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My At-Home Gel-X Nail Routine (Salon Look on a Budget)
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items Doing gel-x nails at home saves so much money and gives you salon-quality results once you find the right tools. After a lot of trial and error, these are the products I swear by for long-lasting, glossy nails. From tips to lamps to the best glue, th...
A simple start is cleaning up your cuticles. This is one of the tools i like to use for my prep
Rui Smiths Pro Cuticle Pusher 2 Ends SS
Next is to cut the dead skin off to give a very clean look. You should trim only the dead, excess cuticle tissue to prevent it from tearing and creating hangnails.
Professional Stainless Steel Cuticle Trimmer
This drill is amazing! when i first started doing my nails at home i had a cheaper drill but if you plan on doing nails often, i suggest investing in a nicer drill. The battery on this lasted me several months before i had to charge it. I highly reco...
COSYGLOW Cordless Electric Nail Drill Kit
I use these after buffing my nails to remove extra oil. This is the last step before i put on my tips or apply builder gel.
MED PRIDE Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads 70% IPA
This is an alternative for the alcohol wipes. I’m just a bit on a budget and i had the wipes on hand, but, people really recommend this set.
Morovan Natural Nail Prep Dehydrate Primer
So for starters the prep is so important! I have these tips these are the base of the look. I like almond for an everyday vibe and coffin when I want something bold. They are etched on the inside which will help the glue stick
UNA GELLA Almond Gel Nail Tips 504PCS Clear
Another option is builder gel. I’ve just started to get into Builder gel but i have found that it tends to last longer with good prep
GAOY Clear Builder Gel 16ml Nail Strengthener
This is what actually holds the tips in place. It’s super strong but still easy to soak off when I’m ready for a new set. Now nail glue is a bit tricky but after the first few times you get the hang of it.
Beetles 9 in 1 Nail Glue Gel UV Cure
You are going to want something like this for flash curing. Use 2 hands to hold the tip down until the glue sets, which should take only a few seconds.
Beyond Pro Flash Cure LED Lamp
Non-negotiable. A good lamp cures everything quickly and evenly so you don’t get lifting. Mine is small but powerful, perfect for desk setups.
SUNUV UV LED Nail Lamp Gel Light Dryer
The fun part! I rotate between basic colors and fun whimsical designs, but honestly, even one or two good gel colors will get you started.
JODSONE 36PCS Gel Nail Polish Set 32 Colors
I believe most gel sets come with a gel top coat but just in case the one i chose or the one you choose doesn’t, here’s my recommendation. The top makes them shine. I always use a no-wipe top coat for that glossy, salon-finished look
Beetles 2 Pcs 15ml No Wipe Gel Top & Base Coat Set
Now of course these aren’t a necessity, but, i use them every time especially for cleanup around the edges of my work.
Faiteary 6PCS Nail Art Brush Set for DIY
This for after i’m all done and want that clean salon feel and look!
C CARE Sweet Almond Cuticle Oil - 2.5oz
Also, this might seem like not a necessity but having one of these on hand is so helpful for keeping the underside of my nails clean!
4 Pcs Nail Brush Set for Cleaning Fingernails