Caring for your 516 GEL bottles:

• Caution: nail polish is highly flammable and should not be used or stored near a naked flame!
• Store your 516 GEL bottles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Paint your nails in a well ventilated area
• Store your 516 GEL bottles upright
• Whilst doing your gel nails, keep your 516 GEL bottle well away from the UV/LED lamp to avoid accidental curing
• Don't leave the cap off your 516 GEL bottle for extended periods of time, even whilst doing your nails

How to apply 516 GEL (one step gel):

Before you begin, make sure to sanitise your workspace and tools using antibacterial gel/wipes.

• Step 1: Starting with clean nails, gently file your nails into your desired shape and lightly buff the surface of your nails for a smooth canvas. Use an alcohol wipe* to remove any residue/moisture from your nails (*70% isopropyl alcohol). It's important that your nails aren't oily to ensure the gel adheres well
• Step 2: Apply one thin coat of your 516 GEL colour and cure for 30 seconds if you are using 516 UV/LED nail lamp. Note: if you are using a different brand's nail lamp, you may need to cure at least 60 seconds – we recommend using a lamp of at least 48 watts for best results. Take care not to get any gel polish on the skin around your nails – if this does happen, be sure to wipe it off immediately using a cotton pad/bud dipped in acetone 
• Step 3:  Apply a second thin coat to deepen the colour, cure for another 30-60 seconds using your nail lamp
• Step 4: The gel polish should be completely dry now – check it's cured properly by pressing one of your nails gently. If the gel on your nail shifts out of place, it is not dry and you should cure your nails again for a further 60 seconds
• Step 5: Once your nails have cured, finish off by massaging your nails with your favourite cuticle oil and you're done!

How to apply 516 GEL (three step gel):

As always, before beginning, sanitise your workspace and tools.

• Step 1: Starting with clean nails, gently file your nails into your desired shape and lightly buff the surface of your nails for a smooth canvas. Use an alcohol wipe* to remove any residue/moisture from your nails (*70% isopropyl alcohol). It's important that your nails aren't oily to ensure the gel adheres well
• Step 2: Apply one thin coat of your Perfect Prep Gel Base Coat and cure for 60 seconds if you are using 516 UV/LED nail lamp. Note: if you are using a different brand's nail lamp, you may need to cure at least 60-90 seconds – we recommend using a lamp of at least 48 watts for best results. Take care not to get any product on the skin around your nails – if this does happen, be sure to wipe it off immediately using a cotton pad/bud dipped in acetone 
• Step 3: Apply one thin coat of your 516 GEL colour and cure for another 60 seconds. Again, be careful not to get any gel polish on your skin
• Step 4:  Apply a second thin coat to deepen the gel colour to your desired intensity, cure for another 60 seconds
• Step 5: Finish off by applying Super High Shine No Wipe Top Coat and cure for 60 seconds, this step adds glossy professional look and helps your mani to last longer. (No need to wipe off the top, there's no sticky layer)
• Step 6: The gel polish should be completely dry now – check it's cured properly by pressing one of your nails gently. If the gel on your nail shifts out of place, it is not dry and you should cure your nails again for a further 60 seconds
• Step 7: Once your nails have cured, finish off by massaging your nails with our Vanilla scented Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil!

How to safely remove 516 GEL:

• Pour enough acetone into a small bowl to fully immerse your nails
• Soak your nails in the acetone solution for approximately 10-15 minutes 
• When the time is up, remove your nails from the bowl. Your gel polish should just crumble off. If this isn't the case and there is still a lot of gel polish clinging to your nails, put your nails back into the acetone solution for a further 5 minutes
• Once the gel polish has crumbled, use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently scrape the remaining gel polish residue off your nails. Be very gentle, you should never be scraping your nail beds aggressively
• Once you are satisfied that you have removed all traces of the gel polish, buff and file your nails into your desired shape
• Using acetone will dry out your nails and cuticles – it's time to restore moisture! Remember to always finish off with your favourite cuticle oil and hand/nail cream

Gel Polish FAQs:

What's the difference between gel polish and Shellac? – Although similar, gel polish and Shellac are not the same – in a nutshell they are both forms of long-lasting polishes, which require curing under a UV/LED nail lamp to dry properly. The difference: "gel" nails is simply the generic term given to nails which are cured under a nail lamp. Shellac is a "genuine hybrid" of gel and traditional nail polish created by the brand CND. 

Should I buy your one step gel polish or three step gel polish? – It all depends on your nails and lifestyle. Our one step gel is great for those with strong and healthy natural nails already, it's quick and convenient to apply as it doesn't require any additional steps. Whereas if your nails could use the additional protection, if you have naturally oilier nail beds, or if nail polish/gel tends to chip and peel easily for you, go for our three step gel polish. This formula is intentionally designed to last longer on average than one step gel, and helps to grow out your natural nails whilst preventing them from chipping. The good news is, nothing will go to waste - our No Wipe Top and Base Coat Duo can also be used with our one step gel polish (even though it isn't a necessity for it to cure). Our duo works best with 516 GEL but is also compatible with reputable gel polish brands.

What's the difference between one step gel polish and three step gel polish? – One step gel polish requires one step (apply your gel colour and cure). Three step gel polish requires three steps (apply your gel base coat and cure, apply your gel colour and cure, and finish with your gel no wipe top coat and cure). We have decided to offer both formulas to give you variety and greater autonomy over your nail care! 

What does it mean to 'cure' your nails? – Think of it like, 'drying' your nails. You always want to ensure your gel polish is fully cured!

How long does 516 GEL last? – With proper application and nail care, 516 GEL can last up to 3-4 weeks on average. Top tip: use our Essential Gel Manicure Trio for added protection and to get the maximum wear-time out of your nails.

Is gel polish bad for your nails? – No! However, gel polishes (and other nail enhancements such as acrylic, dip powder, polygel, Shellac etc.) can cause damage to your nails if they are not applied and removed properly. It's really important to resist the temptation to just pick off your gels or vigorously scrape it off with harsh metal tools. Follow the simple application and removal instructions above, and you'll enjoy your gel manicures without any lasting damage to your nails.

Why is my gel polish wrinkling? – Your 516 GEL should not wrinkle, however if it does, you're probably applying your layers too thick. Stick to applying two to three very thin coats of gel polish for a wrinkle-free finish.

I'm not confident in applying gel polish myself, but I still want a gel manicure, what should I do? – Have your 516 GEL applied by your professionally trained and certified nail pro at your next appointment! Why take your own gel polish? There are so many benefits – it adds freedom of choice, it's more hygienic as you won't be sharing with any of your nail pro's clients and you know exactly where to get more if it runs out!

Where can I get a UV/LED lamp to do my gel nails at home? – We recommend our 516 UV/LED 54w Nail Lamp. This combined lamp has double light source (365+405nm) LEDs to cure UV gel, builder gel or LED gel perfectly. Our lamp is also designed to cure our 516 GEL bottles the best, and is also compatible with the industry's leading gel brands. Purchase your lamp through our website.

Got more questions? Send us a message: 516polish@gmail.com