What is gel polish and how to use it

Women's manicure must be flawless. Its design is as important as makeup, hairstyle, outfit. In order for the nail coverage to be perfect, you need to approach the choice of varnish responsibly. It is important not only to choose a good tool, but also to know its features, as well as the nuances of application. A real find that allows you to make a perfect manicure is gel polish. What is it and how to use it, we will understand in this article.

Gel polish is a relatively new and trendy type of coating used for manicure, one of the best developments in the nail industry. It is quite in demand not only among masters working in salons and at home. This nail preparation is popular with ordinary fashionistas, as it can be applied at home.

So that the coating does not differ from the salon, you need to follow the sequence, technology and certain rules for applying the product. In addition to the coating itself, you need to purchase the necessary materials, which will pay off very quickly, since performing the procedure at home will significantly save the budget, and the result will not be inferior to a professional manicure.

This coating has many advantages:

• In most cases, it consists of hypoallergenic components., harmless to health, does not contain toxic and harmful substances in the composition. Such products do not harm the skin, do not cause allergies and irritation. Thanks to the beneficial substances included in the composition, the product nourishes and strengthens the nail plates.
• Gel polish is highly durable. It can stay on the nails for more than two weeks, delighting the owner with the brightness of color and glossy sheen. And when it comes to pedicure, then the polish lasts about a month on the legs. It is removed with the help of specialized means by soaking.

• Unlike conventional varnishes, it does not lose the saturation of the shade, does not become cloudy, and is resistant to damage., chips, cracks, retains the original presentable appearance for a long time after application.
• It withstands different loads (frequent contact with water, cleaning), gradually growing along with the nail plate. Hardening during application, it creates a strong protection of the surface from various damages. At the same time, such a manicure looks natural, colorful and bright. This is an ideal coating for long nails: it strengthens the nail plates, protects them from brittleness, forming a strong frame.

• Such a tool is characterized by ease of use, applied quickly, dried under a special lamp for a short time. As a rule, it has a convenient brush, and working with it is no more difficult than with the usual type of varnish. In addition, such products can have a different effect (with a metallic sheen, the effect of silk, enamel, watercolor, sand, "cat's eye", etc.).

Decorative coating for nails has a stable polymer structure. It consists of:

• photoinitiator (a non-toxic component that, under the influence of an ultraviolet lamp, contributes to the drying of the varnish);
• thinners (components that determine the density and consistency of the texture, its durability and ease of removal);
• film former (a component that provides the strength of the coating, preventing abrasion and destruction of gel polish under the influence of external factors);
• pigments (dyes, the content of which determines the density and brightness of the coating);
• fillers and additivesto help strengthen nails.

This season's manicure trends include a wide range of shades. Solid colors are in vogue. A worthy place in the color palette is occupied by pastel colors. They are incredibly feminine and suit absolutely any woman, regardless of her age and chosen style. These are universal shades that are especially appropriate with a romantic or classic outfit. Naturalness is in fashion, so pastel tones are one of the most current trends.

Among the actual shades, beautiful powdery and flesh tones, the so-called nude, are especially in demand.. This range includes shades from cream, pearl color to peach with pink. Tone with diluted gray is at the height of fashion.

Among the bright range, popular colors are blue, purple, fuchsia, chocolate, diluted blue, sky blue, turquoise and cocoa tone. Black color is very popular in gothic outfits. Matte mint and caramel shades are in fashion. Moreover, the shape of the nails approaches the natural, and the coating can be partial, with the addition of glitter.

The red gamma is represented by juicy scarlet, raspberry, wine, burgundy, cherry and orange tones.. The bright coral color looks amazing too. This tone focuses on the hands.

In order to cover your nails with gel polish at home, you need to purchase:

• grinder (preparatory stage before coating), for polishing natural nails;
• degreaser (nail polish remover) to ensure maximum adhesion of the coating to the surface;
• UV lamp 36W (for drying the product);
• basic framework (base gel), which evens out the tone and improves the adhesion of gel polish to the nail plate;
• gel polish any color;
• top coat, which performs the function of protecting the gel polish and giving it a characteristic glossy sheen;
• ordinary alcohol solution (sold in any pharmacy) to remove residual stickiness;
• lint-free wipes (soft cloth) to remove excess product from the skin.

