On the journey of pursuing beautiful nails, going to a nail salon is often both costly and time-consuming. In fact, as long as you have the right gel polish set, you can also achieve professional-looking nail art at home. So, how should you choose the set, and how should you operate it to make your nails look flawless? Here is a detailed introduction for you.
Owning a high-quality gel polish set is like having a nail art cheat sheet, allowing you to create perfect nails with ease. Unlike regular nail polish, this type of set includes a base coat, vibrant-colored nail polish, and a durable top coat, all of which are specifically designed to cure perfectly under UV/LED lamps. During the curing process, a chemical bond occurs, forming a wear-resistant coating that can last for 2 to 3 weeks without fading or peeling. This is especially suitable for those who are busy, want to stay beautiful, and don't want to take care of their nails frequently. Nowadays, the sets are thoughtfully equipped with nail prep solution, application brushes, and detailed operation guides. Even nail art beginners can avoid common problems such as uneven curing and premature peeling of the nail polish with the help of these aids. For example, if you want to change to a beautiful nail style for yourself on the weekend, with such a complete set, you can easily get started without worrying about the result.
Since gel polish sets are so useful, how should you choose one? When selecting a set, there are several key features that you should pay special attention to. First of all, look at the colors in the set. It is best to choose a set that contains 6 to 12 carefully selected colors, so that you can handle different seasons and occasions. For example, you can use warm-toned nude colors for work, which look decent and appropriate; bold metallic colors can make you the center of attention when going to a party at night; light pink is gentle and versatile for daily wear. In addition, the power of the LED lamp included in the set is also very important. An LED lamp with a power of 48W or above can cure each layer of nail polish in just 30 to 60 seconds, which is much faster than lamps with lower power. Savvy consumers will also pay attention to the formula of the nail polish. Choose products with a "three-free" formula, that is, free of toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate, while still being able to achieve a high-gloss effect. There is also one point that is easily overlooked, which is the storage design of the set. A box with compartments can prevent the nail polish bottles from tipping over and keep the small nail art accessories organized. When you open the set and see everything neatly arranged, don't you feel in a better mood?
After selecting the right set, the next step is the practical operation. To create perfect gel nail art, both application and removal have their own techniques. Before starting the nail art, gently buff the surface of your nails with a buffer block to remove the natural oils on the nails, so that the gel nail polish can adhere better. Then, use the angled brush in the set to apply the nail polish. Apply it thinly and evenly, and remember to apply it along the edges of the nails to prevent the nail polish from lifting prematurely. After applying each layer, cure it under the lamp according to the product instructions, which generally takes 30 to 90 seconds. When removing the nail polish, don't peel it off directly with your hands, as this can damage your nails. The correct way is to soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover, then wrap it around your nail and cover it with aluminum foil. Wait for about 12 minutes. When the gel softens, gently scrape it off with a wooden stick. After removing the nail polish, don't forget to apply cuticle oil to replenish the moisture lost during the removal process. For example, when you want to change the nail style after having the nail art for a while, removing the nail polish according to this method can reduce the damage to your nails.
After mastering the application and removal techniques, you can further unleash your creativity and create eye-catching nail art. Advanced sets usually include tweezers and dotting tools, with which you can easily enhance the level of your nail art. For example, before curing, mix two colors with a makeup sponge to create a gradient effect. Layering glitter nail polish on an opaque base color can add depth; using sticker tape can create geometric patterns. If you want to change the nail art style according to the seasons, use the metallic stamping plates in the set to easily switch between a simple French manicure and a festive-themed design. These nail art techniques do not require professional training. As long as you are patient and make good use of the tools in the set, you can also become a nail art expert. For example, during Christmas, you can use the tools to create nail art full of the festive atmosphere and surprise your friends.
After having the nail art done, everyone definitely wants it to last longer. In fact, as long as you pay attention to daily care, you can extend the longevity of your nail art. Moisturize your hands with a hand cream containing glycerin every day, which can prevent dry cuticles from catching on the edges of the gel and causing the nail polish to peel off. When doing housework, if you will be in contact with irritating chemicals or hot water, remember to wear gloves. If there are small abrasions on your nails, gently buff them with fine sandpaper and then apply a new layer of top coat. Also, never use your nails to open packages, as this can easily damage the gel structure. As long as you do these care steps well, most high-quality gel polish sets can keep your nails in a perfect state for 14 to 21 days, and then you can redo the nail art. For example, if you have beautiful nail art and go on a trip, taking care of your nails according to these methods can keep them beautiful when you come back.
Getting a gel manicure at a nail salon generally costs between $30 and $60, while a fully functional home gel polish set can pay for itself after 3 to 4 uses. Many sets nowadays also come with practice false nails, allowing you to practice your skills with confidence without worrying about wasting nail polish. When selecting a set, you can also look for value combo sets that may include additional nail dehydrator or a glass nail file, which are commonly used tools by professional nail artists and can help you achieve better results. In the long run, you can not only save hundreds of dollars but also freely change your nail color every week without having to make an appointment at the nail salon. You can do the nail art whenever you want. Isn't that great?
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