In this guide, we’ll walk you through both the application of our new Pearl Selection and our take on a marble nail art design. The process is actually super simple, because our Pearl Selection is a regular Gel Polish, so don’t be put off by the length of the guide – we’re simply taking you through the entire process, from prep to finished nails. So let’s get started! If you’re already familiar with Gel Polish and just want to see how we create the beautiful marble effect, you can skip the first three 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. Proper preparation is essential for how well your manicure lasts, so make prep your new favorite step.
You can see our full guide on how to prep your nails here. But if you’re experienced doing your own nails, you know the routine: wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle nippers, 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 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 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.
It’s important that your Base Coat is applied close to both the cuticle area and the sides of the nail without touching the surrounding skin. Gel Polish does not adhere well directly to your natural nail, which is why it’s important to cover the nail all the way to the edges when applying your Base Coat. It can be difficult to get your Base Coat right to the edge without touching the skin. We therefore recommend using a Liner Brush to guide the product all the way to the edge. If you accidentally touch the surrounding skin or your cuticles, remove the product before curing it. For this, we recommend using one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser to remove the product.
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 Gel Polish
Once you have applied your Base Coat, it’s time to apply your Gel Polish. Here, we are using Rosey Pearl • 469. Before opening the bottle, it can be a good idea to roll it between your palms. We have designed the bottle to be easy and comfortable to roll between your palms. This helps distribute the pigments evenly throughout the bottle. It is important that you do not shake the product, as this can create air bubbles in your Gel Polish, which may be visible on the nail.
The consistency of our Pearl Selection is thinner than some other Gel Polishes, as it has a more sheer pigmentation. This makes it easier to apply paper-thin layers. Your Gel Polish is applied 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 centre of the nail and gently push the product down towards the cuticle while keeping the brush flat against the nail plate. Then pull the product along the side of the nail towards the tip to cap the free edge.
It is important that your Gel Polish is applied close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail. Once your Gel Polish is placed as desired, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds. You may find it helpful to do one nail at a time and flash cure it for 10 seconds, then cure all your nails at the end for 60-90 seconds. This helps prevent the product from running while you are doing your nails.
If you want a more pigmented look, you can apply several layers. Remember, four paper-thin layers are better than two thick ones. It is important that you cure each layer for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
4. Apply your chosen colors to a Nail Art Palette
After curing your Top Coat, apply the colors you want to use to a Nail Art Palette. We have used the colors Lavender Pearl • 466, Sea Pearl • 464 and Rosey Pearl • 469. Once you have a small drop of each of your chosen colors, take the larger end of your Dotting Tool and apply small drops of the colors around the nail. Then take the smaller end of your Dotting Tool and swirl the colors around the nail, ideally allowing them to blend together and create a beautiful marble effect.
When you are happy with how you have applied your Pearl Polish, cure your nails for 60-90 seconds under our UV/LED lamp.
5. Apply Top Coat
Once your design is complete, apply a layer of Top Coat. This is done in the same way as your Base Coat and Gel Polish. Make sure to carefully cap the free edge of the nail with your Top Coat. After applying your Top Coat, cure it for 90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.
You have now created the most beautiful, shiny nails all on your own. For the perfect finishing touch, apply a little nail oil around the cuticles, and your nails are ready.