how long to cure asp gel polish

HOW TO APPLY GEL POLISH PERFECTLY: A SIMPLE DIY GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

Ever dream of achieving salon-quality nails at home? Gel polish can be your secret weapon! It offers long-lasting shine, vibrant colors, and chip-resistant wear – all without the hefty price tag of a professional manicure. But achieving that perfect gel polish application can seem daunting at first. Fear not, aspiring nail artist! This guide will break down the process into simple steps, making you a gel polish pro in no time. Get ready to ditch the chipped nails and embrace stunning, long-lasting manicures you can create yourself!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY GEL NAIL POLISH AT HOME?

CUTICLE OIL

Gel curing and especially gel polish removal can dry out your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin. To maintain moisture in your skin and nail plate, it’s beneficial to invest in cuticle oil.

UV/LED LAMP

A UV/LED curing lamp is essential for gel nails, as it hardens the gel polish layers, making the nails more durable and chip-resistant. “Curing” refers to drying gel nails under a UV/LED lamp, where the light activates a chemical reaction that quickly dries the nails, preventing chipping or smudging immediately after application. This process is why gel manicures last longer than most other types of manicures.

CUTICLE PUSHER

A cuticle pusher is used to expose more of your nail bed, helping your manicure last longer by delaying the visible growth of your nails under the polish.

NAIL BUFF

A nail buffer is an essential part of your nail kit. It gently prepares your nail’s surface by smoothing and evening out imperfections, ensuring an easy and flawless application of gel polish.

NAIL FILE

A nail file shapes your nails and removes gel polish by smoothing the edges and grinding down the surface. This helps maintain the desired nail shape and prepares the nails for new polish.

To remove gel nails, use a medium grit file. For soak-off gel polish, use a 180 grit nail file to remove the hardened top coat before removing the polish.

Tip: you want to avoid damaging the natural nail underneath by using too coarse a nail file.

ACETONE

Acetone is used to clean your nails before applying gel polish and to remove the polish afterward. Any acetone with a content of 60 percent or more will work effectively.

Before application, acetone removes oils and residues to create a clean surface for the gel polish. During removal, it breaks down the gel polish for easy removal. Use cotton balls or lint-free nail wipes to apply the acetone, ensuring no fuzz is left on your nails.

UV GEL MANICURE GLOVES

Wearing UV gel manicure gloves protects your skin from the UV light used to cure gel polish. This is important because long-term exposure to UV light can damage your skin. The gloves shield your skin from unnecessary UV ray exposure.

NAIL CLIPPERS

Nail clippers are used to shape your nails before a gel manicure. Avoid clipping your nails after applying gel polish, as it can break the seal at the tip and cause the polish to peel off.

GEL TOP COAT

A gel top coat is crucial when applying gel polish as it seals in the color, delivering a glossy finish that safeguards nails from chipping and peeling.

GEL BASE COAT

A gel base coat is essential as it ensures the gel polish adheres securely to the natural nail, creating a smooth surface that enhances the durability of gel nails. This is why gel manicures have a longer lifespan compared to regular nail polish.

GEL POLISH

Now comes the enjoyable part—choose your favorite gel colors or try something new!

APPLY GEL NAIL POLISH: STEP BY STEP

CUT AND FILE NAILS

To achieve a stunning gel manicure, begin by shaping your nails. Trim them to your desired size and shape using a nail clipper, then use a nail file to smooth out the edges for flawless application.

 PUSH YOUR CUTICLES DOWN

Utilize a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles, creating a cleaner and more visible nail surface. This tool also helps remove dead skin from the nail plate and promotes even cuticle maintenance. Avoid trimming your cuticles, as this can increase the risk of nail infections by exposing the nail bed.

BUFF YOUR NAILS

Gently buff your nails to smooth the surface and enhance their natural shine, preparing them to bond effectively with gel polish. Avoid excessive buffing, which can weaken and thin your nails.

CLEAN NAILS

Thoroughly cleanse your nails with rubbing alcohol to ensure the polish adheres directly to your natural nail. Any residues like cuticle oil or dust particles can cause premature lifting of the polish.

APPLY GEL BASE COAT

Start with a strong foundation! Apply a thin layer of gel base coat to each nail, ensuring it reaches all the way to the tips (capping the free edge) for extra chip resistance. Once all your nails are coated, cure them under a UV lamp or LED light according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 45 seconds to 1 minute). 

Don’t worry about the tacky feeling – this is normal for uncured gel polish. Just resist the urge to touch your nails, as that can mess up the application.

