10.09.2012

How To: Gel Manicure At Home

Nailuv polishes in Lovestruck (glittery raspberry), Hunkielicious (nude/mannequin),
 Boracay Beach (teal), Homebody Not(red)
lamp, gel polish remover, nail cleanser, bonder, base/top coat

 I'm not sure if you've heard me mention my upcoming birthday (only 384895 times), but it's in 9 days! I'm really hoping to reach 1000 followers by then, if you'd like to help.  Also, in 9 days I'm headed to Disney World to celebrate, so I'm clearly still 9 years old. And yes, I just went there in February. What can I say? I love to travel. And when I do travel, I love having a gel manicure. Here's how to:

Why Gel Nails?
I think the biggest complaint with polish is that it chips so fast, depending on the brand. What makes gel nails awesome is that they can last up to 3 weeks! They're great for weak nails too. I was sent a kit from the lovely Maria at Nailuv. I love having a kit because I don';t have to go to a salon and can do from the comfort of home. Nailuv's gel nail polish formula is a long-lasting, smudge-resistant soak-off alternative to nail lacquer that can be applied and removed at home. LED and UV-curable, Nailuv’s gel polishes glide on smoothly for a sheer or mirror-glass finish, and removes easily. There are currently 36 long lasting, very durable high-shine fin­ish gel colors to choose from. 
directions and 36 shades

 How Do You Do Gel Nails At Home?
Make sure nails are clean and dry. Paint a coat of the bonder and allow to dry for 30 seconds.

Paint a coat of the clear base coat and cure for 30 seconds (2 min with UV lamp). 

Thumbs are recommended to cure separately. 
Make sure to keep the product on the nails and not the skin.

 By the way, how cute is that heart-shaped lamp??

Next comes the fun part! Choose one of the 36 shades and paint a coat. Be sure to paint the tips/underneath of nails. I'm using Lovestruck, a pretty glittery raspberry shade. 
Cure for 30 seconds.

Add a second coat of the polish and cure again. 
Paint one last top coat and cure for 30 seconds. 

Use the cleanser and wipe away the top sticky layer. Use the remover to easily soak away gel polish. Enjoy your shiny gel manicure. 


Have you ever tried a gel manicure?

If you have any questions about the gel nails, let me know, below. 
Or email for a private response!

49 comments:

  1. Lyosha VarezhkinaOctober 9, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    thanks for thepost! I've never tried gel manicure(in fact I have issue with manicure in general)

    Lyosha
    Inside and Outside Blog

    ReplyDelete
  2. Travel GourmandeOctober 9, 2012 at 2:35 AM

    I've tried a gel manicure and it lasted me well about 3 weeks. I went for an adventurous trek so lots of sea water and being in the mud. Great before a long vacay. I'll do it again.

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  3. Caitlin @ Candyfloss & PersieOctober 9, 2012 at 2:48 AM

    I have not! But it looks so shiny and lovely. well done!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vision By MILAOctober 9, 2012 at 3:41 AM

    never tried, but might, at my next appointment at the salon.. though they said I have to go back to salon to remove it when time comes, but they could also teach me how to do it at home.. so if too much hassle, I might stick to normal polish..

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tereza {Drastic Plastic}October 9, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    I've never tried gel but I sure would love it.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 9, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    Is it ok if I used the toaster instead?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Milana - FashionStyleAdviceOctober 9, 2012 at 10:05 AM

    I have not but would love to and this looks so cute!

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  8. MalOctober 9, 2012 at 10:10 AM

    This is a great tutorial! I have been wondering about home gel manis.

    Mal @ The Chic Geek

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kristin ReynoldsOctober 9, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    yayay i want that little kit! looks wonderful!

    http://everythingsalwayssunny.blogspot.com

    kristin
    xx

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  10. UnknownOctober 9, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    What a pretty color! I've never tried a gel manicure, mostly because I do my nails at home. I had no idea you could do gel at home!

    ReplyDelete
  11. SamOctober 9, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    Love that lamp its the cutest, the shade you've chosen is so pretty, you've done this very professionally!

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  12. Lost in SeptemberOctober 9, 2012 at 11:30 AM

    lovely post! i was planning to try a gel manicure myself soon. thanks for the inspiration!

    xoxo
    lilly

    http://lostinseptember.blogspot.de/

    ReplyDelete
  13. little luxury listOctober 9, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Great color and it's actually pretty easy! I would definitely try a gel manicure some time!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

    ReplyDelete
  14. Megan, TfDiaries.comOctober 9, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    loving the nails
    Xo Megan

    ReplyDelete
  15. awhiteOctober 9, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    I've only tried gel manicures at the salon (what a total lifesaver- got one for my wedding and it lasted through the honeymoon!). I definitely need to try the at-home version!

    -Ashley
    http://lerougestylo.blog.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. RachieCakesOctober 9, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    Need one of these! Gels are really great for traveling :)

    xo Rach
    rachiecakes-rachael.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownOctober 9, 2012 at 11:48 AM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and for actually WANTING to follow me! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. welldressedmakerOctober 9, 2012 at 11:55 AM

    EEEEEE!!! That nail kit is so adorable! I love the heart theme and everything. I used to gel manis back in undergrad, but now I hate going to the salon. :(
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

    ReplyDelete
  19. A Very Sweet BlogOctober 9, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    Hey Elle! I've never tried a gel manicure. I keep hearing about them :) Oh gosh, for a manicure to last 3 weeks! That is marvelous! HaHa Love your step by step directions and that heart shaped lamp is awesome! Great post!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. zhannaOctober 9, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    Thats pretty amazing. I didnt know you can do that at home. The interesting things I learn from your blog. Have fun in Disney you are going to have such a good time. We were there in August.
    XO,
    Zhanna

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sherry EllisOctober 9, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    I have never tried a gel manicure. Yours turned out really nice!

