Isla Bennett
Jelly gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that gives your nails a translucent, jelly-like finish. It is applied in thin coats, with a base and top coat, and cured under a UV/LED lamp. The result is a bright, glossy manicure with a splash of sheer colour, allowing your natural nails to peek through. The formula is buildable, allowing you to layer coats to achieve your desired level of opacity and a squishy, 3D feel. With a wide range of colours available, from vibrant pinks to bold greens, jelly gel nail polish is an easy way to achieve a fun and unique manicure at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Jelly-like |
| Formula | Sheer, buildable, bright |
| Application | 1-2 thin coats |
| Curing time | 60 seconds per coat |
| Finish | Glossy, shiny, squishy, 3-D |
| Opacity | Low |
| Nail length | Best on longer nails |
| Nail prep | Push back cuticles, shape nails, roughen surface |
| Base coat | Clear |
| Top coat | Quick-dry |
| Nail lamp | UV/LED |
| Colors | Blue, orange, lime, pink, yellow, red, purple, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Jelly nail polish application
Jelly nail polish is a fun, vibrant, and colourful way to achieve a unique manicure. The jelly nail polish trend is inspired by the translucent, colourful look of jelly shoes from the 1990s. The jelly finish is achieved by using a polish that is slightly or fully transparent, with a hint of colour that allows your natural nails to be seen through the polish.
Jelly nail polish is easy to apply and can be done at home. The first step is to prepare your nails. This includes trimming, shaping, and removing any shine from the surface of your nails. Push back your cuticles and use cuticle oil to keep them healthy. You can also gently buff the surface of your nails to help the polish adhere better. If you want to use nail tips, opt for clear ones with transparent adhesive.
Once your nails are prepped, it's time to apply the base coat. For jelly nails, a clear base coat is recommended to achieve the best results. Apply a thin layer of the base coat to each nail, capping the free edge, and cure for 60 seconds under a UV/LED nail lamp.
Now it's time for the jelly polish! Select your desired jelly nail polish colour and apply 1-2 thin coats, capping the free edge and curing each coat for 60 seconds. The number of coats you apply will depend on your preferred level of opacity. Remember that jelly nail polishes are buildable, so you can layer them until you achieve your desired coverage.
After the jelly polish has dried, you can add any desired nail art or glitter. If you want to add a glitter layer, choose a glitter polish with a clear base and apply it over the jelly polish. Once the glitter is dry, you can add another layer of jelly polish on top.
Finally, seal in your design with a top coat. Apply a thin coat of a clear, glossy top coat, capping the free edge, and cure for 60 seconds. And that's it! Your jelly manicure is now complete and ready to show off!
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How to prep nails for jelly gel polish
Preparing your nails for a jelly gel polish manicure is an important step that should not be skipped. Proper nail prep will not only make your manicure look better and last longer but also prevent damage to your nails. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prep your nails for a flawless jelly gel polish application:
Start by pushing back your cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher or the flat side of a Prep & Remove Pusher to gently push back the cuticles. You can also use a cuticle remover to soften the dead skin first, then gently push it back. This step will give you more surface area to paint and allow you to get closer to your skin, preventing the polish from lifting prematurely.
Next, shape your nails to your desired length and shape. You can use a nail clipper to trim your nails to the desired length and then use a nail file to shape them. It is recommended to file in one direction, from the side of the nail towards the centre, to maintain the strength of the nail and prevent splitting.
After shaping, gently buff your nails to give them a slightly rough finish. This will help the jelly gel polish adhere better to your nails. Be careful not to buff too aggressively, as this can weaken your nails.
Before applying the base coat, it is crucial to cleanse your nails to remove any oils, dust, or residue. You can use alcohol, nail cleanser, or nail prep pads for this step. This will ensure that your nails are clean and grease-free, providing a good base for the jelly gel polish.
Finally, apply a thin coat of clear base coat to your nails, capping the free edge. Cure the base coat under a UV/LED gel nail lamp for 60 seconds. This will provide a good foundation for the jelly gel polish and help it adhere properly.
Now that your nails are properly prepped, you can move on to applying your chosen jelly gel nail polish colour, following the specific instructions for that polish.