APPLY GEL POLISH

Now, for the fun part – color! Use thin coats to paint each nail, reaching close to the cuticle but avoiding your skin (a clean-up brush can be handy for minor mistakes). Two thin coats are ideal for most colors, but feel free to add more for extra vibrancy. Remember, thin is better than thick for a smooth, even finish. After each coat, cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 45-60 seconds). That sticky feeling is normal, so resist touching your nails until you’re done!

APPLY GEL TOP COAT

Shine on! Finish your masterpiece with a thin layer of gel top coat, ensuring you cover the entire nail and cap the free edge for ultimate protection. Cure your nails under the UV/LED lamp for at least a minute (as per instructions) to completely dry and seal the polish. Some gels might leave a slightly tacky residue – no worries, a gentle wipe with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol will take care of that, revealing your perfectly polished nails!

HOW TO APPLY GEL POLISH ON ACRYLICS

When combining gel polish with acrylic nails, your nail art can remain intact for up to 6 weeks with minimal touch-ups. Before proceeding, familiarize yourself with the differences between gel and acrylic nails.

Here are the recommended steps to follow:

Begin by removing old polish using a non-acetone nail polish remover. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any residual polish from the nail.

Clean and dry the nail completely to eliminate any residue that could affect the application. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that might react with the acrylic. Opt for gentle options like baby wipes or thorough hand washing.

Apply an acrylic-friendly base coat, followed by colored polish and a top coat. Treat acrylic nails similarly to natural nails when applying gel polish, using the steps outlined above. Ensure the base coat is compatible with acrylic to prevent staining.

HOW TO APPLY NAIL TIPS WITH GEL OVERLAY

You can apply gel polish to store-bought nail tips that are glued over your natural nails. The process resembles regular gel polish application but with a few key differences.

Start by pushing back your cuticles, gently buffing the nail surface, and ensuring they are clean. Apply a thin coat of nail glue to each nail and carefully place the nail tips, rocking them to eliminate any trapped air bubbles.

Adjust the size and shape of the nail tips as necessary. Afterward, buff and clean the nail surface before proceeding to apply gel polish. Begin with a base coat followed by at least two layers of color, curing each coat as you apply it.

Before applying the top coat, remove any tacky residue, lightly buff the top color layer, and clean it. Finally, apply and cure the top coat to seal and ensure long-lasting results.

HOW TO APPLY NAIL DECALS OVER GEL POLISH

Ready to level up? Explore Nail Art! Gel polish is perfect for nail art because it allows your designs to shine (literally!) for longer. Here’s a beginner-friendly option using nail decals:

Pick your base: Apply your desired gel polish color as the foundation for your artwork.

Decal magic: Choose your decal design and carefully cut out the section you want to use.

Water decals? Easy! Simply dip a water decal in water to separate it from the backing, then place it on your nail.

Smooth operator: Gently use a wooden stick or your finger to flatten the decal onto your nail. You can even add details or pops of color with extra polish.

Seal the deal: Once your design is perfect, cure it under the lamp for at least 30 seconds. Finish with a layer of gel top coat, cure again, and voila! Show off your artistic masterpiece!

HOW TO MAINTENANCE GEL NAIL POLISH AT HOME?

Prolong your Gel Mani Magic:

Hydration is key: Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your nails and surrounding skin nourished. This helps prevent chipping and peeling.

Give it time to set: Avoid direct contact with water for at least an hour after your manicure. This allows the gel polish to fully cure and harden.

Gloves are your friend: Protect your nails when doing chores! Wear gloves for washing dishes, cleaning, or anything that involves harsh chemicals.

Shine it on: Apply a top coat every few days to add an extra layer of protection and boost the shine and longevity of your gel polish.

HOW TO REMOVE GEL NAIL POLISH AT HOME?

Removing gel nail polish is akin to removing acrylic nails, providing comfort and relief for your fingers. Ready for a Refresh? Here’s how to remove your gel polish safely:

Soften it Up: Soak cotton balls in 100% acetone and place them on each nail.

Seal the Deal: Wrap each fingertip snugly with aluminum foil to create a little pocket. This helps trap the acetone and speeds up the removal process.

Patience is Key: Relax and let the magic happen! Soak your nails for at least 10 minutes. The gel polish should be lifting or dissolving easily.

Buff and Moisturize: Once the polish is gone, gently buff your nails to remove any residue. Finish by pampering your nails and cuticles with a nourishing moisturizer or cuticle oil.

