Gel Polish: what is it, compositional features and rules of use

Today, gel polishes are incredibly popular. They are presented in a huge assortment and color palette. To decorate nails with such coatings, it is not necessary to turn to the services of experienced masters. It is quite possible to cope with these procedures at home. However, before proceeding with the organization of this nail design, you should familiarize yourself with all the properties and features of modern gels.

Before proceeding to a detailed acquaintance with modern gel polishes, it is necessary to answer an important question: what is it? The answer is simple: this coating is a real hybrid of simple nail polish and a special gel that is not prone to chips and rapid destruction. In addition, the aforementioned composition does not exude a sharp and unpleasant odor, but it is dried under a special lamp.

The specified coverage is recognized as relatively "young." However, it should be noted that gel polish in our time is very popular and in demand. This cosmetic product is one of the best developments in its category. In simple terms, gel polish is a plastic varnish coating that is applied in the same way as simple varnish, but is not dried naturally, but under the influence of special lamps.

Usually the coloring of such compositions is much brighter and deeper than that of the classic options. In addition, the gel makes it possible to refer to all sorts of original effects on ladies' nails.Thanks to an interesting and vibrant image, modern gel polishes have become so popular.

The composition of modern gel polishes contains the following basic elements:

• Film former. This element is a special substance with built-in bonds (type –C = C–). Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the film former promotes the appearance of a dense and rigid film on a working basis. Thanks to this component and its bonds, the gel becomes resistant to abrasion, chemicals. In addition, the film former makes the nail coating itself more elastic and durable.
• Photo initiator. This is a special compound that has the ability to absorb UV radiation with a further transition to the active state and decay inside the molecules. As a result of such processes, special reaction particles — free radicals — are released. This component is non-toxic and contributes to the rapid drying of gel polish.

• Thinners. These are composite components that determine the density level, as well as the texture consistency. Thanks to thinners, removing gel coatings from nails is a little easier and faster.
• Pigment. This component is a special coloring matter. It depends on the pigment content how bright, rich and dense the decorative coating will be.
• Additives, fillers. Thanks to them, the nail plates are strengthened.

There are several main types of fashionable gel polishes. Let's get acquainted with them:

• "Cat's Eye." This varnish is insanely popular today. It contains the smallest metal particles that form beautiful patterns and patterns when you hover special magnets. The result is a truly luxurious and rich nail design that emphasizes the individuality of its owner.
• Single phase. This is a great solution for creating an attractive manicure with your own hands. It has a unique formula that allows you to refuse to paint the base and top.
• Thermo. This type of gel polish changes its primary color based on its ambient temperature and the temperature of the plates themselves. This coating looks especially impressive and attractive on long nails.

• Matt One of the most fashionable and sought after coating options. It does not give a common glossy gloss after drying. Such gel polish is permissible to alternate with shiny coatings.
• Stained glass. The specified gel polish allows you to create an original and bright nail design. With its help, it will be possible to form a stunning effect of broken glass, liquid stones, aquarium marigolds.
• Chameleon. Such a novelty will surely appeal to fans of thermal varnishes. The content of "chameleons" contains special particles that respond to changes in temperature and light. Some gel polishes are complemented by beautiful mother-of-pearl chips.

• With sparkles. It is possible to get a spectacular and radiant manicure if you turn to glitter gel polish. These inclusions can be of different sizes. Their shape may also vary.
• Mirrored. Another terribly popular version of gel polish, which allows you to get a perfectly smooth and effective shiny surface of the nail plate. Silvery and golden tones are especially popular among customers.
• Spreading. Instances with an interesting spreading effect are more often chosen by extraordinary natures who want to bring a twist to their image. With such compositions, you can create unusual manicure compositions.

• Craquelure. This original coating is cracking, being on the plate, forming an unusual texture.
• Biogel. Such a product will provide an opportunity to preserve the health of your nails, give them a more well-groomed and fresh look.
• Hypoallergenic. The indicated type of gel polish is a godsend for fashionistas, who by nature are highly sensitive to various substances present in ordinary varnishes.These products can be used even during pregnancy or feeding babies - they will not do any harm.

Many fashionistas believe that ordinary varnish and gel polish are one and the same, and there is not much difference between these compositions. In fact, these are completely different coloring cosmetics. Let us consider in more detail what are the main differences between the mentioned compositions.

A simple classic varnish is an ordinary color coatingthat can last on the nail base for very short time - about 3-5 days. Every woman of fashion used such a cosmetic product at least once in her life. It's no secret to anyone how to cope with such varnishes - how to apply them correctly, and then remove them. In the shops you can find a great variety of classic varnishes. There are not only multi-colored, but also medicinal or specimens with various kinds of original effects.

As for the gel-varnish that is fashionable in our time, it is a combined composition, which is something in between a standard varnish and a special gel designed for nail extension. When developing this cosmetic composition, the goal was to unite in it all the positive qualities of both of these products. The aim was to create a stable and at the same time color and bright gel polish. Fortunately, we managed to achieve our goals. Externally, gel polish is noticeably different from traditional simple varnish. Such a coating is brighter, richer, attracts more attention to itself.

