Looking for DIY Gel Nail Polish inspiration? We’re shining the spotlight on you, our faves, our Gelous community. From vampy reds to sparkly nudes, these real-life gel nail art creations celebrate the creativity and inspo you bring to the table (or, let’s be real, the couch with Netflix and maybe a wine or two).
Discover the standout looks, plus the tips, favourite shades, and DIY secrets behind each mani. Spoiler: you’re going to want to screenshot these for later.
Tag us in your next nail lewk to be featured.
@xnailsbyhillyx
Favourite shade:
Redwood. Moody, chic, a forever classic.
Top tip:
PREP, PREP, PREP (she said it three times, so you know it’s gospel).
Why DIY?
Time and cost. DIY is quicker, cheaper, and way more satisfying.
Michaela @nailsbymik_
Favourite shade:
Dracula’s Bride, her go-to red that suits everyone. She also loves Blooming Gel for ultimate creativity.
Top tip:
Don’t paint too close to the cuticle to avoid the dreaded nail polish flood.
Why DIY?
Michaela is a trained nail tech, who was inspired to get into the industry when she started using Gelous (stop!! We’re blushing!!). Now she gets creative on her own terms with Gelous.
Hannah @Moonails99 – Rainy Day Chic
Favourite shades:
Hannah has too many favourites to choose from—she loves working with a variety of colours. Right now, she’s loving When it Rains it Pours, while French Kiss and Sugar and Spice are her favourite bases for nail art.
Top tip:
Don’t stress about perfection, just tidy up the edges with a Nail Art Brush for a tidy and polished finish.
Why DIY?
She started painting her own nails at age 10 to stop biting her nails—never stopped, never been to a salon. Iconic behaviour.
Brier @nailsbybrier – Nude and Sparkle Queen
Favourite shades:
Iced Mocha (the perfect nude) and Wanderlust (a delicious shade of sparkling sunlight).
Top tip:
Nail prep is the key to longevity. Use a Nail File to gently buff the nail, then throughly dehydrate.
Why DIY?
Creative freedom, saving money, and having FUN.
Sara @saranailedit1 – Bad Romance Babe
Favourite shade:
Bad Romance: deep, classy and versatile. It’s the perfect shade for events, and she loves using it for floral nail art, French tips, and blooming designs. Another favourite of Sara’s is the classic Pink Builder Gel, which adds strength while creating a soft, natural look.
Top tip:
Always use Builder Gel for strength and staying power. She finds it helps her nails last longer and keeps her usually weak nails breakage-free.
Why DIY?
Doing her nails herself means she can perfect every detail to her own standard, save money, and skip the anxiety of a salon. It’s her therapy and creative outlet, and her designs never fail to earn compliments (we can see why).
Ruby @nailedbyrubynz – Red Sass Statement
Favourite shade:
Red Sass, the perfect bold red.
Top tip:
Paint close to the cuticle, then perfect the look with a thin Liner Brush.
Why DIY?
Ruby loves to go slow, sip Starbucks, and create her masterpiece at home.
Olivia @livfornow_beauty – Blue Crush
Favourite shades:
With 74 Gelous colours and counting, her most-reached-for shades are French Kiss for the perfect sheer base, Champagne Showers and Wanderlust for luminous sparkle, Blue Haze for a timeless blue, and Snow Place Like Home to add a delicate touch of glitter to any set.
Top tip:
Flip your hand upside down before curing Builder Gel and let gravity sculpt it to perfection.
Why DIY?
As a trained nail tech, she stocks Gelous in her home studio for both clients and herself. She loves the quality, convenience, and reliable results—and the Gel Remover is the only one she hasn’t reacted to. The Cuticle Oil has also been a true game-changer for her nail health.
Tash @onlynails__bytash – Chrome Queen
Favourite pick:
Chrome Powders, because who can resist a little glitz!
Top tip:
Seal your Chrome Powders with Builder Gelfor max wear.
Why DIY?
She’s a nail tech herself and loves supporting small brands.
Tilly @your_naillab – Lagoon Dream
Favourite shade:
Blue Lagoon, gorgeous as a solid colour and great for nail art.
Top tip:
Patience. Your work improves the more you try.
Why DIY?
Tilly loves the satisfaction of doing her own detailed nail art.
Sophie @paintedbymo_ – Dracula’s Bride 2.0
Favourite shade:
Dracula’s Bride is so versatile and the ultimate compliment magnet.
Top tip:
Prep is everything. Never skip prep steps if you want long-lasting retention.
Why DIY?
Doing nails for herself and her friends is Sophie’s creative outlet and a much-needed way to switch off. It also saves her a crazy amount of money she would have otherwise spent at salons.
Hayley @hayleydoesmynails – Pretty in Pink
Favourite shades:
Pink Lady and Bubblegum, both staples!
Top tip:
Use Liner Nail Art Brushes to refine the edges of your base colour, helping you get close to the cuticle without touching it for a clean, crisp line.
Why DIY?
DIY saves Hayley money and gives her the freedom to create detailed designs at her own pace.
Grace @nailzby.grace – French Kiss Forever
Favourite shade:
French Kiss, the perfect base for every set.
Top tip:
Prep properly—file, wipe, and prime. The better the prep, the longer your nails will last.
Why DIY?
Grace is a former salon tech who now loves painting nails as a creative hobby.
This round-up proves one thing: Gelous babes are creative, confident, and seriously talented. Whether you’re painting at the kitchen table, running your own nail studio, or just having fun on a Sunday night, you’re part of our community and we love seeing every mani.
Want to be featured? Tag us in your Gelous creations to be shared in our stories and invited to dish out your best tips and advice to the Gelous community.
