iGel Beauty Gel & Lacquer Duo's come in over 800+ colors! They're specially formulated to strengthen and grow natural nails, with easy removal.
Gels and Lacquers are convenient mediums in a bottle that are easily applied, with a wide selection of colors placed in a bottle. Although similar in application, gel and lacquer are different mediums. Gel polish is placed under a lamp to help build a strong, sturdy material, while lacquer is a quick-drying air-dried nail polish. Lacquers are convenient for those who dislike the lengthy removal process of cured mediums like gel polish. On the other hand, for strong, long-lasting nails that would not chip off, we recommend gel polish.
Note: Some pigments in the gel may fade or shift colors for products that were purchased a year ago. A product purchased a year ago and recently will have inevitable differences.
If you are interested in learning more about Gel & Lacquer, feel free to read our blogs or join our Facebook Community Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply gel polish and lacquer?
For Gel Polish:
- Prep nail with PH Bonder to dehydrate the nail, and use a Gel Base Coat to create a bond for adhesion. Cure using a UV/LED Lamp.
- Apply your favorite gel color and cure—repeat this step if you’d like!
- For a gorgeous long-lasting manicure, apply No Cleanse Gel Top Coat and cure to finish the look!
For Lacquer:
- Apply on nail and let it air-dry
How do I remove gel polish and lacquer?
Gel Polish:
- Use a nail file or nail buffer to remove the shiny Top Coat and thick layering.
- Soak nails in acetone for 3-5 minutes to weaken the gel and use a cuticle pusher to remove excess polish.
- Repeat as needed!
Lacquer:
1. Apply acetone or nail polish remover to a ball of cotton and rub onto the nail to remove the pigment.
How long should I cure for?
Depending on the strength of your lamp, cure time may vary. We suggest 30 seconds under LED, and up to 2 minutes for UV Lamp.
Are gel manicures safe?
Yes, absolutely! Gel manicures are completely safe if done correctly. Please read our blog to learn how to apply a gel manicure!
Why do the gel polishes come with a matching lacquer? Can I just purchase one or the other?
Unfortunately, we do not sell them individually at this time. Each set comes with 1 gel and 1 lacquer because most of the time, people would like to match their hands with their feet!
Why does my gel polish keep peeling?
There are many reasons why your gel polish may be peeling; however if you are curing long enough with fresh bulbs then it may be due to any of the below reasons:
It is most commonly occurring with prep and finish:
1. Cuticle may not be pushed back fully and correctly. The layers of cuticle skin that can get left on the nail plate are highly water absorbent - this means any bits of cuticle left underneath the polish will take on water and expand, causing the polish to lift or peel.
2. You are not filing the free edge. Oils can accumulate on the free edge of the nail, so the edges need to be filed and cleaned before you begin your gel manicure.
3. Coats are being applied too thickly. This applies to base coat and top coat, as well as the color. When you cure gel polish, only the very top layer absorbs all the light. This means that if the coat is too thick, the underneath layers will remain soft which will result in peeling.
4. The polish or topcoat is not capped off or sealed around the edges. When this happens, this can cause an edge to catch and cause lifting of the formula to 'peel' the polish from the natural nail bed.
Why does my gel polish thicken?
Gel polishes may thicken for various reasons, such as prolonged storage or changes in temperature. Here are the steps to address the thick gel polish:
- Inspect the bottle: Confirm the polish bottle is tightly sealed. Give it a thorough shake, as sometimes it just needs mixing.
- Warm the bottle: Submerge the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. The warmth can liquefy the gel polish, making it smoother and easier to apply. Ensure the cap is secure to prevent water from entering.
- Use a gel polish thinner: Use professional gel thinners specifically designed to restore gel polish's consistency without compromising quality. Add a few drops and mix thoroughly. Avoid using acetone or nail polish remover, as they can harm the gel polish.
- Stir the gel polish: Use a clean cuticle stick to stir the gel polish inside the bottle. This helps break down any clumps and ensures a uniform consistency.
- Test the consistency: Before application, test the thinned polish on a nail tip or palette to ensure it has reached the desired consistency. If it's still too thick, repeat the thinning process.
Note: Always store your gel polishes in a cool, dark place to maintain consistency and extend their shelf life.
What is the ideal storage temperature?
There is no specific degree of temperature for all polishes. However, we do recommend storing your polishes at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Kindly bear in mind that hot and cold temperatures also play a critical role in UV gel, not in the product's effectiveness, but in the ease-of-use during the application.
What is the shelf life of gel polishes and lacquers/regular polishes?
Gel polishes usually last for 24-36 months, while lacquers/regular polishes last for 18-24 months. The shelf life may even be extended, especially if the polishes are stored at optimal room temperature and properly maintained.