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Important Information
Ingredients
Gelish pH Bond: Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Acetate, Isobutyl Acetate
Directions
Gently prepare the natural nail by lightly buffing the natural nail with a buffer, dehydrate the nail using pH Bond. Apply a thin coat of Gelish Foundation to the nail plate and cure for one minute in Mini Light, ten seconds in LED Light or one minute in UV Light.
Gelish pH Bond: Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethyl Acetate, Isobutyl Acetate
Gelish Foundation: Polyurethane Acrylate Oligomer, 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate, Isobornyl Methacrylate, Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone, D&C Violet #2 (CI60725)
Gelish Top It Off: Polyurethane Acrylate Oligomer, 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, Ethyl Methacrylate, Hydroxycyclohexyl Phenyl Ketone, D&C Violet #2 (CI60725)
Gelish Nourish: Prunes Amydalus Duleis (Sweet Almond), Sesamum Indiem (Sesame) Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Soluble Collagen, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate), Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe Vera) Leaf
Gelish Cleanser: Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetone, Ethyl Acetate
Gelish Remover: Acetone, DI Water, Propylene Glycol, Vitamin E, Red #33 (CI17200), Perfume, 7-Dimethyl -7, Hydroxyoctanal Alcohol, 2-Phenethyl Alcohol, Geranyl Acetate, Geraniol, Dipropylene Glycol, Palmarosa Oil, Benzyl Acetate, Alpha-Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde, a-(trichloromethyl) Benzyl Acetate, Tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-(methylprop-1-enyl) pyran, Citronellol
Directions
Gently prepare the natural nail by lightly buffing the natural nail with a buffer, dehydrate the nail using pH Bond. Apply a thin coat of Gelish Foundation to the nail plate and cure for one minute in Mini Light, ten seconds in LED Light or one minute in UV Light.
Wipe with clean nail wipe, apply two thin coats of Gelish Polish color of choice, curing between each coat for two - three minutes in Mini Light, thirty seconds in LED Light or two minutes in UV Light depending on ...
Product Description
The Gelish Basix Kit a complete package of the essential products necessary to properly apply Gelish from start to finish!
Product Details
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
818 of 824 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
(Updating recommendations, they are at the bottom)
I bought the Gelish kit when it was on major sale (somewhere). I also bought a collection of polish colors. If I knew THEN how long-lasting a gel manicure is, I would not have amassed such a huge collection of regular polish! The gel manicures ROCK! [Update: Youtube "Gelly Sandwich" for videos on how to use regular polish with gel for quick-change color]
When you first get this kit, don't be shocked at how tiny everything is. I was really ticked off at first (because I didn't read specifics when I bought it, thought I was getting full size products) but this is truly an intro-sized kit. Don't be alarmed though, as there is plenty of product in the kit to get you through MANY manicures! I do both fingers and toes and the kit lasted a long time. You'll use different amounts of products at a different pace, so just buy the components separately as you run out. You'll even find some items are not truly necessary.
You might find the instructions overwhelming at first, I would recommend you Youtube some instructional videos. There are hundreds of how-to videos on not only the basics of the gel manicure, but also special effects like french tips and nail art. You will be amazed at all you can do with the gel! Once you see the steps in action it makes reading through and utilizing the instruction manual much easier. Some kits have a mini-dvd; good luck with *that* thing. There are curing times listed on the back of the box.
You'll need, in addition to the kit: a UV or LED lamp, lint free nail polish removal pads, a microfine buffer, 70% alcohol would also be good. Updated note: SHAKE YOUR GEL POLISH WELL--all brands--before each use!
UPDATED LAMP NOTES: I first bought a 32w UV light to use with this instead of the 9w that was sold by the place I got the Gelish set from. The 32w seemed to make the steps work in the amount of time suggested in the Gelish instructions. My first attempt, with the lower wattage 9v UV light, created some problems with bubbling and lifting. You can find 32w lights for about $25.00, no need to pay $200 or more so shop around. You might also want to get a larger light, not one that does one hand at a time, or you'll really get fed up having to spend twice as long to get it done! You might want to buy a tube of broad-spectrum SPF hand cream also if you are concerned about the effects of the lamp on your skin. There are fingerless gloves sold that help block the rays also.
