It’s no secret that many nail artists prefer using gel, even if it may require a bit of a learning curve compared to classic lacquer formulas. For gel, start by applying sunscreen to your hands and cuticles, as many UV nail polish dryers can damage your skin. Allow the sunscreen to absorb for 10 to 15 minutes to optimize your protection. You can also wear a fingerless glove for added peace of mind. Now, it’s time to slather on that butter. Prep each nail with a small amount of base coat, like Young Nails Protein Bond. Then, paint on a thin coat of butter-yellow gel, being careful not to coat the cuticles.
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Gel polish flows more slowly than traditional nail lacquer, so it’s very forgiving to paint with. Yet, it’s also more difficult to remove once it sets, so always clean up any drips with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol before curing the polish beneath a lamp. The amount of time you’ll need to cure your nails can vary depending on the products and lamp you use, though it’s typically between 30 and 120 seconds per coat of polish. Once each coat is fully set, use a cotton ball saturated with surface cleanser to remove any tackiness. If any mistakes appear along the cuticles after curing, you can use a forked cuticle trimmer (not scissors!) to safely remove them.
