How to choose a gel polish?

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

Gel polish is a unique coating designed for decorating marigolds. It perfectly combines the advantages of regular nail polish and modeling gel. It is this mix that ensures the creation of a durable coating of the polymer structure. To remove it, not cutting is used, but soaking. You should consider in more detail what components are included in this unique tool.

• Photoinitiator. This is one of the main components, since it is he who ensures the hardening of the coating. With its help, gel polish catches UV rays, actively absorbs them, as a result, the coating begins to polymerize. This component is non-toxic and does not affect the environment. The amount 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 a strong burning sensation is felt during the use of the lamp, 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 makes the coating resistant, because without it the nail polish would begin to peel off within a few days.
• Thinners. They have a direct effect on the texture of the gel polish, as well as its attachment to the nail plate. The quantity and quality of thinners 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 the gel polish becomes a real problem. Only a few manufacturers of gel polish still manage to find the perfect balance.

• Pigments. Many girls begin to choose gel polish by color, while all other characteristics of this product fade into the background. It is the 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 never cease to amaze their fans by offering new textures, colors and effects. With the help of various fillers, thermo lacquers, top coatings with a matte effect or a "cat's eye" effect 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:

• such a 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 curing thanks to the use of a lamp specially designed for gel polish;
• even short nails with such a coating will look spectacular and stylish.

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

• the use of fairly cheap coatings leads to yellowness of the nail plates;
• beginners cannot independently make themselves a gel polish manicure 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 gel polish manicure, it is worth pause after 5 sessions;
• low quality products may not be hypoallergenic.

They can be one-, two- and three-phase. Many girls are interested in the question, what are the differences between the single-phase and three-phase options. 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 dried separately under a lamp;
• price - of course, a single-phase product is always cheaper;
• difficulty in work - there is no doubt that using a single-phase product is much easier than applying three layers on a nail;
• composition - the single-phase version is produced without the use of toluene and formaldehyde, which are quite harmful, and without their use, a sticky film does not form after applying varnish.

From the above, it is worth concluding that single-phase gel polish significantly wins compared to three-phase, but many girls prefer it, because it allows you to create amazing design options using various decor. Considering the three-phase option, you should pay 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, leveling out flaws.

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

• Persistence. A good coating should keep on the nails for about three weeks. It is worth paying attention to the instructions that come with the gel polish. The manufacturer must indicate in it the approximate durability of his product.

• The convenience of use. Usually, manicurists pay 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, since this affects the accuracy of drawing a pattern;
  3. gel polish removal technology should last no more than a quarter of an hour;
  4. a huge assortment of color schemes 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; products with a pungent odor are of poor quality and are usually toxic;
  6. the composition should not have a negative effect on the marigold.

Important: the best solution will be a gel polish that not only meets the above criteria, but is also characterized by an affordable cost and has a fairly large bottle volume.

Professional nail masters usually pay attention to the manufacturer, because the company must confirm the quality guarantee with appropriate 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 fairly high quality gel polishes.

The base is a base for gel polish, which primarily performs a protective function, because it reliably protects nail platinum from the influence of dyes, solvents and other chemicals that are usually found in gel polishes. And also 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, you should first paint the nails with a base. If we consider the primer, then the situation here is somewhat different, since the primer is an additional tool, you can make a high-quality manicure without applying it. Although professionals often use this product.
• The base is irreplaceable both for home use and for salon use. The primer is usually purchased by artisans at beauty salons. For personal use, girls generally do not use it.
• The major difference between these products is texture. So, the base outwardly is very similar in consistency to ordinary varnish, since it is the same viscous. The primer can be compared to water, because it is almost liquid.

• The 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 link between the gel polish and the base.
• Another difference is that the base is simply irreplaceable 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 demanded and popular premium products.

• UV Base. This is a great option from the famous French company Beautix. This base coat is characterized by an excellent brush, as it is firm and flat, which allows it to be applied comfortably to the nails.With this coating, the gel polish will stay on the nails for more than two weeks, according to the manufacturer. The base perfectly aligns the marigold, characterized by a liquid consistency. It polymerizes quite quickly - if you use a UV lamp, it will take only a few minutes, but in an LED lamp, only 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, then it is worth noting the rather high cost.

• Kodi Rubber Base. This is a self-leveling rubber 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. In terms of consistency, the base is quite plastic and dense. It solidifies 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 rhinestones. 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 the well-known UNO company. This base should be used for weakened and brittle marigolds. When using it, there is no need to apply a primer as well. This tool is viscous and thick, and thanks to its soluble formula, it can be removed without the use of grinding machines and files, which cause mechanical damage to the nail plate. The manufacturer produces this product in 15 ml bottles. It is presented with a comfortable brush that consists of short bristles. The coating polymerization process takes from 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the selected lamp.

