Mastering Your Manicure: From Beginner to Expert
Written in collaboration with Looky
Between classic nail polishes, those requiring a UV lamp, or even those to be applied with the use of nail forms, it can be complex to select the right product suited to your needs depending on the level of expertise in manicure! Whether you're a beginner or an expert, discover which option is best suited for you.
Beginner Level - No Lamp Polish
No surprise here, you undoubtedly know about classic nail polish that doesn't require a UV lamp! It's a simple and effective solution, suitable for those who don't want to use multiple products for their home manicure. No equipment is required for its application. Ideal for easy application, it dries in just a few minutes. Moreover, for removal, a single step is sufficient using a nail polish remover, and you're good to go! We love Looky with its range of classic polishes in vibrant, pigmented colors that will leave your nails shiny!
Intermediate Level - 3-in-1 Gel Polish
Very popular in recent years, gel polishes requiring a UV lamp have won the hearts of many manicure enthusiasts! Though not very experienced, it requires mastering certain techniques to ensure optimal durability and results.
To simplify the steps for doing your manicure at home, Looky offers 3-in-1 Gel Polishes. It's an all-in-one formula that doesn't require applying a protective base coat and a topcoat. The 3-in-1 Gel Polish is ideal if you're in a hurry because in just 60 seconds under the UV lamp, the time it takes to cure the polish, you'll get a salon-worthy, resistant, and shiny manicure!
Usage Tips:
To ensure the 3-in-1 Gel Polish lasts for several days, it's recommended to prepare your nails by pushing back the cuticles and using a buffer block to gently polish the nails. Then, to achieve an opaque color, the application of 2 coats of 3-in-1 Gel Polish is necessary, as well as curing it under the UV lamp after each coat is applied.
Expert Level - Builder Gel and Nail Forms
The use of nail forms and Builder Gel requires precision and attention to detail and thus corresponds to a more expert level of home manicuring. This technique allows for extending the natural nail by a few millimeters and shaping it according to the desired form.
Before using a nail form, the nail should be adequately prepared. The nail form acts as a self-adhesive 'guide' to then allow the application of Builder Gel polish. Builder Gel is a translucent polish and should be applied to the natural nail and the nail form, then cured under a UV lamp for 60 seconds. These last steps should be repeated twice. Afterward, your natural nail will be extended, and you'll be able to file it to achieve the desired length and shape. The final step of this technique is applying a topcoat or coloring your nails with a 3-in-1 Gel Polish, and your manicure will be impeccable.
Regardless of your experience level in manicuring, there's a method suited to your technical comfort level. From classic polish for easy application to 3-in-1 Gel Polish, and even nail forms and Builder Gel, each of these techniques offers several options to help you achieve a professional-looking manicure at home!