The fashion industry is constantly moving forward and improving. And all in order to satisfy the endless demands of fashionistas. Last days wishes - gel polish.
Let's take a closer look at gel polishes: what are they, how long do they last on nails, and which are better? High-quality representatives successfully combine the best properties of previous generations. Thanks to this, they gained popularity among a large number of girls.
The demand is also explained by the fact that gel polish is used at home. With its help, every girl can maintain her own manicure in perfect shape, spending a minimum of time and money.
According to the rules, a manicure lasts for at least 21 days, but in practice this period is reduced by 7-8 times!
The product peels off within 2-4 days. There are many reasons for this, the most important being the low quality of the product. To avoid negative experiences, you need to know what gel polishes are and what criteria to use to choose them.
Criterias of choice
Professionals in the field of nail care, clients and amateurs who have understood the technique of coating gel polishes on their own value it for the same criteria. So, know what gel polishes are and what parameters the best ones have.
- Long-term preservation of the surface in high-quality condition. At the same time, it retains its original shine and does not have chips, cracks or abrasion along the edge of the nail plate. The instructions that come with the product should guarantee durability for up to 3 weeks.
- Convenient application. This option applies to professional requirements. But it is necessary for amateur use. With a quality product it is faster and easier to act. This parameter is observed if there are: 1) the correct consistency: the varnish covers easily, there are no smudges, the layer is dense; 2) a comfortable brush: wide and fluffy, so that the strokes are accurate; 3) a safe composition that does not affect the condition of the nail plate for the worse.
- Quick removal. It takes up to 15 minutes to remove gel polish. Removal requires standard formulations for this procedure.
- Extensive and popular color range and high level of shade pigmentation. It shouldn't be see-through.
- Tolerable smell. If the product you choose meets these parameters, the bottle has sufficient volume and is affordable: you have the ideal product.
Rating of high-quality reflective gel polishes up to 15,000 rubles
ELPAZA Collection
This product belongs to the category of professional cosmetics. The set includes 24 10 ml containers, which will be a great investment for a manicurist. The collection consists of the most popular shades that are in high demand on Ali Express.
How much does the set cost? The purchase will cost 12,100 rubles.
reflective gel polish ELPAZA Collection
Advantages:
- equipment;
- no stickiness;
- compatible with most tops and bases;
- professional line;
- numerous positive reviews.
Flaws:
- none.
Beautix Sparkle
This set includes 5 elements. 4 gel polishes of 15 ml, as well as a 5-gram jar of glitter. The coating is durable (from 3 weeks) and odorless. The shades are suitable for both manicure and pedicure.
The cost of the set is 4000 rubles.
reflective gel polish Beautix Sparkle
Advantages:
- there is practically no chemical aroma;
- durability;
- no detachments;
- versatility: suitable for both pedicure and manicure.
Flaws:
- none.
Gel polish coating methods
Gel coatings are created using different technologies. At the moment, there are two technologies that differ in application time and the use of different amounts of products:
- single-phase method;
- three phase method.
Three-phase coating method
With this option, three products are used, which consist of different components and have an individual consistency.
- Base: necessary for strong bonding of the dye to the nail plate.
- Pigment dye: necessary to create a decorative layer.
- Top : creates shine and protects against aggressive external irritants.
Single-phase coating method
Single-phase gel polish simultaneously contains the qualities of all of the above products. When applying a coating, you only use one substance, not three. In this case, the number of layers depends only on the desired shade. The more layers, the deeper the shade. Knowing what gel polishes there are, you will choose the best one.
If you are a beginner manicurist, it is easier to use a single-phase product. You just need to understand that the lifespan of a manicure is shorter.
Three-phase formulations are created for experienced professionals. At the same time, the result looks more beautiful and lasts longer. It is worth noting that the possibilities for creating design are expanding.
What to look for when choosing gel polish
Gel polish has become very popular and has almost replaced regular nail polishes from the market. In this regard, their number on the shelves has increased; many manufacturers, in pursuit of profit, forget about the quality of their products, increasing their quantity. How to choose a quality gel polish? What to look for when buying artificial nail polish?
- When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the price-quality ratio of the product. Professional gel polishes from well-known brands will naturally cost several times more than coatings produced by a less popular manufacturer for non-professional use. However, this does not mean that the quality of the product will be higher. Even from the same manufacturer, different shades have different quality. Choosing a specific gel polish is most often a matter of experience.