Gel polish is sold in bubbles similar to simple varnish and even brushes with the specified composition usually go exactly the same. Gel is applied to nails, as is a simple option. However, the gel polish dries in just 2-3 minutes, being under special ultraviolet lamps. Drying a simple varnish takes much more time. If it is applied in several layers, then it may take several hours.

As indicated earlier, simple formulations have not been preserved for such a long time. However, it must be borne in mind that gel polish, despite its advantages over the standard composition, is applied much more complicated and trickier.

In addition, gel polishes are more expensive than simple options. Removing gel polish from nails is more difficult than regular makeup. This often takes a lot of time, and in the process you can accidentally damage the delicate skin on the fingers.

Gel polish, like any other options for covering female nails, has both positive and negative qualities. They must be taken into account if you decide to turn to this kind of manicure.

First, let's get acquainted with the advantages of modern gel polish:

• The main positive quality of this varnish is its increased stability. It doesn’t matter which company produced this or that coloring compound. If you apply it competently, and then also competently take care of your nails, gel polish can last up to 3 weeks. During this time, the coating will not deteriorate due to cracks. The color of gel polish does not become less saturated and faded over time.
• To remove the gel polish, as in the case with the usual composition, you will need to use a special solution. It allows you to get rid of the old coating faster and easier, which is very convenient when the time comes for its removal.
• Gel polish is also good because it is perfect not only for long nails. It can also be applied to short or extended nails.

• Gel Polish coating is not subject to kinks or deformation, since the nail plate itself under them does not suffer in any way and does not lose its original structure.
• Gel polish makes it possible to turn to a variety of nail design options. It can be all kinds of scenery, drawings, patterns, decorations and interesting effects. The coating can be not only standard monophonic, but also more complex, for example, gradient or with a color transition. Such solutions are very popular today and are considered a fashion trend.
• Many women of fashion note that a sharp and unpleasant odor does not come from gel polish. Simple varnishes cannot boast of such qualities. Their harsh and toxic aroma may even make you dizzy. There are no such problems with the gel.

• Due to the characteristic consistency, gel polish allows you to hide many of the imperfections on the nails. For example, it can be all sorts of bumps, scratches. This composition can visually make the nail plate smooth and accurate.
• The described varnishes with gel in the composition boasts a wide variety of colors. Different brands offer consumers a choice of different shades. They can be combined with each other, thus obtaining original and unusual tones. Thanks to such opportunities, lovers of nail art can let their imagination run wild and decorate their nails in any way.
• Gel polish protection protects the nail plate, making it stronger and stronger. In such circumstances, the likelihood of stratification of the nails is extremely small. That is why even fashionistas with thin nails have the opportunity to get attractive and fashionable nails with spectacular decorations.

As you can see, there are plenty of advantages in gel varnishes. That is why today these coatings are insanely popular and in demand.

It also has some disadvantages. Let's get acquainted with their list:

• It is worth noting the relatively high cost of such materials. If you are going to decorate your nails with gel polish at home, then you will need to purchase not one, but several different shades of formulations. In addition, you will not be able to do without buying a number of devices required for processing nails. Only when using all of the above means, the coating will stay on the nails long enough and will not lose its aesthetic appearance.
• It always takes a lot more time to create a design using gel polish than when working with a simple composition. On each nail, 5 or 6 layers can be present, each of which needs to be dried under a lamp. Because of this, there is no question of the quick design of female nails.

• If you are not going to paint your nails with such varnish yourself, but plan to go to the salon, then unpleasant surprises can await you. Often, the services of experienced craftsmen cost a tidy sum. Of course, much depends on the complexity of the pattern that you want to apply on the nails, as well as the gel polish with which it will be applied.
• Conventional nail polish remover fluids cannot be removed. Compounds without acetone can not be dispensed with, and they can seriously harm the health of the nail plate.

• Do not wear gel polish on your nails for too long. After 4-5 applications, the specified composition must be removed from the surface of the nails in order to allow them a little "rest". Have to walk a bit without this coating. Of course, this can not be called a serious minus. This is rather a feature of gel polish, which must be taken into account.
• Experienced masters do not recommend applying to such coverage for girls and women whose nails grow too quickly. In such a situation, gel polish may seem to be shifted from its original place. It will look strange and ridiculous.
• Gel polish may cause allergic reactions.Some women of fashion do not tolerate contact with certain components of such compositions. If you have intolerance to the mentioned nail cosmetics, then it is advisable to refuse its use, so as not to harm your health.

Of course, the quality of such a coating largely depends on the skill of the person who applies it. If everything was done correctly, then there will be no problems with manicure. Of course, you need to use high-quality branded compounds - they will not harm the nail plate, and effectively decorate it.

Apply gel polish correctly, following simple instructions. Let us consider in stages how to design the nails with these tools.

It is important to ensure that the free edge of the marigolds is perfectly flat, neat. In addition, there should be absolutely no dust and grease stains on it. Any stratifications and irregularities will need to be leveled, referring to a nail file designed for natural plates. It will also be necessary to remove the cuticle. Upon completion of thorough grinding, the prepared nail should find a matte surface.