NOTE: I have since found the UV light to be a less economical purchase. Not only does it take longer to process the gel, but you eventually have to replace the bulbs. As the bulbs age, you'll start to notice issues with your nails. Most sites selling UV lamps professionally say you need to change them every 'several years'. That, my friends, is hoo-ha!
LED LIGHT: I recently purchased an LED light that is large enough for one whole hand, it was about $79 so that's a good range if you can find it. I do not like the 4-finger portable LED lights or the battery operated ones. LED cuts cure time drastically, by about 2/3 or so. Get this if you want your gel manicure time to be dramatically slashed! Worth the cost, no replacement bulbs! This is the model I purchased, and the handy timer and choice for automatic on/off is FABULOUS! I didn't pay this price though ;-) USpicy 2012 Brand New White Top 12W LED Nail Light / Lamp / Dryer (30, 60, 90 Sec Timer) for Curing Gelish & LED Gels w/ Full 1 Yr Warranty I have found that some gel colors can go 30 seconds, and some need a full minute each color layer. You'll have to experiment, there is no one-size-cures-all timeframe and brands/colors differ. (so sorry ....)
I got SIX WEEKS out of my gel manicure with pale or clear polishes. The interesting thing about the gel is how strong it is, how strong it makes your nails (I had to clip my nails to shorten them, they were so break-proof!). The gel is substantial yet flexible, so it moves with your nails (sometimes we accidentally hit them on things!). This stuff wears off rather than chipping, and after the sixth week I ended up peeling some off. After eight weeks I finally peeled more off, you'll probably need to soak it with acetone to remove it. It peeled off my nails cleanly and with no damage but that was after a long time. When you remove it, your nails are not stunted and weak like they are with acrylic nails. It's well worth the time to do a gel manicure on yourself and if you use a very light color you can go a long, long time without any noticeable dings! (Note, I'm not advocating PEELING it off, but if you have had it on so long that it's ready to give up, that's different. Otherwise you could damage your nails if you peel something that isn't ready to let go yet)
The only thing you won't like about this product if you like constant color changes, is having to soak off one color before applying more. As an experiment I tried putting another whole set of steps on top of an old set; no no it was horrible! Big thick horrible nasty ugly, don't do it if you want nice nails! But for a long lasting finish, you can't beat the gel nail set. You can buy all the supplies to do it yourself for not much more than a gel/shellac manicure at a salon. This kit gives you professional results! (Update on changes: You can Youtube "gelly sandwich" for step by step how to use a gel base, regular nail polish color, and gel top coat. Use non-acetone remover on the regular polish colors, though. A few people instruct you to use acetone-based remover and say that it won't affect the gel base. But---it can. Then you have to start over with another gel base. !!DERP!! when that happens, it messes up your whole application!)
NAIL ART: Put the decal on top of your color, before you put on the top coat and cure. The nice thing about gel color, is how STICKY it is, and it's pretty easy to get a decal on without lifting. I don't use the water decals for many reasons (mainly because it wets the gel layer) but you can use them if you have much more patience than I do! The cured top gel layer makes a great sealant on nail art, and it will last and last. I have had mixed results with crystals and add-ons; sometimes if I set them into the top layer before curing, they will stick nicely for weeks. Other times, I look down one day and there is a hole where the crystal/item was. Oops. Regular nail glue on top of cured top coat will still hold them just like regular polish top coat, if you want to try that.
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS:
*I get six weeks out of the pale, sheer colors; by the time six weeks have gone by, my nails have grown and there are dings and chinks in the color here and there but since it's the pale, barely-there color, it's hard to tell. If you use any of the bright colors, you can probably get about 2 weeks or so before you either get edge wear or noticeable gap in color from the cuticle due to growth. Once the color starts lifting up and catching your hair at the cuticle edge, that's usually enough to drive you nuts enough to remove it (or buff it down lightly and put on a new top coat)
*First, use the nail square buffer to lightly rough the surface of your nails. Don't saw back and forth, stroke it from cuticle to nail tip, lightly. Then take the 'nail cleaner' (or 70% alcohol) product on your lint free cloth and swipe your nails. You don't want any kind of oil on them.
*Next you'll use your 'ph bond' product (or skip if you used alcohol)
*Then use the foundation product; brush it on THINLY but cover your nail surface. Wrap a little around the tips of your nails too. THINK THIN......
