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7 BEST BIRTHDAY NAIL SET IDEAS WITH LASTING QUALITY

Calling all birthday nail enthusiasts with a birthday coming up! Ready to ditch the chip worries and rock a stunning manicure that lasts? Look no further! We’ve curated 7 of the best birthday nail set ideas specifically designed for birthday nails, ensuring both eye-catching designs and long-lasting wear. Get ready to celebrate your special day with fabulous nails that won’t quit!

OUR TOP PICKS

BEST POLISH: ESSIE GEL COUTURE LONGWEAR NAIL POLISH + TOP COAT KIT

If you’re aiming for a gel manicure look without the UV drying light, Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish is an excellent choice. This polish, which has a thick, non-dripping formula, applies like regular polish and dries to a hard, glossy finish that mimics a professional salon manicure. We wore these nails for over two weeks and experienced minimal chipping, comparable to professional gel manicures. Removal is straightforward with acetone, leaving your nails healthy and undamaged.

While lamp-cured gel polishes dry faster, Essie Gel Couture takes about 15 minutes to fully dry. However, its staying power is impressive, and we loved the vibrant colors and the well-preserved condition of our nails after removal. If you want a gel-like manicure without the need for a UV lamp, this polish is the best option.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 15 minutes
  • Lamp Included: No

BEST FOR TRAVEL: LE MINI MACARON LE MAXI DELUXE GEL MANICURE SET

The Le Mini Macaron compact kit is ideal for on-the-go manicures. We gave it top marks for ease of use, drying time, finished appearance, and nail health post-removal. Despite gel kits often being intimidating for beauty newbies, this kit from Le Mini Macaron is user-friendly and fun, even for beginners. The gel lacquer dries quickly with the included LED lamp, leaving nails glossy and hard in just one minute. However, the travel-friendly lamp is small, so you’ll need to dry your thumb separately.

While we loved the quick-drying, glossy finish, the polish began peeling within a few days and was completely gone soon after. Longer-lasting results might be achieved by using a nail-prepper product, applying thinner coats, or drying nails for a longer time. Despite the short staying power, our nails were not damaged, making this kit an excellent travel choice.

  • Shades: 2
  • Dry Time: 1 minute
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST VALUE: GELLEN GEL NAIL POLISH KIT

For a more comprehensive option, the Gellen Gel Starter Kit is a great choice. We awarded this kit perfect scores for ease of use and were impressed with the 12 included bottles of polish, various nail embellishments, grooming tools, and UV lamp. The instructions recommend drying each coat for 60 seconds under the light, but we found our nails were still tacky after a minute. Extending the drying time to 90 seconds yielded better results.

Once painted and dried, we loved the appearance of our gel manicures. The colors were vibrant, and the polish dried smooth with a glossy finish. However, the lacquer began to chip around day six and was completely peeled off by day eight, making soak-off removal unnecessary. While we wish the polish lasted longer, this feature-rich kit offers great value.

  • Shades: 12
  • Dry Time: 90 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST FOR BEGINNERS: SALLY HANSEN SALON PRO GEL STARTER KIT

If you’re new to gel nails, Sally Hansen’s beginner-friendly Salon Starter Kit is perfect for you. This kit earned a perfect score for ease of use, thanks to its simple three-step process and lightning-fast drying time. Curing your nails with the included LED lamp takes only about 30 seconds.

Once dried, our nails were smooth, super shiny, and hard without any stickiness. Although the kit comes with only one color, additional bottles can be purchased separately. Despite the promise of up to two weeks of wear, our manicures didn’t last very long. The gel began to peel when we cleaned around the house, even with gloves on. This kit may not be ideal for those who work with their hands, but it’s a great option for anyone looking to try gel nails at home.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 30 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST BUDGET: SENSATIONAIL GEL STARTER KIT

Looking for a budget-friendly option? The SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit is a solid choice. The instructions can be a bit confusing, so we recommend reading through them thoroughly before starting. While this kit wasn’t the easiest to use initially, the process should be smoother the second time around. We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly the lacquer dried with the included LED lamp, but for the best results, we suggest applying thinner layers of paint and taking your time.

