How to choose gel polish?

Although gel polishes appeared in the nail industry quite recently, but they have become very famous and in demand. Fans of this amazing coating like a wide range of colors, as well as increased strength, which ensures the duration of manicure. It is worthwhile to consider in more detail the composition and characteristics of the gel polish, selection criteria, as well as the best models and manufacturers.

Gel Polish is a unique coating designed for decorating nails. It perfectly combines the advantages of ordinary nail polish and modeling gel. It is this mix that provides a resistant coating of the polymer structure. To remove it, it does not use sawing, but maceration. Should consider in more detail what components are part of this unique tool.

• Photoinitiator. This is one of the main components, because it provides curing of the coating. With it, gel polish captures UV rays, actively absorbs them, as a result, the coating begins to polymerize. This component is non-toxic and does not affect the environment. The number of photoinitiators has a direct effect on the polymerization process. If the drying time in the lamp is minimal, then the number of photoinitiators is quite high, and during application of the lamp there is a strong burning sensation, because the hardening process occurs rather quickly.

• Film former. This component is responsible for creating a reliable and durable barrier. He actively protects him from the influence of environmental factors. The film former makes the coating lasting durability, because without it, the nail polish would start peeling off after a few days.
• Thinners. They have a direct effect on the texture of the gel polish, as well as its attachment to the nail plate. The quantity and quality of thinners are responsible not only for the strength, but also for how to remove this coating in the future. If low quality thinners or in small quantities are used, then, accordingly, they stick perfectly on the nails, but removing the gel varnish becomes a real problem. Only some manufacturers of gel polishes still manage to find the perfect balance.

• Pigments. Many girls begin to choose gel varnish precisely in color, while all the other characteristics of this tool recede into the background. It is the pigments that are responsible for the color and density of the coating. Interestingly, you can mix gel polishes to get the original color performance.
• Fillers. Today, manufacturing companies never cease to amaze their fans by offering new textures, colors and effects. With the help of various fillers are created thermolak, top cover with a matte effect or the effect of "cat's eye".

Today, every master of the nail industry knows and uses gel polishes. And it is quite logical, because this tool has the following undeniable merits:

• this coating allows you to strengthen the nails, as a result of nails with gel polish grow much faster;
• excellent resistance, which can be from two to three weeks;
• fast polymerization due to the use of a lamp specifically designed for gel polish;
• even short nails with such a coating will look spectacular and stylish.

Unfortunately, gel polish has drawbacks, to which the following belong:

• the use of fairly cheap coatings leads to yellowing of the nail plates;
• beginners can not self-make a manicure gel varnish due to lack of experience, so it is better to take the help of a professional who will help not only apply, but also remove the coating;
• It is not recommended to do manicure with gel polish often, after 5 sessions it is necessary to pause;
• low quality products may not be hypoallergenic.

They can be one-, two- and three-phase. Many girls are interested in the question, what are the differences between the single-phase and three-phase variants. The following criteria should be taken into account:

• time - the single-phase version dries faster, since the three-phase version consists of gel varnish, a base (base) and a topcoat, each layer must be dried separately under the lamp;
• price - of course, a single-phase agent is always cheaper;
• complexity in work - it is undoubted that using a single-phase agent is much easier than applying three layers on the nail;
• Composition - the single-phase version is made without the use of toluene and formaldehyde, which are quite harmful, and without their use a sticky film is not formed after applying the varnish.

It is worth concluding from the above that a single-phase gel polish significantly benefits compared to a three-phase one, but many girls prefer it because it allows you to create amazing design options using a different decor. Considering the three-phase option, you should pay attention to the base. Quite often, girls choose a rubber base, which is characterized by density, and this allows you to create a smooth coating, leveling the flaws.

To choose a high-quality, durable and safe gel nail polish, it is worth taking into account several quite important selection criteria. And this rule applies not only to beginners, but also to the masters of the nail industry.

• Persistence Good coverage should keep on the nails for about three weeks. It is worth paying attention to the instructions that are attached to the gel polish. The manufacturer must indicate in it the approximate durability of their product.

• The convenience of use. Usually the manicure master pays attention to this criterion, but the speed of work, as well as the quality of the coating, is directly related to the client. It is worth highlighting the following nuances:
  1. The consistency of gel varnish should be easy to apply, but it should be characterized by good density, so as not to spread;
  2. brush should be characterized by ease of use, as it affects the accuracy of the drawing;
  3. Gel polish removal technology should last no more than a quarter of an hour;
  4. a huge range of color solutions plays an important role, but you should also pay attention to the density of the shade;
  5. the smell of the product should not cause discomfort; agents with a pungent odor are characterized by poor quality and are usually toxic;
  6. The composition should not have a negative effect on the nails.

