What is gel polish. Shellac and gel polish: what is the difference and the main advantages of shellac
You need to take care of your nails, and once you have painted them, there is an obligation to constantly maintain their aesthetic appearance. Then resistant coatings come to the rescue - shellac or gel polish, which make the everyday life of ladies more comfortable. But what is the difference between gel polish and shellac and which one to choose for your perfect manicure?
What is the difference?
Delving into the history of permanent varnishes, CND has been a pioneer in the industry. It was she who awarded women the chance to wear high-quality manicure for a long time. The coating was called Shellac.
The development of other brands that developed similar products did not cause the appearance of absolute analogues. Varnishes similar in action were created that did not wash off for about two weeks. They are called gel polishes.
Means for covering almost everything differ, it is not advisable to call them analogues or varieties of each other.
Application rules
Simply applying a coating to the nail and drying it under a lamp is not enough. There are certain conditions due to which this or that coverage will last the prescribed period.
Before applying gel polish, you must:
- Prepare nails (cut manicure or hardware), remove the pterygium (top layer of the nail) with a buff.
- Apply a primer (base, base) so that the gel polish adheres well to the nail.
- Depending on the desired effect, apply colored gel polish. This can be one layer or more (companies can put different amounts of pigment into their product, which may not be enough for a rich color coated in one layer).
- The top is applied as a gel polish fixer. Often the base (primer) and top are combined in one bottle.
Shellac is more practical - the nail can not be filed, which preserves its integrity, a primer is not required, and the top is applied as desired.
There are also bases for shellacs. Their main purpose is to protect the nails from the pigments in the composition of the product.
Color palette
This indicator is diverse for gel polishes, which makes it possible to get a brilliant manicure of any shade with a variety of effects (glitter, mother-of-pearl, "cat's eye", etc.). Shellacs are lagging behind in this matter, limiting the choice to almost half.
Shellac was invented by CND, which developed its own line of shades. Their Vinylux product was a new polish that lasted for a week. The color scheme was wide enough to fit into everyday life.
There are a lot of gel polish brands, each of them contributes to the collection of flowers. These are Gel Polish (gel polish), Bluesky (bluesky), Gelish lac (gelish), Vita gel, Sol, Coco color gel and others. How many such firms in the market of the nail industry - do not count, which cannot be said about shellac.
You can distinguish a quality product from a surrogate if you read the composition. The price in such a case is not unimportant, the difference will be noticeable between the coatings of the low price segment and the higher one. A good tool will not cost a couple of dollars. It is better to start your selection among mid-range products.
The truth is in
The coatings have a different chemical composition, although they look equally good on the nails. Shellac contains n-butanols, methacrylates, butyl acetates, titanium dioxide, etc. But their effect on the body cannot be called detrimental, unlike the constituent gel polishes.
Given the harmfulness of chemicals, gel polish contains an order of magnitude higher toxic components than shellac. This is the advantage of shellac. What is more harmful is for a woman who wants to cover her nails to decide, and there are plenty of varieties of means for this.
Although the composition is similar, shellak (the name is spelled as shilak, shilak, slag, schelak, sherlak) can also harm the nail plate - after wearing it normally for several weeks, you can earn brittle nails. This is because shellac is able to dry out the nail plate.
It is not worth covering your nails in a row, you can alternate it with a bio-gel coating, at the same time forming a nail. It is safer to build them up, biogel heals nails and improves their growth.
Polymerization
The process of hardening (polymerization) is different for the coatings in question. To harden shellac, you need a UV lamp. Under other types of lamps, it does not polymerize.
The progress in the development of the composition of the gel polish has reached a level where drying takes place under LED devices. Since it is LED lamps that are becoming more popular (they are practical to maintain, dry quickly), gel polish is much more convenient in terms of practicality.
Removal from the nail
Sooner or later, you need to remove the coating from the nail. You can remove gel polish or shellac at home or in the salon thanks to special liquids and auxiliary accessories.
The first and main condition is not to peel off the remnants of varnish! Otherwise, it will take a long time for the nails to “come to their senses”, and you can forget about a beautiful manicure for a long time.
You can also remove varnish at home. Step by step for gel polish it looks like this:
- Cut off more gel polish residues from nails with a nail file or a router with a “corn” nozzle, preferably from ceramics (so there will be no options to damage the nail plate).
- Soak cotton pads in nail polish remover. Wrap them around your nails and wrap in foil (you can use finger caps). This is necessary because the agent does not evaporate before the gel polish dissolves.
- Wait a quarter of an hour, sometimes longer (depending on what varnish).
- Remove the "compresses", on the cotton pad should be the remnants of the gel polish.
Special liquids, which are used by many masters, are able not to overdry the nails after each removal of varnish. Improper removal guarantees brittle nails. It depends not only on the means, but also on the competence of the master.
Shellac is removed in a similar way, only it will take less time to wait. But there is still a difference in the process. It is usually not washed down before removal, but after the “compresses” have been made, traces of the coating may remain on the nails. They are “scraped off” with an orange stick. By using professional solvents, this can be avoided.
Duration of wearing
Manufacturers consider it normal if gel polish with a primer and top coat stays on nails for up to 3 weeks. Shellac - for the same period.
But in practice, the following has been proven - gel polish is more resistant, especially if it was covered with thin layers that were dried separately (wearing - 2-3 weeks). Shellac - up to 2 weeks. Such a period of coating looks spectacular, but it may peel off earlier, especially if the nail was poorly degreased before coating.
If the gel polish is applied as an independent layer without a base and top, then it will last no more than a week.
How to extend the wearing of the coating?
Although nail covers can have adverse effects (especially with constant use), they are practical in terms of wear time and are very easy to use. But that doesn't mean they don't need to be taken care of. Unlike acrylic, gel polish and shellac can be damaged by inaccurate actions and thereby spoil the quality of the manicure.
How to ensure a beautiful manicure for a long time? The answers are banal and have long been known to everyone. The main thing is to prevent aggressive substances from getting on the coating (solvents of all kinds), avoid thermal exposure (this is dangerous not only for the coating, but also for nails in general), do not test nails for strength in vain (tear off something, scratch them). Wear gloves to wash dishes. This is useful for the skin of the hands in principle, regardless of whether there is a coating on the nails or not.