The brand claims up to two weeks of wear, but we noticed chipping after about a week—slightly longer than regular polish but not as durable as a professional gel manicure. Although this affordable kit comes with only one polish color, you can purchase additional bottles individually to expand your collection.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 3 minutes
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST FOR NAIL CARE: RED CARPET MANICURE PRO 45 STARTER KIT

If you prioritize skincare, it’s important to care for your nail beds and cuticles too. This comprehensive kit includes everything from cuticle oil to sealing top and base coats, along with cleansers, foil wraps, cuticle pushers, and more. The gel hardened into a shiny gloss on our nails in just 45 seconds and stayed smooth with minimal chipping for nearly two weeks.

We did notice that the brushes were a bit uneven and frayed, making it challenging to cover all the edges perfectly. However, with a steady hand, we applied the glossy shades, confident that our nails and skin were protected. After removing the polish two weeks later, we were pleased to find our nails as strong as ever.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 45 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST OVERALL: MOROVAN NAIL KIT

Morovan’s Poly Gel Kit earned perfect scores for drying time, finished look, staying power, ease of removal, and nail integrity post-removal. We only marked it down for ease of use due to a slight learning curve. However, the instructions were thorough and easy to follow, and the illustrated how-to booklet was very helpful.

This set includes everything needed for a professional-level manicure, plus some fun embellishments and extras. It comes with eight polish shades, including six solid opaques and two ombrés. The kit also includes a primer, a dehydrator, a base coat, a top coat, an LED lamp, and various tools for grooming your nails and cuticles.

The most challenging component was the nail extensions, as the kit includes extension gel and shaping foil to help you create your desired length and shape. Once the gel was applied, the drying process was smooth and straightforward.

After two weeks, only two extensions had fallen off, and the stunning color and shine remained. When it was time to remove the polish, the gel came off easily with the help of a scraping tool. If you’re up for the challenge of DIY gel extensions and want a long-lasting manicure, this kit is an excellent choice.

  • Shades: 8
  • Dry Time: 2 minutes
  • Lamp Included: Yes

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN AT-HOME GEL KIT

STAYING POWER

One of the main attractions of at-home gel nails is their promise of professional-level longevity. The products, tools, and formulas should provide similar results to what you’d get at a salon. However, many kits we tried didn’t last more than a week. Various factors can influence this, including improper use of the kits, daily wear and tear on your nails, and not thoroughly removing natural oils from your nails before painting. For best results, carefully read all instructions and follow the manufacturer’s nail care suggestions, and consider wearing reusable gloves when cleaning and doing dishes.

INCLUDED SHADES

While some at-home gel kits come with multiple polish shades, many starter sets only include one or two. However, additional colors are often available for individual purchase, allowing you to gradually expand your collection with shades you’ll actually use. An extra bottle of white nail polish is great for classic French manicures and the trendy “glazed donut” nails.

CURING LAMP

Most kits come with a UV or LED lamp, which is essential for curing and drying gel polish. As celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein explains, “Gel polish needs a UV light to cure/dry and provides a chip-free manicure that lasts much longer than regular nail polish.” Depending on the lamp’s bulbs and wattage, each coat will take anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes to cure. Most of our top picks, except for Essie’s Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish, include an LED/UV lamp.

REMOVAL

Gel manicures typically require soak-off removal. This involves soaking 10 cotton pieces in pure acetone, placing them on your nails, wrapping them in foil, and letting them sit for about 15 minutes. After soaking, the polish usually scrapes off easily. If you prefer not to make multiple trips to the store, consider the Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Gel Starter Kit, which includes foil wraps, gel polish remover, and more.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it! With these seven fantastic nail set ideas, you can celebrate your birthday with stunning nails that last. Whether you crave a classic French manicure, a touch of playful glitter, or a bold, eye-catching design, there’s a perfect option for you. So go forth, embrace your beautiful nails, and rock a birthday mani that shines as bright as you do!

BIAB NAILS NEAR ME: A COMPLETE ALTERNATIVE FOR GEL NAILS

If you get gel manicures regularly, you’ve probably heard about BIAB nails. What are they, and will they work for you? BIAB, named one of the top 2024 nail trends, promises a nail-strengthening treatment that can be topped with anything from neutral tones to glittering nail art and is more durable than gels while also being friendlier on your natural nails. This is, of course, a bold promise because most nail treatments fall into one of two categories: traditional polish, which provides great nail care but chips in a matter of days. Alternatively, dip powder nails and acrylic nails are more durable but may cause nail damage. In contrast, a BIAB manicure is claimed to provide both gentleness and perseverance. So, if you’re still deciding between BIAB or gels, this article will give you the answer you want. 

What Are BIAB Nails?

