At home gel polish

[gummy]

What are some good products to DIY gel polish at home? Are there options that don't use a UV light? I don't want to prematurely age my hands

[lavender444]

I don't use gel, but I do at home dip. I suck at nail polish, but can dip fairly decently. I like it because my nails are naturally super thin and bendy. The dip makes them so much stronger so they don't bend any hurt anymore. I bought my first kit from Sally's, but have branched out to powders from Revel Nails. They have tons of colors and Their products and customer service are amazing! I also follow their FB page for tips and inspiration.

www.revelnail.com/
www.facebook.com/groups/RevelNailCommunity/?ref=bookmarks

[fernweh]

I use the sally Hanson gel manicure from time to time. I haven’t gotten a professional one so I can’t attest to got it compares but it doesn’t require uv light and it lasts significantly longer then most polish for me.

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 18, 2019 18:37:26 GMT -5 lavender444 said:

I don't use gel, but I do at home dip. I suck at nail polish, but can dip fairly decently. I like it because my nails are naturally super thin and bendy. The dip makes them so much stronger so they don't bend any hurt anymore. I bought my first kit from Sally's, but have branched out to powders from Revel Nails. They have tons of colors and Their products and customer service are amazing! I also follow their FB page for tips and inspiration.

www.revelnail.com/
www.facebook.com/groups/RevelNailCommunity/?ref=bookmarks

You’re a terrible Revel fan - you didn’t give her your referral code!

But I’m also into this product, with some practice it’s great. I like the fact that my nails can look perfect for 1-2 weeks, where normally they would be chipped by day 2 with polish.

Be warned that some of the people is the FB group are a bit nuts (have a “collectors” mentality and spend tons of money on the new colors that come out) and it can be hard to not get too swept up in it!

[Jalapeñomel]

Jun 18, 2019 18:37:26 GMT -5 lavender444 said:

I don't use gel, but I do at home dip. I suck at nail polish, but can dip fairly decently. I like it because my nails are naturally super thin and bendy. The dip makes them so much stronger so they don't bend any hurt anymore. I bought my first kit from Sally's, but have branched out to powders from Revel Nails. They have tons of colors and Their products and customer service are amazing! I also follow their FB page for tips and inspiration.

www.revelnail.com/
www.facebook.com/groups/RevelNailCommunity/?ref=bookmarks

But does it destroy your nails?

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 18, 2019 19:25:15 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Jun 18, 2019 18:37:26 GMT -5 lavender444 said:

I don't use gel, but I do at home dip. I suck at nail polish, but can dip fairly decently. I like it because my nails are naturally super thin and bendy. The dip makes them so much stronger so they don't bend any hurt anymore. I bought my first kit from Sally's, but have branched out to powders from Revel Nails. They have tons of colors and Their products and customer service are amazing! I also follow their FB page for tips and inspiration.

www.revelnail.com/
www.facebook.com/groups/RevelNailCommunity/?ref=bookmarks

But does it destroy your nails?

Nope, not if you do two things: 
 - Remove them properly by soaking off in acetone; don’t pick or pop them off, and remove them when they start to lift so that they don’t pop off on their own 
 - Be gentle to your nails in the prep process - gently buff if needed, but dont roughly file. And never touch your natural nail with an electric file. I got a set of dip done at a salon and they roughed up my nail with their E-file and it did tons of damage

[lavender444]

Jun 18, 2019 18:57:50 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Jun 18, 2019 18:37:26 GMT -5 lavender444 said:

I don't use gel, but I do at home dip. I suck at nail polish, but can dip fairly decently. I like it because my nails are naturally super thin and bendy. The dip makes them so much stronger so they don't bend any hurt anymore. I bought my first kit from Sally's, but have branched out to powders from Revel Nails. They have tons of colors and Their products and customer service are amazing! I also follow their FB page for tips and inspiration.

www.revelnail.com/
www.facebook.com/groups/RevelNailCommunity/?ref=bookmarks

You’re a terrible Revel fan - you didn’t give her your referral code!

But I’m also into this product, with some practice it’s great. I like the fact that my nails can look perfect for 1-2 weeks, where normally they would be chipped by day 2 with polish.

