It’s no secret that gel nail polish has taken over the world of manicures. The long-lasting, super-shiny finish is perfect for any occasion and makes your nails look like they were done by a professional every time. If you’re new to gel nails or are just looking to switch up your routine, don’t worry: We’ve got you covered. After researching and trying out a number of different products, we’ve come up with the six essentials you need for the perfect DIY manicure at home.
Gel Nail Polish Remover Wraps
The first step to having great gel nails is making sure you remove your old gel polish without damaging your natural nails. These remover wraps are easy to use—wrap one around each finger and let them sit for 10 minutes while the acetone breaks down the polish. After 10 minutes, any remaining polish will come off easily with an orange stick.
Cuticle Pusher
If you want clean, new-looking nails, it’s important to push back your cuticles before applying any polish. This stainless steel cuticle pusher is perfect for doing just that—it has both a pointy end for getting into hard-to-reach areas and a spoon end for pushing back cuticles all over the
If you’re trying to perfect a DIY manicure, you need to have the right products. As someone who struggles with gel nails (and has been known to remove them before they’re even dry!), I can tell you having the proper tools is key.
To help you avoid the same struggles I have, here are the best products for a DIY gel manicure.
1. Gel Nail Kit By Modelones: This little kit has everything you need for a full gel manicure and then some! It comes with a UV/LED lamp, a top and base coat, your choice of color, nail files and an alcohol wipe. If you want to get really fancy, it even comes with glitter! The best part? It’s only $34.99 on Amazon!
2. Base Coat By Essie: A good base coat is key to making your gel nails look their best. It’ll create an even surface and make sure your polish goes on smoothly. This one by Essie is our favorite because it works well and the price is right at just $9.
3. Nail Polish By Sensationail: This polish is my go-to for all things gel nails. It’s affordable at just $10 per bottle
It’s no secret that gel manicures are a thing of beauty. They last longer, look shinier and are less likely to chip than your average nail polish job. However, the salon price tag often means you’re left with a couple of chipped nails before you can justify another appointment.
Luckily there’s an easy solution to this problem: DIY gel nails. We’ve rounded up the ultimate 6 products for the perfect at-home manicure, for when you can’t make it into the salon (or just don’t want to fork out!).
It’s easy to DIY a gel manicure, even if you’ve never done your own nails before in your life. Gel nails are all about the products, so don’t skimp on them. Like any beauty product, gel powder will vary in quality, and some work better than others. There are several things to consider when choosing a gel powder but we’re going to stick with the basics: you can never go wrong with a trusted brand.
Use this list of the best gel powders for an at-home mani that won’t let you down.
I will admit, I do not get my nails done very often. Why? Because I can’t afford it, and also because it is a hassle to drive all the way to the nail salon, sit there for an hour or two, and then drive all the way back home. And if you are thinking that getting your nails done is worth the time and money because your manicure will last for a couple of weeks, think again.
I have tried several different brands of gel manicures and top coats that are supposed to last for a couple of weeks minimum with no chipping whatsoever. And guess what? I have chipped every single one of them within just a few days of getting them done.
With each new gel manicure I have tried, I am disappointed more and more. They don’t last as long as they claim to and I feel like I am wasting my hard-earned money on something that is not worth it. So what’s a girl to do? Give up on getting her nails done altogether? Of course not! If you want to get your nails done without having to fork over $40+ every two weeks or so, you should try doing gel powder nails at home.
Below are some products (and instructions!) that will help you
Gel nails are the latest craze, and it’s no surprise why. They’re shiny, durable, and long-lasting. Plus, gel polish is just so dang cool! I have been wearing gel nails for over a year now and I have to say it’s been one of the best beauty decisions I’ve ever made. A gel manicure used to involve going to the salon and using a UV light, but thanks to some brilliant minds out there you can get perfect DIY gel nail polish that doesn’t require any special equipment.
Gel powder nails are a new way of doing your nails at home that doesn’t require any UV light or special equipment. You can do it in the comfort of your own home by following these easy steps:
1. Apply a base coat (I use this one) to clean, dry nails.
2. Apply two thin coats of polish (I use this one) letting each dry completely before applying the next.
3. Apply an optional top coat if desired (I use this one) then let dry completely before adding any embellishments or decorations like glitter or rhinestones.
4. You’re done! Your brand new set of beautiful gel powder nails will last up to two weeks with proper care.”
I have a confession. I’ve been getting gel manicures on and off for years, even through my pregnancy. (I know, I know, but I had to find one small beauty pleasure I could keep in my otherwise very restrictive nine months.) The thing is, there’s something so satisfying about the smooth, long-lasting results of gel nails that make me want to keep coming back. But with the harsh chemicals used to remove the polish and the potentially damaging UV light used to set it, it’s just not that good for your nails. Which is why I jumped at the chance to try out CND’s new Vinylux weekly polish ($9).
Like many of its counterparts, Vinylux has two parts. The first is a new base coat that promises better adhesion and greater durability than traditional nail polishes, which means less chipping on day three or four of your mani. Then you apply two coats of color. With most regular polishes, this would be enough. But with Vinylux it’s just the beginning — after you’ve let those two coats dry completely (which takes only five minutes!), you use a special top coat that helps the color cure in natural light over an eight-hour period. That means no UV light required