Important: the optimal solution will be gel polish, which not only meets the above criteria, but also is characterized by affordable cost and has a fairly large volume of the bottle.

Professional masters of the nail industry usually pay attention to the manufacturer, because the company must confirm the quality guarantee with appropriate certificates. Speaking about the quality of this product, it is necessary to take into account both the resistance and safety for the nails. Even among the budget options you can find good manufacturers who provide a fairly high quality gel polishes.

The base is a base for gel polish, which primarily performs a protective function, because it reliably protects the nail plate from the influence of dyes, solvents and other chemicals that are usually contained in gel polishes. As well as the base affects the quality of the manicure, many professionals believe that it is the base coat that is the main component of an attractive manicure.

The primer is also in high demand and is often used to create manicures in various beauty salons.

It is worth considering the differences between the base and the primer.

• Gel polish is not applied to the nail plate, it is worth first to paint the nails with the base. If we consider the primer, then the situation is somewhat different, since the primer is an additional tool, you can make a high-quality manicure without applying it. Although professionals often use this product.
• The base is indispensable for home use, and for the salon. Primer is usually purchased by masters in beauty salons. For personal use, girls mostly do not use it.
• The essential difference of these products lies in the texture. So, the base looks very similar in texture to the usual varnish, because it is the same stingy. The primer can be compared to water, because it is almost liquid.

• Base - self-leveling coating, which provides reliable protection of the nail plate from physical damage. After applying the base they become smooth, smooth and beautiful. The primer acts as an intermediate link between the gel polish and the base.
• Another difference is that the base is simply indispensable when creating a manicure using gel polish, and the primer is used much less frequently.

To choose the best basis for gel polish, you should pay attention to the rating of the most popular and popular premium-class products.

• UV Base. This is a great option from the famous French company Beautix. This basic coating is characterized by a brush of excellent quality, since it is elastic and flat, which allows you to comfortably apply the coating on the nails. With this coating gel polish will keep on the nails for more than two weeks, as the manufacturer says. The base perfectly aligns the nail, is characterized by a liquid consistency. It quickly polymerizes - if you use a UV lamp, it will take only a few minutes, but in a LED lamp it will take only half a minute. When using the base does not occur discomfort. The volume of the composition is 15 ml. If we consider the shortcomings of this product, it is worth noting a rather high cost.

• Kodi Rubber Base. This is a self-leveling rubber base developed by the American manufacturer Kodi. It perfectly aligns the nail and provides a secure mount with gel polish. The company offers this coating in several volumes - 7, 8 and 12 ml. But the jars of 14 and 30 ml are presented without brushes for professional use. The consistency of the base is rather plastic and dense. It freezes very quickly - in a UV lamp in just two minutes, and in a LED lamp it takes no more than 30 seconds. This base is perfect for mounting sliders or rhinestones. Among the shortcomings worth noting the high price of the product, as well as the fact that the brush is not convenient for everyone, it is worth getting used to it.

• UNO Rubber Base. This product is characterized by a self-leveling effect. The manufacturer is a well-known company UNO. This base should be used for weak and brittle nails. When using it, there is no need to use a primer. This tool is viscous and thick, and thanks to the soluble formula it can be removed without the use of grinders and nail files, which cause mechanical damage to the nail plate. The manufacturer produces this product in bottles of 15 ml.It is presented with a comfortable brush that consists of short bristles. The process of polymerization of the coating is carried out from 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the selected lamp.

If we consider the best low-cost basis for gel polish, then you should pay attention to several products.

• Soak off gel Rubber base coat. This Chinese-made product from Bluesky is one of the best among the basecoats for gel medium varnish. It perfectly aligns the nail, while applying a single layer. This base can be used for damaged and brittle plates. The volume of the bottle is only 10 ml, but its consumption is quite economical. This product is often called the best in terms of quality and price. It is suitable for working with various gel polishes. The base is quite easy to apply to the nails due to its medium consistency. It does not spread, ensuring an even distribution. It hardens both in the UV lamp (2 minutes) and in the LED lamp (1 minute). Among the shortcomings it is worth emphasizing a rather sharp smell, which many do not like.