Risks of wearing gel polish and shellac
Such a universal coating, regardless of the name, has its drawbacks. Although the pronounced benefit is the beauty of the nails for a long time, doing such a manicure, there is a risk of spoiling the condition of the nails and then restoring them for a long time.
What signs of changes in the nail plate should alert:
- The nails became dull, roughness, tubercles, stripes appeared on them.
- The color of the nail plate has become yellowish or gray.
- There were delaminations on the protruding area of the nails, the periungual skin has a lot of burrs and roughness.
Medical procedures in this case are necessary. Similar symptoms can provide nails with a fungal disease. This will happen for one reason - if the master ignores the disinfection of manicure supplies.
Depending on the composition of varnishes, toxic substances can harm the body. What exactly is the harm? Allergies that arise due to the accumulation of toxins, as well as general poisoning of the body. But the manicure coatings industry is not standing still, and, for sure, there will soon be one that will do absolutely no harm.
Video from an expert
With the help of which not only maintains a well-groomed appearance of their hands, but also shows individuality. Unfortunately, the coating on the nails lasts no more than a week, in addition, it can be smeared before it dries. Therefore, it is necessary to update the manicure very often, which is quite tiring. Gel polish helps solve the problem. The photo below shows how the nails look after such a procedure.
Applying gel polish is easy, and since a UV lamp is used for drying, you don’t have to worry that the coating will smear. In addition, gel polish forms a strong base for nails, which protects them from damage and makes it possible to grow faster. Decorative gel polish coating retains its appearance for a long time, does not fade over time, scratches do not form on it. The technology for applying gel polish is simple, the main thing is to take into account some important points.
What is gel polish?
Gel polish has a peculiar structure, due to drying under an ultraviolet lamp, it turns into a durable coating that is not subject to damage and abrasion. Currently, many companies produce gel polishes, the difference between which is polymerization time, viscosity, amount of color pigment, etc.
Durability, strength, simple application technology are the reason why this type of manicure, such as gel polish, is becoming more and more popular among women. The photo shows that the color range of such varnishes is quite diverse, from traditional to extraordinary tones.
The coating applied to the nails dries under the influence of ultraviolet rays in a lamp for two to four minutes. The drying time depends on the consistency of the product and the power of the lamp.
Advantages
Among the advantages of such a coating, one can note its durability compared to conventional varnishes, ease of application (if you have special tools, a manicure can be done at home), a strong texture, which helps to strengthen the nail plate. The gel polish remains shiny and, when properly applied, does not form cracks or chips, so there is no need for additional touch-ups. Nails after applying gel polish look natural. In addition, the use of gel polish is not harmful to health, it is safe for pregnant and lactating women, it does not penetrate into the pores of the nail and does not affect the condition of the nail plate.
Of the minuses, one can note the complicated procedure for removing the coating, as well as the relative high cost of such a manicure. But still, there are much more advantages, which is why many women choose gel polish.
What should be purchased?
In order to be able to do such a manicure at home, you need to purchase a special set that consists of gel polishes (transparent and colored), an ultraviolet lamp, a degreaser, a bond, a primer, a top coat, a nail file and a polishing buff, an orange stick, lint-free napkins. A gel polish kit can be found in a specialized store.
When choosing gel polish, keep in mind that an inexpensive product may be of poor quality and, with constant use, can damage your nails. Therefore, it is advisable to give preference to branded devices.
Without an ultraviolet lamp, it is impossible to cover nails with gel polish. The photo shows what such a lamp looks like.
Its power must be at least 36 W so that the nail coating is securely fixed. Otherwise, your manicure may turn out to be faded and sloppy. A special lamp for gel manicure has a timer with which it is convenient to note the time.
Degreaser wipe the nail plate. To save money, you can use ordinary medical alcohol for this purpose. The bond is needed to dry the nails. The primer provides better adhesion of the coating to the nail.
Manicure technique
The procedure consists of several stages. Let's consider each of them in detail.
1. Nail preparation
Covering nails with gel polish begins with their preparation. First of all, with the help of a nail file, it is necessary to give the nails the desired shape. For thin nails, the short length will be the most optimal, which will keep the manicure longer. Before the session, you can make a relaxing hand bath with the addition of essential oils. The nails should be allowed to dry well, as the soaked manicure will not last long.
Then you need to push back the cuticle using an orange stick. All nails are filed to the required length. With a fine-grained polishing buff, we remove the natural gloss from the nails so that the surface becomes matte. Peels must be removed very carefully, otherwise the coating will begin to chip off along with them. Particular attention should be paid to the edge of the nail plate, removing all cracks and exfoliated parts. Then, using a brush, you need to brush off the dust that has formed in the process.
After that, the nails are degreased, trying not to touch them until the end of the procedure in order to avoid chipping off the coating in the future. A thin layer of transparent bond is applied to the nail plate, and then a primer. This procedure allows you to keep the manicure longer.
2. Applying gel polish
Coating with gel polish is a simple procedure, but some rules must be followed. First, the nails are covered with a base transparent varnish and placed in a UV lamp for 30-60 seconds. Do not touch the nails, so as not to contaminate the surface, this may affect the quality of the manicure.
Then a thin layer of colored varnish is applied. It is important that it does not get on the skin around the nail, otherwise it will not last long. All excess can be easily removed before polymerization. The nails are placed in a lamp for two minutes, if desired, you can repeat the procedure two or three times, then the color will be brighter. Do not apply varnish too thickly, tubercles and peeling may appear.
3. Topcoat application
If desired, any patterns or decorations can be applied under the top layer. Polymerization lasts 2-3 minutes. When applying the coating, do not forget to seal the end of the nail, which will give durability to the manicure and keep it longer. At the end of the polymerization, it is necessary to moisten a lint-free cloth in a degreaser and wipe the nails to remove the top sticky layer. To maintain gloss, change the tissue every 3 nails.
