For the last couple of years I have been giving myself gel nails, and I won’t be stopping anytime soon!! I have always loved a trip to the nail salon, but to be honest when Jules started traveling finding a baby sitter wasn’t always ideal. That’s when I turned to an at home gel manicure set up. Don’t be scared. It really is super easy, and doesn’t really take any time at all.
I just did a fresh set of gel nails on Friday and I soaked my old gel off, and painted a new color on in about 30 minutes. Not bad if you ask me. I have learned when I can manage to do my nails while my kiddos are with me. I set them up with a movie and some popcorn and get it done!
So I know there are a lot of gel lights out there. Some more expensive than others. I love my light. I use this LED Nail Lamp. I haven’t had any problems with it, and I love that it has a 4 timer settings. This would be a great gift for all the ladies in your life that love having their nails done!
Of course you need the lamp, right. What else do you need to do your nails? I have done a lot of research, and I feel like there are so many things that you don’t really need. I will cover what I actually use. Pure Acetone. Any 100% Acetone will work, but this one HERE is a great deal! The other item your are going to want to keep on hand is Rubbing Alcohol. I always make sure that my stock of these two is always full.
Let’s talk polish. I do a base coat, two to three layers of colors, and then a top coat! Easy right!? My favorite base and top coat is this set HERE. They last forever because a little goes a long way. The consistency is really easy to use, and your get the pair at such a great price! I recently talked to a nail tech and she had amazing reviews about this brand HERE. I think I am going to order them and test them out.
What is your favorite Fall/Winter nail polish color? I am always so simple and usually go with a pale pink like this one HERE, white is probably my favorite, and black. I feel like these three colors go well with everything and I always feel safe with them! I do have some other favorites that I own + some that I am adding to my collection!
You are also going to need cotton swabs, nail file, and nail clippers to groom your nails before beginning the polish.
Step 1: Apply a thin layer of your base coat to one hand. You are going to want to make sure your layers aren’t thick. That allows them to dry properly. Also, it is very important that your foundation does not touch any of your skin or cuticles. If it drys to your skin that will cause bubbles and lifting within a couple of days.
Step 2:
Place hand under light and cure for 60 seconds.
Step 3:
Repeat base coat and 60 seconds of curing on your other hand.
Step 4:
Apply your first layer of color. Again keep the layers thin.
Step 5:
Cure for 60 seconds.
Step 6:
Repeat step 4 & 5 on your other hand, and then again until you have completed painting and curing 2-3 layers of color.
Step 7:
Paint top coat and cure for 60 seconds. The top coat tends to get a little runny so make sure you apply a thin layer and wipe off any they runs to your skin and cuticles.
Step 8:
Use a cotton swab to wipe rubbing alcohol on each of your nails. This will take away the sticky residue from the top coat.
You’re Done!
I hope that made sense!
I promise you, an at home gel manicure will change your life!! I love having my nails done. Something about that makes me feel put together even when I’m not. Let me know if you have any questions!!
XO,
Corrine Monique
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