Are you ready to shine under our disco ball? Reflective Gels and Reflective Powders are a popular choice for creating eye-catching manicures with an intense, sparkling finish! Designed to catch and bounce light, they create a dazzling effect that is especially noticeable under direct lighting or flash. Available in 12 different colors — find your favorite colors to get your groove on!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply Reflective Gel?
1. Use pH Bond to dehydrate the nail, then use Ultra Bond Primer to remove oils from the nail bed.
2. Apply iGel Gel Base Coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp for 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Roll the bottle gently between your palms to mix the reflective glitter particles. Depending on your preferred method, cure the reflective polishes accordingly.
• Method 1: To achieve the opaque look, "dab" the gel horizontally and work your way down as needed, rather than applying it like
a normal gel polish. This way, you can achieve the opaque look that we have on our swatches!
• Method 2: If you are looking for a sheer outcome, place a single layer of reflective gel (by itself or over a base color). This is perfect for those who want to use it for layering on top of another color.
4. Apply No Cleanse Top Coat to lock in the glitter and create a glossy finish, then cure under the lamp for 60 seconds.
5. Finish by massaging cuticle oil into the skin around your nails to restore moisture.
6. Turn off your room lights and use your phone's camera flash to capture that intense reflective glow.
How do I remove Reflective Gel?
1. Trim off any extra nail length with a nail cutter.
2. Buff off the shiny top layer, and avoid buffing your natural nail bed.
3. You may remove the Reflective Gel along with the medium underneath by soaking your nails in acetone. You may opt to use the Foil Method or the regular Soak Off Method.
• Foil Method: Thoroughly soak a cotton ball in acetone. Afterward, place it over your nail and tightly wrap your nail in aluminum foil. Do this for each finger and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Lastly, remove the foil, and gently rub the cotton ball along with the foil on your nails.
• Soak Off Method: Pour acetone into a small bowl and soak your nails inside for 15-20 minutes. If excess polish remains, soak it in for another 5 minutes.
4. Lightly buff the surface of your nails. Afterward, shape your nails with a nail file and create your desired shape.
5. Lastly, nourish your nails with cuticle oil.
How do I apply Reflective Powder?
Dip Application:
1. Prep your nails with Bond to dehydrate the nail beds.
2. Apply Base Coat and dip the nail in reflective powder at a 45-degree angle. Tap finger to remove excess and wait 30 seconds before brushing off the excess powder with a nail brush. Repeat this step on the same nail until you get the color and thickness you desire.
3. Apply Activator to all fingers on one hand and wait at least 2 minutes.
4. Wipe each nail with a lint-free wipe to remove any excess activator.
5. File and buff to your desired length and shape.
6. For a gorgeous long-lasting manicure, apply Top Coat.
7. Lastly, apply Nourish Oil to rejuvenate the cuticles.
Acrylic Application:
1. Prep your nails with Ultra Bond Primer to extend the longevity of your manicure.
2. If you are seeking extra length, apply tips.
3. Dip the brush into your monomer and push it all the way down to make sure the bubbles go away. Then, brush it against the side of the bowl to remove excess liquid.
4. Dap your brush into the powder. You may have to practice a few times to achieve the correct ratio of liquid to powder. It should be moist and spreadable, but not too wet.
5. Apply the bead to your nails. Let it air dry. You may test by tapping the surface of the nail with the handle of the acrylic brush. If it makes a clicking sound, it's ready for the next step.
6. Depending on your method of application, you may repeat steps 3-5 and apply another bead. Otherwise, for a gorgeous long-lasting manicure, finish off with a Top Coat.
How do I remove Reflective Powder?
Dip Removal:
1. File down the shiny top coat.
2. Either wrap your nails in acetone-soaked cotton balls wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes or soak your nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes.
Pro Tip: Before applying the acetone, rub petroleum jelly around your cuticle and fingertips. It will keep the skin around your nails from drying out!
3. After Step 2, the manicure will flake off gently.
4. Buff, Shape, and Nourish.
Acrylic Removal:
1. Trim and cut off your acrylic nails.
2. Pour 100% acetone into a large bowl. Submerge your nails for 15-20 minutes.
3. Gently scrape off the softened acrylic with a wooden cuticle stick
4. Buff, Shape, and Nourish.
How do Reflective Gels and Powders differ from regular glitter gels and powders?
Reflective gels contain tiny reflective particles that create an intense sparkle under flash or direct light, but appear more subtle in normal lighting. Regular glitter gels maintain the same level of shine/sparkle regardless of lighting.
How do I make the Reflective Gel and Powders shinier?
You can apply the appropriate top coat to get that shiny look!
Related Blogs:
Beginner's Guide to Gel Polish
9 Gel Nail Polish Mistakes You Should Avoid
Everything You Need to Know About Dip Powder Nails
6 Common Mistakes Beginners Make With Dip Method
Acrylic Nails: Everything You Need to Know
12 Most Common Acrylic Nails Mishaps to Avoid
Need to reflect on some questions? Kindly let us know by reaching out to us at our email cs@igelbeauty.com! You may also join our iGel Beauty Facebook Community to meet fellow Beauties, learn tips and tricks, or share your nail journey. We'd love to meet you there! ♡