I love having my nails done 24/7, I also get bored of my nails quickly so I picked up the hobby of doing them myself and this is how I do it! Everything from Amazon! Everything you need is in each step!
Sections
4
Tools you’ll need before you start!
Step 1: prep & prime
Step 2: Paint your nails!
Step 3: After care
Tools you’ll need before you start!
Uv nail lamp!
MEFA 72W Portable UV Nail Lamp with 3 Timers
Any nail file is fine!
Walgreens
I prefer 4 sided buffer but any works!
Nail Buffer
This is my favorite brand of gel polish they come in sets too!
Best Gel Nail Polish
Some sets come with base coat and top coat but I like the bigger individual bottles!
Gel Top And Base Coat
For longer non-natural nails I recommend end of nail tips to apply!
Nail Tips
For nail tip application any nail glue will work!
Nail Glue
For the use of strong natural nails what I personally do I use builder gel!
Nail Builder Gel in a Bottle
Nail primer!
Nail Primer
Nail tools if necessary! I usually only use the cuticle pusher!
Sally Beauty
Nail drill for filing and gel polish removal!
Best Electric Nail Drills
Step 1: prep & prime
I start by soaking any previous polish off with 100% acetone for 5-10 min!
Best Nail Polish Removers
Then I file my nails to desired length and shape them to the shape I’d like to do!
Nail File
Then I buff my nails for a smoother application
Nail Buffer
Next I dehydrate my nails so the primer and base coat stick to the nail ONLY!
Beetles 20ml Nail Dehydrator - Nail Prep Acid
Next apply your nail primer and you’re ready for step 2!
Nail Primer
If you’d like your nails to be longer this would be the step you apply nail tips with your nail glue, refill and shape again!
Wiwi Nails & Spa
After buffing and shaping your nails I’ll go ahead and gently push my cuticles back for a full nail application
Best Cuticle Pushers
Step 2: Paint your nails!
Now you’ll apply your base coat and cure it under your uv lamp for 60-120 seconds! Just one base coat!
Beetles Gel Base and Top Coat
Next you’ll apply your builder gel, it’s a different consistency be slow and drag your builder gel across your nail to evenly apply! Cure under your lamp for 120 seconds!
Nail Builder Gel in a Bottle
Next you’ll add your color polish, curing for 60-120 seconds between each coat! Darker colors tend to need less coats!
Gel Polish & Nail Lacquer Collections
Next you’ll add your top coat to fully cure each nail! Cure under your uv lamp for 120 seconds!
Beetles Top Coat No Wipe Clear Shine Finished | 15ML
Step 3: After care
After each nail is completely cured I’ll go back with a nail file to smooth out some rough edges being careful to not mess any nails up!
Nail File
After cleaning up the nails I’ll apply cuticle oil to strengthen my nails!
The 8 Best Cuticle Oils of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
Now you can enjoy your freshly painted nails! Everything takes practice if it isn’t perfect your first time that’s ok!! You’ll get used to it as you continue on your nail journey!!