• SOBS-02. This is a wonderful, easily soluble base from the Russian brand Lianail. It is quite easy and quick to work with it, since for its removal it is possible to use both soaking in a special liquid and cutting. To get the maximum layer of protection and ensure reliable strengthening of the marigold, it should be applied in two layers. The manufacturer offers it in a volume of 10 ml. The consistency of this tool is of medium thickness. It can be used for polymerization both in UV lamps and in LED devices. The advantages of the product include a fairly reasonable price. But unfortunately, it is unable to hide the obvious defects on the nails, and also has a small volume, so the tool ends quickly.

• Base Gel Polish Rubber. The well-known Korean company TNL has created an excellent base for gel polish at an affordable price and excellent quality. It masks completely all irregularities on the nail plate and provides a stable adhesion to the gel varnish. In addition, this product helps to strengthen the nails and is completely safe. The consistency of the product is not very thick, so it is not only easy to apply, but also holds tightly under various decor options. For polymerization it is worth using a UV lamp. Users note that during the curing process, it does not cause burning. The volume of the bottle is 10 ml.

We should also consider the ranking of the best primers, which are quite often used by the nail industry professionals when working with gel polish.

• TNL. Products from this Korean company are very popular due to excellent quality. The primer perfectly protects the nails from cracks and chips, as well as preserves the original manicure for a long time.

• Ezflow. This brand offers both acid-free and acidic primer solutions. Separately, the series is presented, which was developed specifically for gel or acrylic coatings, but you can also find universal means suitable for these two materials. All primers from the Ezflow brand are made without the use of flavors and colors, and they also dry out in just a few seconds. They are often purchased to work with gel varnish or shellac.

• Runail The products of this company is also quite popular. Primer Runail allows you to qualitatively remove any kind of pollution from the nails, including fat. The adhesion to the gel varnish occurs quite quickly and efficiently.

• IBD. For about 30 years, this brand has been pleasing its fans with quality products for brittle marigolds. The good result of the IBD primers made the company quite popular.

• Le Vole Ultra Bond produces primers that are responsible for the safe dehydration and disinfection of nail plates. The tool is hypoallergenic, does not penetrate deep into the nail plate, which is a clear advantage.

• Lady Victory. The company has developed a large line of tools for creating a manicure. Primer perfectly disinfects, degreases marigolds, and also ensures strong adhesion to gel polish. Since the manufacturer does not use acids in the manufacture of primers, they are safe to use.

• Vogue Nails. The primers from this brand are quite aggressive, because they do not have the best effect on marigolds.

Special attention should be paid to the gel polish model, which is resistant and of high quality. It is worth considering separately their rating.

• CND. This varnish provides a reliable gel coating that keeps on the nails for more than 7 days. For its use there is no need to use a base, the color does not tarnish, and the coating is characterized by durability. This tool does not contain harmful components, has a good brush, and also presented in a wide color version. Among the drawbacks, it is worth noting that it usually dries longer than the manufacturer indicates on the bottle. The average price is 400 rubles.

• Masura. This company produces both single and three phase gel polishes. If we consider a single-phase tool, then you can do without using the base and top. Most gel polishes have a convenient brush for application. If we consider the three-phase varnishes, it is worth noting a wide range of colors, among which are in demand bright colors, characterized by femininity and sophistication. Brand products are superbly applied on nails, have no sharp odor, and also do not fade under sunlight. Among the drawbacks it is worth highlighting the difficult removal of gel polish, as well as the fact that the composition is synthetic. You can buy such gel polish starting from 170 rubles per bottle.

• Kodi Professional. Gel polishes are professional, but at an affordable price. These means perfectly keep on nails, therefore those girls who often are engaged in household efforts choose it, at the same time do not like to use gloves. This varnish is bought for both salon use and home use. You can buy gel polish with a volume of 7 or 12 ml. Economical consumption and a large selection of colors are the advantages of the product. But unfortunately, one layer is not enough to create a good coating, it is better to immediately apply it in two layers. The price of one bottle is 400 rubles.

• TNL Professional. This is a bright representative of high quality and affordable prices. The advantages of gel lacquer include a fairly good choice of colors (393 shades), dense structure and ease of application. Saturated color does not fade under ultraviolet radiation. But this tool has an unpleasant smell, is prone to spreading and can not hold out on the nails for more than a week.