Often, the beautiful half of humanity notes that the declared characteristics are somewhat overestimated, and the attractiveness and durability of the gel polish coating is not so durable. We must not forget that the same product behaves differently on different nails. There are cases when, already on the second or third day, the coating begins to crack and peel off. This is due to a violation of the application technology. Subject to all the rules of coverage, you can extend the beauty and well-groomed manicure on your hands up to 20 days.

The process consists of several stages: preparation, base, color coating and top.

It is important that it is smooth and free of dust.. All delaminations, irregularities are trimmed with a file for natural nails, the cuticle is removed. After polishing, the nails look matte.

Before coating, you can do a light manicure, but after completing the procedure, it is necessary to remove the applied cosmetic product (cream or oil) from the nail plate, then the nails should be dried for 10-15 minutes.

If you ignore this step, there is a high risk of peeling gel polish. It is necessary to delicately remove only the gloss from the nail plate, not forgetting the end of the nail. The pressure on the buff should be light. After treatment, it is better not to touch the nails.

To finally remove the remnants of moisture and dust after trimming, you can use special napkins (soft textile patches) and dehydrator (degreaser of deep action). It not only removes possible impurities, but also restores the acid-base balance, prevents delamination and infection of the cuticle. The use of a dehydrator makes the coating smooth and durable.

The base is applied in a thin layer. Gel polish dries much slower than conventional polishes, so you can apply the coating calmly, without haste. Thanks to a convenient brush, you can gently and evenly cover the nail plate without touching the skin and cuticles. It is important to cover the end of the nail well, sealing it.

The layer will be slightly sticky, so you can not touch it with your hands. It is a protection against the penetration of coloring pigments on the surface of the nail plate. When the base is dry, it is necessary to level the dispersion layer with a dry brush so that the colored gel polish lays evenly and does not spread to the sides of the nail.

When using color coatings, it is important to consider some of the nuances:

• the applied layers must be very thin (thick ones will provoke the formation of waves and air bubbles);
• do not forget about the free edge of the nail, carefully ensuring that the application is uniform, without thickening and smooth;
• choosing a pastel color varnish or a bright shade, you need to cover it with two layers with mandatory polymerization (drying) under the lamp of each layer for two minutes;
• dark shade gel polish can be applied in two or three thin layersto ensure uniform coloration. A dense layer will cause the gel coat to crackle quickly.

The finish gel is applied to the surface of the nail in a denser layer. It is important to distribute it evenly, paying attention to the end of the plate.After it dries, it must be degreased with an alcohol-containing solution. You can use special liquids for this.

You can remove the coating with special tools, which are moistened with cotton pads or napkins, applied to the nails and wrapped in foil so that the liquid does not evaporate ahead of time.

Usually this procedure does not take more than 15 - 25 minutes. Its duration depends on how long the gel polish was on the nails. When the coating has risen in the form of a film, it can be easily removed using an orange stick.

When choosing a model of an ultraviolet lamp, you should pay attention to the option with a power of 36 watts. It optimally quickly dries the layer of gel polish, and, in addition, will not give the coating an unpleasant effect of matte cloudy spots. The choice of brand does not really matter: it is not at all necessary to buy an expensive lamp, since it needs to be changed after three to six months. Otherwise, the durability of the coating will be markedly reduced.

Do not choose a device with high power: such lamps burn out more often, require constant replacement and have a negative effect on the body. They dry the skin of the hands and nails, adversely affect the organs of vision. The LED lamp does not dry all types of gel polish, although it is considered a professional high-power device.

When buying gel polish, you need to pay attention to its expiration date. Usually this figure is 2-3 years. If there is no such information on the bottle, it is better to refuse to buy this particular product.Such information includes the period of implementation (the period from the date of production). During this time, the components do not change their properties, the varnish retains its characteristics.

The second expiration date depends on the owner of the product. The fact is that when opened, heavy components and pigments push the solvent to the surface of the product, so it evaporates, the varnish thickens and becomes unsuitable for application. To extend the service life, it is better to store the gel polish in a cool, dark place, protected from sunlight.

