The Scoop on Solid Gel Polish: What it Is, How to Use It & Mani Inspiration
|
|
Time to read 11 min
We know that any way to make doing your mani at home easier is always welcome, and solid gel polish definitely ticks that box. But what exactly is it? And how do you use it?
It's essentially what it sounds like: a solid, gel polish that comes in a compact form.
Unlike regular gel polish, which has a runny consistency, solid gel polish is much thicker and applied with a nail art brush. You have much more artistic control and precision over your designs, which is great for creating intricate nail art.
But very much like gel polish, solid gel comes in lots of beautiful, pigmented colours.
We've very recently dropped a whole new range of colours in our solid gel polish collection full of must-have shades, so here’s a little sneak peek of the products. PSA, if you order today, you’ll get 15% off*!
If you want to see how and why solid gel polish well-and-truly deserves a place in your nail kit, keep reading.
In this Guide...
What is Solid Gel Polish?
We've already touched on this very briefly, but let's dive a little deeper.
Solid gel polish has a thick, cream-like consistency. Our Créme CaraGel comes in a little tub with the solid polish inside, which you can scoop out with a nail art brush and apply directly to your nails.
The thicker consistency of solid gel polish means it stays put when you apply it, so you can get really precise with your designs. You won't run the risk of mixing colours or smudging your design, so you can paint it onto your nails exactly how and where you want it.
Despite the thick consistency, it's still a gel polish, so you'll still need to cure it under an LED or UV lamp.
@myleebeautyofficial Scrumptious Summer nail art has arrived 💅 Meet the newest shades in our Crème Caragel collection 🎨 Link in bio now to peep the drop 👀😇 #mylee #lovemylee #myleebeauty #myleenails #gelnails #newcolours #caragels #cremecaragels ♬ original sound - Myleebeauty
How Long Do You Need to Cure Solid Cream Gel Polish?
You'll need to cure your solid gel polish under an LED lamp for 60 seconds or under a UV lamp for 120 seconds.
Just like with regular gel polish formulas, you will also need to cure the solid polish after every layer you apply.
The core ingredients in gel polish need to be 'set' by the nail light, which is why curing is necessary. Without this step, the polish won't layer properly and won't last. |
Our Salon Series Convex™ LED Lamp is really one of the best nail curing lamps out there, with clever Convex™ technology that maximises the lights contact with your nails, resulting in a quicker and more even cure.
How Long Does Solid Gel Polish Last?
While we can't speak for all brands, our solid gel polish will last for up to 3 weeks.
Of course, this is with proper nail prep, application, and curing for the correct amount of time.
If you don't correctly prep your nails for polish, it won't adhere properly and could result in chipping or peeling.
Additionally, the longevity of your mani also depends on how well you take care of your nails after application. Using harsh chemicals or constantly soaking your nails in water can cause premature lifting and peeling of the polish.
But if you follow all the right steps, you can expect your mani to last up to a whopping 21 days.
Which is Better: Solid Gel Polish or Regular Gel Polish?
We don't think solid gel polish is any more superior than regular gel polish, and vice versa. They're both as brilliant as each other and bring their own unique benefits to the table.
Both types of feel polish can be used to paint the entire nail or for creating nail designs. You may find one to be of more preference for certain designs, though.
For example, regular gel polish is great for a more sheer nail look due to the thinner consistency.
It's also perfect for creating tie-dye or ombre nail designs. You can still create detailed nail art with regular gel polish, too, but it will take a little practice and patience if you're a total newbie to gel nails.
Solid gel polish gives you a more opaque coverage and is a little easier to work with when creating precise art. For total beginners to nail art, solid gel polish may be the better option to start with.
But, for us, we like using a combination of both types of gel polish to create the perfect nail design. The possibilities are endless when you have both at your disposal.
How to Use Solid Gel Polish: Step-by-Step
Another reason why we love solid gel polish is that it's super easy to use, and it doesn't require any special skills or techniques.
We've laid out our step-by-step below on how to use solid gel polish, or you can follow along with our TikTok video for a visual guide.
@myleebeautyofficial Prepare to ✨serve✨ with our new Crème Caragel colours 💙👀 📹 - @bysimlynail using Gobstopper, Flying Saucer and Banana Split with our Oval Brush for application #mylee #lovemylee #myleebeauty #myleenails #gelnails #newcolours #caragels #cremecaragels #bluenails ♬ original sound - Myleebeauty
Step 1) Start With Nail Prep
Any great mani starts with great prep, so this is number 1 on our list.
Push back your cuticles with a Metal Cuticle Pusher, and apply Cuticle Remover if needed to create a clean, smooth surface for your polish to adhere to.
Next, shape your nails using a Half Moon Nail File and remove the shiny surface with a 180-grit Buffer Block.
You'll then need to cleanse your nails using a nail cleaning solution, like Prep & Wipe soaked on a Lint-Free Nail Wipe. Follow up with a Nail Dehydrator.
Shop our nail prep essentials below…
Step 2) Apply a Base Coat Gel Polish
Now you can apply your first layer of polish – the base coat.
Our Base Coat Gel Polish will help your mani stay put for those 3 weeks, so we always recommend it for any gel mani (especially when using our Crème CaraGel).
Paint the base coat onto your entire nail and cure under the Pro LED Lamp for 60 seconds (or 120 seconds if you're using a UV lamp).
Step 3) Lay Down Your Gel Base Colour
At this point, you have a few options.
You can either use a regular gel polish for your base colour or go straight in with your solid gel polish. This all depends on the design you're going for and your personal preference.
If you're using regular gel polish, paint your colour of choice over the cured base coat and cure under the Pro LED Lamp for another 60 seconds.