Be warned that some of the people is the FB group are a bit nuts (have a “collectors” mentality and spend tons of money on the new colors that come out) and it can be hard to not get too swept up in it!

 Haha! I totally forgot about Referal codes!   I agree!  It's easy to get swept up in the hype on the FB page. Generally I just watch for manicures I like to duplicate later, but Revel is doing sales this week.  I do currently have 12 colors in my cart waiting for their 20% off on Friday even though i already have enough dips to last a looooong time.

Jalapeñomel, My nails seem totally healthy, but like lemoncupcake said, I am careful with my prep. I dont buff my natural nails and soak off using acetone with coconut oil in it instead of picking it off. Altough beacuse I do take short cuts when I prep, some of my nails can be easily popped off  after a couple weeks with no visiual damage to my nails. But it can't change genetics...If I left the dip off I'm sure my nails would break and bend again.  

[RoxMonster]

My favorite is the Essie Gel Couture. I feel like it stays on the longest (no light).

My second favorite is Sally Hansen Gel line.

[pepperpeople]

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro is the best. No light needed, you can use regular nail polish remover with it. Dirty little secret is my favorite color. It’s pricy but it’s the only kind of polish I can use myself at home and actually have my nails look good.

[BeagleMama]

I have good results (and less peeling) with a Sally Hansen whatever sheer pink polish and then a coat of Essie gel top coat. I’ve found if I don’t use a “gel” color and just the top coat, I have less nail peeling issues.

[Alps79]

I’m also a fan of Sally Hansen gel polish with their top coat.
I do 2 coats of color and then finish with the top coat.

[Susie]

Jun 18, 2019 21:13:31 GMT -5 pepperpeople said:

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro is the best. No light needed, you can use regular nail polish remover with it. Dirty little secret is my favorite color. It’s pricy but it’s the only kind of polish I can use myself at home and actually have my nails look good.

I really like this too.  It stays on about 2x as long as regular polish for me.

[Jalapeñomel]

Jun 18, 2019 20:18:48 GMT -5 lavender444 said:

Jun 18, 2019 18:57:50 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

You’re a terrible Revel fan - you didn’t give her your referral code!

But I’m also into this product, with some practice it’s great. I like the fact that my nails can look perfect for 1-2 weeks, where normally they would be chipped by day 2 with polish.

Be warned that some of the people is the FB group are a bit nuts (have a “collectors” mentality and spend tons of money on the new colors that come out) and it can be hard to not get too swept up in it!

 Haha! I totally forgot about Referal codes!   I agree!  It's easy to get swept up in the hype on the FB page. Generally I just watch for manicures I like to duplicate later, but Revel is doing sales this week.  I do currently have 12 colors in my cart waiting for their 20% off on Friday even though i already have enough dips to last a looooong time.

Jalapeñomel , My nails seem totally healthy, but like lemoncupcake said, I am careful with my prep. I dont buff my natural nails and soak off using acetone with coconut oil in it instead of picking it off. Altough beacuse I do take short cuts when I prep, some of my nails can be easily popped off  after a couple weeks with no visiual damage to my nails. But it can't change genetics...If I left the dip off I'm sure my nails would break and bend again.  

But the acetone is soooo rough for my nails and hands. How do you combat this?

How long did it take to learn how to do it? I'm not savvy, but I'm interested in trying it. I don't want to spend $70 on something that I just can't do. lol


I've tried the Esse and Sally Hansen, and they are just like regular polish to me...chipping in a couple of days (it seems others have luck with it, so I must be doing something wrong). 

[YahYahs]

I have Sally gel polish and top coat, but I only used it one time so far because it was a PITA to remove. I used acetone but it still took forever to come off. I'd do it again though!

[ssmjlm]

I can get a week just using the essie gel top coat, but my coworker swears by the gel couture stuff.

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 19, 2019 7:09:16 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Jun 18, 2019 20:18:48 GMT -5 lavender444 said:

 Haha! I totally forgot about Referal codes!   I agree!  It's easy to get swept up in the hype on the FB page. Generally I just watch for manicures I like to duplicate later, but Revel is doing sales this week.  I do currently have 12 colors in my cart waiting for their 20% off on Friday even though i already have enough dips to last a looooong time.