Then a nourishing oil is applied to the cuticle to moisturize. This completes the gel nail polish. The photo shows how the nails look after such a procedure.
Now you can do the usual things, without fear of spoiling the manicure.
How to remove gel polish?
After two or three weeks, the coating must be removed, since during this time the nail grows significantly, and this spoils the entire manicure. Gel polish is not so easy to remove and an incorrectly performed procedure can significantly worsen the condition of the nails. The best option would be to contact the salon, where it will be done professionally. In no case should you tear off or remove the coating like a film, since the top layer of the nail can also be torn off along with the varnish.
To carry out such a procedure at home, it is necessary to prepare foil, cotton pads, a special coating remover or a conventional acetone-based product, an orange stick.
First you need to wash your hands. Then a cotton pad is applied to the nail, which is pre-moistened in nail polish remover, wrapped with foil on top to avoid evaporation of the solvent. After 10-15 minutes, the varnish softens. After massaging the nail plate, remove the cotton wool and foil along with the coating.
The remaining gel polish can be cleaned off with an orange stick. If not all of the coating can be removed, you must repeat the procedure. Do not peel off the remnants of varnish, this injures the nail plate.
Possible problems
It is not uncommon to hear complaints that the gel polish coating turned out to be unstable, lasting no more than a week, or began to chip off after a few days. If all the points were taken into account and the procedure was performed correctly, the reason may be in the individual characteristics of the nails. You can try using a gel polish from another company or switch to more expensive products.
For women who do not have enough free time to do manicures often, but at the same time want to have well-groomed hands, gel nail polish will be a real find and will delight for a long time, while maintaining an attractive appearance. In addition, for those who have brittle and weak nails, this method will help grow them to the required length.
Women's manicure must be flawless. Its design is as important as makeup, hairstyle, outfit. In order for the nail coverage to be perfect, you need to approach the choice of varnish responsibly. It is important not only to choose a good tool, but also to know its features, as well as the nuances of application. A real find that allows you to make a perfect manicure is gel polish. What is it and how to use it, we will understand in this article.
What it is
Gel polish is a relatively new and trendy type of coating used for manicure, one of the best developments in the nail industry. It is quite in demand not only among masters working in salons and at home. This nail preparation is popular with ordinary fashionistas, as it can be applied at home.
So that the coating does not differ from the salon, you need to follow the sequence, technology and certain rules for applying the product. In addition to the coating itself, you need to purchase the necessary materials, which will pay off very quickly, since performing the procedure at home will significantly save the budget, and the result will not be inferior to a professional manicure.
Gel polish is essentially a plastic polish, a gel-effect polish that can be painted on like polish, but needs to be cured under a UV lamp.
This coating has many advantages:
- In most cases, it consists of hypoallergenic components., harmless to health, does not contain toxic and harmful substances in the composition. Such products do not harm the skin, do not cause allergies and irritation. Thanks to the beneficial substances included in the composition, the product nourishes and strengthens the nail plates.
- Gel polish is highly durable. It can stay on the nails for more than two weeks, delighting the owner with the brightness of color and glossy sheen. And when it comes to pedicure, then the polish lasts about a month on the legs. It is removed with the help of specialized means by soaking.
- Unlike conventional varnishes, it does not lose the saturation of the shade, does not become cloudy, and is resistant to damage., chips, cracks, retains the original presentable appearance for a long time after application.
- It withstands different loads (frequent contact with water, cleaning), gradually growing along with the nail plate. Hardening during application, it creates a strong protection of the surface from various damages. At the same time, such a manicure looks natural, colorful and bright. This is an ideal coating for long nails: it strengthens the nail plates, protects them from brittleness, forming a strong frame.
- Such a tool is characterized by ease of use, applied quickly, dried under a special lamp for a short time. As a rule, it has a convenient brush, and working with it is no more difficult than with the usual type of varnish. In addition, such products can have a different effect (with a metallic sheen, the effect of silk, enamel, watercolor, sand, "cat's eye", etc.).
Compound
Decorative coating for nails has a stable polymer structure. It consists of:
- photoinitiator(a non-toxic component that, under the influence of an ultraviolet lamp, contributes to the drying of the varnish);
- thinners(components that determine the density and consistency of the texture, its durability and ease of removal);
- film former(a component that provides the strength of the coating, preventing abrasion and destruction of gel polish under the influence of external factors);
- pigments(dyes, the content of which determines the density and brightness of the coating);
- fillers and additives to help strengthen nails.
Colors
This season's manicure trends include a wide range of shades. Solid colors are in vogue. A worthy place in the color palette is occupied by pastel colors. They are incredibly feminine and suit absolutely any woman, regardless of her age and chosen style. These are universal shades that are especially appropriate with a romantic or classic outfit. Naturalness is in fashion, so pastel tones are one of the most current trends.
No less popular is the transparent coating. Today, this hit is often found at fashion shows of famous designers. This is a classic, naturalness, naturalness and a healthy look. The main rule is the impeccability of manicure.
Among the actual shades, beautiful powdery and flesh tones, the so-called nude, are especially in demand.. This range includes shades from cream, pearl color to peach with pink. Tone with diluted gray is at the height of fashion.
Among the bright range, popular colors are blue, purple, fuchsia, chocolate, diluted blue, sky blue, turquoise and cocoa tone. Black color is very popular in gothic outfits. Matte mint and caramel shades are in fashion. Moreover, the shape of the nails approaches the natural, and the coating can be partial, with the addition of glitter.
The red gamma is represented by juicy scarlet, raspberry, wine, burgundy, cherry and orange tones.. The bright coral color looks amazing too. This tone focuses on the hands.
Necessary materials
In order to cover your nails with gel polish at home, you need to purchase:
- grinder(preparatory stage before coating), for polishing natural nails;
- degreaser(nail polish remover) to ensure maximum adhesion of the coating to the surface;
- UV lamp 36W(for drying the product);
- basic framework (base gel), which evens out the tone and improves the adhesion of gel polish to the nail plate;
- gel polish any color;
- top coat, which performs the function of protecting the gel polish and giving it a characteristic glossy sheen;
- ordinary alcohol solution(sold in any pharmacy) to remove residual stickiness;
- lint-free wipes(soft cloth) to remove excess product from the skin.
