What is gel polish?

Gel polish is a sturdy, thick nail polish that strengthens your nails and often lasts for a longer period of time. The difference with regular nail polish? Gel polish must be cured under a UV or LED lamp. Without the use of a lamp, the paint remains liquid and therefore does not harden! Gel polish stays on average for 10 to 14 days, so super long! Removing gel polish is also different from normal nail polish: you will have to soak or file your nails, because nail polish remover is not sufficient. Below you can read more about removing your manicure.

Apply gel polish

Because gel polish is different from regular nail polish, the way of applying is also a bit different than you are used to. Fortunately, applying it is not difficult and you can go a long way with practice! Your manicure will be beautiful with the following steps:

1. Roughen your nails with a nail file. The polish adheres better to your natural nails when they are a bit rough. Don't file away too much, then your nail will become thin!
2. Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure under the lamp. It differs per brand how long the paint must be cured, so check that carefully. Note: the gel polish remains sticky, and that is exactly the intention!
3. Time for color! Apply a thin layer of color over the base coat and then cure it again under the lamp. If the color does not cover in one go, you can apply a second and possibly a third layer. Each layer is cured under the lamp.
4. The last step is to apply a top coat. Here too, a thin layer is sufficient and the varnish must be cured under the lamp.
5. Some topcoats keep a tacky layer. You can remove that by going over your nails with a special cleanser. There are also top coats where this is not necessary, so check that well in advance! Applying a cleanser over a top coat where it is not necessary can cause dull nails.
6. That's it!

Remove gel polish

Ready for a new color? No problem: removing gel polish takes some time, but it's not difficult! If you follow the following steps, you will be ready for a new manicure in no time:

1. File the top coat off your nails. You do this with the rough side of the nail file. It's okay to file the color off your nails as well, but be careful not to touch your natural nail.
2. Soak a cotton pad or Nail Wipe with remover. Then place it on your nail and wrap aluminum foil around it. You leave this on for about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. After the remover has been able to absorb, you can "scrape" the paint off with a wooden cuticle stick.
4. You can file off the last remnants of gel polish and then your nails are ready!

Gel polish lamp

It is important to purchase a good lamp when you are going to use gel polish. You can choose from a UV and an LED lamp, there is no difference in operation. Often a varnish has to cure longer under a UV lamp, but the end result remains the same. Check to be sure whether your gel polish can be used under both lamps, because there are exceptions!

Do you notice that your gel polish becomes less hard after you have kept your nails under a lamp? Then it may be that your lamp needs to be replaced. Over time, the lamps become less and less strong. Did you know that there are also handy, smaller lamps that you can fold? Super handy for traveling, or when you want to save space in your cupboards!

Gel polish set

To get started with gel polish, you need a few things. That is why it is useful to opt for a set: you have the necessary tools together and you can start immediately! There are also gel polish sets with different colors together. This way you can immediately supplement your collection, and you don't have to choose every color separately. Useful!

Gel polish tips

Everyone can use gel polish, but to make it a little easier, you will find a number of useful tips below!

• It is important to take good care of your natural nails so that they remain strong. You can apply a nourishing primer for this, under your base coat.
• Always apply thin layers of gel polish. Rather 3 thin layers than 1 or 2 thick ones! Too thick layers of lacquer can harden badly under the lamp, with the result that your manicure will quickly come off your nails.
• Paint the gel polish off your cuticle. When your skin regularly comes into contact with gel polish, you can develop an allergy. Of course you don't want that! Painting a few millimeters from your cuticle not only prevents an allergy, it also makes your nails look longer. Win win!
• Take good care of your nails with oil. This keeps your skin supple and soft, allowing your nails to grow longer and healthier.
• You can also apply oil to your cuticles before removing your gel polish. This protects your skin against filing and remover.

Buy gel polish at Boozyshop

Convinced to start using gel polish? Top! You order all your necessities at Boozyshop! Do you need advice about the use of gel polish, or are you unsure about which products to purchase? Feel free to contact our customer service, they will be happy to help you!