Isla Bennett
Gel nail polishes are a popular choice for those who want long-lasting, salon-quality manicures. They come in various colours and finishes, but does gel nail polish also come in clear? The short answer is yes. Clear gel nail polishes exist and are widely available. They can be used as a base or top coat, or even on their own for a natural look. Some clear gel nail polishes can also be mixed with pigments to create custom colours. While gel nail polishes are known for their durability, it's important to note that they may pose some risks if applied directly to damaged nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | F.U.N LACQUER, Imtiti, Weekly Gel, The GelBottle Inc, beetles Gel Polish, GAOY, modelones, JODSONE, Sally Hansen |
| Volume | 7ml, 12ml (0.4 fl. oz.), 15ml (0.5oz) |
| Features | Chip-resistant, heat-activated colour, long-wearing, peel-off, quick-dry, colour-changing, cruelty-free, vegan, biodegradable, non-toxic, organic, washable, glittery, glow-in-the-dark, holographic, magnetic, smudge-proof, glossy, matte, metallic, pearl, sheer, shimmery, chrome, reflective |
| Application | Apply a thin layer of gel base coat, cure with UV/LED nail lamp, add powder/pigment, apply a generous coat, design pattern, cure polish, finish with a gel top coat |
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What You'll Learn
Clear gel nail polish exists
F.U.N Lacquer offers a clear gel nail polish that is certified cruelty-free and vegan. It does not contain harmful ingredients such as Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP/TPP), Parabens, and Lead. The brand also offers free domestic shipping in Singapore for purchases of 4 polishes or more.
Imtiti also offers a clear gel nail polish that comes in a small tube and is available in a glitter finish. This polish has received positive reviews for its coverage, quality, and ease of removal. It is also available in a larger 15ml size.
Weekly Gel's clear gel nail polish is a base coat, gel nail, and top coat all in one formula. It is easy to apply and remove, and does not require any chemical nail polish remover, leaving your natural nails damage-free. The brand also offers a compact LED lamp that cures the gel in just 25 seconds.
The GelBottle Inc's clear gel nail polish is a builder gel that can be used to create strong overlays and strengthen the natural nail barrier. It is perfect for nail techs who work with clients who prefer vegan gel polish options. The brand's clear builder gel is available in a mini 7ml bottle or a full-size 20ml bottle, and can be cured with LED or UV light.
In addition to these options, there are also clear gel nail polishes available from various Korean brands, as well as clear gel top coats and other gel-adjacent products.
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Prepping nails for clear gel polish
Clear gel nail polish does exist and is available from several brands. However, before applying clear gel nail polish, it is important to properly prepare your nails to ensure the best results and prevent damage to your nails.
Start by shaping your nails to your desired length and shape using a nail clipper and file. It is recommended to file your nails from the side toward the center each time and in one direction, rather than back and forth, to prevent the nail from splitting. You can then use a cuticle remover to soften the dead skin and gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or wooden stick. Be sure to do this gently to avoid causing damage. Removing dead skin and pushing back your cuticles will provide more surface area to paint your nails and help your manicure stay on more firmly.
The next step is to buff your nails with a polishing block to remove any remaining dead skin cells and grease. This will help the gel polish adhere better and last longer. After buffing, remove the dust from your nails using a manicure brush and clean your work surface to prevent dust, fluff, and hairs from getting into your products. It is then important to cleanse your nails to remove any oils and dust from filing. You can use alcohol, a nail cleanser, or nail prep pads for this step.
Finally, apply a primer or adhesion enhancer to further improve the adhesion between the nail and the gel polish. Allow the primer to air dry completely before applying the gel polish. By properly preparing your nails, you can ensure that your manicure will look better and last longer, and your natural nails will remain healthy.
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Brands that sell clear gel nail polish
Yes, clear gel nail polish does exist and there are several brands that sell it.
One option is F.U.N Lacquer, which sells a clear gel nail polish that can be used to create your own nail polish by adding your favourite powder or pigment. Their polishes are 10-free, meaning they do not contain harmful ingredients such as Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Lead. They are also certified cruelty-free and vegan.