    How fun that you'll be going to Disney! I hope you have a great time!

    ReplyDelete
  22. GinaOctober 9, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    AH! Nothing I love more than shallac!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Amy's Fashion BlogOctober 9, 2012 at 1:26 PM

    I have never use gel nailpolish or have had it done

    ReplyDelete
  24. The DragonfruitOctober 9, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    Oooh, I've never tried a gel manicure, but I want to now!

    Enter here to win a Jade Necklace!
    Trendy Teal

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousOctober 9, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    i'm SO glad you posted this because i've been contemplating getting that gel kit for a while now. can you post later to let us know how long it lasted chip free? that's my concern: spending oodles of money and have it chip like regular nail color :s

    ReplyDelete
  26. honey my heartOctober 9, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    fun! i really like the shade of red you chose.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Selvaggia CapizziOctober 9, 2012 at 5:04 PM

    I have to dare and try!
    Don't Call Me Fashion Blogger
    Facebook
    Bloglovin'

    ReplyDelete
  28. UnknownOctober 9, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    That heart shaped lamp is too cute. I actually used to do a gel base and top coat with regular polish over it. But it became too much work. For as much as I like to change my polish the gel would begin to lift in a weeks time. Yep, even using acetone free remover. It was just too much stress on the poor gel. So I quit doing that.

    ReplyDelete
  29. DanaveeOctober 9, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    One of my friends bought all the stuff for this! Can't wait to try it out!

    ReplyDelete
  30. UnknownOctober 9, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    OMG! This is like a serious at home mani... LOVE IT!

    xxx
    www.ladyalamode.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Allison TaylorOctober 9, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    I've heard a lot about this nail gel, but is it expensive? I kind of want it :) And happy early birthday! You're going to have so much fun at Disney World.

    ReplyDelete
  32. LaceyOctober 9, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    ohmygosh I NEED to try this!

    ReplyDelete
  33. MaddyOctober 9, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    I'm loving gels too! My biggest complaint with regular nail polish is the immediate chipping. But I've had my latest gels for 3 weeks and they're still going strong :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Clara TurbayOctober 9, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    youthful, bold and tasteful.

    ReplyDelete
  35. menopausal mamaOctober 9, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    You have a lovely blog site. I am now following you back via GFC. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  36. MOSAMUSEOctober 9, 2012 at 10:50 PM

    great info!!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE


    www.MOSAMUSE.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownOctober 9, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    I've always been curious about gel nails, but I wonder if it'll weaken your natural nail with repeated use.

    Maggie
    lovestylehappiness.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. KristenOctober 9, 2012 at 10:58 PM

    I've never tried this, but it seems easier than I thought it would be! So jealous you get to be at Disney for their Halloween season! We are going in December! Can't wait!!

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  39. Just Another ShopaholicOctober 10, 2012 at 1:08 AM

    I love gel manicures. I love how they last for weeks without chipping.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Mandy CrandellOctober 10, 2012 at 7:01 AM

    Never heard of gel nails! This would be great for me. My polish usually only lasts a day since I work with my hands so much.

    http://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  41. AmandaOctober 10, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    I have yet to try it in the salon, but the appeal of being able to do it at home is very strong since I prefer to do my nails myself... :) Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  42. LucyOctober 10, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Love this post!!! I'm your new follower from Italy! Would you like to follow each other on gfc? xoxo Lucy www.tpinkcarpet.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. THE ALTERNATIVE WIFEOctober 10, 2012 at 7:59 PM

    Do you know I have never had a gel manicure. Ever. Kinda ridic considering what I do for a living but it's true. I've been wanting to try some at home ones but I think I should try salon one first so I know what to compare to. Great tutorial, love :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  44. SpryOnTheWallOctober 10, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    I've never tried a gel mani (I think I'm still scarred from my acrylic anis in the 90s -bad) but this kit looks super easy and love the color selection! Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Breakfast at CindisOctober 11, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    OMG !
    I want one : )

    xo,
    Cindi
    Breakfast at Cindi’s

    ReplyDelete
  46. Angela KingOctober 13, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    i've been eyeing a gel kit at target. maybe i'll take a closer look at it now. thanks for the review. :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Chantele Cross-JonesOctober 13, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    Wow they come in lots of fun colours dont they! I have never actually had a gellish manicure, so maybe I should try!

    Daisy Dayz
    Enter my giveaway to win designer shades

    ReplyDelete
  48. A Life Un-StyledOctober 13, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    I still get normal manicures at the nail spa, I can't seem to do it myself at home properly. It's funny because my manicurist actually advised against the gel manicure, she said it does a lot of damage to the nail. But I guess if you get it done once in a while it should be okay :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. lawyerdollOctober 14, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    I recently bought the supplies to do my own, and I am loving being able to do this on my own schedule while watching TV!

    ReplyDelete

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