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How to Apply Gemstones

Step by step guide

Applying our Gemstones is actually very easy, so don’t feel overwhelmed by the detailed guide – we’re simply taking you through the entire process from prep to perfectly finished nails. So let’s get started.

In this guide, we’ll focus on applying them over Gel Polish, but our Gemstones can be applied over any product. If you’re already familiar with Gel Polish, you can skip ahead to step 4.

Step by Step

  • 1. Prep your nail

    1. Prep your nail

    When applying Gel Polish, it's important to prep your nails thoroughly so you can achieve a result that is both beautiful and long-lasting. Good preparation is essential for the longevity of your manicure, so prep is about to become your new favorite step.

    You can see our full guide on how to prep your nails here. But if you're experienced in doing nails, you already know the routine: wash hands, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper, buffer, wipe with Cleanser, PH-Bond, Primer.

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    Next step
  • 2. Apply Base Coat

    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 guide the product along each side of the nail to the tip, where you seal it.

    It is important that your Base Coat is applied close to both the base and sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail.

    If the product gets on the surrounding skin or your cuticles, remove it before curing. We recommend using one of our Micro Brushes dipped in Cleanser for this.

    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.

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  • 3. Apply your Gel Polish

    3. Apply your Gel Polish

    Once you have applied your Base Coat, it is 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 is a good idea to roll it between your palms. We have designed the bottle to make this easy and comfortable. 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, which may be visible on the nail.

    The consistency of your Gel Polish may vary slightly depending on the colour, as more pigmented shades can be a little thicker.

    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 almost horizontal along the nail plate. Then, brush the product up along each side of the nail to the tip, sealing the product at the edge.

    It is important that your Gel Polish is applied close to both the cuticle area and the sides of the nail without touching the skin around the nail.

    Once your Gel Polish has been applied as desired, cure it in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds. For best results, you can work on one nail at a time and cure it for 10 seconds before curing all your nails for 60-90 seconds at the end. This helps prevent the product from moving while you are doing 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.

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  • 4. Apply Top Coat

    4. Apply Top Coat

    Once you have cured your Gel Polish, you are ready to apply your gemstones. Our gemstones can, of course, also be applied on top of other products such as Builder Gel, Blooming Gel, Polygel or any other products. The method is the same, no matter what product you have underneath.

    To apply our gemstones, start by applying a thin layer of Top Coat to the nail. Do not cure it yet.

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  • 5. Apply gemstones

    5. Apply gemstones

    While your Top Coat is still wet, place the gemstone onto the Top Coat you have just applied. You can gently adjust the gemstone if needed, until it sits exactly where you want it.

    Once the gemstone is positioned as desired, cure your nails for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED lamp.

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    Next step
  • 6. Finish Your Nail

    6. Finish Your Nail

    Once you have cured your nails, all that’s left to do is apply Top Coat. Apply it in the same way as your Base Coat and Gel Polish, then cure it for 60-90 seconds in our UV/LED Lamp. And your nails are ready.

    Top Coat does not leave a sticky layer, so once you have applied your Top Coat, you can finish by applying a little nail oil around the edges of your nails — and then your nails are done. Now comes the really hard part: where will you share your new nails first? Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook? We can’t wait to see the result!

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