*If using a pale/sheer color you can get by with one coat. I like two. THIN THIN THIN, and wrap a little around the tips of your nails.
*Top coat, again think thin. But make sure you carefully cover your nail surfaces with it. Don't let it get anywhere else...and don't forget to cap the end of your nail tips a little bit.
*Make all coats of product THIN! THIN IS GOOD!
*When you use it, avoid letting it get on your cuticles or running down the sides of your nails. If this happens, get an orange stick and take care of it before you set it! And keep in mind, this product DOES spread out a little bit. The best way to guarantee that your polish job will lift and peel off, is to not do thin layers, and to let this get outside of the nail bed.
*Make sure to take the time to carefully paint down the sides as far as you can, covering the color coat. This will help it last longer, without the lifting problems that can happen. Sometimes it will make a little sharp 'ledge' if you get sloppy, and this will tend to catch on things. Or if you are like me, it will make you want to pick at it. You can take a buffer or light board and gently sand this ridge down, and do another stripe of top coat if you want to. If you don't, the integrity of your polish job is compromised and it's only a matter of time before it starts to deconstruct. It's up to you!
TROUBLESHOOTING:
*If you consistently get 'pliable, peely' color, there are several things to consider. 99% of the time, it's going to be that your layers are too thick. Back off on how much you use, it really takes about half of what you think it does. (And the plus side is that it will go farther!)
If it's still pliable after you've carefully applied THIN layers, consider that your light may be the culprit. I bought an LED light (look around for best price!) that is large enough for one whole hand; I didn't find the 'portable' lights (especially those that do 4 fingers!!) to be great. Read more ›
I bought the Gelish kit when it was on major sale (somewhere). I also bought a collection of polish colors. If I knew THEN how long-lasting a gel manicure is, I would not have amassed such a huge collection of regular polish! The gel manicures ROCK! [Update: Youtube "Gelly Sandwich" for videos on how to use regular polish with gel for quick-change color]
When you first get this kit, don't be shocked at how tiny everything is. I was really ticked off at first (because I didn't read specifics when I bought it, thought I was getting full size products) but this is truly an intro-sized kit. Don't be alarmed though, as there is plenty of product in the kit to get you through MANY manicures! I do both fingers and toes and the kit lasted a long time. You'll use different amounts of products at a different pace, so just buy the components separately as you run out. You'll even find some items are not truly necessary.
You might find the instructions overwhelming at first, I would recommend you Youtube some instructional videos. There are hundreds of how-to videos on not only the basics of the gel manicure, but also special effects like french tips and nail art. You will be amazed at all you can do with the gel! Once you see the steps in action it makes reading through and utilizing the instruction manual much easier. Some kits have a mini-dvd; good luck with *that* thing. There are curing times listed on the back of the box.
You'll need, in addition to the kit: a UV or LED lamp, lint free nail polish removal pads, a microfine buffer, 70% alcohol would also be good. Updated note: SHAKE YOUR GEL POLISH WELL--all brands--before each use!
UPDATED LAMP NOTES: I first bought a 32w UV light to use with this instead of the 9w that was sold by the place I got the Gelish set from. The 32w seemed to make the steps work in the amount of time suggested in the Gelish instructions. My first attempt, with the lower wattage 9v UV light, created some problems with bubbling and lifting. You can find 32w lights for about $25.00, no need to pay $200 or more so shop around. You might also want to get a larger light, not one that does one hand at a time, or you'll really get fed up having to spend twice as long to get it done! You might want to buy a tube of broad-spectrum SPF hand cream also if you are concerned about the effects of the lamp on your skin. There are fingerless gloves sold that help block the rays also.
NOTE: I have since found the UV light to be a less economical purchase. Not only does it take longer to process the gel, but you eventually have to replace the bulbs. As the bulbs age, you'll start to notice issues with your nails. Most sites selling UV lamps professionally say you need to change them every 'several years'. That, my friends, is hoo-ha!
