How to choose gel polish?

Although gel polishes appeared in the nail industry quite recently, but they have become very famous and in demand. Fans of this amazing coating like a wide range of colors, as well as increased strength, which ensures the duration of manicure. It is worth considering in more detail the composition and characteristics of gel polish, selection criteria, as well as the best models and manufacturers.

Gel Polish is a unique coating designed to decorate marigolds. It perfectly combines the advantages of ordinary nail polish and a modeling gel. It is this mix that provides the creation of a stable coating of the polymer structure. To remove it, it is not sawing that is used, but soaking. You should consider in more detail which components are part of this unique tool.

• Photo initiator. This is one of the main components, since it is it that provides the hardening of the coating. With its help, gel polish captures UV rays, actively absorbs them, as a result, the coating begins to polymerize. This component is not toxic and does not affect the environment. The number of photoinitiators has a direct effect on the polymerization process. If the drying time in the lamp is minimal, it means that the number of photoinitiators is quite high, and during the application of the lamp there is a strong burning sensation, because the hardening process occurs rather quickly.

• Film former. This component is responsible for creating a reliable and durable barrier.He actively protects him from the influence of environmental factors. The film former gives resistance to the coating, because without it, the nail polish would begin to peel off after a few days.
• Thinners. They have a direct effect on the texture of gel polish, as well as its attachment to the nail plate. The quantity and quality of diluents is responsible not only for strength, but also for how to remove this coating in the future. If thinners of low quality or in small quantities are used, then, accordingly, they hold perfectly on the nails, but removing gel polish becomes a real problem. Only some gel polish manufacturers are still able to find the perfect balance.

• Pigments. Many girls begin to choose gel polish just by color, while all the other characteristics of this tool fade into the background. It is pigments that are responsible for the color and density of the coating. Interestingly, you can mix gel polishes to get the original color performance.
• Fillers. Today, manufacturing companies do not cease to amaze their fans by offering new textures, colors and effects. Using various fillers, thermal varnishes, top coatings with a matte effect or the effect of “cat's eye” are created.

Today, every master of the nail industry knows and uses gel polishes. And this is quite logical, because this tool has the following undeniable advantages:

• this coating allows you to strengthen the nails, as a result, nails with gel polish grow much faster;
• excellent durability, which can be from two to three weeks;
• fast polymerization due to the use of a lamp specially designed for gel polish;
• even short nails with such a coating will look impressive and stylish.

Unfortunately, gel polish also has disadvantages, which include the following:

• the use of fairly cheap coatings leads to yellowing of the nail plates;
• beginners cannot make their own manicure gel polish due to lack of experience, so it is better to use the help of a professional who will help not only apply but also remove the coating;
• it is not recommended to often do manicure with gel polish, it is worth pausing after 5 sessions;
• poor quality products may not be hypoallergenic.

They can be single, two and three phase. Many girls are interested in the question of what are the differences between the single-phase and three-phase versions. The following criteria should be taken into account:

• time - the single-phase version dries faster, since the three-phase version consists of gel polish, base (base) and topcoat, and each layer must be separately dried under the lamp;
• price - of course, a single-phase remedy always costs less;
• complexity in work - it is undoubted that using a single-phase product is much easier than applying three layers to the nail;
• composition - a single-phase version is produced without the use of toluene and formaldehyde, which are quite harmful, and without their use an adhesive film does not form after applying varnish.

From the above it is worth concluding that single-phase gel polish wins significantly compared to three-phase, but many girls prefer it, because it allows you to create amazing design options using different decor. Considering the three-phase version, it is worth paying attention to the base. Quite often, girls choose a rubber base, which is characterized by density, and this allows you to create an even coating, aligning flaws.

To choose a high-quality, durable and safe gel nail polish, it is worth taking into account several fairly important selection criteria. And this rule applies not only to beginners, but also to masters of the nail industry.

• Durability. A good coating should keep on the nails for about three weeks. It is worth paying attention to the instructions that are attached to the gel polish. The manufacturer must indicate the approximate resistance of his product.