In order to enhance durability and prevent peeling of the coating, it is important to follow the technology of applying gel polish.
How to use
Often, the beautiful half of humanity notes that the declared characteristics are somewhat overestimated, and the attractiveness and durability of the gel polish coating is not so durable. We must not forget that the same product behaves differently on different nails. There are cases when, already on the second or third day, the coating begins to crack and peel off. This is due to a violation of the application technology. Subject to all the rules of coverage, you can extend the beauty and well-groomed manicure on your hands up to 20 days.
The process consists of several stages: preparation, base, color coating and top.
Preparation of the free edge of the nail
It is important that it is smooth and free of dust.. All delaminations, irregularities are trimmed with a file for natural nails, the cuticle is removed. After polishing, the nails look matte.
Before coating, you can do a light manicure, but after completing the procedure, it is necessary to remove the applied cosmetic product (cream or oil) from the nail plate, then the nails should be dried for 10-15 minutes.
Removal of the keratin layer
If you ignore this step, there is a high risk of peeling gel polish. It is necessary to delicately remove only the gloss from the nail plate, not forgetting the end of the nail. The pressure on the buff should be light. After treatment, it is better not to touch the nails.
To finally remove the remaining moisture and dust after trimming, you can use special napkins (soft textile shreds) and a dehydrator (deep degreaser). It not only removes possible impurities, but also restores the acid-base balance, prevents delamination and infection of the cuticle. The use of a dehydrator makes the coating smooth and durable.
Base coat
The base is applied in a thin layer. Gel polish dries much slower than conventional polishes, so you can apply the coating calmly, without haste. Thanks to a convenient brush, you can gently and evenly cover the nail plate without touching the skin and cuticles. It is important to cover the end of the nail well, sealing it.
After evenly applying the base base, it is important to prevent small specks, dust, and villi from getting on the coating. After applying the base, the nails must be dried under an ultraviolet lamp for 2 minutes (each hand).
The layer will be slightly sticky, so you can not touch it with your hands. It is a protection against the penetration of coloring pigments on the surface of the nail plate. When the base is dry, it is necessary to level the dispersion layer with a dry brush so that the colored gel polish lays evenly and does not spread to the sides of the nail.
Pigment layer
When using color coatings, it is important to consider some of the nuances:
- the applied layers must be very thin(thick ones will provoke the formation of waves and air bubbles);
- do not forget about the free edge of the nail, carefully ensuring that the application is uniform, without thickening and smooth;
- choosing a pastel color varnish or a bright shade, you need to cover it with two layers with mandatory polymerization (drying) under the lamp of each layer for two minutes;
- dark shade gel polish can be applied in two or three thin layers to ensure uniform coloration. A dense layer will cause the gel coat to crackle quickly.
Finishing (top) coating
The finish gel is applied to the surface of the nail in a denser layer. It is important to distribute it evenly, paying attention to the end of the plate. After it dries, it must be degreased with an alcohol-containing solution. You can use special liquids for this.
How to delete
You can remove the coating with special tools, which are moistened with cotton pads or napkins, applied to the nails and wrapped in foil so that the liquid does not evaporate ahead of time.
Usually this procedure does not take more than 15 - 25 minutes. Its duration depends on how long the gel polish was on the nails. When the coating has risen in the form of a film, it can be easily removed using an orange stick.
How to choose a lamp
When choosing a model of an ultraviolet lamp, you should pay attention to the option with a power of 36 watts. It optimally quickly dries the layer of gel polish, and, in addition, will not give the coating an unpleasant effect of matte cloudy spots. The choice of brand does not really matter: it is not at all necessary to buy an expensive lamp, since it needs to be changed after three to six months. Otherwise, the durability of the coating will be markedly reduced.
The device for home use can be of different dimensions. Large attachments allow you to dry both hands at the same time. However, more often, relatively small-sized lamps are chosen for the home.
Do not choose a device with high power: such lamps burn out more often, require constant replacement and have a negative effect on the body. They dry the skin of the hands and nails, adversely affect the organs of vision. The LED lamp does not dry all types of gel polish, although it is considered a professional high-power device.
Best before date
When buying gel polish, you need to pay attention to its expiration date. Usually this figure is 2-3 years. If there is no such information on the bottle, it is better to refuse to buy this particular product. Such information includes the period of implementation (the period from the date of production). During this time, the components do not change their properties, the varnish retains its characteristics.
The second expiration date depends on the owner of the product. The fact is that when opened, heavy components and pigments push the solvent to the surface of the product, so it evaporates, the varnish thickens and becomes unsuitable for application. To extend the service life, it is better to store the gel polish in a cool, dark place, protected from sunlight.
Which is better
When choosing a gel coating, you should give preference to a product that does not contain formaldehyde, dibutyl phthallate. It is important to buy a gel polish that is easy to apply, does not require laborious preparation of nails, has a convenient application brush, allows for easy adjustment during the procedure, and looks natural.
Coatings with a dense texture are considered good tools; they fit perfectly on the surface of the nail plates. These products include products Just Gel Polish, Gloss, Jessica Geleration, CND, Premiere and covers from other brands.
Firms
When choosing a quality product, you can pay attention to brands that have a lot of positive reviews.
Just Gel Polish
The company's products have established themselves as perfect coatings with excellent characteristics. They are distinguished by a wide range of saturated shades, have a creamy texture, are perfectly distributed over the surface of the nail plate and do not flow past the cuticle. Two thin coats are enough to apply the color coating. It lasts for more than two weeks, while maintaining a flawless appearance. Sandy-gold coatings have the effect of light holography, which reveals itself in all its glory in the sun.
gloss
Coatings gloss have a dense non-liquid texture, they lie flat and self-level. Shades are divided into matte and glossy. The color scheme has a lot of noble shades from light pastel to luxurious deep dark. They need to be applied in two layers, since stripes can be visible with one. The advantage of coatings is the absence of a yellow tint after varnish removal.