Jalapeñomel , My nails seem totally healthy, but like lemoncupcake said, I am careful with my prep. I dont buff my natural nails and soak off using acetone with coconut oil in it instead of picking it off. Altough beacuse I do take short cuts when I prep, some of my nails can be easily popped off  after a couple weeks with no visiual damage to my nails. But it can't change genetics...If I left the dip off I'm sure my nails would break and bend again.  

But the acetone is soooo rough for my nails and hands. How do you combat this?

How long did it take to learn how to do it? I'm not savvy, but I'm interested in trying it. I don't want to spend $70 on something that I just can't do. lol


I've tried the Esse and Sally Hansen, and they are just like regular polish to me...chipping in a couple of days (it seems others have luck with it, so I must be doing something wrong). 

Some people add a little coconut oil to the acetone when they’re soaking, but I prefer to just use acetone on a cotton ball and then foil/clips or finger cots. It takes a little longer but doesn’t dry my skin out as bad. 

I was pretty proficient at painting my nails so my learning curve wasn’t steep at all. If you can paint your nails without getting it on the skin you’ll be fine - that’s the biggest hurdle, because you can’t easily just clean it up later like you would with polish. The FB group has a lot of good tips/tricks so lurk there a bit and you’ll learn.  

If you want to try I would just get this kit - it comes with the liquids and one color for $33

www.revelnail.com/dip-powder-starter-kit/

** poof referral code - look later in the thread for someone else’s to get 10% off.

ETA: I went back and found the pic of my very first mani I did with dip powder myself - not too bad! 

[lavender444]

Ditto. The coconut oil helps a lot to not dry out. As does doing cotton and foil.

I started with the kit from Sally's
Its called ASP, or something like that. It's the only dip brand they carry. Then I watch had a ton of videos on YouTube and read through advice on Revel's FB page and went slow. Like I said, I'm terrible at regular nail polish but can do dip. Just make sure you do thin layers and stay away from your cuticles.

[thelurkylulu]

Seche Vite top coat is a great alternative for gel. It gives the gel look and makes my mani last so much longer. You can buy it at Ulta.

[Ashley&Scott]

Not gel polish but I have been happy with the Color Street nail polish strips I got recently. I've had them on for a week and they still look pretty good.

[Jalapeñomel]

Jun 19, 2019 7:40:12 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Jun 19, 2019 7:09:16 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

But the acetone is soooo rough for my nails and hands. How do you combat this?

How long did it take to learn how to do it? I'm not savvy, but I'm interested in trying it. I don't want to spend $70 on something that I just can't do. lol


I've tried the Esse and Sally Hansen, and they are just like regular polish to me...chipping in a couple of days (it seems others have luck with it, so I must be doing something wrong). 

Some people add a little coconut oil to the acetone when they’re soaking, but I prefer to just use acetone on a cotton ball and then foil/clips or finger cots. It takes a little longer but doesn’t dry my skin out as bad. 

I was pretty proficient at painting my nails so my learning curve wasn’t steep at all. If you can paint your nails without getting it on the skin you’ll be fine - that’s the biggest hurdle, because you can’t easily just clean it up later like you would with polish. The FB group has a lot of good tips/tricks so lurk there a bit and you’ll learn.  

If you want to try I would just get this kit - it comes with the liquids and one color for $33

www.revelnail.com/dip-powder-starter-kit/

And heres my referral link link if you buy. I think you get 10% off your 1st order 
i.refs.cc/QwFfdsuC?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjoxOTA2NjI5MzF9

ETA: I went back and found the pic of my very first mani I did with dip powder myself - not too bad! 

Ok, I may bite the bullet. Do you find the lighter colors better to start with? I'm fairly decent at painting my nails, as long as I take my time, but a light color might be a better choice to start. 

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 19, 2019 10:56:30 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Jun 19, 2019 7:40:12 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

Some people add a little coconut oil to the acetone when they’re soaking, but I prefer to just use acetone on a cotton ball and then foil/clips or finger cots. It takes a little longer but doesn’t dry my skin out as bad. 