- A high-quality gel-varnish should have a good consistency, not very thick, but not very liquid. A good coating goes on smoothly, without bald spots, and has a rich color even when applied in one layer.
- Be sure to pay special attention to the composition of shellac. It should not contain harmful components that harm the nail plate (formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate). If, after removing the coating, the condition of your nails worsened, they began to crumble, flake, dents appeared, etc., then the gel polish was of poor quality.
- It is also important to buy gel polish that has not expired. An expired coating not only loses its quality, shortens the life of the manicure, but can also cause significant harm to the health of the nails.
- The bottle of gel polish must contain information about the manufacturer, composition, expiration date, and must also contain a barcode. If all this is present, then the likelihood that the coating is of poor quality, if not completely excluded, is significantly reduced.
- High-quality coating is always easy to remove using special products. You shouldn't experience much difficulty with this.
What other products are needed: preparing a manicure kit
Knowing what gel polishes are, you can easily select other tools and accessories.
Use tools that are used for standard nail care. You can use electrical devices that are necessary for hardware treatment of the skin surface and nail plate.
There are oil-based tools. They are intended for European or uncut manicure. They are not suitable for gel polish coating as they cause the edge coating to peel off.
LED or UV light
Power exceeds 36 W. A lamp is required to polymerize the gel component of the substance.
Antiseptic for disinfecting tools and hands
Thanks to the use of disinfectant solutions, the nail plate remains in a healthy condition, and unexpected cracks or wounds heal quickly.
Files with abrasive sides for natural nails
With their help, the edge of the plate is formed.
Solutions for removing old varnish
You can use acetone-containing solutions, but since they are aggressive, it is important to smear the cuticles with a thick cream before using them, and after use, wipe your fingers well with a cotton pad moistened with water and soak your fingers in chamomile decoction.
For quick removal, use products recommended by the manufacturers of the selected gel polish.
Remove the product using cotton pads, foil and orange sticks.
Degreasing solution for nail preparation
An alternative is to use alcohol.
Primer
Thanks to it, the coating remains in its original form for a long time.
Base and finishing product
Used in the three-phase method of applying gel polish.
Special oil
They wipe the cuticles to prevent and eliminate irritation and dryness around the nail plate.
Buying these tools and products is not cheap. As an alternative, choose cheaper gel polishes and replace some products with affordable and cheap ones. You can only find out what quality the finished coating has through experience.
For what purposes and how is gel nail polish used?
The main purpose of gel nail polish is to significantly simplify the manicure procedure, thereby reducing time costs but obtaining perfect coverage for a long time. The process of using this manicure product includes several stages.
- First, the nail plate is prepared, its edge is leveled, and polished.
- Next, the base is applied - this is a special product that ensures a strong bond between the keratin, which is contained in the anatomical plate of the nail, and the gel product at the molecular level.
- The varnish of the desired color is applied in several layers, each of which is polymerized in an ultraviolet lamp.
- Lastly, the nail is coated with a top coat, which also polymerizes.
In order to degrease the sticky layer, a liquid/alcohol intended for this purpose is used. The skin around the cuticles is treated with special oil.
There are different types of gel nail polishes, they will be discussed below, but before that I would like to note that any gel coating is removed with a special liquid. To do this, cotton pads are dipped in it, cut in half and applied to each nail. Be sure to wrap your fingers in foil (this is necessary so that the liquid does not evaporate), and after 15 minutes the coating is removed with a regular orange stick.
Now you know on what principle and why varnishes of this type are used, you can move on to their varieties, a description of the positive and negative aspects.
Which gel polish manufacturer should you choose?
The leading position among gel polishes is confidently occupied by American representative brands: Kodi, Gelish and many others. The palm goes to CND, whose Shellac creation has become so popular that the name of a separate line has become a household name for the family of gel polishes that are produced under other brands.
What makes this brand different:
- use of innovative formulas;
- harmlessness of the substance;
- shades that correspond to fashion trends.
All these advantages can be purchased at a rather high price, so many people prefer to buy cheap analogues. So an excellent analogue is the products of European brands: OPI, Masura.
The next level of the popular table is occupied by Russian representatives of the brands Aurelia and Runail. They are just entering the gel polish market, but the reviews are getting positive. Product quality, sustainability, and a wide color palette are quite compatible with the affordable price.
