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 adjustments, traffic hassles or parking woes required.
With Gelous’ versatile range of at-home gel nail products, you can create salon-worthy manicures, anytime, anywhere. Read on to learn just how simple it is to create a flawless DIY gel manicure, as we unveil 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 bend or break easily, we suggest taking some time to first give them some much-needed TLC. Maintaining healthy nails is key, and excessive bending and flexing can also cause the Gel Nail Polish to peel away. 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 scratch. You’ll want to keep this up until your nails feel noticeably stronger and have minimal bend when you push down on them.
If you’re after a gel manicure that meets salon quality in both longevity and finish, preparation is key. 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 buffed, the surface of your nail should look dull, rather than shiny. 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. Dust, oil, or anything else on the nail 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 aim 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 all the difference!
How long does Gelous Gel Nail Polish take to dry?
When using Gelous Gel Nail Polish, the drying process is unique compared to regular polish. Instead of 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 shortly after painting them–with Gelous Gel Nail Polish this is a thing of the past!
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 adheres properly. Once your final coat is cured, you’re all set. You’ll have a high-shine manicure that lasts 2+ weeks. No smudging around here.
How do you apply Gelous Gel Nail Polish?
Start by setting up your manicure station in a comfortable, clean space away from pets to prevent any hairs or lint from 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. Following this, 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. It’s important to apply thin, even coats of Gel Nail Polish to ensure proper curing and to minimise the risk of peeling or chipping. 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 with a coat of Nail Primer, and leave 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 your nails are prone to issues like flaking, splitting, thinness, or brittleness, opt for the Rubber Base Coat instead of 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 style. For those without 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 for each coat. Builder Gel is not only great for adding strength but it also reduces the likelihood of nail bending and breaking. That's a big yes from us!
Following this, the next step is to apply your Gelous Colour Coat. We recommend 2-3 thin coats of your Colour Coat for maximum coverage, curing after each coat for 60 seconds using the Gelous UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp. Complete your manicure by applying a Top Coat of your choice, finishing 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. By regularly applying our Cuticle Oil along with a high-quality hand cream, you’ll replenish, nourish and strengthen your nails to stimulate healthy nail growth and boost the longevity of your mani. Take care 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. Remember, a consistent post-care routine makes a big difference in taking your at-home gel manicure from good to great, so keep these nurturing tips in mind for a stunning, salon-quality gel mani that’ll look its best for longer.