FAQ

1. Do I need to prep my nails before applying gel polish?

Absolutely! Gently push back your cuticles, buff your nails to remove shine, and clean them with alcohol wipes to remove any oils.

2. How thin should the gel polish layers be?

Thin coats are key! Multiple thin layers will create a smooth, opaque finish that’s less prone to chipping.

3. What if I accidentally get gel polish on my skin?

Don’t panic! Before curing, use a cotton swab dipped in acetone or alcohol to gently wipe away the mistake.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it! With a little practice and these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving salon-quality gel manicures from the comfort of your own home. Remember, start with prepping your nails properly, apply thin coats of gel polish, and cure them according to the instructions. Don’t forget to moisturize your nails and avoid harsh chemicals to extend the life of your manicure. Now get creative and have fun with different colors and even try some beginner-friendly nail art! With gel polish, your stunning nails are just a few steps away!

THE 12 BEST WHITE NAIL POLISHES 2024

The current trend in nail art is highly popular among women, and the color white is considered one of the unbelievably beautiful choices for nail polish, suitable for every occasion and everyone. If you find white nails too simple, perhaps you haven’t tried or found the perfect white shade that suits your style. Below, we will introduce you to the 12 best white nail polishes to help you find the perfect choice for you. Read on!

BEST OVERALL: STATIC NAILS LIQUID GLASS LACQUER IN ELIXIR

This Static Nails lacquer transforms nails into a glass-like surface, delivering a radiant and well-polished manicure suitable for various skin tones. Our testers were impressed by its opaque coverage, which remained thin enough for layering as desired. Offering salon-quality results, it boasts a shiny finish that resists immediate chipping. The rounded brush design caters to both novices and experts, ensuring easy and precise application without color overflowing onto cuticles. With just one coat, it imparts a genuine white hue to the nails, but a second coat is recommended to avoid streakiness. The enduring wear and vibrant color set this polish apart, especially when combined with the brand’s primer and top coat, delivering a flawless salon-quality manicure at a fraction of the usual cost.

BEST VALUE: ESSIE NAIL POLISH IN BLANC

Essie polish holds a special place in my heart for its budget-friendly options that never compromise on quality. This particular shade stands out as the whitest of whites from the brand, offering an exceptionally opaque finish with no hint of sheerness. “The polish glided on smoothly and evenly, although the first coat showed slight streakiness.” The streakiness vanishes with a second coat, leaving your nails adorned with a full, rich white hue. The drying time is impressively swift compared to other polishes; nails were fully dry in just 20 minutes. The only drawback is that Essie polishes have a tendency to become goopy over time. To counter this, storing it upright is essential, ensuring a longer lifespan for this vibrant polish.

BEST SPLURGE: DAZZLE DRY NAIL LACQUER IN WHITE LIGHTNING

Dazzle Dry, an AAPI-owned brand, takes pride in its rapid-drying polish formulas, and the remarkably quick dry time immediately captured the attention of our testers. The lacquer glides on smoothly, and thanks to its thin consistency, it dries faster than thicker polishes. This quality, combined with the slight curve of the brush, ensures a streak-free application, as noted by another tester, “The polish applied with minimal streaking, and the second coat achieved complete opacity.” If you’re seeking a manicure that is both bright and neutral, complementing rather than clashing with bold-colored or patterned outfits, White Lightning is the ideal shade to choose. However, bear in mind that this polish has a semi-matte finish, so applying a top coat is recommended for those desiring a glossy look.

BEST SHEER: D.I.D. NAIL PAINT IN CLEAN SLATE

Sheer polishes can surprise with their pigment, a crucial aspect for white lacquers to avoid looking like a clear top coat. d.i.d Founder Adrienne Blanks, drawing on years as a licensed nail tech, crafted the perfect milky polish named Clean Slate. This thin polish, living up to its name, dries swiftly, enhancing the natural nail. Because it isn’t thick, the polish applied evenly and dried in 15 minutes. Like most lacquers, achieving the full-color effect requires at least two coats. Despite being labeled as white, this shade leans more towards a yellow-gray tint, as attested by one tester.

BEST GLOSSY: ESSIE NAIL POLISH IN MARSHMALLOW

One of the sheerer white polishes on our list, this shade exudes elegance and is extremely flattering. Described by the brand as a “cloudy light white, it lives up to that description. The polish is shiny, and the shade isn’t too stark. While streakiness is expected due to its sheer nature, it evens out after two to three coats. This neutral shade, though subtle, packs a lot of pigment, making it an excellent choice for when you’re indecisive but still want a charming color on your nails. The first coat leaves a milky finish, while the second and third coats create a glossy manicure, making it the perfect neutral color for a classy look. Thanks to its glossy finish, you can even skip a top coat, as this lacquer brings plenty of shine on its own.

