My first DIY gel manicure

My daughter was given a DNA Professional Induction Powered Nail Lamp with all the required basic gels for her birthday so I thought I would have a go and try to make my nail polish last longer than my pathetic one day average as I am forever chipping my new polish. So armed with a basic kit comprising a base and topcoat, a cheerful cherry red, special remover, wipes, an orange stick and cuticle oil I got started. I must add that even thought I have enjoyed working as a makeup artist for many years, doing nails is not something I particularly like as it is always the last thing I would have to do and almost always under pressure from a runner or an photographic assistant hurrying us along. I like my work to look as perfect as possible and applying polish needs time… So I was a tiny little bit worried about applying gels to my nails but I found it much easier than I thought it would be. If you fancy trying it for yourself and/or your friends here is a very simple step-by-step.

. First of all nails need to be very clean, free of oil, grease or dust so give them a good clean.

.Then file them and push the cuticles back gently with an orange stick.

.Apply a thin layer of base-coat, place the nail under the UV light for 2 minutes.

.Paint a thin layer of gel colour followed by 2 minutes under the light, repeat 3 times.

.Finish with the top coat. Take care not to put any gel on the skin.

.After the last coat is “cooked” simply wipe each nail with a lint free wipe. ( I was a little worried me a as it felt sticky even after been told wiping it would not actually remove any gel ).

.Apply cuticle oil and then admire your lovely smooth and shiny set of professional looking gels !

I was so impressed by the process that I am investing in some lovely OPI gels and wear gels. It is important to give your nails a break from gels as they can make your nail thinner and weaker. One essential point – you must use cuticle nail oil once a day ( best done at bedtime ) to keep the cuticles healthy, plus massaging the nail base will stimulate its grow and health.

I completely forgot to take photographs, but will add pics of my next gel nails manicure soon. In the meantime feast your eyes on this iconic and beautiful French Vogue photograph from Guy Bourdin which is a 1000 times more exciting then my own photographic efforts… AM x x