Below, we’ve put together a complete guide on how to use Blooming Gel, and it’s actually super simple, so don’t feel overwhelmed by the length of the guide – we’ll simply take you through the entire process, from nail prep to the finished result. So let’s get started! If you’re already familiar with Gel Polish and are ready to apply Blooming Gel, you can skip the first 3 steps.
Step by Step
1. Prep your nail
When applying Gel Polish, it’s important to prepare your nails thoroughly so you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result. Good preparation is essential for helping your manicure last, so prep is about to become your new favorite step.
You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails here. But if you’re already experienced with doing nails, you know the routine: Wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, buffer, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer.
2. Apply Base Coat
Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat to the nail. Make sure there isn’t too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the middle of the nail and press the product down towards the cuticle while holding the brush almost horizontally along the nail plate. Then glide the product up along each side of the nail to the tip, where you seal the product.
It is important that your Base Coat comes close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail.
If you accidentally get product on the surrounding skin or your cuticles, remove it before curing. For this, we recommend using one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser.
Cure your Base Coat in our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds.
Please note that Base Coat leaves a sticky layer after curing. This is completely normal and should not be removed or touched.
3. Apply your Gel Polish
Once you’ve applied your Base Coat, it’s time to apply your Gel Polish. You can also use other gel products as your base, but in this guide, we’ll use Gel Polish as the example. Before opening the bottle, it’s a good idea to roll it between your palms. We have designed the bottle to be easy and comfortable to roll between your hands. This helps distribute the pigments evenly throughout the bottle. It is important not to shake the product, as this can create air bubbles in your Gel Polish that may be visible on the nail.
The consistency of your Gel Polish may vary slightly depending on the shade, as more highly pigmented colors can be a little thicker.
Apply your Gel Polish in the same way as your Base Coat. Start by applying a thin layer of Gel Polish to the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the center of the nail and gently push the product down toward the cuticle, keeping the brush almost horizontal along the nail plate. Then pull the product up along each side of the nail toward the tip, and cap the free edge.
It is important to apply your Gel Polish close to both the base and sides of the nail, without touching the skin around the nail.
Once your Gel Polish is applied as desired, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds. You can also work on one nail at a time and cure it for 10 seconds, then cure all your nails for 60-90 seconds at the end. This helps prevent the product from moving while you do your nails.
If you want a more pigmented look, you can apply multiple layers. Remember, 4 paper-thin layers are better than 2 thick ones. It is important to cure each layer for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
4. Apply your Blooming Gel
Once you have cured your Gel Polish, it’s time to apply your Blooming Gel. Apply it just as you would your Gel Polish, making sure it does not come into contact with the skin around the nail. Once you have applied Blooming Gel, do not cure it yet.
5. Apply your Gel Polish
While your Blooming Gel is still uncured, apply your chosen Gel Polish colour. When the Gel Polish comes into contact with the Blooming Gel, it will spread out to create a watercolour-like effect.
Here, the only limit is your imagination when it comes to the creative designs you can create. In this video, we show you 3 different designs you can make with Blooming Gel, but if you need inspiration, you can always take a look at our Looks page.
You can use a Dotting Tool or a liner brush to help guide the colours in the direction you want.
Once you are happy with the result, cure this layer as well in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds.
6. Finish
Once you have cured your Blooming Gel, finish by applying a layer of Top Coat. Apply it in the same way as your Base Coat and Gel Polish. Make sure to seal the tip of the nail thoroughly with your Top Coat. After applying your Top Coat, cure it for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
Now you have created the most beautiful, glossy nails all on your own! We recommend applying a little nail oil around the cuticles, and then your manicure is complete.
Guide
What is Blooming Gel?
Blooming Gel is a thin gel designed to create beautiful and unique nail art effects. It gives your nails a soft, flowing look as the colours flow into a natural pattern that closely resembles a watercolour effect – perfect for creating blooming designs, marble effects, or abstract patterns.