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Meet the Experts
Shape Your Nails
The first step?
Samuel says that caring for your nails during the shaping process is critical.
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“You should file in one direction rather than back and forth,” Samuel adds.
“This prevents the nail from splitting.”
Gently Push Your Cuticles
Painting over your cuticles can lead to your gel polish lifting prematurely.
To ensure your gel mani lasts, Bee suggests pushing back your cuticle with a gentle motion.
If you’re looking for a cuticle remover, we rounded upthe 14 best options here.
Gently Remove Dead Skin
“Removing dead skin promotes smooth gel polish tool,” Bee says.
However, using this tool carefully is vital to avoid overcutting the cuticle and causing damage to your skin.
We suggest using the Tweezerman Rockhard Cuticle Nipper or Manicurist Cuticle Clippers.
Giving your nails a “slightly rough” finish helps the gel polish adhere to the nails better.
She recommends buffing in one direction to avoid removing multiple layers of the nail and weakening it.
Cleanse Your Nails
Cleansing your nails is crucial, especially if you’ve applied cuticle remover.
“[you might] use alcohol or nail cleanser [to remove residue],” Bee says.
Use nail prep pads like Le Mini Macaron’s Nail Cleanser Pads and Butter London’s Nail Scrubbers.
Samuel advises sticking with a nail brand’s complete system.
“Their products are made to work in conjunction with each other.”
For long-lasting results, Bee advises applying your base coat in thin layers.
