What gel polishes do I need to buy with this? I have heard of a ph coat, top coat etc.
1009918
I use gelish PH bond, foundation, color, then top coat. I've tried the gel color you can get at CVS and it does not stay on as long. Definitely buy gelish brand or higher quality than what CVS carries.
620029
I use one for base coat, then one coat polish, add another Gelous coat, then another coat of polish. Because I use Seche Vite as a topcoat, which can cause polish shrinkage when it dries, I put one more top coat of Gelous underneath that to help prevent the shrinkage. So three coats altogether. This is incredible for making your polish last!
583087
I use the pure acetone and put it on a cotton ball then wrap the tip of my finger with tin foil and let it do its thing for about 15-20 minutes then use an orange stick to scrap off the polish it should crackle up when you take the foil off, make sure that you take a buffing block to rough up the top surface of the polish so that the acetone will work. DONT use an emery board type file you may get carried away with filing and damage your nail bed. The buffing blocks sold at Sally supply or any drug store works great just rough enough to take of the top coat off. DONT get anything to abrasive or like I said you may damage your nail bed and believe me that is quite painful! I am assuming this is your first go at the gel polishes? Did you have them done or are you thinking about doing them yourself either way I'm sure you know the steps to applying the polish and really taking the polish off is no big deal just a little time consuming because you can only work on one hand at a time. I hope I helped answer your question if you have any more I would be happy to help.
1261381
You should apply this before the Gelish colored gels. You need a good primer, if you don't have a primer maybe doubling the application of the pH Bond will work. You apply a couple layers of this building gel, curing between each layer. Wipe off the tacky inhibition layer with either the Gelish cleasner or regular alcohol works just as well. Then apply the Foundation, two layers or your color, and seal it with Top It Off top coat. And be sure to cap all your edges. I'm not sure why it won't worl on colored tips unless you're applying the Gelish Soak Off gel as a colored tip. This gel should go underneath everything. Best of luck! You should apply this before the Gelish colored gels. You need a good primer, if you don't have a primer maybe doubling the application of the pH Bond will work. You apply a couple layers of this building gel, curing between each layer. Wipe off the tacky inhibition layer with either the Gelish cleasner or regular alcohol works just as well. Then apply the Foundation, two layers or your color, and seal it with Top It Off top coat. And be sure to cap all your edges. I'm not sure why it won't worl on colored tips unless you're applying the Gelish Soak Off gel as a colored tip. This gel should... » Read More You should apply this before the Gelish colored gels. You need a good primer, if you don't have a primer maybe doubling the application of the pH Bond will work. You apply a couple layers of this building gel, curing between each layer. Wipe off the tacky inhibition layer with either the Gelish cleasner or regular alcohol works just as well. Then apply the Foundation, two layers or your color, and seal it with Top It Off top coat. And be sure to cap all your edges. I'm not sure why it won't worl on colored tips unless you're applying the Gelish Soak Off gel as a colored tip. This gel should go underneath everything. Best of luck! « Show Less
1106948
I haven't used the Sally Hansen gel polishes but have tried others and don't much care for them. I prefer to use Fingerpaints gel base and top coat and use regular nailpolish with a regular top coat. The lamp is small and portable and works beautifully. I have tried other products that don't require a lamp and they are too thin and runny. Fingerpaints is thicker and much more controllable. Good Luck
1001451
No you have to use the LED light to cure gel products. If you have the light I know people who do use the gel top coat on regular polish I've never tried it though so I'm not sure if it works well.
1864746
I will be using 2K primer which doesn't need a top coat. Besure to scuff before applying.
1671860
From what I know, the Foundation gel is the first layer used with color and top coat. The nail strengthener is a separate product and is used alone (acts as a base coat and top coat in one) or you can use regular polish and top coat on top of it.
1968433
I use OPI colors with a different base and top coat that I already have! Just make sure you use a primer/ nail dehydrator though to make sure the polish adheres =)
1855892
UV or LED lamp will cure most gel polishes. LED will get the job done faster but will cost you more initially. I got my UV lamp from here on Amazon when it was about 50% off and it works great for me. I love Gelish!
1001449
No, this is not a typical polish. Gel base coats are meant to lie on the natural nail and encourage adhesion of the next coat of color. Also, the base coat does not produce a shine like a topcoat. I would not play around with the professionals directions of base coat, color(s), top coat as they have been tested and approved for safety reasons.
570376
Only opaque polish will work. You just have to experiment. I have found Sh insta dri will work. There are also special stamping polishes. The thicker and more opaque the polish is, the better!
1263021
from what I read it has to be the gel nailpolish with the led lamp but I am sure you can use regular nailpolish after top coat after it dries.
922197
Tips only, though they are available with the nude overlay as well. Just apply a clear overcoat over the nail once the tips are applied. I follow up with Seche Vite topcoat after the clear coat of regular nail polish. If you don't the Seche Vite peels off rather quickly, not so once applied over polish. No gel light needed.
1518491
make sure you are using a base coat as well as a top coat. also try cleaning your nails with rubbing alcohol before applying any polish
1442553
I use opi gel polish that I bought through amazon. It works just like at the salon.
1651179
I've personally never tried gel polish before, but from what I read online, you must use a thinner specifically for gel polish in order to thin them.