• The convenience of use. Usually, a manicurist draws attention to this criterion, but the speed of work, as well as the quality of the coating, is directly related to the client. It is worth highlighting the following nuances:
  1. the consistency of gel polish should be easy to apply, but at the same time be characterized by good density so as not to spread;
  2. the brush should be characterized by ease of use, as this affects the accuracy of drawing;
  3. the technology for removing gel polish should last no more than a quarter of an hour;
  4. a huge assortment of color solutions plays an important role, but it is also worth paying attention to the density of the shade;
  5. the smell of the product should not cause discomfort; pungent odors are of low quality and are usually toxic;
  6. the composition should not have a negative effect on the nails.

Important: the gel polish is the optimal solution, which not only meets the above criteria, but is also characterized by affordable cost and has a rather large bottle volume.

Professional masters of the nail industry usually pay attention to the manufacturer, because the company must confirm the quality guarantee with relevant certificates. Speaking about the quality of this product, it is worth considering both durability and safety for marigolds. Even among the budget options, you can find good manufacturers who provide gel polishes of fairly high quality.

The base is the base for gel polish, which primarily performs a protective function, because it reliably protects the nail platinum from the influence of dyes, solvents and other chemicals that are usually found in gel varnishes. As well as the base affects the quality of manicure, many professionals are sure that it is the base coat that is the main component of an attractive manicure.

The primer is also in high demand and is often used when creating manicures in various beauty salons.

It is worth considering the differences between base and primer.

• Gel polish is not applied to the nail plate, first it is worth painting the nails with the base. If we consider the primer, then the situation is somewhat different, since the primer is an additional tool, you can make high-quality manicure without applying it. Although professionals often use this product.
• The base is indispensable for both home use and salon. Primer is usually purchased by masters in beauty salons. For personal use, girls generally do not use it.
• The significant difference between these products is texture. So, the base looks very similar in consistency to ordinary varnish, since it is just as viscous. The primer can be compared with water, because it is almost liquid.

• Base is a self-leveling coating that creates reliable protection of the nail plate from physical damage. After applying the base, they become smooth, even and beautiful. The primer acts as an intermediate between the gel polish and the base.
• Another difference is that the base is simply indispensable when creating a manicure using gel polish, and the primer is used much less often.

To choose the best base for gel polish, you should pay attention to the rating of the most popular and popular premium products.

• UV base. This is a great option from the famous French company Beautix. This basic coating is characterized by a brush of excellent quality, because it is elastic and flat, which allows you to conveniently apply the coating on the nails.With this coating, gel polish will stay on the nails for more than two weeks, as the manufacturer claims. The base perfectly aligns the nail, characterized by a liquid consistency. It polymerizes quite quickly - if you use a UV lamp, it will take only a few minutes, but in a LED lamp it only takes half a minute. When using the base there is no discomfort. The volume of the composition is 15 ml. If we consider the disadvantages of this product, it is worth noting a rather high cost.

• Kodi Rubber Base. This is a rubber self-leveling base developed by the American manufacturer Kodi. It perfectly aligns the nail and provides a secure attachment with gel polish. The company offers this coating in several volumes - 7, 8 and 12 ml. But jars with a volume of 14 and 30 ml are presented without a brush for professional use. The consistency of the base is quite plastic and dense. It freezes very quickly - in a UV lamp in just two minutes, and in an LED lamp it will take no more than 30 seconds. This base is perfect for attaching sliders or crystals. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the high price of the product, as well as the fact that the brush is not convenient for everyone, it is worth getting used to it.

• UNO Rubber Base. This product has a self-leveling effect. The manufacturer is a well-known company UNO. This base should be used for weakened and brittle nails. When using it, there is no need to use a primer. This tool is viscous and thick, and thanks to the soluble formula it can be removed without the use of grinders and files that cause mechanical damage to the nail plate. The manufacturer produces this product in 15 ml bottles. It is presented with a convenient brush, which consists of short setae. The polymerization process of the coating is carried out from 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the selected lamp.

If you consider the best low-cost basis for gel polish, then you should pay attention to several products.

• Soak off gel Rubber base coat. This Bluesky-made Chinese product is one of the best mid-range gel polish basecoats. It perfectly aligns the fingernail, and only one coat is required. This base can be used for damaged and brittle plates. The volume of the bottle is only 10 ml, but its consumption is quite economical. This product is called by many the best in terms of quality and price. It is suitable for working with various gel polishes. The base is quite easy to apply on the nails due to the medium consistency. It does not spread, providing an even distribution. It hardens both in the UV lamp (2 minutes) and in the LED lamp (1 minute). Among the shortcomings, it is worth emphasizing a rather pungent smell, which many do not like.

