Gel polish: what is, features of the composition and rules of application

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

Before proceeding with 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 a simple nail polish and a special gel that is not prone to chipping and rapid destruction. In addition, the aforementioned composition does not exude a pungent and unpleasant odor, but is dried under a special lamp.

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

Usually, the colors of such compositions are much brighter and deeper than that of the classic options. In addition, the gel makes it possible to apply different kinds of original effects on ladies' nails.Thanks to an interesting and bright look, modern gel polishes have become so popular.

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

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

• Thinners. These are the building blocks that determine the level of density as well as the consistency of the texture. Thinners make it a little easier and faster to remove gel coat from nails.
• Pigment. This component is a special dye. It is the pigment content that directly depends on 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 do-it-yourself manicure. It features a unique formula that eliminates the need to paint the base and top.
• Thermo. This type of gel polish changes its base color based on the 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 provide the common high gloss sheen after drying. It is permissible to alternate such a gel varnish 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 certainly appeal to fans of thermo lacquers. In the content of "chameleons" there are special particles that react to changes in temperature and light. Some gel polishes are complemented by beautiful pearlescent crumbs.

• With sequins. You can get a spectacular and shining manicure if you turn to glitter gel polish. These inclusions can be of different sizes. Their shape can also vary.
• Mirror. Another terribly popular option for gel polish, which allows you to get a perfectly smooth and spectacular shiny surface of the nail plate. Silver and gold tones are especially popular among customers.
• Spreading. Instances with an interesting spreading effect are more often chosen by extraordinary natures who want to add zest to their image. With such compositions, you can create unusual manicure compositions.

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

Many women of fashion believe that ordinary varnish and gel varnish are one and the same, and there is no big difference between these compositions. In fact, these are completely different coloring cosmetics. Let's take a closer look at what are the main differences between the mentioned compositions.

Simple classic varnish is an ordinary color coating, which can last on the nail base for a very short time - about 3-5 days. Every fashionista has used such a cosmetic product at least once in her life. It's not a secret for anyone how to cope with such varnishes - how to apply them correctly, and then remove them. In shops you can find a great variety of different classic varnishes. There are not only multi-colored, but also medicinal or specimens with various kinds of original effects.

As for the gel polish that is fashionable in our time, it is a combined composition, which is something between a standard varnish and a special gel designed for nail extension. When developing this cosmetic composition, the goal was to combine all the positive qualities of both of these products. The goal was to create a long-lasting and at the same time colorful and bright gel polish. Fortunately, the set goals were achieved. Externally, gel polish differs markedly from the traditional simple polish. Such a coating is brighter, richer, and attracts more attention.

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

As mentioned earlier, simple formulations do not persist 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 difficult and trickier.

In addition, gel polishes are more expensive than simple options. It is more difficult to remove gel polish from nails than a regular composition. This often takes a long time, and in the process, you can accidentally damage the delicate skin on your fingers.

Gel polish, like any other coating options for ladies' 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 take a look at the advantages of a modern gel polish:

• The main positive quality of such a varnish is its increased stability. It doesn't matter which company has released this or that dye composition. If you apply it correctly, and then just as competently take care of your nails, the gel polish can last up to 3 weeks. During this time, the coating will not deteriorate due to cracks that have appeared. The color of the gel polish does not become less saturated and faded over time.
• To remove the gel polish, as in the case of 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 it comes time to remove it.
• Gel polish is also good because it is perfect not only for long nails. It can also be applied to short or extended nails.

• The gel polish coating is not subject to fractures 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 apply to a wide variety of nail design options. This can be all sorts of decorations, drawings, patterns, decorations and interesting effects. The coating can be not only a standard solid color, but also more complex, for example, a gradient or with a color transition. Such solutions are very popular today and are considered a fashionable trend.
• Many women of fashion note that a sharp and unpleasant odor does not emanate from gel polish. Simple varnishes cannot boast of such qualities. Their harsh and toxic scent can even make you dizzy. There are no such problems with the gel.

• Due to its characteristic consistency, gel polish allows you to hide many of the imperfections on the nails. For example, it can be all sorts of irregularities, scratches. This composition can visually make the nail plate even and neat.
• The described varnishes with gel in the composition boast a wide variety of colors. Different brands offer different shades for consumers to choose from. They can be combined with each other, thus obtaining original and unusual tones. Thanks to such opportunities, nail art lovers can unleash their imagination and decorate their nails in any way.
• Coating with gel polish protects the nail plate, making it stronger and more durable. In such circumstances, the likelihood of splitting nails is extremely low. That is why even women of fashion with thin nails have the opportunity to get attractive and fashionable nails with spectacular decorations.