BIAB nails, which stands for “builder in a bottle,” are a structured gel manicure designed to strengthen your natural nails. The GelBottle Inc. created them in the UK. They are identical to the gels commonly used for manicures, except they come in a bottle for easier application. Even though it is applied like conventional nail polish, BIAB nails can extend the nail and help you achieve the desired form. Unlike gel polish, which damages natural nails, BIAB nails strengthen them by forming a protective layer. They are not only soak-off gels, but they are also firmer than regular gel polish, which prevents brittle nails. BIAB nails can be worn alone or in combination with gel nail paint. 

The Difference Between BIAB Nails And Gel Nails 

BIAB nails are considerably more expensive than gel nails, which may turn some individuals away. However, BIAB nails are expected to last longer than normal gel nails, making them more cost-effective despite their greater initial cost.

Another distinction between BIAB and normal gel nails is how they feel. Standard gel nails will be soft and flexible, allowing them to bend. On the other hand, BIAB nails are more robust, with nails that do not bend. BIAB nails also appear thicker and more luxurious, making for some gorgeous finishes.

BIAB Nails And Their Benefits

While the majority of gel nail paints on the market contain animal byproducts, PureWow claims that builder nails are vegan. They are also cruelty-free, which means no animal experimentation was used in the production of the product. Aside from being vegan and cruelty-free, one of the best features of BIAB nails is their capacity to cure and restore damaged nails.

If you’re a nail-biter who’s hesitant to try gels or acrylics, the BIAB formula will repair and shape your nails as you see fit. Builder nails are also available in a variety of neutral hues that reflect your nails, making them ideal for a natural look and occupations that do not allow wacky-colored manicure polish or acrylics (via Refinery29).

The long-lasting formula allows you to change the colors and designs of your nails regularly without having to remove the nail itself. If you’re worried that wearing the nails for a few weeks would color your natural nail beds yellow, don’t be. GelBottle Inc. devised their BIAB solution to be non-yellowing and non-shrinking.

How To Take Care Of BIAB Nails ?

According to Get the Gloss, BIAB nails last much longer than gel nails, lasting chip-free for up to three weeks versus 10 days to two weeks. These nails, like acrylic nails, can be filled in. This implies that instead of fully removing your nails when you have fresh growth, you may simply apply builder gel to “fill in” the gap.

To extend the wear of these nails, take care of them, especially after the first 24 hours of having them done. Avoid activities that entail heat, such as taking hot baths and doing dishes. Treatwell recommends applying cuticle oil and washing your hands frequently.

The removal technique for BIAB nails is comparable to that of gel nails. They should be carefully buffed and then bathed in acetone, according to the Stylist. Because BIAB nails have a firmer texture than regular gel nails, they may take longer to remove. Regardless of the time required for removal, this new nail style is well worth trying.

BIAB Nails Inspo For Beginners

Milk White Nails With Design

The best design may come from floral! Nothing speaks elegance like a lovely floral arrangement. With Biab nails, you can have a garden on your fingertips every day. Delicate roses, blooming daisies, and ornate vines are all options at your fingertips, literally.

Spring Nails 2024 Short

The holiday is coming, so why not try nails with a diamond pattern? Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and Biab nails allow you to wear them on your fingers. 

Swirl Nails

This is the perfect nail for red dress. Add swirls and twirls to your claws to create these amazing swirl nails. These captivating designs create a sensation of movement and fascinate with their intricate patterns. 

Pink Nails With Hearts

Pink nails with hearts are a popular and flexible Valentine’s Day manicure design that may also be worn throughout the year! 

Red And Pink Nails

Red and pink nails are a gorgeous combination that provides limitless opportunities for artistic nail art!

FAQS

How Long Does BIAB Last?

With regular care, BIAB can help keep your nails looking strong and healthy for up to four weeks.

Is BIAB Good For Your Nails?

BIAB may be a viable alternative for some people searching for stronger, longer-lasting nails, particularly those with naturally weak or brittle nails. However, it is critical to prioritize adequate nail care with BIAB use and to be aware of any downsides.

Should BIAB be removed every time?

It is preferable to have the BIAB nails removed or replaced every three to four weeks, or whenever they begin to lift. 

Conclusion

So there you have it. The definitive guide to BIAB nails. From learning the benefits and cons to selecting the ideal design and mastering the application procedure, you’re now ready to flaunt magnificent, long-lasting nails that turn heads. Remember, healthy nails are happy nails, so make regular nail care a priority alongside your BIAB treatments. Embrace your creativity, try out new designs, and most importantly, have fun!

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