At-Home Gel Nail Polish FAQs

Each 10ml Gel Nail Polish bottle provides roughly 66 manicures with one coat per manicure, 33 with two coats, or 22 with three coats, averaging about 40 manicures per bottle.

While Gelous Gel Nail Polish is 10-free and formulated to high safety and quality standards, a small number of people may develop an allergic reaction to certain ingredients—most commonly Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA).

HEMA is one of the smallest monomers used in gel nail chemistry, which allows it to bond more effectively to the natural nail than many alternatives. This helps prevent lifting and peeling while still enabling Gel Polish to be applied in thin, smooth layers that cure evenly under a Gel Nail Lamp.

When applied correctly, HEMA is safe for most users. However, repeated exposure to uncured Gel Polish can sometimes lead to allergic reactions, for example, if Gel Nail Polish touches the skin, coats are applied too thickly, or curing is incomplete. This may not cause immediate problems, but over time, the body can become sensitised, increasing the risk of developing an allergy.

How to Prevent Reactions:

• Apply carefully, avoiding skin contact. If any Gel Nail Polish touches the skin, clean it away immediately before curing using a Nail Polish Remover Pen or Nail Art Brush dipped in Nail Polish Remover.
• Always cure using the recommended times on the Gelous Gel Nail Lamp. Our formulas are developed specifically for its 365+405nm dual-wavelength technology to ensure complete, safe curing every time.
• Follow the recommended prep, application and removal steps to protect nail and skin health.

What to Look For:

• Redness, swelling, itching, or blistering around the nails or cuticles.
• Rashes or irritation on the hands or fingers.

If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using gel products immediately and allow the skin and nails to recover. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

We generally advise against giving children a gel manicure. Children's nails tend to be thinner and more flexible than adult nails, making them a poor foundation for Gel Nail Polish. There's also a higher risk of skin reactions, as younger skin is more sensitive, and children are more likely to pick or peel at loose edges rather than follow the correct removal process, which can damage the nail plate.

While the ingredients in Gelous Gel Nail Polish are safe for pregnant women, it’s important to understand that all gel polish can cause reactions if it comes into contact with your skin. Because skin is often more sensitive during pregnancy, the risk of irritation can be slightly higher.

To help reduce any risks and protect your nails during pregnancy:

• Always take care to avoid getting Gel Nail Polish on your skin.
• Ensure nail tools are new or sterilised to reduce any chance of irritation or infection.
• Always work in a well-ventilated area during application and removal.
• Wear Gelous Anti-UV Gloves or apply sunblock to the skin around your nails before curing under your UV/LED Gel Nail Lamp.
• During removal, use our high-quality Nail Polish Remover for the shortest possible time, and begin checking after 10 minutes to see if the Gel Nail Polish can be removed easily.
• For a faster removal alternative, consider our E-File Pen, which allows you to remove Gel Nail Polish efficiently without prolonged soaking.

Gel Nail Polish is naturally thicker than regular nail polish—especially formulas like Glitter Gel Nail Polish, Builder Gel and Rubber Base Coat.

To make your Gel Polish easier to manage:

• Turn the closed bottle upside down and roll it between your hands (don't shake). The heat from your hands will help to warm and thin out the Gel Nail Polish. 
• When applying your Gel Nail Polish, wipe the brush against the neck of the bottle to remove excess Gel Polish.
• Place the closed Gel Nail Polish bottle in a cup of hot water for a minute or so, then roll it between your hands. Be careful—the bottle may be hot.
• Store your Gel Polish in a cool, dark place, as heat and light exposure can thicken the formula over time.

Yes, you can place an order as a guest without creating an account. We do recommend that you create an account, as this allows you to check your order history, save your payment details, save your address details, save your wishlist and save your shopping basket. 

It’s quick and easy to create an account. Just click here and follow the instructions on-screen.

Scroll to the bottom of the checkout page and click ‘Check out as guest’. You’ll still be able to use your Gelous account, but you’ll have the option to choose a different payment method such as Afterpay, PayPal, Zip, POLi, and more.

This email is automatically sent to the email address used at checkout. If you haven’t received your order confirmation within 24 hours, please check your spam or junk folder.

If you still can’t find it, get in touch with us at info@gelous.co with your order number. If you don’t have your order number, please include your full name, shipping address, and phone number so we can help locate your order.

Yes, if you’re in Auckland. To place a click & collect order, select the pick-up option during the 'Information' step at checkout.

Pick-up orders are processed first thing the following business day. You’ll receive an email when your order is ready. If you need your order sooner, please contact us.

Once ready, orders can be collected from Gelous, 3A Whetu Place, Rosedale, Auckland, New Zealand. Please bring your order number (starting with #GLS) when collecting.

You can purchase the full Gelous range at our Auckland store, where you’ll find complete displays of all Gel Nail Polish colours, Nail Art Supplies, Tools, and Accessories.

Our store is located at Gelous, 3A Whetu Place, Rosedale, Auckland, New Zealand, with Afterpay, EFTPOS, and cash available.