No less famous (if not more) are varnishes from the Middle Kingdom. Girls are familiar with brands: Canni, Bluesky. They are a little difficult to apply and have a pungent odor, but the result is quite consistent with their overseas colleagues.
Affordable cost hides existing shortcomings and makes them available for use in budget salons and for home use
What is gel polish and what are its advantages?
Gel polish
is a system that combines a varnish coating and the durability of a gel. To polymerize (dry) you need a UV or LED lamp. Gel polish is worn on nails for an average of 14 days, as over time the natural nail grows near the cuticle area. However, if desired, it can be worn longer.
How is this coating different from gel?
Unlike gel, gel polish is considered a softer system, since it is easily removed with liquid, but if desired, it can be removed using sawdust.
Why did 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 have supported the boom of a new product in manicure - a hybrid of gel and nail polish, which is applied as simply as polish, but lasts and retains its gloss like a gel for 2-3 weeks - this is just every girl’s dream! Consumers quickly appreciated the advantages of a simple and beautiful coating: easy application, the ability to apply and remove at home, and the easiest possible removal of the material, unlike gel coating.
In addition, this is an excellent 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 varnish, you don’t need to wait for it to dry, and who, if not us girls, is well aware of the problem forever smudged varnish.
Is it harmful to use gel polish?
It is believed that nails become brittle after gel polish, 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, or the material is incorrectly applied and removed.
What are the advantages:
- Easy to apply, almost as easy as regular nail polish;
- wears like a gel (3-4 or more weeks);
- is much easier to remove than gel;
- can be removed with sawdust or 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 entire wear;
- strengthens weak nails, prevents nail breakage and cracks;
- medicinal compounds (for example IBX) can be easily applied under gel polish, unlike varnish coatings;
- the coating will not smudge or deteriorate;
- You can easily remove it at home with a special liquid.
The only downside is that polymerization requires a special drying lamp, however, once you purchase it, you can use it for several years and show off a stunning, long-lasting manicure every 2-3 weeks!
Brief overview and reviews of gel polishes
A popular topcoat among professionals and clients is SHELLAC CND . The average price for a volume of 7.3 ml varies within 1000 rubles. It is loved for its durability, wide color palette and easy application.
Representatives of this family are equipped with a flat brush and an optimal composition consistency. The removal technology is recognized as gentle. Why does this product have so many competitors? Because of the downside: it is not suitable for application on thin nails. And the cost does not allow it to spread much.
Advantages:
- highest quality;
- convenient and easy application;
- when using the original remover, it acquires the consistency of powder, so the nail plate is not injured.
Flaws:
- high cost for small volumes;
- Not suitable for covering thin nails.
Standard reviews of Shellac indicate that the product is good, but not suitable for home use due to its high price. During homework, it tends to chip without lasting 2 weeks. Professionals speak positively about gel polish, noting the current color palette and ease of application.
Russian LAQUE RUNAIL is popular among those with thin nails. A 12 ml bottle can be purchased for 230-260 rubles. It is unpretentious for capricious marigolds. It is actively used in salons and at home. It does not chip or crack when worn.
The components included in the composition improve the condition of thin nail plates, preventing their lamination
A distinctive feature is its thick consistency and richness of color. The products are presented in 2 types:
- three-phase;
- single-phase.
The three-phase product is presented in a color palette consisting of 76 tones. A UV lamp is required for polymerization. The single-phase representative One in the color palette contains up to 40 tones. It is polymerized using LED and UV lamps. The wearing period reaches 21 days.
Advantages:
- affordable price with good volume;
- rich pigment;
- high degree of stability.
Flaws:
- can only be removed by completely cutting off the top;
- narrow color palette.
Standard reviews: gel polish of the Russian brand is produced in the current color palette, which is constantly updated. When applied, it does not flow, and during wear, the condition of the nails remains good.
The most beloved Chinese gel polish BLUESKY has good characteristics. A 10 ml container will cost 230-250 rubles. Its popularity is confirmed by the fact: it is actively used not only at home, but also in salons.
It is not convenient to work with, but in terms of cost and wear, it is not inferior to its American and European counterparts. To operate, you must have a UV lamp with a power of 36 W or more. Each layer takes 60 seconds to cure. Once you gain experience, you can save money and get excellent results.
Advantages:
- prevalence;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- not many shades;
- liquid consistency, which makes it difficult to apply;
- difficult to remove;
- 100% quality is not guaranteed.
Average statistical reviews indicate that Bluesky is quite capable of replacing the well-known Shellac.
