Nothing beats the feeling of a fresh manicure. But what’s even better? Getting that fresh gel mani right from the comfort of your own home – no expensive salon appointments, schedule rejuggling, traffic woes or parking horrors required.
With Gelous’ comprehensive range of at-home gel nail products, you can create salon-worthy manicures, anytime, anywhere. Read on to learn just how effortless it is to create a flawless DIY gel manicure, as we share our top tips and tricks for the perfect Gelous Gel Nail Polish application.
How do you prepare your nails for a Gelous gel manicure?
If your nails are prone to bending or breaking, we suggest taking some time to first give them a bit of TLC. Keeping your nails is a healthy condition is key, and excessive bending and flexing can also cause the Gel Nail Polish to peel away. Not to worry, you can take care of this by simply applying our ORLY Nail Defense and Cuticle Oil, this will strengthen and nourish your nails to get them up to play. You’ll want to keep this up until your nails feel noticeably stronger and have minimal bend when you push down on them.
For a gel manicure that meets salon quality in both longevity and finish, preparation is super important. Before you apply your first layer of Gel Nail Polish, you’ll need to lightly buff the surface of your nails using the fine side (180-grit) of the Gelous Nail File. Buff your nails in one direction, paying close attention to the sides of your nails and near your cuticles as these are often the areas that will lift first if not buffed enough. Once complete, the surface of your nail should look dull, rather than shiny. The purpose of this step is to rough up the area that the Gel Nail Polish is going to stick to, helping the polish to grip to your nails and ensure a long-lasting gel manicure.
Once your nails have been thoroughly buffed and prepped, it’s time to give them a good clean. It's important that there's nothing left on the nail – dust and oil has got to go! Use the Gelous Dust Brush to give your nails a quick dust off, before moistening a Lint Free Wipe with Nail Polish Remover and cleaning the top of the nails, around the cuticles, sides and underneath of your nails. The goal is to ensure that there’s nothing left that could hinder a smooth application of your Gel Nail Polish. Removing the residue on your nails can make a huge the difference!
How long does Gelous Gel Nail Polish take to dry?
Compared to regular polish, the drying process looks a little different when using Gelous Gel Nail Polish. Rather than traditional air drying, you’ll cure each coat under the Gelous UV/LED Lamp for 60 seconds. Once your final coat is cured, your nails will emerge rock-hard and perfectly dry. Gone are the days of accidentally smudging your nails moments after painting them–with Gelous Gel Nail Polish that'll be a distant memory.
Unlike your final Top Coat layer, your Base Coat, Builder Gel and Colour Coat layers will remain slightly tacky after curing to ensure the following layer properly adheres. Once your final coat is cured, you’re good to go. You’ll have a high-shine manicure that lasts 2+ weeks. No smudging around here.
How do you apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish?
Get started by setting up your manicure station in a comfortable, clean space away from pets – you don't want any lint or hairs sticking to your UV/LED Gel Nail Polish. When applying each coat of your Gel Nail Polish, begin slightly above your cuticle and gently ‘push’ the Gel Polish towards it, leaving a small gap between the polish and the cuticle. Next, pull one stroke up the centre, one up each side, and finally ‘cap’ the free edge of the nail by running the brush horizontally over the tip. To ensure proper curing and to minimise the risk of peeling or chipping, make sure you're applying your Gel Nail Polish in thin, even coats. Take care to avoid getting any Gel Nail Polish on your skin or cuticles, however if you do, simply remove it using an Orangewood Cuticle Stick, Lint-Free Wipe or Nail Art Brush dipped in Nail Polish Remover before curing.
Begin your application process with a coat of Nail Primer, leaving to air dry for 60 seconds. Next, apply your Base Coat, then cure for 60 seconds by placing your hand in the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. If you find your nails often flake and split, or feel thin and brittle, we recommend using our Rubber Base Coat rather than our regular Base Coat. This variation creates a thicker, more even surface for your Gel Polish to bond to, and comes in four different shades to perfectly match your final look. For those not blessed with naturally thick and strong nails, a layer or two of Builder Gel should follow, with a 60-second cure time under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp after each coat. Builder Gel is not only fantastic for adding strength but it also helps to prevent your nails from bending and breaking. It's big yes from us!
Next, it's time to apply your Gelous Colour Coat. We reccommend 2-3 thin coats of your Colour Coat for maximum coverage, curing for 60 seconds after each coat with the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Finish your manicure with a Top Coat of your choice, wrapping up with a final 60-second cure. We have a range of Top Coat options, such as Glossy, Matte, Shimmer, Rubber and Glow in the Dark, so you can finish your gel manicure with the perfect, personalised touch.
Keep in mind, one of the perks of Gel Nail Polish is it will only dry when placed under the UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp, so you can ensure each layer of your Gel Nail Polish is perfect before curing.
LOOKING FOR A TUTORIAL?
Watch our step-by-step YouTube tutorial on How To Apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish.
How should I properly care for my nails after a Gelous gel manicure?
Aftercare is key for getting the most out of your manicures. Regular application of our Cuticle Oil along with a high-quality hand cream is essential for replenishing, nourishing and strengthening your nails to stimulate healthy nail growth and boost the longevity of your mani. Be mindful to also protect your manicure by avoiding the likes of dishwashing, using cleaning products without gloves, or using your nails as tools. These can compromise the durability of your manicure and mess with its beautiful smooth, shiny appearance. Don't forget, a consistent post-care routine makes a huge difference in taking your at-home gel manicure from good to great, so keep these nurturing tips in mind for a gorgeous, salon-quality gel mani that’ll look its best for longer.