LED LIGHT: I recently purchased an LED light that is large enough for one whole hand, it was about $79 so that's a good range if you can find it. I do not like the 4-finger portable LED lights or the battery operated ones. LED cuts cure time drastically, by about 2/3 or so. Get this if you want your gel manicure time to be dramatically slashed! Worth the cost, no replacement bulbs! This is the model I purchased, and the handy timer and choice for automatic on/off is FABULOUS! I didn't pay this price though ;-) USpicy 2012 Brand New White Top 12W LED Nail Light / Lamp / Dryer (30, 60, 90 Sec Timer) for Curing Gelish & LED Gels w/ Full 1 Yr Warranty I have found that some gel colors can go 30 seconds, and some need a full minute each color layer. You'll have to experiment, there is no one-size-cures-all timeframe and brands/colors differ. (so sorry ....)
I got SIX WEEKS out of my gel manicure with pale or clear polishes. The interesting thing about the gel is how strong it is, how strong it makes your nails (I had to clip my nails to shorten them, they were so break-proof!). The gel is substantial yet flexible, so it moves with your nails (sometimes we accidentally hit them on things!). This stuff wears off rather than chipping, and after the sixth week I ended up peeling some off. After eight weeks I finally peeled more off, you'll probably need to soak it with acetone to remove it. It peeled off my nails cleanly and with no damage but that was after a long time. When you remove it, your nails are not stunted and weak like they are with acrylic nails. It's well worth the time to do a gel manicure on yourself and if you use a very light color you can go a long, long time without any noticeable dings! (Note, I'm not advocating PEELING it off, but if you have had it on so long that it's ready to give up, that's different. Otherwise you could damage your nails if you peel something that isn't ready to let go yet)
The only thing you won't like about this product if you like constant color changes, is having to soak off one color before applying more. As an experiment I tried putting another whole set of steps on top of an old set; no no it was horrible! Big thick horrible nasty ugly, don't do it if you want nice nails! But for a long lasting finish, you can't beat the gel nail set. You can buy all the supplies to do it yourself for not much more than a gel/shellac manicure at a salon. This kit gives you professional results! (Update on changes: You can Youtube "gelly sandwich" for step by step how to use a gel base, regular nail polish color, and gel top coat. Use non-acetone remover on the regular polish colors, though. A few people instruct you to use acetone-based remover and say that it won't affect the gel base. But---it can. Then you have to start over with another gel base. !!DERP!! when that happens, it messes up your whole application!)
NAIL ART: Put the decal on top of your color, before you put on the top coat and cure. The nice thing about gel color, is how STICKY it is, and it's pretty easy to get a decal on without lifting. I don't use the water decals for many reasons (mainly because it wets the gel layer) but you can use them if you have much more patience than I do! The cured top gel layer makes a great sealant on nail art, and it will last and last. I have had mixed results with crystals and add-ons; sometimes if I set them into the top layer before curing, they will stick nicely for weeks. Other times, I look down one day and there is a hole where the crystal/item was. Oops. Regular nail glue on top of cured top coat will still hold them just like regular polish top coat, if you want to try that.
TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS:
*I get six weeks out of the pale, sheer colors; by the time six weeks have gone by, my nails have grown and there are dings and chinks in the color here and there but since it's the pale, barely-there color, it's hard to tell. If you use any of the bright colors, you can probably get about 2 weeks or so before you either get edge wear or noticeable gap in color from the cuticle due to growth. Once the color starts lifting up and catching your hair at the cuticle edge, that's usually enough to drive you nuts enough to remove it (or buff it down lightly and put on a new top coat)
*First, use the nail square buffer to lightly rough the surface of your nails. Don't saw back and forth, stroke it from cuticle to nail tip, lightly. Then take the 'nail cleaner' (or 70% alcohol) product on your lint free cloth and swipe your nails. You don't want any kind of oil on them.
*Next you'll use your 'ph bond' product (or skip if you used alcohol)
*Then use the foundation product; brush it on THINLY but cover your nail surface. Wrap a little around the tips of your nails too. THINK THIN......
*If using a pale/sheer color you can get by with one coat. I like two. THIN THIN THIN, and wrap a little around the tips of your nails.
*Top coat, again think thin. But make sure you carefully cover your nail surfaces with it. Don't let it get anywhere else...and don't forget to cap the end of your nail tips a little bit.
*Make all coats of product THIN! THIN IS GOOD!