When looking at the best inexpensive gel polish bases, there are several products worth looking at.

• Soak off gel Rubber base coat. This Chinese-made product from Bluesky is one of the best base coats for gel polish in the middle segment. It perfectly aligns the nail, and only one layer 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. Many people call this product the best in terms of quality and price ratio. It is suitable for working with a variety of gel polishes. The base is quite easy to apply to the nails due to its medium consistency, It does not spread, providing an even distribution. It hardens in both a UV lamp (2 minutes) and an 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 obtain the maximum layer of protection and ensure reliable strengthening of the marigold, it should be applied in two layers. The manufacturer offers it in a volume of 10 ml. In terms of consistency, this product 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 nails, and also has a small volume, so the remedy ends quite quickly.

• 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 completely masks all the irregularities on the nail plate well and provides strong adhesion to the gel polish.In addition, this product helps to strengthen the marigold and is completely safe. The consistency of the product is not very thick, so it is not only easy to apply, but also firmly adheres to various decor options. For polymerization it is worth using a UV lamp. Users note that in the process of hardening, it does not lead to burning. The volume of the bottle is 10 ml.

Separately, it is worth considering the rating of the best primers, which are often used by professionals in the nail industry 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 preserves the original manicure for a long time.

• Ezflow. This brand offers both acid-free and acid-free primer solutions. Separately, there is a series that is designed specifically for gel or acrylic coatings, but you can also find universal products that are suitable for these two materials. All primers from the Ezflow brand are made without the use of fragrances and dyes, and they also dry 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. The Runail primer allows you to qualitatively remove any kind of dirt from the nails, including fat. Adhesion to gel polish occurs fairly quickly and efficiently.

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

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

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

• Vogue Nails. Primers from this brand are quite aggressive, since they do not have the best effect on marigolds.

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

• CND. This varnish provides a reliable gel coating that stays on the nails for more than 7 days. To use it, there is no need to use a base, the color does not fade, and the coating is characterized by durability. This product does not contain harmful components, has a good brush, and is also available in a wide range of colors. Among the cons, it is worth noting that it usually dries longer than the manufacturer indicates on the bottle. On average, the price is 400 rubles.

• Masura. This company produces both one- and three-phase gel varnishes. If we consider a single-phase remedy, then you can do without using the base and top. Most gel polishes have a convenient brush for application. If we consider three-phase varnishes, then it is worth noting a wide range of color solutions, among which bright colors are in demand, characterized by femininity and sophistication. The brand's products are excellently applied to the nails, do not have a pungent odor, and also do not fade in the sun. 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 adhere perfectly to the nails, so those girls who often do household chores choose it, while they do not like to use gloves. Such varnish is bought both for salon use and for home use. You can buy gel polish in 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 coverage, it is better to apply it in two layers at once. The price of one bottle is 400 rubles.

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

• Bluesky. The Chinese brand offers excellent quality gel polishes, as they reliably adhere to the nail plate for more than three weeks. The coating includes strengthening varnish and nail extension gel. 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 its 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 select by shades. It costs only 70 rubles.

• In Garden. The manufacturer offers gal-varnishes with a unique composition, since in their manufacture they use 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 keeps reliably for up to one month, and does not suffer from contact with water. The gel polish is applied evenly and quickly. The assortment includes 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 modern requirements for gel polish. It perfectly strengthens the nails, has hypoallergenic properties, so it does not lead to redness and irritation. There are 150 shades for sale, but the colors can be mixed for new, unusual and cutting edge solutions. The gel polish has a long shelf life and can be easily removed. Its price is 480 rubles.

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

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

• Bluesky. It is a popular company that offers 2-in-1 versatile 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 durable and of high quality. Due to its excellent density, gel polish can be applied in just one layer.

• Kodi. This company offers products for both home and professional use. A brand known in many countries.Loyal customers receive a cumulative discount, which loyal customers really like.

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

• 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 tools. Huge color palette is one of the main advantages of the company.

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

• Akzentz. This brand is known to many thanks to the very stylish and high quality Luxio line. Gel polishes provide a beautiful and durable finish. Glossy shine and reliable protection from external factors are among the advantages of the product. This line includes 140 colors. The product does not have a pungent odor, it is applied quickly and easily, and also has hypoallergenic properties.

• 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, convenient application and long shelf life are among the strengths of these products.

Modern women of fashion pay great attention to their nails. Most people use gel polish to create an exquisite and original manicure. Girls note that this tool allows you to create a long-lasting 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, consumers highlight 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 for gel polish to cure. Many manufacturers allow the use of varnish without first applying a base or primer.

But there are also negative reviews, although they mainly relate to 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 ingredients. Some gel polishes last only a few days, others lead to a burning sensation during the polymerization of the coating, and still others, in general, spoil the top layer of nail platinum, so it is better to refuse them without a good base.

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