You just need to adapt and gain application experience. The result is comparable to the result after using Shellac. Moreover, it was noted that the Chinese representative lasts longer than its European and American counterparts.
Disadvantages and advantages
Disadvantages of gel nails
When using gel polish, there are several main dangers that can harm your nail:
- Some varnishes require preliminary filing of the nail plate, which, if repeated too often and intensively, can seriously damage the health of the nails, which will become brittle and weak;
- Excessive use of gel polish remover is also dangerous for the condition of the nails and the skin around them; despite the relative safety of this substance, it must be used with extreme caution;
- Low-quality cheap gel polish can also harm your nails due to the possible content of harmful components that allow manufacturers to achieve the desired coating texture.
An excellent tonic with a unique rejuvenating effect, honey and lemon masks can transform the skin of any woman beyond recognition. Read reviews of face masks with honey and lemon in this article.
Is gel polish harmful to nails and body health?
From reviews: for example, some girls indicate allergies, others - skin irritations.
All this should be taken into account if you plan to use varnish for the first time, so you can avoid the negative consequences of its application.
Applying gel polish should also be avoided if there are scratches and cuts in the skin around the nail. Possible penetration of substances contained in gel polish into them can cause, albeit minor harm, very noticeable discomfort.
For teenagers
For this category, gel polish can be an excellent help, allowing you not to repaint your nails every two to three days.
But you shouldn’t overuse this coating either.
High-quality gel polish in itself is not dangerous, but excessive use of liquid to remove it, as well as possible damage to the nail when filing, can ruin still weak teenage nails.
Of course, girls under 12-14 years old should not be allowed to use gel polish. It is much better to prefer children's varnishes that are washed off with water.
At the height of the beach season, girls spend a lot of time trying to rid their bodies of unwanted hair, most often resorting to the help of a razor, epilator and depilatory cream. Read about the properties of Batiste depilatory cream at the link.
The best for pregnant women - the opinion of professionals
also avoid using gel polish. During the period of bearing a child, it is better to switch to regular varnishes or those that in their structure only resemble gel polish, or even abandon any coating altogether.
Popular nail shapes.
What else do you need to know when choosing?
Choosing the right product is the beginning. It needs to be applied correctly for it to last long.
- Get a classic manicure. After all procedures, gloss and dust should be thoroughly removed. Without this process, the varnish will not lie tightly, and empty spaces will cause peeling.
- Applying a dehydrator to degrease the surface.
- Applying a primer to prevent peeling of the coating. Apply in a thin layer and only around the perimeter of the nail plate.
- If we are talking about a 3-phase product, it’s time to apply the base. Avoid cuticle and nail fold areas. Polymerization takes place under an LED or UV device.
- Color gel polish coating. Each layer is dried under a lamp.
- Applying the finishing layer. The layer should be slightly thicker than the previous ones. Be sure to seal the edges to prevent the entry of air, moisture and dust particles. Final polymerization should continue under a UV lamp for 4 minutes, and under an LED lamp for at least 1 minute.
- Remove the sticky layer from the dry surface and treat the skin with oil.
Remember that in the first 3 hours you should avoid complete contact with water. In the remaining 12 hours, keep “communication” with water to a minimum.
We hope you understand that durable and high-quality manicure depends on the popularity and high cost of gel polishes. Still, buy products from well-known companies that have positive reviews from professionals and have proven themselves among customers.
What types of nail polishes are there - 18 types
Nail polishes can be decorative or medicinal. The latter, as the name suggests, are aimed at solving problems: they strengthen nails, help cope with splitting, fungus and other troubles (read more about nail care here). Decorative varnishes are responsible for interesting nail looks: let's talk about them in more detail.
© essie
Liquid gloss varnish
Founder varnish. A single-color coating with a glossy effect is still considered traditional. And even if you don’t belong to the community of nail maniacs, you will definitely have several bottles of bright or nude polishes. Sometimes this type of coating is called cream or enamel.
© frederiqueolthuis
Pearlescent varnish
For decades, pearl polish was the most popular - partly because, for example, in the Soviet Union, others were not available. They forgot about it in the 2000s, but a few seasons ago, leading brands made sure that pearlescent polish made a triumphant return to the beauty arena.
© essie
True, this product has several disadvantages - pearlescent varnish can visually “age” your hands. In addition, it emphasizes all the irregularities of the nail plate. Therefore, when making this choice, it is important to ensure that your hands and nails are in perfect condition.