• Bluesky The Chinese brand offers gel varnishes of excellent quality, as they reliably keep on a nail plate more than three weeks. The coating includes firming varnish and gel for building marigolds. It is enough to put means only in one layer for a good result. A UV lamp is suitable for drying. The varnish does not lose brightness even with frequent contact with water. But It is worth noting that light shades require application in two layers, and also on the bottles they do not indicate the number of colors, so you have to select them in shades. It costs only 70 rubles.

• In Garden. The manufacturer offers gal lacquers with a unique composition, since in their manufacture uses polymers, silicone, resins and components that reliably protect marigolds from external influence. In a short time, the nails become strong and restore the damaged structure.Coverage securely holds up to one month, while not suffering from contact with water. Gel Polish is applied evenly and quickly. The range includes about 170 shades. Gel Polish poorly falls without the use of rubber base. Its price ranges from 485 rubles.

• Gelish. This product meets current gel polish requirements. It makes a great strengthening of nails, has hypoallergenic properties, and therefore does not lead to redness and irritation. 150 shades are on sale, but colors can be mixed to get new, unusual and cutting-edge solutions. Lac-gel has a long shelf life, is easily removed. Its price is 480 rubles.

• Solomeya. This gel varnish is characterized by excellent composition, which includes natural ingredients. The manufacturer does not use harmful solvents, dyes or synthetic resins. This tool is characterized by increased resistance due to the polymer structure. It is easy to apply, and the coating is resistant to various external influences. The only drawback is that you should unscrew the bottle to see the color of the gel polish.

To date, on sale you can find a huge selection of gel varnishes from both Russian manufacturers and from foreign companies. Many prefer Chinese brands, because the products are characterized by excellent quality and reasonable price. To make the choice of gel polish among a wide range of brands, it is worth considering a list of the best companies.

• Bluesky This is a popular company that offers universal 2 in 1 tools, which include both the base and the main coverage. Gel polish belongs to the average price category. The company offers a line of gel varnishes Elpaza, which are distinguished by a new formula. The coating is quite resistant and high quality. Thanks to the excellent density, gel polish can be applied in just one layer.

• Kodi. This company offers products for both home and professional use. Brand known in many countries. Regular customers receive a cumulative discount, which is very popular with regular customers.

• Oxxi Professional. This brand produces high-quality products for stylish manicure and pedicure. A wide color range allows you to experiment with different tones. Many people are attracted to gel polishes with decor, which have a unique ebb or sparkles.

• OPI Products. This company has a lot of awards for the products in the field of nail art, because it uses its patented developments in the manufacture of tools. A huge color palette is one of the main advantages of the company.

• Canni. This brand appeared more than 10 years ago and reliably took its place in the nail industry. The company offers safe gel polishes that do not contain harmful components, are easy to apply, have a comfortable brush.

• Akzentz. This brand, known to many thanks to the very stylish and high-quality lineup of Luxio. Gel polishes provide a beautiful and durable coating. Glossy shine and reliable protection from external factors belong to the merits of the product. In this line are 140 color solutions. The product does not have a strong odor, is applied easily and quickly, and also has hypoallergenic properties.

• Diva. German quality at an affordable price like many. The manufacturer offers a wide range of colors, uses high-quality components to create gel polishes, primers and bases.

• Nayada. This manufacturer offers gel polishes to strengthen and stylish marigold design. Bright colors, convenient application and long shelf life are among the strengths of this product.

Modern women of fashion pay great attention to their nails.Most use to create a refined and original manicure gel gel. The girls note that this tool allows you to create a resistant coating, which usually lasts up to one month. It is reliably protected from external factors, including from contact with water and ultraviolet rays. Most gel polishes also strengthens the nail plate. A large number of manufacturers offering products at an affordable price.

The undeniable advantage of gel polish consumers highlight the fact that it can be used not only in beauty salons, but also for home use, if you have a lamp for drying. It takes from 30 seconds to several minutes to gel polish. Many manufacturers allow the use of varnish without first applying a base or primer.

But there are also negative reviews, although they mainly concern individual manufacturers, which appeared only recently on the market and offer low-quality products. Professionals recommend purchasing products from well-known companies, which mainly focus on the use of natural ingredients. Some gel polishes keep only a few days, others lead to burning during the polymerization of the coating, and still others generally spoil the top layer of nail platinum, therefore, without a good base, it is better to refuse them.

Comparison of popular brands of gel polishes, see the following video.