• SOBS-02. This is a wonderful easily soluble base from the Russian brand Lianail. It is quite easy and quick to work with it, since both soaking in a special liquid and sawing can be used to remove it. To get the maximum layer of protection and ensure reliable strengthening of the nails, it should be applied in two layers. The manufacturer offers it in a volume of 10 ml. By consistency, this remedy is of medium density. It can be used for polymerization in both UV lamps and LED devices. The advantages of the product include a fairly reasonable price. But unfortunately, he is unable to hide obvious defects on the marigolds, and also has a small volume, so the tool quickly ends.

• Base Gel Polish Rubber. The famous Korean company TNL has created an excellent base for gel polish at an affordable cost and excellent quality. It perfectly conceals completely all irregularities on the nail plate and provides a firm grip with gel polish.In addition, this product helps strengthen marigolds and is completely safe. The consistency of the product is not very thick, so it is not only easy to apply, but also holds tightly to various decor options. For polymerization, you should use a UV lamp. Users noted that during the hardening process, it does not cause burning. The volume of the bottle is 10 ml.

We should also consider the rating of the best primers, which quite often are used by nail industry professionals when working with gel polish.

• TNL Products from this Korean company are very popular due to their excellent quality. The primer perfectly protects nails from cracks and chips, and also retains the original manicure for a long time.

• Ezflow. This brand offers both acid-free and acidic primer solutions. Separately presented is a series that is designed specifically for gel or acrylic coatings, but you can also find universal products suitable for these two materials. All primers from the Ezflow brand are made without the use of flavors or dyes, and they also dry out in just a few seconds. They are often purchased to work with gel polish or shellac.

• Runail. The products of this company are also quite popular. Primer Runail allows you to qualitatively remove any kind of contamination from the marigolds, including fat. The adhesion to gel polish is quite fast and high quality.

• IBD This brand has been delighting its fans with quality products for fragile nails for about 30 years. A good result of IBD primers made the company quite popular.

• Le vole ultra bond produces primers that are responsible for the safe dehydration, as well as the disinfection of the nail plates. The tool is hypoallergenic, does not penetrate deep into the nail plate, which is a clear advantage.

• Lady Victory. The company has developed a large line of tools for creating manicure. The primer perfectly disinfects, degreases the nails, and also guarantees a strong grip with gel polish. Since the manufacturer does not use acids in the manufacture of primers, they are safe to use.

• Vogue Nails. The primers from this brand are quite aggressive, because they do not have the best effect on the nails.

Particularly noteworthy are the model of gel polishes, which are persistent and of high quality. It is worth considering their rating separately.

• CND. This varnish provides a reliable gel coating that lasts on the nails for more than 7 days. For its use, there is no need to use a base, the color does not fade, and the coating is characterized by strength. This product does not contain harmful components, has a good brush, and is also presented in a wide color range. Among the minuses, it is worth noting that it usually dries longer than the manufacturer indicates on the bottle. The average price is 400 rubles.

• Masura. This company produces both single and three phase gel polishes. If we consider a single-phase tool, then you can do without using a base and top. Most gel polishes have a convenient brush for applying. If we consider three-phase varnishes, then it is worth noting a wide range of color solutions, among which bright colors, characterized by femininity and sophistication, are in demand. Brand products are perfectly applied to the nails, have no pungent odor, and also do not fade under sunlight. Among the minuses, it is worth highlighting the difficult removal of gel polish, as well as the fact that the composition is synthetic. You can buy such a gel polish starting from 170 rubles per bottle.

• Kodi Professional. Gel polishes are professional, but at an affordable price.These funds hold on to the nails perfectly, so those girls who often do household chores, and do not like to use gloves, choose it. Such a varnish is bought both for salon use, and for home use. You can buy gel polish with a volume of 7 or 12 ml. Economical consumption and a large selection of colors are among the advantages of the product. But unfortunately, one layer is not enough to create a good coating, it is better to immediately apply it in two layers. The price of one bottle is 400 rubles.

• TNL Professional. This is a bright representative of high quality and affordable price. The advantages of gel polish include a fairly good selection of colors (393 shades), a dense structure and ease of application. Saturated color does not fade under ultraviolet radiation. But this remedy has an unpleasant odor, is prone to spreading and can not last on the nails for more than a week.