© essiepolish
Matt lacquer
One of the hottest trends in recent years is a varnish coating that does not shine. There are colored varnishes on sale that initially guarantee a similar effect. But you can also buy a transparent matte coating that can turn any glossy varnish into a matte one. We wrote more about how to make a matte manicure in this article.
© boobeauty
Glitter
Varnish with large shiny particles in the composition. Particularly popular are transparent topcoats with abundant glitter, ready to make any manicure festive in a couple of minutes. For a detailed article dedicated exclusively to glitter manicure, follow this link.
© pinkynailss
Shimmer
Perhaps, in the modern world, shimmers are the second most popular varnishes after classic glossy ones. A delicate shine is provided by small sparkling particles in the composition. If the varnish is light, then it can be used in everyday manicure. It is important to emphasize that such varnishes differ from glitters in the smaller size of the shining crumbs.
© frau_flugkapitaen
"Sand" varnish
Varnish with small particles that make the coating lumpy, “sandy”. The same effect can be achieved if you buy a special powder in a store for professional craftsmen and apply it over regular varnish. The main disadvantage of this type of coating is that it is more susceptible to chipping than others.
© doobysnail
"Caviar" coating
Like “sand” varnish, this product is of the texture type, but it also includes larger colored particles that resemble small beads. Such varnishes are rarely produced ready-made; more often, “caviar” manicures are created using loose pigments.
© nail_caviar
Duochrome and multichrome
“Chameleon varnish” changes its shade depending on the viewing angle thanks to small shiny particles that glare differently in the light. If the varnish shimmers in two shades, then you have a duochrome; if there are more shades, then we are talking about multichrome.
© _m.plonska
Holographic
It shimmers on the nails with all the colors of the rainbow, reminiscent of streaks of gasoline film. By the way, this technique is now trending in the field of makeup.
© nailsbylisatran
© essie
© essie
Metallic
They create the effect of a foil coating - silver, gold, copper or bronze. Metallic manicure has become one of the main trends of last year, which has remained with us and is not losing ground. Read how to create such an image here.
© tartecosmetics
Thermolac
Changes its shade depending on the ambient temperature. It is enough to expose your nails to a stream of warm water for the color of the coating to change, as if by magic. You shouldn’t expect radical changes (blue won’t turn into red), but you can instantly create an ombre effect on your nails with a smooth transition from one shade to another.
© danielas_schoenheitsstuebchen
Craquelure
Creates a “cracking” effect on the nails. For a more impressive look, first paint your nails with a contrasting colored polish and apply a craquelure coating on top: the first layer will “peek through” the “cracks.” This varnish must be secured with a transparent top coat, otherwise it will not last long.
© oksania_nesterovich
Fluorescent varnish
In daylight it looks like an ordinary varnish of a bright “acid” shade, but under ultraviolet rays it begins to glow. Just right for a disco!
© luxurynails.byerica
Magnetic varnish
The composition includes tiny metal particles that form intricate patterns when you hold a magnet to your nails.
© zena_j_m
Varnish jelly
As the name implies, it has a jelly texture and lays down in a translucent layer, even if the shade in the bottle seems rich. Often these varnishes contain large shiny particles. It doesn't take much courage to create a jelly manicure, but what about lip makeup like this?
© meretrixvilis
Gel polish
A coating that threatens to supplant classic varnishes: today gel polish is almost more popular than regular polishes. And this is not surprising, because such a coating, hardening under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, remains on the nails in its original form for up to three weeks without chips or scratches.
© essie
At the same time, the appearance of gel polish cannot be distinguished from any other! The only inconvenience is that you won’t be able to remove it with the usual liquid; you’ll have to stock up on a special kit. Previously, gel coating could only be done in a salon, but today many beauty brands produce kits for home use.
© klatex
Base coat
A transparent varnish that is applied to the nail plate before using the varnish of the main shade. It is better not to skip this stage in manicure: the base coat protects the nails from the effects of color pigments and prevents the nails from peeling and turning yellow. By the way, if the last trouble did happen, our guide will help you.
© l_u_nails_vlg
Top
The finishing coat is applied at the last stage to secure the manicure. This varnish significantly extends the life of a manicure. For best results, use a topcoat of the same brand as the base polish.
© Makeup.ru
We recommend reading:
- Interesting facts about manicure
- What do you need for a manicure?
- What is classic manicure technology?
