Tutorial & Tips

Gel Essentials 101: The Must-Haves for A Strong and Stylish Manicure

Gel Essentials 101: The Must-Haves for A Strong and Stylish Manicure

Don't let thin, short or uneven nails hold you back — Gel Essentials are the must-haves for achieving flawless designs! With so many types of functional gel available, each is designed to solve a specific nail problem. Therefore, MelodySusie has prepared a detailed guide to help you understand how the different Gel Essentials work and find the right one for your need. Let's explore what they can do for you!

Essentials for Laying A Good Nail Foundation

1. Nail Dehydrator and Primer

At the very beginning, it's a nice choice to use the nail dehydrator and primer. The dehydrator removes oil and moisture, leaving a clean surface, while the primer enhances adhesion. These two should be applied before the base coat as they work together to create the perfect base for nail polish. There are acid and non-acid types. Acid primers help remove contaminants but may irritate or damage the nail, while non-acid primers are gentler and create adhesion without etching the nail surface.

Product Recommendations:
- HEMA-Free Nail Dehydrator and Primer (non-acid): The 2 in 1 set contains 1 nail dehydrator and 1 primer, both are free from HEMA, ensuring cleaner prep and stronger adhesion with a gentle formula for sensitive nails.

2. Base Coat and Top Coat

The base coat and top coat are indispensable during the process of manicure. After using the nail dehydrator and primer to do a good preparation, you apply the base coat before the polish. The base coat acts both as a bond layer to even out the surface to help polish adhere and as a safeguard to prevent pigments from staining your nails.

At the same time, the top coat will be the step to seal in the color and add shine to the color gel polish. There are two types of top coat: matte top coat and glossy top coat. The former creates a smooth, velvet finish, while the latter adds a brilliant, glass-like shine that enhances color and makes nail designs stand out.

Product Recommendations:
- Glossy Top Coat & Base Coat & Matte Top Coat Set: The kit includes both kinds of top coats, giving you the freedom to switch between high-shine and velvety matte looks.
3 Free Top Coat & Base Coat: HEMA, TPO, and HPMA-Free formulation are gentle on your nails, providing extra care for you.

Essentials for Shaping & Strengthening

1. Builder Gel

The builder gel is a thicker type of gel used to add strength and structure to natural nails. It can also be layered to create smooth overlays, extend nail length, and as a base gel, making it a versatile choice for both durability and design. The builder gel is a well-known choice for shaping nails, and it comes in clear or various colors.

Product Recommendations:
-HEMA-Free & TPO-Free Builder Nail Gel 15ml: Free of HEMA and TPO, the builder gel protects your health while offering a range of natural shades to showcase your beauty.

2. Extension Gel

The extension gel is designed for those who love longer nails. It combines the strength and flexibility of gel polish with the added length and shape of nail extensions. Unlike traditional acrylics that can feel heavy, the extension gel is lighter and looks more natural.

Product Recommendations:
- HEMA & TPO-Free Poly Nail Extension Gel: With a self-leveling formula and free of HEMA & TPO, the poly nail extension gel could make a safe, lightweight, long-lasting, and stunning results.

3. Nail Strengthener Gel

The nail strengthener gel is designed for weak or brittle nails. It adds a protective layer that prevents splitting and peeling, keeping nails stronger and healthier. The ingredients it contains matter— especially since the goal is to prevent cracking and nourish the nails. Usually healthy formulation as well as rich in nutrients should be considered when choosing your strengthener gel.

Product Recommendations:
- Clear Nail Strengthener Gel: The Nail Strengthener Gel contains nutrients like Chlorphenesin, Beta-glucan, HAE, D-Panthenol, and Allantoin, promoting healthier, break-resistant growth.

Essentials for Creating Desirable Art Effects

1. Rhinestone Glue

Rhinestone glue is a super-strong, clear adhesive gel, specifically designed to secure rhinestones and nail art charms, keeping them firmly in place.

Available in two types:
- Thin: ideal for small, lightweight rhinestones, easy to apply with smooth leveling.
- Thick: mainly for larger, heavier decorations, offering strong stability and less shifting.

Product Recommendations:
Nail Rhinestone Glue 12ml+30g - 2Pcs: One set covers it all—containing both thin and thick glues, keeping your nail art shining strong.

2. Solid Nail Glue Gel

The solid nail glue gel is thick, which makes it perfect for filling the gap and sculpting 3D effects with brushes. Due to its great adhesion, it also works as a reliable adhesive for tips and embellishments. Unlike the rhinestone glue, which is strong and flexible for heavy decorations, the solid nail glue gel is a jelly-like adhesive perfect for nail tips.

Product Recommendations:
- Solid Nail Glue Gel: The specialized formula of the solid nail glue gel ensures that your design stays vibrant for 28 days without chipping.

3. Fast-Drying Nail Glue

The fast-drying nail glue is a liquid adhesive with a built-in brush, suitable for press-on nails, false nail tips, and nail art decorations. This nail glue stands out for its ability to dry quickly without the need for UV/LED light.

Product Recommendations:
- Super Strong Fast-drying Nail Glue 0.07oz: Tiny bottles with powerful grip, this fast-drying nail glue dries in just 3 seconds without the need for UV/LED lamps. The clean and healthy formula also ensures clean, effortless application, leaving no sticky residue behind.

4. Blooming Gel

Blooming gel is designed to create a unique ‘blooming’ effect. Applied under your color gel, it lets the polish spread naturally on the top of the blooming gel before it is cured, and then creates a unique pattern of color. It usually forms marble, floral, or smoke-like patterns, creating effortless watercolor effects.

Product Recommendations:
- Clear Blooming Gel: By using the clear blooming gel, the blooming is smoother and can be used to create dreamy watercolor nail art effortlessly.

5. Liner Gel

Liner Gel is designed for professionals who demand precision in nail art. With its fine brush and rich pigment, it’s perfect for clean lines, French tips, and intricate designs. Therefore, its texture is usually thicker than regular gel polish in order to hold its shape and not to spread easily.

Product Recommendations:
- Nail Art Essential Set: A complete kit with Liner Gel, Blooming Gel, Rhinestone Glue, and more, giving you everything you need to create unique effects and stunning designs with ease.

Now that you‘ve learned the basics of gel essentials, explore more options and how to use them by visiting our Nail Art Essentials page and follow our social media! Also don't forget the Halloween Sale is on, and remember to check out the most recent deals in the promotions!

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