Builder Gel DIY Manis
First of all, let me start by saying I have tried SO many at home mani/pedi products because lets be honest, nail trends change often and going to the salon is expensive! So, this is my current process and DIY Mani product list!
Products linked are my favorites or highly recommended. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Shop my Amazon storefront! Xoxo, B
In my opinion, the hardest part of doing my nails is getting the old polish off! If it is gel, acrylic, dip, etc. it takes for-ev-ver! I have soaked in straight acetone, used nail clips, all the things. I finally invested in a electric nail drill and it has been a game changer for me.
It is multifunctional, lightweight and super manageable as it goes forward or in reverse and allows you to adjust the speed. Mine is a super pretty purple, but it comes in a variety of colors. It is able to polish and remove a variety of nail products and came with 6 different nail bits for several purposes, a bag of sanding bands, and a long power cable. It has made taking nail product off so much easier!
To get the access product off I unfortunately have to use acetone but soaking cotton pads in acetone then placing nail clips on helps speed up the process.
Before applying any other product I use Beetles Nail Prep Dehydrator and Primer Set. I feel it is a crucial step in helping me create long lasting manicures. The set includes a 15 milliliter bottle of each formula which together can reduce nails oil, moisture and dust, while helping balance the nails pH value, supporting strong adhesion of your base coat and a variety of nail products. The short-bristled brush in the nail dehydrator and primer make it easy to apply and both formulas air dry in under a minute.
Next, I bought a gel polish kit that was so affordable I wasn’t sure it was going to work when it arrived, but it does and is great! It included everything I needed and more. Check it out in action here!
For now, I use the base and top coat from the kit, but I have found that I love the Beetles brand so I will order the Beetles base/top coat set next.
After the base coat is set I use Beetles Builder Gel in Jelly White. Builder gel has been an absolute game changer for me! It is a stronger gel polish that is used to add strength and thickness to natural nails but it can also be used with nail forms to create nail extensions! I use it for both and I am obsessed! I use at lease two coats of builder gel and sometimes a third if I am using a nail form to create an extension.
Once the builder gel is cured you can simply add a top coat, cure that and be done. You can also add polish or nail art. I most often add a colored polish, top coat and then before the top coat is completely cleared I use a chrome powder then another layer of top coat. I love glitter, sparkle, shimmer, etc. so I just love the addition of chrome to any mani.
I hope you found this helpful or inspiring! If so, please let me know by leaving a comment! Remember to sign up for our emails to keep up with my farm, art, restoration and other miscellaneous adventures. Thank you!
Xoxo, B
