Top 10 Gel Manicure Tips

Hey! So today I'm going to be letting you in on my to 10 tips for gel manicures. Gel manicures are basically like painting your nails with normal nail polish however it has a slightly thicker consistency and is cured using either UV or LED light and requires a few more steps however it can last up to 2 weeks. Traditionally, gel manicures were only available at salons but now we are able to apply them ourselves for half the cost and all in the convenience of our own homes. I use the sensationail kits which you can buy from Boots or www.boots.co.uk. Lets get started:

1. When applying your manicure, always use a primer. A primer is supplied in the kit mentioned above and it is really important that you use it in order for the gel to stay tightly on your nail.

2. Colour can be hard to apply so if you are a beginner then try a couple of times with clear only, that way there is no committment and you can get used to the feeling.

3. If you go for colour, remember to apply several VERY thin coats. Don't just slap it on there as it will go lumpy and give an uneven look.

4. Cure both thumb nails together. I have found this significantly decreases the amount of time it takes to cure.

5. Always use a top coat! This is my top tip as many times I have skipped this step. It seemed pointless as the colour was already even and shiny however it again helps to seal the colour and without the extra layer, your manicure will last half the time.

6. Remember to seal the tips. Run the top coat only along the top of your nails and cure as normal. This helps to prevent flaking and chipping. If you do this with colour I have found it is very thick and heavy.

7. Bored of the same colour all week? Change it up by adding glitter or eyeshadow pigment to a small amount of top coat on a paper plate. Mix and apply, curing as normal. This is a great tip as it can be done in the middle of the manicure to jazz it up.

8. DO NOT PICK OR PEEL YOU NAILS! It will cause damage to your nails which will not go away until your nails have grown out. Remove them the proper way!

9. Removing your manicure. Apply some pure acetone or nail polish remover to a cotton ball or pad. Apply one ball to each nail and wrap in foil. The foil helps to speed up the removal process. Then use the removal tool or the rubber on the end or a pencil and push the polish off.

10. Look after your nails. When using gel nail polish I find I often neglect my nails as they need less attention due to the long lasting wear of the manicure. However, it is essential that you apply cuticle cream and your usual care methods but do not cut or file your nails as this will cause premature chipping.

So that's it! I hope you enjoy your manicures but remember they do last a long time so be careful that you don't have to take them off too soon.
x

Welcome!

Hi! Welcome to my first post and my new blog. I am really excited to start this new adventure with all of you.

So what's the deal? I will be posting twice weekly about absolutely everything. Please leave any requests in the comments and they will be posted within a week and that's a promise. I want this blog to be totally yours, if you don't like something then we can change it and if you want to see more it will be shown so have fun and nothing is a stupid idea.

I hope to see you soon!
Bye x