Premiere
Thick coverage at a budget price. It has a neatly trimmed brush with a comfortable shape, which contributes to the uniform application of the product. Shades with overflows and the effect of "cat's eye" will look very beautiful and expressive. Varnishes of the trademark do not flow behind the cuticle, are applied easily, do not create a burning sensation under the lamp and are highly resistant. Such a manicure is enough for two weeks, it does not fail, it keeps steadfastly without chips and cracks.
Koto
Charming shades of the manufacturer do not leave indifferent any woman. In the palette of colors, there are more than 500 different tones. The advantage of this product is the strengthening of the nail plates: in addition to an impeccable manicure, the nails are reliably protected from brittleness. During the entire time that the varnish is on the nail plates, it looks like new, made in a beauty salon. Usually it is enough for more than two weeks, while it does not need to be touched up, tinted.
Removing the cover is easy. The whole procedure will not take more than 10 minutes. In this case, the varnish is removed in whole pieces using an orange stick.
Venalisa
Brand varnish is considered one of the most resistant and durable. It has a viscous texture, fits well on the surface of the nail plate and does not spread beyond it, densely painting the nail from the first layer. The shades are very pleasant, contain a small shimmer. Such a manicure will stay on the nails for two to three weeks with medium external influences.
New
Natural length is becoming a new fashion trend: short nails are in fashion. They do not interfere in everyday life and are less demanding in care, less likely to break. Such a manicure lasts much longer.
Classic solid color design never ages or loses popularity. The monochromatic coating is perfect for any occasion, and with your imagination and creativity, you can decorate your nails with any pattern or sparkling accents. For example, a natural shade coating with a bronze strip of narrow adhesive tape and small rhinestones in the center of the nail will look incredibly gentle.
Dark lacquer coatings in nail art are ideal in combination with white or beige contrast.. Combinations of mint and caramel shades, contrasts of plain coatings and varnishes with glitter, design of liquid stones, casting, ombre, mica, sand, flowers and French are welcome.
Do not give up their positions French manicure, art painting, design using adhesive tape and stickers. Among the drawings, creative ideas are especially popular. It can be a variety of laces, complemented by microbeads, rare small rhinestones, floral arrangements, geometric ornaments, asymmetry, amber pattern, animal theme and many other variations. Perhaps one of the most delicate designs is the butterfly wing element. Completed fragments of different shapes and sizes look incredibly airy and feminine.
High-quality manicure is now possible not only in the salon, but also at home. To do this, you just need to acquire all the necessary tools. In order for the manicure to have a finished look, the nails need to be covered with gel polish. The modern nail industry is ready to offer many different color schemes. But their advantages don't end there. They allow you to get an even and perfectly smooth coating that will delight with its beauty for three weeks. Ordinary varnishes are already a thing of the past, because they do not have the necessary qualities that are so needed in our dynamic time.
| TYPES OF GEL POLISHES | |
| PRACTICE | |
New and popular gel polish coatings
Today it is difficult to surprise someone with a classic manicure. But, all of us girls love attention from the outside and catch the admiring glances of others. That is why, going to a nail salon, we carefully consider all possible options for decorating our favorite nails. Today, nail service masters can offer many interesting techniques.
At a price conditionally, all coatings can be divided into economy options up to 500 rubles. for home use and materials for professional use in salons and home-studios, the cost of which will be higher.
Let's see the most popular types of UV coatings and the latest trends in trendy gel polish colors.
Gel polish "Cat's eye"
You can create a beautiful and spectacular design using cat's eye gel polish. With a special formula, which includes the smallest metallized particles, cat's eye gel polish on nails allows you to get an interesting pattern that imitates the pattern of a precious stone with the same name. The drawing is created using a special magnet, which is always sold in a single package with varnish. Metal particles, under the influence of magnetic waves, form the necessary pattern.
The most popular brands of magnetic gel polishes: KODI, F.O.X, LiaNail, Bluesky, InGarden, Masura, TNL, Ell lourel, Irisk, Vogue Nails, etc.
SECRETS AND FEATURES OF USE
- Nail preparation : alignment of the nail plate and application of the base;
- Nail polish with black gel polish : If you want a more defined highlight effect, then cat's eye is best applied over black polish, but you can do without it.
- Preparation of magnetic gel polish : the contents of the bottle with magnetic varnish are recommended to be shaken well and mixed;
- Applying and creating an effect : it is recommended to apply the material in two layers (you can put a highlight on the first one, or you can not put it). The most comfortable distance from the surface of the nail to the magnet when setting a highlight is about 5-6 mm.
- Fixing the result : the manicure is fixed, as usual, with a top-coat.
The cat-eye design is often combined with rhinestones, vintage patterns, lace, and a matte top and foil. Stained glass decor is also in fashion now.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MAGNETIC VARNISHES OF POPULAR BRANDS
 | KODI Cat Eye Moon light
The palette consists of 52 deep shades from traditional to neon. The coating is applied easily, does not flow, good pigmentation is achieved in two layers. For a more pronounced effect, it is recommended to apply on black gel polish. Coatings of this brand are very popular due to the optimal cost, decent quality and a wide range of a wide variety of shades. "Cat's Eye" is available in bottles of 8 ml. |
 | F.O.X
|
 | LiaNail
20 shades in the palette, including classic blues, purples and reds, as well as new trendy tones such as fire lion, krusty, jill, dalila, rubarbe, choupette, aleister and others. These custom shades make this palette special. Therefore, if you are tired of the classics, rate these gel polishes. There are coatings with gold and silver highlights. The package contains 10 ml of the product, enough for a long time. Despite the fact that the varnish is Russian-made, its quality is acceptable, the density is good and the price is low. The highlight builds up quickly and looks very distinct. |
 | ell laurel
There are only 14 shades on sale: several golden-green, blue, brown-gold, burgundy, etc. I would especially like to highlight such unusual tones as “milky way” and “sirius”. With them you get a bewitching space design. The coating is very dense, the glare is set instantly and it turns out to be very pronounced, due to the high content of metal particles in the composition. Shake the bottle well before reconciliation. Volume 10 ml. Ell lourel products can be categorized as "affordable". |
 | Bluesky
Economy cover. The widest color range of shades for every taste. The cat's eye collection contains 54 color coatings with silver and gold microparticles. The consistency is normal, it lays down well, but not all shades have a clear glare, the created effect can rather be called a slight overflow. More suitable for home use. Medium size bottle, 8 ml. |
CAT EYE DESIGN OPTIONS
Another novelty: wet cat's eye (drops and brush drawing).
