearlized colors, can create other
decorative effects.
For still more elaborate
decoration, decals can be applied to the nail over a protective base coat.
A top coat is important for durability and protection. For a festive
effect, sprinkle metallic or colored "glitter" over the base coat while it
is still quite sticky, let dry and apply two layers of top coat to "fix".
Metallic polishes can give a rich, "precious metal" look to the nails. Let
your imagination be your guide!
How
to Enhance the Shape of Your Nails
There is no firm rule as to
the form nail polish should follow on the nail. The simplest way is to
cover the entire nail surface, but this may not best enhance your hands.
The important thing to
remember is that, whatever shape you choose, the free edge is neat and
clean and the cuticles are completely free of polish. Here are some ideas
to help you visually improve the shape of your nails.
- Short, square nails
Shape: In order that the length of the free edge is not out
of proportion, the nail must not be too long. Keep the top fairly
straight, slightly rounded at the sides, but be careful not to file too
deeply at the edge.
Polish: If you are using a colored enamel, leave a narrow strip
on either side free to elongate the nail. This will require practice. Or
try the French Manicure, coloring both
upper and under sides of the free edge with
MAVALA Nail White Crayon and adding a coat of transparent polish, or
using one of our French Manicure Kits.
- Fanned or triangular
nails
Shape: Following the shape of the fingertip, file the nail
into an oval; do not allow it to project far beyond the tip.
Polish: Apply with very straight edges, leaving a narrow space
between polish and cuticle.
- Long, almond-shaped nail
Shape: This is the ideal nail shape and can be allowed to
grow as long as you wish. File into an oval shape, but without a point
which is unfashionable and weakens the nail.
Polish: The entire nail can be covered with polish, or leave the
half moon at the nail base free of polish. This is difficult to do and
requires practice.
- Long, rectangular nail
Shape: This nail shape is equally attractive long or short.
For a strong look, file the free edge flat across the top leaving the
sides straight.
Polish: Cover the entire nail with polish, or leave a narrow
strip free of polish up each side for dramatic effect.
- Round nail
Shape: This nail is as long as it is wide so let the free
edge grow and shape into an oval to elongate the nail.
Polish: To make the nail look longer, leave a strip up either
side free of color.
back to
Manicure |