However, having completed this stage, it will be necessary to remove the used cosmetic product (oil or cream) from the nail plates. Next, the nails are dried for 10-15 minutes.

If you skip this stage of nail painting, then the gel in the future can quite quickly peel off from the base. It is necessary to carefully remove only the characteristic gloss (gloss) from the nails, while not losing sight of the end part of the nail. Pressing the buff should be easy.

In order to completely remove all moisture and dust from the bases to be painted, it is permissible to use special napkins without lint. Instead, you can use a special dehydrator (it is a deep impact degreaser). These components allow you to remove not only any contaminants, but also restore the acid-base balance, prevent stratification of the nails, and with it the possible infection of the cuticle. Thanks to the dehydrator, the coating is made perfectly smooth and durable.

The next step is to apply the base (i.e. the base coat). It should be applied with a thin layer, because gel polish dries for a long time. Apply it permissible slowly. Hurry is not worth it. Due to the convenient brush, the plate can be neatly and evenly drawn to the maximum without touching the skin or cuticle.

The base layer will be slightly sticky, so you do not need to touch it. The sticky layer will play the role of protection against the ingress of pigments onto the surface of the nail plate. Once the base layer has dried, you will need to smooth out the dispersion layer using a dry brush. This is necessary so that the gel polish with the pigment lay down smoothly, and did not spread along the edges of the nail.

Applying color coatings, Keep in mind the following features:

• Stacked layers should be as thin as possible. Thick layers will lead to the appearance of waves and air bubbles.
• Remember the free edge of the plate. Carefully ensure that the coverage in this area is uniform. Avoid unnecessary seals.
• Selecting a gel polish of pastel colors or bright colors, it should be laid in a couple of layers. Do not forget about drying each layer under the lamp (usually it takes no more than 2-3 minutes).
• If you use a dark gel polish, then it is permissible to apply it with 2-3 thin layers for more uniform coloring.Too thick a layer can cause a quick cracking of the gel application on the nails.

The finish is applied to the surface of the plate with a thicker layer. It is necessary to distribute it to the maximum evenly, not forgetting the end of the marigold. Once the top has dried, it will need to be thoroughly degreased using a special alcohol-containing composition. It is allowed to use for this and all kinds of specialized liquids sold in many stores.

How to apply gel polish we figured out. Now it is necessary to consider in detail how such a coating should be removed.

For this purpose it is possible to use special tools. Wipes or cotton pads are soaked in them, then they are pressed directly to the painted nails and wrapped with foil so that the liquid does not start to evaporate before the prescribed moment. Basically, this stage takes no more than 15-25 minutes. The last indicator is affected by the period during which the gel polish lay on the female nails. As soon as the coating rises slightly, forming a film, it can be easily removed. In this case, you need to use a special orange stick.

Select gel polish must be very careful. Not only the beauty of manicure, but also the health of the nail plates will depend on the quality of this product. It is not enough to pay attention to the color of the selected product. It is very important to look at its composition. Experienced craftsmen strongly do not recommend purchasing copies that contain substances such as formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

Buy such varnishes that are easy to apply and have the appropriate consistency. Do not take even slightly dried compounds - they will not lie on the plate as it should. It is advisable to buy branded gel polishes. Such products are of good quality, safe and allows you to create a beautiful, reliable nail design.

Especially popular is the products of such well-known brands as:

• Gloss
• CND;
• Premiere
• Just GelPolish;
• Jessica Geleration.

If you want to get a really high-quality gel polish, which will be easy to work with, then you should go to a specialized store to purchase it.

Today, many ladies choose gel polishes to decorate their nails, since such materials are beautiful, last long, and you can apply them at home without contacting an experienced master. Reviews of such decorative compositions are very different.

For example, most fashionistas note for themselves such positive aspects of such a manicure:

• not lubricated with proper application;
• not printed;
• no need to wait long until it dries to the end;
• does not exude pungent odors;

• usually does not require a gash;
• long worn;
• has excellent pigmentation;
• It looks expensive and beautiful;
• allows you to hide some of the shortcomings of the nail plates.

Of course, all of the listed characteristics were seen behind a number of branded varnishes from well-known brands.

However, about gel polishes leave not only positive, but also negative reviews, for example:

• girls do not like that, if they want to complement such a manicure with original patterns, many masters make serious mistakes, which is why the design is cheap and ridiculous;
• the ladies did not like the fact that quite a lot of free time was spent on such a nail design;
• gel polish can last up to 3 weeks - all this time the girls go with the same manicure, which quickly bothers, as many of the women of fashion claim;
• according to the ladies, sometimes when applying gel polish, an excessive volume is obtained, making the nails “inflated”, and this looks ridiculous.

This applies to both home masters and those providing nail design services. In order not to encounter many problems of gel polish, you should use high-quality materials, contact really qualified employees and get acquainted with all the nuances of applying this coating, if you plan to do it yourself.

See how to apply gel polish in the video.