Entering the world of gel nail polish is like entering a candy store, where options range from classic reds to holographic finishes. You may be spoilt for options until you are in a dilemma – not knowing exactly what to do. But don’t worry; your perfect gel polish mustn’t be complicated. If you understand the basic concepts about gel nail polish, it will be easy to pick the right gel.
Photo by Rohit Sharma
That’s where this article comes in. It will outline what you need to consider, prioritize, and not compromise when choosing these products.
Continue reading to learn all you need to know to make the right choice for your nail needs.
Understanding gel polish types
The first thing you’ll notice when shopping for gel polish is there are a few different types: basic one-step gels, soak-off gels, and hard gels. If you want to get your feet wet with gel polishes for the first time, you want to wear a regular soak-off gel. This polish will be more effortless to remove and gives the perfect balance of longevity without being overly complicated.
Consider these differing types as an analogy to choosing a car: while the sports car may look exciting, the dependable sedan may better suit your daily needs. Similarly, base your choice of gel polish on your lifestyle and how much maintenance you do. If you’re always on the go, one-step gel can be perfect; meanwhile, complex gel systems, such as builder gel, work well for lengthier manicures with less frequent changes. Builder gel offers extra strength and flexibility, making it ideal for those who want durable and long-lasting nails.
Color stability matters
Have you ever put on a gorgeous color only to find it looks different under various lights? That is where color stability comes in: quality gel polishes retain their true color under different lighting conditions and will not fade or yellow with time. While shopping, look for brands that include UV stability in their descriptions.
Test the polish with natural and artificial light for in-store color stability. Many salons and beauty supply outlets have UV lamps on hand that can be used for testing. Remember that what looks perfect in the store will often look different at home or work, so taking the time to check can save you from color disappointment later.
Consider your natural nails
Your natural nail health should guide you in choosing your gel polish. If you have weak or peeling nails, look for varnish with strengthening gel polishes that contain calcium or vitamins. Some brands boast formulas specifically for damaged nails that help protect and maintain a nail while providing beautiful color.
Please pay attention to your nails and how they react to different brands. As with skincare, what works for your friend might not work for you. So, begin with a reputable brand’s basic formula and note how your nails feel after a few applications. Are they feeling more vigorous, or are they getting brittle? Your nails will let you know what they need.
Base and top coat compatibility
Many nail enthusiasts make the mistake of mixing and matching different brands across base coats, colors, and top coats. Though this may sometimes work, you will have the best results when products from the same line are used. Just think of it like baking; ingredients that are supposed to work together usually give you the best results. Most professional brands formulate their products to work in a system.
Your base coat adheres to your nail; the color coat goes onto the base coat for the perfect base. Then, you top it off with a top coat to seal everything in and add some gloss. Since these products have been made to work together, you will get better wear time with less peeling or chipping.
Wear time and seasonal considerations
- Find gel nail polish with UV protection. Did you know your gel polish might perform differently depending on the season? It certainly does! In the scorching summer months, you will want to seek out formulas designed to resist UV rays, preventing premature fading. If you intend to spend much time by the pool or beach, your gorgeous coral gel polish will need extra staying power to keep the vibrancy.
- All-in-one options are a plus. Winter, too, has its challenges when considering gel polish wear. The weather can make some gel formulas a bit brittle if you’re constantly in and out of heated areas and then out in the cold. For these months, switch to more flexible formulas that contain conditioning ingredients like jojoba oil or vitamin E. All these ingredients help the polish adjust to temperature changes without sacrificing durability. Also, consider slightly thicker formulas in winter since they offer the best insulation for natural nails.
- Prioritize wear and tear over aesthetics. Also, note how these different finishes wear over time. Those super-glittery holiday polishes might look great but sometimes wear differently than cream finishes. Metallics and chromes may show tip wear much quicker, while traditional cream finishes usually hold their appearance much longer. If you want the most extended wear time, stick with solids or subtle shimmers for everyday use and save the more elaborate finishes for special occasions.
Final thoughts
Think of building your gel polish collection like your wardrobe. First, you need to lay the foundation with some versatile basics to ensure you grasp the basic concepts, and then you can add statement pieces as you go. That’s the same principle you should apply when choosing the best gel nail polish. The market is flooded with massive varieties of nail polishes, but if you understand what you’re looking for, you’ll find it conveniently easy to find your ideal option.