What Is Builder Gel? Mylee Answers All Your Questions!
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Time to read 8 min
Mylee 5-in-1 Builder Gel is your go-to product for all your nail needs – or at least it's about to be!
If you’ve got questions about what exactly Builder Gel is and what it’s used for, we’ve got the answers!
This incredible little gel bottle can be used for a ton of nail applications and situations. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never be without it.
We mean, just look at those gorgeous shades! If you add them to your basket now, you’ll benefit from our recent 15% off* deal. Just saying…
So, what is Builder Gel? Let’s find out.
What is Builder Gel?
Builder Gel is a thick gel used for short nail extensions and as an overlay over the natural nail to give extra strength and durability.
It’s much thicker than normal gel polish, but thinner than our Magic Extender Gel (which is a thick paste-like consistency). It’s thanks to this consistency that it’s such a versatile product.
It can be a little fiddly to use at first (especially if it’s your first time creating gel extensions), but after a few tries, you’ll nail it.
Our Builder Gel comes in a range of neutral colours: Clear, White, Light Pink, Peach, Blush, French Rose and Laid Bare.
No matter what style you're trying to create, it’s a guaranteed nail-saver.
What is Builder Gel Used For?
Now that you know a bit about what our Builder Gel is, let's dive into the 7 other uses and techniques of Mylee Builder Gel (and how to use it).
It’s truly the perfect solution for any nail look you're trying to create and can be used for: a base coat and top coat, a strong overlay on the natural nails, attaching gems or jewels on your fingers and extending nails by up to 1cm.
Using Builder Gel as a Base Coat
Mylee’s clear Builder Gel can be used as a base coat for any nail application. It will ensure that your nails have a firm overlay at the base of your mani to provide strength and means that the nail gel polish will glide on smoothly.
Builder Gel also acts like a usual base coat, allowing the gel polish to stick more easily to your nail, meaning that you will be able to rock your gel nail polish for longer!
Not only will your polish last longer, but the Builder Gel will also stop your natural nails from getting stained from any coloured gel polish you may use – a big bonus when it comes to those bold colours!
Simply apply a thin layer of the builder gel to each nail and cure for 60 seconds under a Mylee LED lamp or 120 under a UV lamp.
Once cured, your nails will be ready for any colour!
Using Builder Gel as a Top Coat
A top coat is absolutely essential when it comes to painting the perfect mani, and Mylee’s Clear Builder Gel can be used as a top coat for any gel nail polish application.
Using the Mylee Builder Gel as a top coat will protect your gel polish from chipping so that your nails will look better for longer. It will also add a high-gloss shine to your nails, giving them a salon-worthy finish.
Our selection of Builder Gel colours means that there’s a gel for any nail look you're trying to create.
To use, apply a thin layer of the Builder Gel over your cured gel nail polish and cure for 60 seconds under a Mylee LED lamp or UV lamp. Once cured, your nails will be protected and have a beautiful shine!
Using Builder Gel as a Strengthening Overlay
If you're looking for a way to strengthen your natural nails, then the Mylee Builder Gel can be used as a strengthening overlay.
For those whose natural nails are more brittle, you should definitely consider a strengthening overlay to improve the health of your nails and protect them from everyday damage.
Builder Gel is also a great alternative to acrylic overlays which can be harsh on those with softer nails. The Mylee Builder Gel will not damage your natural nails, instead providing a layer of strength, so it is a popular choice.
You can use a thin layer of Builder Gel for a base and top coat, but when using it as an overlay apply thicker layers and float it over the nail for a smooth finish.
Alternatively, go in with several thinner layers to build up the thickness and strength, curing under a UV or LED lamp each time.
Using Builder Gel to Extend Your Nails
If you're looking to extend your nails, then the Mylee Builder Gel can be used with paper forms in order to achieve this look!
This method is perfect if you want longer nails more easily and without breaking the bank at a salon!
Once again, this method is better for people who have weaker natural nails. Mylee Builder Gel will not damage your nails and can be super easily removed by soaking them in acetone, unlike acrylics.
How to Apply Builder Gel
Step 1) After your usual nail prep, apply a thin layer of base coat to your natural nails if using a coloured Builder Gel (you don’t need this for the clear option) and cure for 60 seconds under a Mylee LED Lamp.
Step 2) Once cured, apply the paper form to your nail.
Step 3) Apply another layer of the builder gel, floating the gel over the edge of your nail and onto the form.
Step 4) Cure for 60 seconds and repeat with layers of Builder Gel until the nail extension feels strong enough.
Step 5) Add a thicker amount of gel polish at the apex of your nail to add strength to the structure of your nail – this trick helps to avoid lifting, then remove the paper form.