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

It also has some disadvantages. Let's see 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 the compositions. In addition, you will not be able to do without purchasing a number of tools required for nail treatment. Only with the use of all of the above means will the coating stay on the nails for a long time and will not lose its aesthetic appearance.
• It always takes much more time to create a design using gel polish than when working with a simple composition. Each nail may have 5 or 6 layers, each of which must be dried under a lamp. Because of this, there can be no talk of a quick design of female marigolds.

• If you are not going to paint your nails with such varnish on your own, but are planning to go to the salon, then unpleasant surprises may await you. Often, the services of experienced craftsmen cost a tidy sum. Of course, a lot here depends on the complexity of the pattern that you want to put on the nails, as well as the gel polish with which it will be applied.
• Regular nail polish removers cannot remove gel polish. Compositions without acetone cannot 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 to "rest" a little. We'll have to walk a little without this cover. Of course, this cannot be called a serious disadvantage. Rather, this is a feature of gel polish that must be taken into account.
• Experienced masters do not recommend applying to such a coating for girls and women whose nails grow back too quickly. In such a situation, the gel polish may appear to be shifted from its original place. It will look strange and ridiculous.
• Gel polish can cause allergic reactions.Some women of fashion do not tolerate contact with certain components of such formulations. If you have an 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 the manicure. Of course, you need to use high-quality branded compounds - they will not harm the nail plate, and will effectively decorate it.

You need to apply gel polish correctly, following simple instructions. Let us consider in stages how the marigolds should be decorated with these means.

It is important to make sure that the free edge of the marigold is perfectly flat and neat. In addition, it should be absolutely free of dust and greasy stains. Any delamination and unevenness will need to be leveled by 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 acquire a matte surface.

However, after completing this stage, you will need to remove the cosmetic product (oil or cream) used from the nail plates. Next, the marigolds are dried for 10-15 minutes.

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

In order to completely remove all moisture and dust from the bases that are planned to be painted, it is permissible to use special lint-free napkins. Instead, you can use a special dehydrator (aka a deep-acting degreaser). These components allow you to remove not only any contamination, but also to restore the acid-base balance, prevent splitting of nails, and with it, the possible infection of the cuticle. Thanks to the dehydrator, the coating is perfectly even and wear-resistant.

The next step is to apply the base (i.e. basecoat). It should be applied in a thin layer, because the gel polish dries for a long time. Apply it slowly. There is no need to rush. Due to the convenient brush, you can arrange the plate as neatly and evenly as possible, without touching the skin or cuticle.

The base coat will be slightly sticky, so you don't need to touch it. The sticky layer will play the role of protection from the ingress of pigments on the surface of the nail plate. Once the base coat is dry, you will need to smooth out the dispersion layer using a dry brush. This is necessary so that the gel varnish with the pigment lies flat and does not spread along the edges of the nail.

Applying colored coatings, you need to keep in mind the following features:

• The stacked layers should be as thin as possible. Thick layers will create waves and air bubbles.
• Remember the free edge of the plate. Make sure that the coverage in this area is even. Avoid unnecessary seals.
• When choosing a gel polish of pastel colors or a bright color, it must be laid in a couple of layers. Remember to dry each layer under a lamp (this usually takes no more than 2-3 minutes).
• If you are using a dark gel polish, then it is permissible to apply it in 2-3 thin layers for a more uniform staining.Too thick layer can cause 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 about the end of the marigold. As soon as the top is dry, it will need to be thoroughly degreased using a special alcohol-containing composition. It is allowed to use for this and various kinds of specialized liquids sold in many stores.

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

For this purpose, it is possible to use special means. Napkins or cotton pads are soaked in them, then pressed directly to the painted nails and wrapped in foil so that the liquid does not begin to evaporate earlier than the intended moment. Basically, this stage takes no more than 15-25 minutes. The last indicator is influenced by the period during which the gel polish lay on the lady's nails. As soon as the coating rises slightly, forming a film, it can be removed without problems. This requires the use of a special orange stick.

It is necessary to select a gel polish very carefully. Not only the beauty of the 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 chosen product. It is very important to take a closer look at its composition. Experienced craftsmen strongly advise against purchasing specimens containing substances such as formaldehyde or dibutyl phthallate.

Buy varnishes that are easy to apply and have the right consistency. Do not take even barely dried compositions - they will not fit on the plate as they should. It is advisable to buy branded gel polishes. Such products are of good quality, are safe and create beautiful, reliable nail designs.

Particularly popular are the products of such well-known brands as:

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

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

Today, many ladies choose gel varnishes for decorating their nails, since such materials are beautiful, last a long time, 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:

• does not lubricate when applied correctly;
• not imprinted;
• no need to wait long until it dries up to the end;
• does not exude strong odors;

• usually does not require a drink;
• worn for a long time;
• has excellent pigmentation;
• looks expensive and beautiful;
• allows you to hide some of the imperfections of the nail plates.

Of course, all of these characteristics have been seen behind a number of branded varnishes from well-known brands.

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

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

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

For information on how to properly apply gel polish, see the video.