After this – or if you're going straight in with a solid gel polish – take an Oval Nail Brush and scoop up a small amount of Crème CaraGel, or whatever solid gel polish you're using. A little goes a long way, so be careful to not take too much!
Gently glide the gel over your nail, using a similar motion as if you were painting on a canvas. Make sure to get an even and smooth coat, paying attention to the sides and edges of your nail.
Using smooth strokes is key to avoid any bumps or ridges in the gel. Once you have a smooth coat, cure under the lamp for another 60 seconds.
Step 4) Repeat to Make the Colour Pop
When you have a base colour down, you can choose to apply a second (or even third) layer for a more vibrant look.
With solid gel polish, you might find that just one coat gives you the desired colour, but for a more intense pop, don't be afraid to layer up.
Make sure to cure in between coats for the correct time, too. This will ensure that the layers bond together properly and prevent any chipping or peeling later on.
Step 5) Create Your Nail Art Designs
Now, the fun begins!
You can clean off the Oval Nail Brush or use some finer brushes, and dip them into your solid nail gel polishes to create unique designs directly over the top of your base colour.
We have some inspiration for you a little later on, but some of the best designs to create with solid polish include:
Flower nail art
Polka dot nails
Abstract geometric nail designs
Striped nails
You can flash cure nail art under our Convex™ LED Lamp for 15 seconds.
Step 6) Seal the Deal with a Top Coat
Once you're finished with your nail art, apply a top coat to seal in the design and give it that lasting power.
Our No Wipe Top Coat Gel Polish is our go-to for any mani, as it dries without leaving a sticky residue and gives nails a high shine finish.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different top coats. Our No Wipe formula comes in iridescent, glitter, and matte finishes for even more nail art possibilities.
Our Favourite Nail Designs Using Solid Gel Polish
Once you know how easy it is to create nail art with solid gel polish, the doors are opened for endless design possibilities.
We could make an endless list of our favourite designs, but we've rounded up a few of our top ones as wonderfully showcased and demonstrated by our brand ambassadors and team members.
Violet Purple Nails
Fancy something sweet? These vibrant violet nails are sure to satisfy your cravings.
We've used our new Palma Violet Crème CaraGel shade for this look, and it's the perfect colour for spring and summer. It's bright, fun, and adds a pop of colour to your nails. Plus, the solid gel formula ensures a long-lasting and glossy finish.
Mandala-Inspired Nail Art
@myleebeautyofficial Love nail art? Then you ✨NEED✨ Caragels 👀 Thicker consistency means the product won’t run all over your nail while you trying to perfect that linework 👏 And a no-wipe finish means no tackiness after curing = no dust sticking to your work of art before it’s sealed with a Top Coat 😇 📹 - @zoya_mac using Flying Saucer, Banana Split and Gobstopper with Mylee brushes #mylee #lovemylee #myleebeauty #myleenails #gelnails #newcolours #caragels #cremecaragels ♬ original sound - Myleebeauty
Looking for a more intricate design? The talented Zoya (@zoya_mac) shows us how to create this stunning mandala-inspired nail art using our solid gel polishes.
She's used a few different Crème CaraGel colours here, which we love for summer. It's a great way to add some personality and creativity to your nails, and the vibrant colours will definitely make a statement.
Peach Nude Nails
@myleebeautyofficial Caragels got us serving looks 🍑✨ Obsessed with our new shade ‘Tinned Peaches’ What’s your favourite shade from our new collection? 👇 📹 @beautybyeva.r #mylee #lovemylee #myleebeauty #myleenails #gelnails #newcolours #caragels #cremecaragels ♬ original sound - Myleebeauty
Peach nails are the colour of the year and for good reason. They're soft, elegant, and versatile – perfect for any occasion.
Our Crème CaraGel shade in Tinned Peaches is the perfect peachy nude that will complement any skin tone.
Pastel Nail Art
Who doesn't love a pastel moment for summer?
Kate, AKA @follow_my_nail_journey, has created this stunning swirl design using our Crème CaraGel shades in Olive Grove, Tinned Peaches, and Palma Violet.
The Roundup: Everything You Need to Know About Solid Gel Polish
From highly pigmented, all-over colour to sweet nail art, solid gel polish can do it all. We think this polish should be a core staple in any gel polish collection, and our Crème CaraGel range offers a wide variety of shades to choose from.
With a long-lasting, salon-quality formula, you can create beautiful gel nails at home to your heart's content.
Shop our full collection below, and unleash your inner mani-maestro!
*Get 15% off when you sign up for our newsletter!
FAQs
How do you cure solid gel polish?
Solid gel polish can be cured under a UV or an LED lamp, just like regular gel polish. You should cure for 60 seconds under an LED lamp and 120 seconds under a UV lamp.
Why is my hard gel polish sticky after curing?
It's supposed to be! Any type of gel polish (other than a no-wipe formula) will have a sticky or tacky layer after curing. This is completely normal, as it's how the polish layers adhere to each other.
How long do solid gel nails last?
When using our Crème CaraGel, your solid gel nails will last up to 3 weeks.
How do you apply solid nail gel?
An oval nail brush is the best way to apply solid nail gel as it allows you to glide the product smoothly onto the nail.
Start by prepping your nails, then apply a layer of base coat and cure for the recommended time (see above).
Next, apply a thin layer of solid gel polish and cure again. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired opacity.
Finish off with a top coat and cure one last time.
Merilin Notton
As the Head of Brand at Mylee, Merilin is a seasoned beauty industry professional with a strong passion for nail art.
With a background as a licensed beautician and a track record of shaping and elevating beauty brands, Merilin is dedicated to empowering individuals to express themselves through nail art, making them a driving force behind Mylee's success in the beauty industry.