Your nails will be extended and ready to decorate.
Using Builder Gel to Encapsulate Glitter
Our Builder Gel can be used to encapsulate glitter within the gel, meaning that you can sparkle and have a smooth finish with none of the mess!
This is a great way to achieve a glittery nail look without having to deal with the fallout of loose glitter or expensive salon bills.
Experiment with colours and types of glitter to get a look that's unique to you.
How to Encapsulate Nail Glitter with Builder Gel
To use, apply a layer of Builder Gel or base coat of your favourite colour and cure for 60 seconds under an LED lamp (or 120 under a UV lamp).
Once cured, apply your glitter to the nail and float over another layer of builder gel to encapsulate the glitter and give a smooth finish.
Cure for 60 seconds, and voila – you've got yourself glittery Builder Gel nails with no mess and no rough finish!
Using Builder Gel to Fix Broken Nails
If you've broken or cracked a nail and are in need of a quick fix, then the Mylee Builder Gel can be a huge nail-saver.
This is a great way to fix your nail until you're able to get to a salon or, need a quick solution at home.
To use, apply a thin layer of the builder gel over your broken nail and cure for 60 seconds under a UV or LED lamp.
Once cured, your nail will be strengthened and protected.
Essentially, this adds a strong overlay to the crack, glueing it back together.
Using Builder Gel to Attach Gems & Jewels
If you're looking to add some extra sparkle to your nails, then Mylee Builder Gel can be used to attach gems and jewels.! This is a great way to add some extra pizzazz to your nails and really make them stand out.
You can use any type of gem or jewel that you like, and they will easily attach to the gel. Have fun and be creative!
Prep your nail and paint them with a gel polish colour. Dab some Builder Gel onto the area where you want to attach your gem and apply your gem or jewel to the nail.
Cure for 2 minutes under a UV lamp. Apply a layer of Builder Gel to your whole nail to encapsulate, cure again, and voila - you've got yourself a blinged-out nail!
Final Thoughts: The Best Builder Gel for Nails is Right Here!
If you haven't discovered Mylee’s Builder Gel yet, then you're missing out. It’s a real game-changer, revolutionising the way you do your nails and, making you feel like a pro nail tech.
Mylee Builder Gel can be used for so many different things, from extending your nails to fixing broken ones and everything in between.
It is an essential product for anyone who loves all-things-nails, and we know that you're going to love it too!
So what are you waiting for? Go and get yourself some Builder Gel and start experimenting!
You won't regret it!
*Get 15% off when you sign up for our exclusive Black Friday sale!
FAQs
What is Builder Gel?
Builder gel is a type of gel that is used to extend nails, build up weak nails, and attach jewels and gems to the nails. It’s a much thicker gel than regular gel polish and can be cured in seconds under both UV and LED lamps.
How Do You Use Builder Gel?
Builder gel is applied to the natural nail or over an extension. It’s cured under a UV or LED lamp after each layer is applied. Once the desired thickness is achieved, the nail can then be decorated as desired.
What are the Benefits of Builder Gel?
Builder gel is a great way to extend nails and add strength to weakened ones. It can also be used to encapsulate glitter within the gel, resulting in a long-lasting, sparkly finish.! With time and practice at home, you will be able to create salon-worthy nails without the price tag.
Do You Need a Base Coat with Builder Gel?
No, you do not need a base coat with Mylee's Clear Builder Gel. However, we would recommend using a base coat if you are using the Mylee coloured Builder Gels to ensure longevity.
Why Does My Builder Gel Keep Lifting?
If your Builder Gel is lifting, you might not have cured it for long enough. Take into account the thickness of the layer you’re applying to your nail – the thicker the layer, the longer it’s going to take to cure. You should cure for a minimum of 60 seconds under an LED lamp, and 120 under a UV one. Nail prep before application is really important, too. Make sure you’ve pushed back and trimmed your cuticles so the cuticle skin doesn’t cause the gel to lift.
How Long Does Builder Gel Last?
Our Builder Gels will last up to 3 weeks at a time before having to be infilled or removed.
Is Builder Gel Good for Your Nails?
Yes! Builder Gel acts as a protective layer on your nails, keeping them from being damaged by everyday elements. It also helps to strengthen your natural nail and allows them to grow freely underneath.
Ellie Simmons
Ellie is the Brand Manager at Mylee, where she immerses herself in all things gel nails.
Alongside being a skilled and certified nail technician, Ellie's expertise extends to gel manicures and nail extensions. Her heart and soul are devoted to all things nail-related, and she loves flaunting her own long, natural nails with captivating nail art.
Ellie's ultimate favourites are iridescent and sparkly designs!