We are open:

• Mon-Fri: 9:00am-5:00pm
• Sat-Sun: 9:00am-3:00pm

Spend over $100 to receive free shipping across New Zealand or Australia. To qualify, your cart total must be over the threshold after any discount codes are applied and before shipping fees are added.

You can view shipping information including processing times, shipping times and pricing here.

You can view returns information here.

Orders can be altered prior to processing. Please note that once your order has been assigned a tracking number or shipped, we're unable to make any changes. For alterations to be processed, our customer service team must first receive and confirm your request. If your order ships before we can review your email, we won’t be able to make any changes. To ensure faster assistance, please call us during our office hours. Products can be returned for store credit if they meet the guidelines in our Returns Policy. 

Adding or Swapping Products

Additional costs can be paid via any of our standard payment methods. Orders will not be shipped until any additional payments are received.

Removing Products

If you request to remove products from your order within one hour of it being placed, we are able to offer a full refund. A refund takes 5-10 business days to be processed.

How to Add, Remove or Swap Products

You can email us at info@gelous.co to request to add, remove or swap products in your order. 

Orders can be cancelled prior to shipment. For the quickest response and to avoid disappointment, please contact our customer service team by phone during office hours. Alternatively, you can email us at info@gelous.co with your order number. If you don’t have the order number, please include your shipping address, phone number, and full name. Please be aware there may be a delay in response via email, and we are unable to make any changes once your order has been shipped.

Within 1 Hour

If you cancel within one hour of placing your order, you’ll receive a full refund. Refunds typically take 5-10 business days to process.

After 1 Hour, Before Shipment

If you cancel before your order has been assigned a tracking number, we can offer store credit or a refund. Store credit takes 1-3 business days to process and is valid for 3 years. Refunds are processed within 3-7 business days.

If an address is input incorrectly or without appropriate detail, we take no responsibility or liability for the customer not receiving their product. If you contact us before your order is processed we will do our best to update this prior to shipment. 

Changes Before Shipment

For address changes prior to shipment email info@gelous.co.

Changes After Shipment

For address changes after shipment, check your tracking to find out which company your order has been shipped with and contact them directly for the fastest result.

You can apply your discount code after clicking 'checkout' from your cart.

You cannot use a discount code: 

• More than once (excluding kit, bundle and sale discount codes). 
• In conjunction with another discount code (excluding kit or bundle discount codes).
• On gift cards (you can use a gift card in conjunction with a discount code when purchasing).

Percentage Off Discount Codes

• If you haven't added your Percentage Off Discount Code at checkout, you can email us at info@gelous.co to receive the value of the discount as store credit.
• We are unable to offer you store credit after the discount code has expired.

Buy One Get One Free Discount Codes

• If you haven't added your Buy One Get One Free Discount Code at checkout, you can email us at info@gelous.co to add this.
• Please include the free item you would like if applicable.
• We are unable to add Buy One Get One Free Discount Codes after the discount code has expired.
• If your order has been shipped and you would still like to receive your free item, you will be charged for the shipping.

Join The Gelous It List, our exclusive loyalty program, and enjoy 10% off your first order. You'll also be the first to hear about sales and promotions, and start earning points with every purchase—redeemable for $10, $15, $20, or $30 vouchers.

Plus, take advantage of ongoing savings with our discounted Bundles.

Yes, Gift Cards are a form of payment. Simply enter the Gift Card code in the 'Gift card or discount code' box and press 'Apply'.

Each country has different recycling rules. See your local government website for more information:

Helpful links:

• New Zealand
• Australia
• United States
• British Columbia, Canada
• Toronto, Canada
• Quebec, Canada
• United Kingdom

Sustainability is an ongoing focus at Gelous, from how our products are packaged to how they’re made.

Product Packaging

All Gelous products are now packaged in cardboard, a far more sustainable option than plastic packaging. This change helps reduce our environmental footprint and supports a cleaner, greener future for all.

Order Packaging

All orders are protected with eco-friendly Geami WrapPak and FillPak and shipped in cardboard cartons or recycled courier bags. 

Our courier bags are made from 100% recycled post consumer and post industrial plastic waste. Even the removable adhesive backing and the inner bag is made from recycled plastic! After use, these can be recycled where soft plastics are accepted.

Products

Gelous supports the progression of the beauty industry by offering products that are vegan, cruelty free and non-toxic. Our Gel Nail Polish is 10-free which means it is free from common toxic nail polish ingredients including Toluene, DBP, Camphor, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Xylene, Parabens, Fragrances, Phthalates, animal testing & animal-derived ingredients.

We are certified vegan and cruelty-free by New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS).

Yes, we offer 20% off for qualified nail technicians and salons on orders over $300. If you're interested in taking advantage of this professional discount, complete the form here.

Yes, offer wholesale pricing based on purchase quantity and monthly spend. If you’re interested in becoming a Gelous stockist for your retail store, online store, or salon, complete the form here.