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Depends what you wanna do! If you’re after just a manicure and colour, I really rate Kanorine (super cheap and you can buy sets of colours on Amazon) or Bluesky.
If you’re going to do extensions, I recommend any old tips from Amazon and the Bluesky hard gel. However, I also recently started using full cover tips and adhering them with Lagunamoon polygel which is a much quicker option as it doesn’t require any sculpting.
I also love the convenience of the Mylee prep and finish wipes, better than having to store a bottle of acetone in the same room I light candles!
EDIT: Also just a note that if the gel is coming off in whole pieces it might have something to do with your nail prep. If you lightly file or buff the surface of your nail then dehydrate it with acetone or a prep wipe then it should stay on for at least a week.
If you’re going to do extensions, I recommend any old tips from Amazon and the Bluesky hard gel. However, I also recently started using full cover tips and adhering them with Lagunamoon polygel which is a much quicker option as it doesn’t require any sculpting.
I also love the convenience of the Mylee prep and finish wipes, better than having to store a bottle of acetone in the same room I light candles!
EDIT: Also just a note that if the gel is coming off in whole pieces it might have something to do with your nail prep. If you lightly file or buff the surface of your nail then dehydrate it with acetone or a prep wipe then it should stay on for at least a week.
Yes!
I originally got a mylee set which came with a lamp, remover, prep and polish and a base coat and top coat. But I’ve bought other stuff since that I prefer, the mylee base and top coat weren’t my favourite. For colours I love blue sky and premier gel. The blue sky hard gel is also good if you have weak nails or just want some more protection.
If you go on Amazon there’s loads of different lamps. My mylee lamp is good but maybe not worth buying alone as I think you can get cheaper ones on Amazon. I’m in some nail groups on Facebook and loads of people mention a lamp by Sun UV which I think is relatively cheap so maybe look at that.
Other things I’d recommend I didn’t think of initially are:
1. Lint free wipes for removal/wiping off tacky layers.
2. Cuticle pusher.
3. Cuticle remover (I love the Sally Hansen one).
4. Nail remover clips/caps (not essential but I find them useful).
4. Brushes for nail art/glitter application.
For glitter I recommend magpie beauty and glitter arty nails or even eBay!
I originally got a mylee set which came with a lamp, remover, prep and polish and a base coat and top coat. But I’ve bought other stuff since that I prefer, the mylee base and top coat weren’t my favourite. For colours I love blue sky and premier gel. The blue sky hard gel is also good if you have weak nails or just want some more protection.
If you go on Amazon there’s loads of different lamps. My mylee lamp is good but maybe not worth buying alone as I think you can get cheaper ones on Amazon. I’m in some nail groups on Facebook and loads of people mention a lamp by Sun UV which I think is relatively cheap so maybe look at that.
Other things I’d recommend I didn’t think of initially are:
1. Lint free wipes for removal/wiping off tacky layers.
2. Cuticle pusher.
3. Cuticle remover (I love the Sally Hansen one).
4. Nail remover clips/caps (not essential but I find them useful).
4. Brushes for nail art/glitter application.
For glitter I recommend magpie beauty and glitter arty nails or even eBay!
I do mine and I have very oily nails and struggle to get a gel to stick at home. But I have used the mylee 5in1 base, cnd shellac colour and opi top coat and they have lasted beyond two weeks and were easy to remove.
I have a cheep lamp from eBay after my sensationail lamp broke.
I also use mylee wipes which are so easy.
I have a cheep lamp from eBay after my sensationail lamp broke.
I also use mylee wipes which are so easy.
I brought a decent second hand lamp from Facebook marketplace and used to do my own nails all the time - I picked up polishes from Amazon or in TKMaxx etc. This thread has reminded me about it actually! I should do my toes before this sun arrives!
I had a mylee one, it was good but I developed an allergy to the polish and did serious damage to my nails (reading online I think it came into contact with my skin too much- my own fault).
I think when I bought mine it was sold as a kit so came with everything you needed to get started. I can’t remember how much it was but bought it from Amazon.
I think when I bought mine it was sold as a kit so came with everything you needed to get started. I can’t remember how much it was but bought it from Amazon.
I've got a mylee lamp too. I've started doing my gels again in this last lockdown, it just makes me feel a bit nicer!
I use bluesky polish and the mylee top and base coat. I also have some laguna polishes and some lavender ones. Bluesky seems to be the best for me though, I've just ordered a couple more colours from amazon actually.
I recommend a a prep and wipe, I never used this and sometimes my gels wouldn't look as shiny or would go a bit dull. Feels super weird wiping your nails as soon as you've done them but it works! Also the clamps that hold the pads and remover on, I used to use foil and it was a right pain tbh. Also a couple of good nail files, and a cuticle pusher.
I've definitely got better with practice. When I first tried them I ended up with polish all over the edges of my fingers and it just peeled off. Thin layers are better and just build it up, otherwise it can go bubbly.
Mine tend to last 2 weeks. I am a picker though so as soon as they start to grow out or lift I generally redo.
I use bluesky polish and the mylee top and base coat. I also have some laguna polishes and some lavender ones. Bluesky seems to be the best for me though, I've just ordered a couple more colours from amazon actually.
I recommend a a prep and wipe, I never used this and sometimes my gels wouldn't look as shiny or would go a bit dull. Feels super weird wiping your nails as soon as you've done them but it works! Also the clamps that hold the pads and remover on, I used to use foil and it was a right pain tbh. Also a couple of good nail files, and a cuticle pusher.
I've definitely got better with practice. When I first tried them I ended up with polish all over the edges of my fingers and it just peeled off. Thin layers are better and just build it up, otherwise it can go bubbly.
Mine tend to last 2 weeks. I am a picker though so as soon as they start to grow out or lift I generally redo.
If you are in the UK I suggest Naio nails products. I have a bunch of their gel polishes and their builder gel and poly gel is also very good. As is their nail prep items. Same with Madam Glam. I think they’re available in the UK but I’m not 100 per cent sure. Also, both companies are cruelty free and prices reasonable, Madam Glam normally has a promo, and I think Naio still does “Weekly Picks” where they temporarily discount a selection of items and colours.
Use a strong lamp, something at least 50 watts or more. I got one inexpensively from Amazon.
Use a strong lamp, something at least 50 watts or more. I got one inexpensively from Amazon.
Does anyone here do diy gel nails? If so what products would you recommend?
I had a sensationail lamp year ago and it was utterly shite. The colours would come off in a whole piece within hours of me putting it on!
Determined to take a bit more pride in my appearance
I know this thread isn't really active but does anyone know where I can buy "The Gel Bottle" gel polish? I follow a lot of manicurists on Instagram who post gorgeous nails using The Gel Bottle brand, but it looks like it's only available for professionals! Are there any other sites stocking it?
ebay has some bottles I think. I did a cheap nail course online during lockdown and can now purchase it though, maybe try looking into that if you’re able to? There’s also a Facebook group I’m part of where people sell it but I’m not sure if you needed to be professional to join that!
Interesting, will look into the courses. Thank you!
Sorry to bother you again @Kandy floss but do you remember where you did your online course? I've noticed The Gel Bottle do some but they charge a fortune. Would love to find an affordable one so I can buy their products.
I don’t sorry!
I think I just googled online nail course -https://newskillsacademy.co.uk/course/nail-technician-diploma-award something like this?
As long as it covers gel nails it should be fine. I didn’t have any issues with mine they took around a day to approve it x
Perfect thank you!!