*When you use it, avoid letting it get on your cuticles or running down the sides of your nails. If this happens, get an orange stick and take care of it before you set it! And keep in mind, this product DOES spread out a little bit. The best way to guarantee that your polish job will lift and peel off, is to not do thin layers, and to let this get outside of the nail bed.
*Make sure to take the time to carefully paint down the sides as far as you can, covering the color coat. This will help it last longer, without the lifting problems that can happen. Sometimes it will make a little sharp 'ledge' if you get sloppy, and this will tend to catch on things. Or if you are like me, it will make you want to pick at it. You can take a buffer or light board and gently sand this ridge down, and do another stripe of top coat if you want to. If you don't, the integrity of your polish job is compromised and it's only a matter of time before it starts to deconstruct. It's up to you!
TROUBLESHOOTING:
*If you consistently get 'pliable, peely' color, there are several things to consider. 99% of the time, it's going to be that your layers are too thick. Back off on how much you use, it really takes about half of what you think it does. (And the plus side is that it will go farther!)
If it's still pliable after you've carefully applied THIN layers, consider that your light may be the culprit. I bought an LED light (look around for best price!) that is large enough for one whole hand; I didn't find the 'portable' lights (especially those that do 4 fingers!!) to be great. Read more ›
100 of 102 people found the following review helpful
By TK
I am a novice to the gel nail polish thing, but I bought the OPI starter kit with the polishes and it was difficult to work with, the polishes will very gooey, the brush was extremely narrow and it was very time consuming to prep the natural nail. So I decided to try this kit, it was a fraction of what I paid for the OPI gel nail polish kit. My nails turned out great, not a lot of prep and the color looked amazing. I only bought the starter kit and one other polish to get started but I am back to buy more polishes.
84 of 87 people found the following review helpful
By MrsJ2510
This is awesome...worth every penny. The pamphlet inside gives pretty clear instructions and there was an instructional dvd in the box as well. I didn't use the dvd since I had been researching it a lot online before I bought and I had seen some videos already. I got fantastic results using a 14 watt uv light I purchased on Amazon. I'm pretty good at diy beauty and enjoy it, I can see some people not taking their time or reading the instructions with this. For those who aren't into this type of thing or don't like to take their time, just pay the salon to do it for you. If you are into diy beauty, BUY IT!. One thing I wondered before buying was how many applications this mini kit would provide...the pamphlet inside says 15-20 applications which is an amazing savings (even with the purchase of a uv light) over the cost of a salon application. I have short small nails too so I'm guessing I will get closer to 20 applications out of it. Love, Love, Love it. I hope gelish comes out with more polish colors and/or polish color kits.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great service
The product is simple and easy to use. Product was as described and the service was prompt. Would purchase from here again.
Published 1 day ago by Korri
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great beginners kit
I bought this kit to attempt doing my own gel nails. The product works great and doing my own nails was simple but time consuming. The quantites of each item are mini size. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Suzanne Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely quick delivery!
I have heard many great things about this product and cannot wait to try it. I plan to post another review after that, however, initially wanted to comment on how quick this... Read more
Published 14 days ago by Autie
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great for beginners
I chose this because i'm new to the whole "diy" nails. It loses a star because the directions on the box and bottles is unreadable because of text size and color. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Shauna
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great little starter pack!
Easy to use and a very good product. I never thought I would be able to take care of my own nails, but this kit is great for learning how to do it.
Published 17 days ago by Sue
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works Great!
This is a must have if you plan on using gel polish! I have used it numerous times and it works well every time.
Published 20 days ago by Elizabeth
4.0 out of 5 stars
Just know..
Just know this product does not come with the DVD step, by step kit. I had to watch youtube turtorials on how to; "DYI gelish nails". Read more
Published 20 days ago by Raylynn LaRose
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best nail polish method ever
For someone who couldn't keep regular nail polish on for 5 minutes without chipping this is a blessing. Also it's really easy to do!
Published 24 days ago by lwood
1.0 out of 5 stars
Buyer Beware
If you are not completely familiar with this product and completely sold on it, do not purchase . . . Read more
Published 28 days ago by J. Harrold
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it!
I rarely gush about a product. Most don't wow me like this one. This is a nail revolution! Stop paying so much money at the salon and invest in the home kit! Read more
Published 29 days ago by D. Courtright
