Most gel polish formulas have switched to using LED lights to cure, which aren't damaging to your skin. Thankfully, there are other options besides UV light-curing now. When gel polishes first debuted, they required UV lights to cure - which we all know isn't safe for our skin. But are these lights safe? Well, it depends on your light and how you use it. The biggest difference between gel polish and traditional lacquers is that gels are quickly cured under a light, reducing drying time and saving you from post-mani mishaps. And don't worry: You can use these tools whether your fingertips are painted or au naturel.Īlthough not essential, Totty suggests ordering a fresh bottle of cuticle oil infused with skincare quality ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, or CBD, for a nice dose of hydration and spa-like vibes without the premium price tag. Luckily, all these products are available on Amazon and cost only a few bucks a pop. She also advises stocking your at-home mani kit with nifty tools, like a nail clipper, cuticle pusher, cuticle nipper or scissors, a 180/100 grit nail file, and 240 grit nail buffer. To ensure you have a flawless at-home gel mani, opt for a gel nail kit that includes at least a few basics, such as nail primer, base gel, top coat, a couple of polish colors, and nail polish remover.

“A well-prepped manicure is a very important step in making your gel manicure last,” says Totty.

If you purchase the wrong one, you can easily buy a gel polish top coat at any online beauty store or e-retailer. Make sure you pick out a kit with the top coat you'd like to use (some of them come with multiple top coats to choose from). Want all of the high shine, or looking to try a matte mani? Some of these kits come with different top coat finishes for texture experimentation, limiting your options. Products made and bottled in the USA have much higher safety standards that assure you get the best quality products.” Finish

“Pay attention to any odor or unpleasant smell when you open the bottle. “Contact with an uncured product, especially if it contains any harmful chemicals, may cause permanent allergic reactions and symptoms that won’t stop even after you switch product,” cautions manicurist and LeChat Nails educator Anastasia Totty. Not only will your varnish smell slightly better, but you won’t have to worry about exposing your skin to potentially harmful chemicals.

When shopping for gel nail kits, your safest bet is to opt for formaldehyde-free polish whenever possible.

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