Fashion design: cat eye with inlay.
Classic: matte cat eye.
Single phase gel polish
Single-phase gel polish is a very convenient option for creating a beautiful manicure at home. Unlike conventional products, 3 in 1 gel polish has an innovative formula, thanks to which there is no need to apply a base and top coat.
The most popular brands of 3 in 1 coatings: TNL, Bluesky, Nailico, Patrisa Nail, Joy, ruNail, etc.
FEATURES OF USE
No subtleties and secrets. The coating is universal 3 in 1, so the number of manipulations when creating a manicure is minimized:
- Nail preparation : buffing and degreasing;
- Application : cover nails with 2-3 layers of gel polish;
- Final stage : removing stickiness if necessary.
These coatings have one feature. Because top is not used in the manicure process, then your nails will not be as shiny as with a classic manicure.
Thermo gel polish
Not so long ago, the attention of fashionistas was attracted by a novelty - thermo gel polish, which changes color depending on temperature. The coating looks especially interesting on long nails. It reacts not only to the ambient temperature, but also to the temperature of the nails themselves.
The most popular brands of thermal coatings: TNL, Masura, Bluesky, Vogue Nails, Patrisa Nail, Vera Nail, F.O.X, KODI, etc.
WORK TECHNOLOGY
The stages of work on applying a thermal coating are no different from a regular manicure:
- Nail preparation : light sanding, degreaser treatment;
- Application : 2 coats of color are usually required;
- Consolidation of the result : top and detack
When choosing a material for work, carefully read the instructions on the bottle. The temperature range at which the coating on the nails changes color is very important (it should not be too wide).
THERMO MANICURE OPTIONS
Thermal coating gives an interesting effect of the transition of one color to another on the tips of the nails. It turns out a gradient jacket.
Matte gel polish
Matte gel polish is a stylish and interesting coating option that does not give a glossy sheen when dry. It is used to create various designs. Perfectly combined with glossy gel polishes.
Popular brands of matte finishes: Masura, LoveEasy, etc.
APPLICATION FEATURES
Matte varnish is usually single-phase (3 in 1) and is applied very easily.
- Training : before applying, you only need to properly prepare the nail plate with a buff and a degreaser (you can additionally use a primer in your work);
- Application: as a rule, 2 layers of gel polish are required to achieve a rich color;
- Final stage : no need to use the top, you just need to remove the stickiness.
Single-phase varnishes are very convenient to use, but some of them are worn for a short time. In this regard, nail designers prefer to do a classic manicure with gel polish using a matte top.
POPULAR DESIGN OPTIONS
The simplest and most beautiful manicure options with a matte UV coating for nails: French manicure and droplets on nails.
Stained glass gel polish: clear glass coating
Another option that will help create an original manicure is stained glass gel polish. With it, you can create designs of amazing beauty: “broken glass”, liquid stones, aquarium nails. Gel polishes have a translucent texture. Therefore, if it is necessary to achieve a more saturated effect, stained glass gel polishes are applied in several layers.
The most popular brands of stained glass gel polishes: Vogue Nails, Bluesky, Kodi, Irisk, TNL, BDNail, etc.
APPLICATION
This coating is used to create a decorative effect.
- Nail preparation : includes polishing, cleansing, degreasing nails, applying a base coat;
- Applying color : nail polish with 2 layers of colored gel polish;
- Creating an effect : stained glass coating (possible for decoration);
- Consolidation of the result : top.
The stained-glass window enhances the effect of the cat's eye, if you choose the coatings to match. Also, stained glass effect varnish is used for nail design with foil, with rhombuses, with sparkles, with broken glass, and moreover, you can draw patterns with a “stained glass window”.
MANICURE DESIGN OPTIONS
New: enhancing the effect of the cat's eye stained glass.
More design novelties: stained glass with rhombuses and broken glass
Gel polish chameleon
Fans of thermal polishes will definitely appreciate another novelty - gel polishes with a chameleon effect. They are composed of special particles that react to changes in temperature and light. Many manufacturers add pearl chips to their products, so that the coating truly shines. This effect looks especially luxurious on long nails.
Popular brands of coatings with chameleon effect: TNL, KODI, CANNI, BDNail, Patrisa Nail, RuNail, etc.
HOW TO USE
Chameleon coatings are applied according to the standard scheme:
- Training : standard using base
- Application : 2 layers of color coating
- Anchoring : top.
Chameleon is often used as a decorative finish, such as creating abstract designs on nails or an ombre effect.
MANICURE OPTIONS WITH CHAMELEON EFFECT
The chameleon finish is ideal for creating abstract and cosmic designs.
You can get a spectacular shiny manicure using gel polish with sparkles, and they can be of various sizes and shapes. Glitter gel polish can be combined with a color coat for a bright and unusual design.
Popular brands: TNL, OPI, Entity, Bluesky, In’Garden, MASURA, IRISK, Haruyama, Patrisa Nail, etc.
HOW TO USE
Coatings are applied according to the classical scheme:
- Training : base coat;
- Application : 2-3 layers of color;
- Anchoring : top.
Shiny coatings allow you to create a simple and at the same time interesting feng shui manicure.
Glitter Manicure Options
Not so long ago, a mirror gel polish appeared on the market, which allows you to get a perfectly smooth and shiny surface. Silver, golden shades are especially popular. It contains a large number of reflective particles.
Mirror coating brands: TNL, OPI, Nayada, Orly, Patrisa Nail, CND, etc.
APPLICATION
Metallized coatings are applied in the same way as conventional UV varnishes.
