Nail Concealer Is the Sheer and Strengthening Cousin of Traditional Polish
Think of it as the key to a “no-makeup makeup” look—but for your nails.
There is no shortage of ways to express yourself through your nail aesthetic. Maybe you style your fingertips in accordance with the zodiac calendar, with holiday-inspired designs, or by following seasonal trends. Or maybe, when it comes to elaborate nails, the concept of JOMO (that is, the “joy of missing out”) resonates most with you. If you’re someone who likes a pared-down nail look that doesn’t require much by way of upkeep but still likes to look polished, nail concealer might be exactly what you need.
While it may appear the same as a traditional polish in the bottle, nail concealer is a little different. The ever-sheer concealer aims to make your nails look flawless, but not in the same way as a full-blown, intentional manicure does. “It’s just like a facial foundation or concealer, but for your nails,” says manicurist Mazz Hanna. “Nail concealer is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy, polished look with minimal effort.”
Meet Our Expert
Mazz Hanna is a manicurist and the CEO of talent agency Nailing Hollywood.
Julie Kandalec is a celebrity manicurist and educator.
Here, learn more about nail concealer and its benefits, along with how it works and experts tips to apply it at home.
Understanding Nail Concealer
“Nail concealer is a sheer, neutral-toned polish that is designed to even out the appearance of natural nails,” says Hanna. “It neutralizes discoloration and gives nails a clean look without adding bold color.”
Again, as its name implies, nail concealer is just like the stuff you use on your face to cover blemishes—but it’s for your nails. “It covers imperfections to give the nail a clean base,” says celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec.
Some of Kandalec's favorite options include Olive & June’s The Nail Brightener, Lights Lacquer’s Fill Me In, and essie’s To the Rescue. As for Hanna, she recommends Dazzle Dry’s Transform Ridge Filler and Manicurist’s Active line.
Benefits of Using Nail Concealer
One clear benefit of nail concealer is its time-saving capabilities; you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a lower-maintenance routine than simply swiping on nail concealer. But it offers more wins for your fingers.
Lights Laquer
Left: A nail painted with Lights Lacquer Fill Me In. Right: A bare nail.“Nail concealer helps mask stains, gives nails a clean and natural look, and it grows out without obvious chipping,” says Hanna. “Many formulas also include strengthening ingredients like keratin or biotin to support nail health.” They can also be hydrating, quick-drying, and helpful for repairing damage from improper removal (ahem, gel peelers), Kandalec adds.
Beyond nurturing your nails, nail concealers instantly beef up your naills, thanks to ingredients like “tiny little fibers that act as ridge fillers and mica to add an illuminating glow," says Kandalec.
Nail Concealer vs. Traditional Polish
While you can wear nail concealer in place of traditional polish, just don’t expect the former to look as pronounced as the latter. “Regular nail polish comes in many colors and finishes while nail concealer is sheer and is designed to enhance natural nails rather than cover them,” says Hanna. “Nail concealer usually has a soft pink, beige, or lavender tint to even out nail tone. Chips and regrowth are less noticeable with nail concealer compared to regular polish, and [a concealer manicure] tends to require less maintenance.”
Another tick in the lower-maintenance column for nail concealers is that most function as a 3-in-1 manicure solution. “Nail concealers can be worn alone, acting as an all-in-one product, whereas traditional polish needs a base coat and top coat to maximize their longevity and wear,” says Kandalec. While most options are a single-step, all-in-one product, some may be part of a multistep system, says Hanna. Just be sure to follow the directions on whatever product you end up using.
If you’d like to reap the nail-health benefits of a nail concealer (more on that in a second) but still want to sport a maximalist nail design, try layering the products. “You can apply nail concealer and leave as-is, or add a color on top,” Kandalec adds.
Nail Concealer Application Techniques
More good news: Nail concealers are typically super-easy to apply. Basically, just paint some onto a clean nail, and voilà. The only caveat? Kandalec says that to gain honorary pro manicurist status, you might first swipe your nails with 91 percent isopropyl alcohol “just to be sure no oils are left on the nail, which will cause the polish to pit or peel quickly,” she says.
Conclusion
Think of nail concealers as the key ingredient for accomplishing a “your nails but better” look, as Kandalec refers to the aesthetic. Whichever product you select, just know that strong, easy-to-maintain nails are in your future with nail concealer in your at-home kit.
Read the original article on InStyle