I was pretty proficient at painting my nails so my learning curve wasn’t steep at all. If you can paint your nails without getting it on the skin you’ll be fine - that’s the biggest hurdle, because you can’t easily just clean it up later like you would with polish. The FB group has a lot of good tips/tricks so lurk there a bit and you’ll learn.  

If you want to try I would just get this kit - it comes with the liquids and one color for $33

www.revelnail.com/dip-powder-starter-kit/

And heres my referral link link if you buy. I think you get 10% off your 1st order 
i.refs.cc/QwFfdsuC?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjoxOTA2NjI5MzF9

ETA: I went back and found the pic of my very first mani I did with dip powder myself - not too bad! 

Ok, I may bite the bullet. Do you find the lighter colors better to start with? I'm fairly decent at painting my nails, as long as I take my time, but a light color might be a better choice to start. 

Do it!

I don’t think that light colors are necessarily easier than dark - sometimes the lighter ones show bumps/unevenness more than the dark ones, honestly. But I haven’t really had issues with light ones beyond one that got splotchy when buffing (Xena - bright lilac).

What colors do you gravitate towards? I can point you towards some that might work. Just know that their swatches on the site are usually a little off from reality. I always look up pictures on the FB community page from people who have posted their own pics to get a better idea - and bonus if you see how it would look on hands with a similar skin tone as you.

[lemoncupcake]

And Jalapeñomel - it’s their company anniversary this week so they have deals going on each day. Friday is site-wide 20% off and you should be able to stack with my referral code 10% off. So even if you end up not liking it, you’re not out much.

[Jalapeñomel]

I like bold fun colors like blue, purple, metallics, yellows and I like glitter.

Do you recommend their toolkit, because it's out. If not, do you have a different one you like?

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 19, 2019 11:30:15 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I like bold fun colors like blue, purple, metallics, yellows and I like glitter.

Do you recommend their toolkit, because it's out. If not, do you have a different one you like?

Definitely don't need their toolkit - you can get what you need at Sally's, Amazon, CVS or your grocery store probably. Just get a nail file (I like one that's coarse and one that's finer), a buffing block, a brush to get rid of excess powder after dipping (I use a cheapie makeup brush), and a cuticle pusher to prep. I also like to use a dotting tool to clean up my cuticles while dipping, but you can just use a toothpick.

And I just remembered that on their site if you're on the page for a color you can sometimes scroll down and see people's pictures that they shared. So that will give you a better idea of what to expect. 

Color recommendations - for blue I like Cura and Preston. Xena, the purple I mentioned, is really pretty but a little hard to work with. My favorite silver glitter is Isadora, but Tiara (a multi-color) is my favorite fun/obnoxious glitter. It pairs nicely with a lot of solids for an accent nail. I think they only have two yellow shades (and I don't have either) so I'm no help there. 

For any of the glitters (and a tricky color like Xena) you'd want to get the Vivien Clear to go as your last dip layer. That way, when you buff at the end you're buffing clear and not buffing off your color or glitter. 

[yaga]

Can you fill in dip manicures? I like the idea of it lasting for a while, but I usually have to take off gels after 2 weeks just because it's grown out too much.

I use Seche Vite at home and most people assume I have a gel mani.

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 19, 2019 12:23:05 GMT -5 yaga said:

Can you fill in dip manicures? I like the idea of it lasting for a while, but I usually have to take off gels after 2 weeks just because it's grown out too much.

I use Seche Vite at home and most people assume I have a gel mani.

If you don’t have any lifting (which would allow moisture to get between your nail and dip) you can definitely file down a little and refill, or file down further and cover with another color.

But I usually have at least a few lifting so I just remove and do it fresh each time.

[gummy]

Thanks for all the recs! I'm super interested in the Revel Nail! I didn't know you could do dip at home.

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 19, 2019 12:46:45 GMT -5 gummy said:

Thanks for all the recs! I'm super interested in the Revel Nail! I didn't know you could do dip at home.

I’m a total enabler we can do a separate thread if you have more questions. I can post some of the YT tutorials I found helpful when learning and the tips/tricks I’ve picked up.

[jigsy]

I will anti-recommend OPI's gel system. It is not good.

I do like Essie's.

[Jalapeñomel]

I’m bumping this...referral code for revel nails?