In this video, we’ll guide you through how to apply Gel Polish correctly and easily at home. Whether you’re a beginner or simply need a refresher, you’ll get all the essential tips and techniques to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish – every time.
Products used in this guide:
1. Prep your nail
When applying Gel Polish, it’s important to prepare your nails thoroughly so you can achieve a result that is both beautiful and long-lasting. Good preparation is essential for a manicure that lasts, so let prep become your new favorite step.
You can see our full guide on how to prep your nails here. But if you’re experienced with doing nails, you know the routine: wash your hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, buffer, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer.
2. Apply your Base Coat
Start by applying a thin layer of Base Coat to the nail. Make sure there is not too much product on the brush, then place the brush head in the middle of the nail and gently guide the product down towards the cuticle area while keeping the brush flat against the nail plate. Then pull the product up along each side of the nail to the tip before sealing the free edge of the nail.
It is important that your Base Coat is applied close to both the cuticle area and the sides of the nail, without touching the skin around the nail. Gel Polish cannot adhere to your natural nail on its own, which is why it is important to get right to the edges when applying your Base Coat. It can be difficult to get all the way to the edge with your Base Coat without touching the skin. That’s why we recommend using a Liner Brush to guide the product precisely to the edge. If any product gets 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 the 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. It simply helps the following products adhere better to your Base Coat.
3. Apply your Gel Polish
After applying your Base Coat, it is time to apply your Gel Polish. Before opening the bottle, we recommend rolling it gently between your palms. We have designed the bottle to be easy and comfortable to roll, helping the pigments blend evenly throughout the product. Avoid shaking the bottle, as this can create air bubbles in your Gel Polish, which may be visible once the product is applied to the nail.
The consistency of your Gel Polish may vary slightly depending on the colour, as highly pigmented shades or glitter formulas can be a little thicker.
Apply your Gel Polish in the same way as your Base Coat. Apply 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 centre of the nail and gently push the product towards the cuticle while keeping the brush flat against the nail plate. Then sweep the product along the side of the nail towards the tip, before sealing the free edge by running the brush along the tip of your nail.
It is important to apply your Gel Polish close to both the cuticle area and the sides of the nail, without touching the surrounding skin. For extra precision, you can use a Liner Brush to guide the product all the way to the edge. A Liner Brush can also make it easier to seal the nail tip if you have shorter nails.
Once your Gel Polish looks the way you want it to, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds. You may find it helpful to 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 prevents the product from running while you do your nails.
If you want a more pigmented look, you can apply several 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 Top Coat
Once your nails have cured, all that’s left is to apply Top Coat. This is done in the same way as your Base Coat and Gel Polish. It’s important to apply your Top Coat over the entire nail, as it encapsulates both the Base Coat and Gel Polish, sealing all the layers and ensuring long-lasting wear.
Your Top Coat should be cured for 90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
Our Top Coat does not leave a sticky layer, so once you have applied it, we recommend applying a little nail oil around the cuticles – and then your nails are done! Now for the hardest question: Where should you share your new nails first? Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook? We can’t wait to see the result!