When choosing a gel coating, you should give preference to a product that does not contain formaldehyde, dibutyl phthallate. It is important to buy a gel polish that is easy to apply, does not require laborious preparation of nails, has a convenient application brush, allows for easy adjustment during the procedure, and looks natural.

Coatings with a dense texture are considered good tools; they fit perfectly on the surface of the nail plates. These products include products Just Gel Polish, Gloss, Jessica Geleration, CND, Premiere and covers from other brands.

When choosing a quality product, you can pay attention to brands that have a lot of positive reviews.

The company's products have established themselves as perfect coatings with excellent characteristics. They are distinguished by a wide range of saturated shades, have a creamy texture, are perfectly distributed over the surface of the nail plate and do not flow past the cuticle. Two thin coats are enough to apply the color coating. It lasts for more than two weeks, while maintaining a flawless appearance. Sandy-gold coatings have the effect of light holography, which reveals itself in all its glory in the sun.

Coatings gloss have a dense non-liquid texture, they lie flat and self-level. Shades are divided into matte and glossy. The color scheme has a lot of noble shades from light pastel to luxurious deep dark. They need to be applied in two layers, since stripes can be visible with one. The advantage of coatings is the absence of a yellow tint after varnish removal.

Thick coverage at a budget price. It has a neatly trimmed brush with a comfortable shape, which contributes to the uniform application of the product. Shades with overflows and the effect of "cat's eye" will look very beautiful and expressive. Varnishes of the trademark do not flow behind the cuticle, are applied easily, do not create a burning sensation under the lamp and are highly resistant. Such a manicure is enough for two weeks, it does not fail, it keeps steadfastly without chips and cracks.

Charming shades of the manufacturer do not leave indifferent any woman. In the palette of colors, there are more than 500 different tones. The advantage of this product is the strengthening of the nail plates: in addition to an impeccable manicure, the nails are reliably protected from brittleness. During the entire time that the varnish is on the nail plates, it looks like new, made in a beauty salon. Usually it is enough for more than two weeks, while it does not need to be touched up, tinted.

Brand varnish is considered one of the most resistant and durable. It has a viscous texture, fits well on the surface of the nail plate and does not spread beyond it, densely painting the nail from the first layer.The shades are very pleasant, contain a small shimmer. Such a manicure will stay on the nails for two to three weeks with medium external influences.

Natural length is becoming a new fashion trend: short nails are in fashion. They do not interfere in everyday life and are less demanding in care, less likely to break. Such a manicure lasts much longer.

Classic solid color design never ages or loses popularity. The monochromatic coating is perfect for any occasion, and with your imagination and creativity, you can decorate your nails with any pattern or sparkling accents. For example, a natural shade coating with a bronze strip of narrow adhesive tape and small rhinestones in the center of the nail will look incredibly gentle.

Dark lacquer coatings in nail art are ideal in combination with white or beige contrast.. Combinations of mint and caramel shades, contrasts of plain coatings and varnishes with glitter, design of liquid stones, casting, ombre, mica, sand, flowers and French are welcome.

Do not give up their positions French manicure, art painting, design using adhesive tape and stickers. Among the drawings, creative ideas are especially popular. It can be a variety of laces, complemented by microbeads, rare small rhinestones, floral arrangements, geometric ornaments, asymmetry, amber pattern, animal theme and many other variations. Perhaps one of the most delicate designs is the butterfly wing element. Completed fragments of different shapes and sizes look incredibly airy and feminine.

Gel polish is considered to be really resistant and a good tool for a flawless manicure. This is evidenced by the numerous reviews of real customers left on the vastness of the World Wide Web.In terms of quality and durability, this coating is many times superior to ordinary varnish, which is washed off on the second day after application. The rating of gel polish is quite high - this is a product, having become acquainted with which, you no longer want to use other coatings.

Rave reviews note the durability of a manicure with such a varnish. As a rule, after two weeks the nails look perfect, but you already want to change their color and design. Therefore, the coating is removed and a different shade is applied.

From the following video you will learn what gel polish is and how to use it to make a beautiful manicure at home.