- Training : leveling the nail plate with a buff, degreasing, applying 1 or 2 layers of the base (depending on whether there are visible flaws on the surface of the nails);
- Application : two layers of metallized coating are usually sufficient;
- Anchoring : applying a top with a good study of the ends of the nails so that the coating does not chip off during wear.
Chromatics and mirror coatings have one very important distinguishing feature. They emphasize all the flaws of the nail plate, which is why you need to align your nails well before applying metallic varnish.
DESIGN OPTIONS
Gel polishes with the effect of spreading Nika Nagel are a choice of bright and extraordinary natures. With their help, you can create unusual designs and at the same time it is absolutely not necessary to have artistic skills.
APPLICATION FEATURES
The manicure is done using a regular base and top and special spreading coatings for wet design. How to create a beautiful pattern or pattern on the nails?
- Nail preparation : leveling, degreasing, base;
- Application : apply white varnish from the set (the first layer is polymerized, and the second is not);
- Creating an effect : on top of the uncured varnish with a thin brush, draw patterns with colored varnish from the set and wait a couple of seconds until the pattern spreads over the surface of the nail, then dry it.
- Anchoring : apply top.
Colored gel polishes in the set have a fairly liquid consistency, so they spread quickly and create a beautiful effect of flowing from one color to another.
MANICURE OPTIONS
Craquelure
This type of decorative coating cracks on the nails, forming a beautiful texture. Recently, it has become fashionable to cover craquelure with classic colored gel polish. The cracking effect is not so pronounced, but a similar design can be used as an everyday one.
Which collections have craquelure effect coatings: TNL, OPI, Nayada, etc.
HOW TO APPLY?
- Training : Nails are prepared for traditional coating using a base.
- Application : a special base for craquelure is applied to the base (light or with sparkles), dried in a lamp, then covered with craquelure, dried in air from 1 to 3 minutes.
- Consolidation of the result : top.
Recently, there has been a trend to cover craquelure with color.
CRAQUELUR DESIGN OPTIONS
Hypoallergenic gel polishes
Hypoallergenic varnishes are a real find for women who are sensitive to various components of conventional varnishes. This type of varnish can be used during pregnancy or nursing mothers. They are water based.
The most popular brands of hypoallergenic gel polishes: Patrisa Nail, Haruyama, Cuccio Veneer, Vogue Nails, Grattol, etc.
A hypoallergenic coating is applied in a standard way.
Bio Gel Nail Polish
Bio gel nail polish will help maintain the health of natural nails and give them a beautiful and well-groomed appearance. The specially designed formula allows you to largely eliminate common problems such as brittleness and delamination.
Using gel polishes at home: step by step instructions
Every girl can master the technique of creating a manicure using gel polishes at home, because now there are many different videos on the Internet dedicated to this issue. So, what do you need for gel polish manicure?
To create a high-quality manicure with gel polish, you will have to purchase special devices, for example, a UV lamp, a degreaser to remove the sticky layer, a grinder, nail polish remover, top and base coats, and colored gel polish. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase lint-free wipes.
Video lesson: Instructions for use
Step by step work at home is as follows:
- Prepare the nail plate, align it, giving the necessary shape. This season, medium length nails with a semicircular or round tip are most popular. At the same stage, the cuticle is processed and cut off.
- With the help of a buff, the kerative layer of the nail is removed. If this procedure is neglected, then there is a high probability that the gel polish will not last long and may chip on the same day.
- Next, a degreaser and a base are used, which must be dried in a UV lamp.
- After that, you can proceed to the main coating. If there is an allergy, then it is recommended to purchase a special hypoallergenic gel polish, which has a simpler and safer formula.
- Next, the coating is sent to a UV lamp for drying. It should be remembered that gel polish without drying in a lamp will not be able to polymerize. Although some manufacturers have released a series of gel polishes that do not require drying in a lamp, their durability is much inferior to standard gel polishes. They only last 3-4 days.
- The last and no less important stage is the application of the top coat, which must be dried in the lamp for at least two minutes.
That's all. See also detailed tutorials manicure for beginners. As you can see, making a gel polish manicure on your own is not so difficult. The result will please within 2-3 weeks, after that, it will be necessary to perform a correction of the gel polish.
After the basic technique is mastered, you can move on to a manicure with a design. Design gel polish can be anything. Recently, the technique of “broken glass”, “gradient”, various patterns that can be made using special stamps has been popular. The design looks gorgeous with gel polish and with acrylic powder.
You can simplify the application procedure with the help of gel polish for beginners, it is also called 3 in 1 gel polish. It already consists of a base, top and color pigment.
Strengthening nails with acrylic powder under gel polish
It happens that the gel polish does not last as long as the manufacturers claim. There are many reasons for this. The most common: the individual characteristics of the nail plate. This problem can be solved with the help of acrylic powder, which is used as a preliminary strengthening of nails. It helps to close all existing microcracks, level the surface, improve the adhesion of the nail to the gel polish.
Another way to strengthen nails involves the use of gel polish. Strengthening nails with gel under gel polish is not often practiced. It is mainly needed when it is necessary to lengthen the nail bed.
Video: Strengthen nails
Restoration of nails after gel polish
As much as you love gel polish manicures, sometimes you need to rest your nails. In order for them to recover faster, you can use special therapeutic coatings, baths with essential oils or sea salt.
Various professional systems will also help to quickly restore the structure of nails.
Nail extension with gel polish
Gel polish extension involves the use of upper forms. Also, when building up, you can not do without additional strengthening. To do this, use a gel that holds a given shape well and at the same time passes air.
Video: Gel extension with top form
Common questions about gel polish
Gel polish fell in love with all the girls who carefully monitor the condition of their nails. After all, it has a lot of advantages. Despite this, nail service masters often hear questions of this nature:
- What is better gel polish or shellac? In general, shellac is a popular brand of gel polish. There are practically no differences between them.
- How long does gel polish last on nails? Everything is individual. The average time is two to three weeks.
- Is gel nail polish harmful? Gel polish does no more harm than other cosmetics, but you should not use it all the time. Don't forget that nails need "rest".
- Why doesn't gel polish stay on nails? There may be several reasons. The individual structure of the nail plate, non-compliance with the rules for applying gel polish.
