Nail Tech Essentials For The Perfect Gel Finish

When creating beautiful nails for your clients, skills, experience, and knowledge will take you far. Still, you also need the appropriate tools to really finesse your work and set yourself apart from the competition. We recently caught up with the professional nail artist Abi Markey @NailedItBeauty to learn more about her professional process of creating beautiful and intricate nail designs.

So whether you’re just starting in the nail industry and looking for a beginner nail tech kit, or some nail art inspiration, read on for Abi’s professional nail essentials and her nail art application tips and tricks.

Nail Tech Essentials For The Perfect Gel Finish With @NailedItBeauty

Step 1 – Preparation is key

Prep is the most essential part of your routine. This ensures that the gel lasts and looks perfect. Use the Lotus cuticle pusher knife to push back the skin and the Lotus cuticle nippers to remove any dead skin from around the nail.

: Using the cuticle pusher knife

: Removing the cuticle and any dead skin with a cuticle pusher

: Snipping away the cuticle

Step 2 – File and shape the nail

File the nail with the Glossify nail file into the shape you desire, and lightly buff the nail using the Lotus nail buffer to ensure the nail is smooth and ready for a flawless gel application.

: Creating the shape

: Filing the nail into your desired shape

: Buffing the nail

Step 3 –Ensure the nail is thoroughly cleaned.

Wipe the nail with a lint-free wipe and the Lotus pure acetone to ensure the nail is clean and ready to apply Glossify Naturabuild.

: Prepping the nails with a lint free wipe

: Using acetone to clean up the nail to create a clean working surface

Step 4 – Builder gel application

Start by applying with a base coat, base coats are key to the gel polish process as they are crucial for polish adhesion, but they’re also a protectant.

: Applying a basecoat

: Process applying basecoat

Then apply a thin layer of Glossify Naturabuild and cure. Lastly, apply a thicker layer to create an apex using the Glossify thin liner brush to ensure the gel reaches the sides of the nail bed and to even out the builder gel on the nail.

: Applying the base colour ‘Buff’ by Glossify Naturabuild

: Process applying Glossify Builder Gel in Buff

: Creating an apex around the nail arch

Step 5 – Create your design.

Use the Glossify dotting tool to create this simple flower power design. Use the handy dotting tool to create five dots in a circle, cure under the lamp and then add a colour dot in the middle to create a beautiful flower.

Glossify Colours used for this design:

: Creating the floral design

: Repeat as necessary

Step 6 – Apply the top coat.

Apply the Glossify top coat and cure under the lamp. Looking for a new lamp, or simply want to know what’s available? Discover our range of UV and LED nail lamps.