BEST PEARLESCENT: TAUPE COAT NAIL POLISH IN PEARLIE

Glazed donut nails are currently the hottest trend in manicures. The good news is, you don’t have to visit the salon or spend a fortune to achieve this look—all you need is a pearlescent polish, such as Pearlie from Taupe Coat. This Black-owned brand, founded by Bethany JP, prioritizes small-batch, vegan formulations while ensuring top-notch quality. The sheer polish is buildable, giving you the flexibility to customize the final appearance. “With three coats, you can achieve a light, milky color with an iridescent finish.” Some users have mentioned that the formula takes a bit longer to dry and may still feel tacky after 20 minutes.

BEST OPAQUE: OLIVE & JUNE NAIL POLISH IN HD

For an opaque white manicure, HD from Olive & June is the go-to choice. Its smudge-free finish and thin consistency ensure a smooth, professional-quality manicure without breaking the bank. Achieve a vibrant, snow-white color after two to three coats, and streakiness is nowhere to be seen after the third. “The third coat applied a little bit thick, but it’s fully opaque and looks pretty smooth.” The same tester suggests that adding a topcoat will elevate your nails to the next level, ensuring an even finish. It doesn’t look goopy or streaky whatsoever on its own, but I think it needs a layer of topcoat to smooth and round out the whole look.

BEST FOR FRENCH TIPS: ZOYA NAIL POLISH IN SNOW WHITE

In the realm of various nail trends, from intricate line art to dazzling rhinestone decals and even 3D charms, there exists a timeless nail look the French tip. This design is such a classic that you wouldn’t want to waste your time on sheer white polishes that chip away mere hours after application. Zoya’s Snow White polish emerges as our top pick for creating the perfect French tip. Its thick formula eliminates the need for multiple coats to achieve vibrancy, coupled with a slim brush for easy application. The polish is shiny, smooth, and even in texture,” notes our tester. However, she does mention that the dense formula takes a bit longer to dry but delivers a salon-quality finish with lasting shine. One caveat is that the polish can become clumpy as it nears its expiration date, so it’s advisable to use it up before its quality diminishes.

BEST 10-FREE: DEBORAH LIPPMANN GEL LAB PRO NAIL POLISH IN AMAZING GRACE

In a market where many polishes tout being 10-free, devoid of certain chemicals, Deborah Lipmann goes a step further by infusing her formulas with nourishing ingredients like keratin, biotin, and green tea extract to enhance nail strength. Despite our tester noting some streakiness even after three coats, this can be mitigated by ensuring each layer is thoroughly dry before proceeding. A standout feature of this polish is its brush shape, designed for easy application. “The brush is flat, long, and slightly dense, making it easier to apply the polish to the nail — just one or two strokes are all it takes.”

BEST MILKY WHITE: OPI NAIL LACQUER, FUNNY BUNNY

If you’re not into the paper-white look, OPI’s iconic shade “Funny Bunny” might be more to your liking. Departing from the starkness associated with some white nail polishes, this hue offers a translucent, off-white finish. The application is seamless, resulting in a smooth, glossy appearance. While we were captivated by the polish color, it’s important to note that it took quite a while to dry. Applying two coats on one hand and three on the other revealed that two coats got to the finish line faster, but the final product felt incomplete with some translucent spots. Nevertheless, the allure of this milky white shade makes it worth the wait, so it’s still a worthy addition to your cart.

BEST PEARLIZED: TAUPE COAT NAIL POLISH IN PEARLIE

We admired Taupe Coat’s Pearlie polish for its enchanting milky and iridescent finish, crafting the perfect pearl manicure. The brush size proved adept at navigating around each fingernail, ensuring even application with each stroke. While the polish leans a bit sheer, which may be a drawback for some, its buildable nature allows you to control opacity based on the number of coats applied. Our nails were touch-dry in 20 minutes, initially a pro, but a cautionary note as one smudged during that time. Additionally, the fact that this nail polish is crafted in small batches for greater environmental consciousness is a commendable aspect.

CONCLUSION 

After presenting you with 12 products from various brands for your selection, each item exudes elegance and style. White nail polish is favored by many not only for its simplicity but also for its ease of blending with other colors, radiating sophistication. We hope that reading this article will assist you in effortlessly choosing a suitable product to enhance the beauty of your lovely hands.