• Bluesky. The Chinese brand offers gel varnishes of excellent quality, since they hold firmly on the nail plate for more than three weeks. The coating includes firming varnish and gel for nail extension. It is enough to apply the product in just one layer for a good result. A UV lamp is suitable for drying. The varnish does not lose brightness even with frequent contact with water. But it is worth noting that light shades require application in two layers, and also do not indicate the color number on the bottles, so you have to choose according to the shades. It costs only 70 rubles.

• In garden. The manufacturer offers gal-varnishes with a unique composition, because in their manufacture it uses polymers, silicone, resins and components that reliably protect the nails from external influences. In a short time, the nails become strong and restore the damaged structure. The coating holds firmly for up to one month, while not suffering from contact with water. Gel polish is applied evenly and quickly. The assortment features about 170 shades. Gel polish does not fit well without the use of a rubber base. Its price is from 485 rubles.

• Gelish. This product meets the current requirements for gel polish. It perfectly strengthens the nails, has hypoallergenic properties, and therefore does not lead to redness and irritation. 150 shades are on sale, but colors can be mixed to get new, unusual and ultramodern solutions. Varnish gel has a long shelf life, can be easily removed. Its price is 480 rubles.

• Solomeya. This gel polish is characterized by excellent composition, which includes natural ingredients. The manufacturer does not use harmful solvents, dyes or synthetic resins. This tool is characterized by increased resistance due to the polymer structure. It is easy to apply and the coating is resistant to various external influences. The only drawback is that you should unscrew the bottle to see the color of the gel polish.

Today, you can find on sale a huge selection of gel polishes from both Russian manufacturers and foreign companies. Many prefer Chinese brands, because the products are characterized by excellent quality and reasonable price. To make a choice of gel polish among a wide range of brands, it is worth considering a list of the best companies.

• Bluesky. This is a popular company that offers universal 2 in 1 products that include both base and base coat. Gel polish belongs to the middle price category. The company offers a line of Elpaza gel polishes, which are distinguished by a new formula. The coating is quite resistant and high quality. Due to its excellent density, gel polish can be applied in just one coat.

• Kodi. This company offers products for both home and professional use. A brand known in many countries.Regular customers receive a cumulative discount, which is very popular with regular customers.

• Oxxi Professional. This brand produces quality products for stylish manicure and pedicure. A wide color range allows you to experiment with different tones. Many are attracted to gel varnishes with decor, which have a unique shimmer or sparkles.

• OPI Products. This company has a lot of awards for products in the field of nail art, because it uses its patented developments in the manufacture of funds. A huge color palette is one of the main advantages of the company.

• Canni This brand appeared more than 10 years ago and reliably took its place in the nail industry. The company offers safe gel polishes that do not contain harmful components, are easy to apply, have a comfortable brush.

• Akzentz. This brand, known to many thanks to the very stylish and high-quality Luxio line. Gel polishes provide a beautiful and durable coating. Glossy gloss and reliable protection against external factors are among the advantages of the product. This lineup contains 140 colors. The product does not have a pungent odor, is easy and quick to apply, and is also hypoallergenic.

• Diva Many people like German quality at an affordable price. The manufacturer offers a wide range of color solutions, uses high-quality components to create gel varnishes, primers and bases.

• Nayada. This manufacturer offers gel polishes for strengthening and stylish design of nails. Bright colors, easy application and a long shelf life are among the strengths of this product.

Modern fashionistas pay great attention to their nails. Most of them use gel polish to create an exquisite and original manicure. Girls note that this tool allows you to create a resistant coating, which usually lasts up to one month. It is reliably protected from external factors, including contact with water and ultraviolet rays. Most gel polishes also strengthen the nail plate. A large number of manufacturers offer products at an affordable price.

The indisputable advantage of gel polish is the fact that it can be used not only in beauty salons, but also for home use, if you have a lamp for drying. It takes only 30 seconds to several minutes to gel polish to cure. Many manufacturers allow the use of varnish without first applying the base or primer.

But there are also negative reviews, although they mainly concern individual manufacturers who have appeared on the market quite recently and offer low-quality products. Professionals recommend purchasing products from well-known companies that mainly focus on the use of natural components. Some gel polishes last only a few days, others lead to a burning sensation during the polymerization of the coating, and still others generally spoil the top layer of the nail platinum, therefore it is better to refuse them without a good base.

For a comparison of popular brands of gel polishes, see the next video.