- Why does gel polish crack on nails? Most often, this problem occurs in girls who neglect to degrease their nails before applying the base. Also, gel polish can crack due to temperature fluctuations (for example, if you wash dishes in hot water, rinse your hands in cold water, etc.).
- Why does gel polish peel off quickly from the nail? Gel polish peels off for several reasons: poor quality of the material, violation of the application technology, due to the individual characteristics of the nail structure.
- How much does gel polish cost? The price depends on the manufacturer, its composition. A novice master can buy gel polish from the manufacturer Bluesky. The average price of gel polish is in the range of 200 - 300 rubles.
Beautiful nails gel polish photo
Simple designs with gel polish can be done by any novice master. We have selected various pictures for inspiration that will help you make a stylish and beautiful manicure at home.
How is this coating different from a gel?
Unlike gel, gel polish is considered a softer system, as it is easily removed with a liquid, but if desired, it can be removed with sawdust.
Why has he become so popular?
Literally 5 years ago, no one had heard of this varnish. With the advent of the gel polish system, the nail industry began to develop rapidly. All manufacturers supported the boom of a new product in manicure - a hybrid of gel and nail polish, which is applied as simply as varnish, but keeps and retains gloss like a gel for 2-3 weeks - this is just a dream of any girl! Consumers quickly appreciated the benefits of a simple and beautiful coating: easy application, the ability to apply and remove at home, the easiest way to remove the material, unlike a gel coating.
In addition, this is a great alternative to regular nail polish, you just need to dry the gel polish in a special lamp (from 30 seconds to 2 minutes), and no smeared polish, you don’t have to wait for drying, and who, if not us girls, is well aware of the problem eternally smeared varnish.
Is it safe to use gel polish?
It is believed that nails after gel polish become brittle, but this is not true. Wearing gel polish does not affect the nail plate in any way, it becomes thinner and deteriorates only if the technology is violated, the material is applied and removed incorrectly.
What are the advantages:
- easy to apply, almost as easy as regular nail polish;
- worn as a gel (3-4 or more weeks);
- removed much easier than gel;
- can be removed with both sawdust and liquid;
- lighter and more gentle material than extension gel;
- has a huge palette of colors and brands;
- has an amazing gloss that lasts throughout the socks;
- strengthens weak nails, prevents nail breakage and cracks;
- under gel polish, you can easily apply therapeutic compounds (for example, IBX), unlike varnish coatings;
- the coating will not smudge or deteriorate;
- can be easily removed at home with a special liquid.
Types of systems: one, two or three stages.
Which system is better to choose?
The three-phase system is the most resistant and suits absolutely everyone.
The single-phase system is recommended for home use, however, due to the lack of a separate base coat and top coat, it is less resistant and will not suit thin, brittle and weak nails - they will need to be strengthened with an Ibx remedy or strengthened with a rubber base. The single phase system can be used with base and finish to extend wear.
What to look for when choosing a gel polish?
Many people wonder which gel polish is better? Which one to choose so that it is safe and non-allergenic, resistant and has a beautiful glossy sheen?
Most of the existing colored varnishes meet all these criteria, the main thing is to carefully approach the choice of finish and base.
Most manufacturers advise using the base + color + top of the same brand, but this is not so important. You can use any color coating, it is important to choose the right base and top, then the sock will be long.
If you are the owner of strong and good nails, then additional strengthening is not required, which means that you can choose any base. If you have thin, brittle, brittle nails, you need to pay special attention to choosing the base. It is better to choose rubber bases, they perfectly strengthen nails. You should not stop your choice on the base + top 2 in 1, such a remedy will not give strengthening.
Also, for thin nails, it is recommended to use a primer or. They provide adhesion of the coating to the natural nail, working as a double-sided tape. But at the same time, you should not use the primer of one brand, but the base of another. The problem of base and primer compatibility is quite common, many people buy an excellent base, but do not pay enough attention to the primer and choose the cheapest one, which is often not compatible with an expensive and high-quality product.
There are the most versatile bases, tops and primers (for example, Kodi, Irisk). They are perfectly combined with preparations of other brands and do not cause allergies.
The choice of top and base should be approached with special attention if you are going to make various designs, use sliders and stickers, rhinestones. Then you should have several different tops in your arsenal. For example, it is better to use thick tops for coupling rhinestones and decor, you can also use a thick base, for example, Kodi. It perfectly holds any designs and stickers. You apply the base on the design, and then just cover with a top coat. Also in many designs it is necessary to use a top without a sticky layer.
It is better to choose gel polish products as carefully as possible and not save on their choice. There are many very cheap primers of unknown brands. It is better to take a primer that is more expensive, but of a well-known and high-quality brand, since the largest percentage of allergic reactions occurs precisely from the use of low-quality primers and liquids.
Maceration.
When soaking, we file the surface of the coating, namely the top, (approximately 80/100 grit), apply it soaked in gel polish remover, and cover it with foil. Within 15-20 minutes, the liquid dissolves the coating, after which we remove the remaining coating, removing them with a soft orange stick. Do not immediately use iron pushers - you can damage the nail plate with them, as beginners often cannot distinguish where the base layer ends and the natural nail begins.
sawdust.
When filing, you can use a coarse file, but completely cutting off the coating from the nail will be quite problematic and long, so many craftsmen cut the coating down to the base, leaving it on the nail (you cut off the color as soon as a translucent coating becomes visible from under the color - this is the base, there is no need to cut it). Further, the base coat is subject to soaking using the same technology. This saves time and does not injure the native nail with sawdust.
There is also a method of removing gel polish completely with sawdust - removal is performed using. This method is performed only by masters with extensive experience and requires special training, since they are the easiest to ruin the nail plate.
How to choose an online store for gel polishes?
Of course, each person chooses exactly the online store that he likes and meets his personal needs, however, there is a set of factors that you should pay attention to when choosing any online store, not even in the nail industry.
What to look for:
- Availability of certificates.
- Quality assurance and customer support.
- Partial redemption.
- Keeping track of trends and news.
- Customer care.