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Recommended jelly gel polish brands
Unlike hard-to-remove gel polishes, jelly gel nail polishes offer a splash of sheer colour and shine, similar to lip gloss. The translucent formula allows your natural nails to show through, creating a jelly-like effect.
- Cirque: The brand offers a range of unique colours, including sparkling flakes, and has received praise for its high-quality jelly polishes. Their shades include Dove jelly, a cool-toned rose water, and a warmer-toned rose jelly.
- Kiara Sky: Kiara Sky's Jelly Tints Collection features 12 vibrant, ultra-pigmented jelly tint polishes with a smooth, self-levelling formula. The collection includes shades like hot pink and deep red, as well as a neon green shade called Appletini.
- Gelous: This brand provides a range of colourful jelly gel nail polishes, such as Blue Jelly, Orange Jelly, Lime Jelly, and Hot Pink Jelly. Their polishes are easy to apply and can be used to create a DIY gel manicure at home.
- Dior: While not specifically mentioned as a jelly nail polish, Dior Nail Glow was included in a list of polishes to wear for a summer manicure.
- Other notable mentions include polishes from Deborah Lippmann, Julep, YSL, and Zoya.
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Colours and shades of jelly gel polishes
Jelly gel nail polishes are known for their bright and buildable shades that offer a slightly see-through splash of colour, leaving your natural nails peeking through for a jelly-like effect. The polishes are available in a wide range of colours and shades, allowing for a great base for any and all nail designs.
Some popular shades of jelly gel nail polishes include bold and bright colours like blue, orange, and hot pink. These shades are perfect for making a statement and adding a playful touch to your manicure. For instance, a bright sea blue shade can be paired with a denim jacket and a baby tee for a fun and vibrant look.
If you're looking for something more subtle, jelly gel polishes also come in softer shades like lavender, olive green, and raspberry. These colours offer a unique and delicate look while still allowing your natural nails to show through.
For those who want a classic look, jelly gel polishes also come in sheer shades of cherry red, reminiscent of stained glass. You can also find jelly gel polishes in unique shades like lime green, which is reminiscent of the transparent 1998 iMacs.
The versatility of jelly gel nail polishes allows you to create a wide range of looks, from bold and bright to subtle and sophisticated. With their sheer and glossy formula, these polishes are a fun way to add a splash of colour to your manicure while still showcasing your natural nails.
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Jelly gel polish finish and removal
To achieve a jelly gel polish finish, you'll first need to prep your nails. Start by pushing back your cuticles, shaping your nails, and gently roughing up the nail surface. This will help the polish adhere better. Next, apply a thin coat of clear base coat and cure it under a UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. If you're using builder gel, apply it now, capping the free edge and curing each coat.
Now it's time to apply the jelly gel nail polish. Choose your desired colour and apply 1-2 thin coats, capping the free edge and curing for 60 seconds after each coat. The shades are buildable, so you can layer them until you achieve your desired level of opacity. Remember, the jelly manicure looks best when your natural nail line is visible, so consider the shape and length of your nails.
Once you're happy with the colour, finish with a thin coat of top coat, capping the free edge and curing for another 60 seconds. And that's it! Your jelly gel manicure is now complete and ready to show off!
To remove the jelly gel polish, you can use a few different methods. One option is to simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the polish. This method helps prevent your nails from catching on objects. Alternatively, you can use a gentle removal process with a wet washcloth and warm water. Gently rub the washcloth over the nail to remove the polish, being careful not to rub the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands with a mild, fragrance-free soap to remove any remaining acetone, and apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and skin around your nails for the next seven days to reduce any irritation.
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Frequently asked questions
Jelly gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that gives your nails a translucent, jelly-like finish. It is usually bright and buildable, allowing your natural nails to show through.
First, prep your nails by pushing back your cuticles, shaping them, and gently roughing up the surface. Then, apply a thin coat of clear base coat and cure it under a UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. Next, apply 1-2 thin coats of your chosen jelly gel nail polish colour, curing after each coat. Finish with a thin coat of top coat, curing for another 60 seconds.
Jelly gel nail polish comes in a wide range of colours, including pink, red, yellow, green, blue, and orange. Some brands offer unique shades with sparkling flakes, while others have sheer options.
There are several brands that offer jelly gel nail polishes, including Kiara Sky, BORN PRETTY, Cirque, and Gelous. You can find these products online or at select beauty retailers.