Another option is to look at Korean brands, which are said to have clear gel nail polishes for encapsulation or nail art. One brand mentioned in this context is Zillabeau.
Additionally, Amazon offers a variety of clear gel nail polishes from different brands, including beetles Gel Polish, GAOY, modelones, JODSONE, Sally Hansen, Vishine, OPI, essie, Makartt, and Born Pretty. These polishes come in different finishes, such as glittery, matte, and pearl, and some are also cruelty-free and vegan.
It is important to note that some people have reported issues with the top coat not adhering well to the base coat when using clear gel nail polishes. However, others have stated that they have not had any issues with bonding, adhering, or curing when using just the base and top coat by themselves.
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Application of clear gel nail polish
Clear gel nail polish does exist and can be purchased from various brands. It can be used as a base and top coat, or you can add your favourite powder or pigment to create your own nail polish colour.
Before applying clear gel nail polish, it is important to prepare your nails by ensuring they are clean and dry. You can then apply a thin layer of the gel base coat. Cure the base coat under a UV or LED nail lamp for approximately one minute. If you are using regular nail polish, ensure it is completely dry before applying the gel polish, otherwise, the gel layer may crumble.
After curing the base coat, you can dip a small amount of powder or pigment and mix it with the clear gel polish. Apply a generous coat of this mixture to your nails. If you are using magnetic powder, you can use a magnetic tool to create different designs and patterns. Cure the nail polish under the UV/LED nail lamp for another minute. You can repeat the previous steps for better opacity if desired.
Finally, finish off with a clear gel top coat. Cure the top coat under the nail lamp for one minute. The result should be a long-lasting, safe, and cruelty-free manicure.
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Removal of clear gel nail polish
Clear gel nail polish certainly exists, but what's the best way to remove it? Well, there are a few different methods you can try, each with their own pros and cons.
The Traditional Acetone Method
This method involves using acetone, which is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish, according to board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD. It's important to note that acetone can be harsh on your nails and skin, so it's recommended to use a moisturising hand cream and cuticle oil daily to nourish your cuticles and keep your hands and nails healthy. Here's a step-by-step guide to the traditional acetone method:
- Prepare your work area by lining it with plastic wrap or a cloth to protect it from acetone stains.
- Cut 10 squares of aluminium foil, big enough for each fingertip.
- Tear off 10 pieces of cotton balls or pads to fit just the nail bed of each nail.
- Soak the cotton in acetone.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or cuticle oil to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect it from the acetone.
- Place the soaked cotton on top of each nail and wrap it with the aluminium foil, making sure it's snug.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes and relax while the acetone works.
- Lightly massage the foil and pull it away from your nail.
- Gently remove any excess gel polish with an orangewood stick, going from cuticle to tip.
- Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
The Gel Nail Polish Remover Method
If you're looking for a faster and gentler alternative to the traditional method, you can use a gel nail polish remover. This method doesn't require an acetone bath and takes only 5 minutes. Here's a simplified guide:
- File down the gel top coat layer with a coarse nail file until it's no longer shiny and smooth.
- Use a metal cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick to gently push the gel polish off each nail.
- If the polish is stubborn, soak a cotton ball in acetone and hold it on the nail for another 5 minutes.
- Gently buff your nails to smooth out ridges and remove any remaining gel polish. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails.
- Apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and your nails strong and healthy.
The Natural Growth Method
If you're not in a hurry, you can simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish gradually. This method is the gentlest on your nails but can take a long time, especially for fingernails, which take about six months to grow out completely.
Whichever method you choose, always be gentle with your nails and avoid picking, filing, or peeling off the gel polish, as these actions can cause significant damage to your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, clear gel nail polish does exist.
Clear gel nail polish can be purchased from Amazon, Fun Lacquer, and The Gel Bottle Inc.
To apply clear gel nail polish, prep your nails by cleaning them with a cotton pad and nail cleanser to clear off any excess oil. Then, apply the gel polish using a straightforward motion from the base of the nail to the tip. Cure the gel polish using a UV/LED lamp.
Yes, you can use clear gel nail polish with other nail polishes. However, it is important to ensure that the regular nail polish is completely dry before applying the gel polish to avoid crumbling.
