Application tips

How to use gel for 3D decorations?

Take a small amount of 3D gel on the brush/pen – enough to create a small ball on the nail (too much = irregular flake, too little = difficult to shape).

If the gel sticks to the glove/pen, soak the tool in cleaner no. 2 – this prevents the gel from stretching and makes modeling easier.

To finish your look, use your favorite top coat to secure your work.

Creating a 3D nail decoration step by step:

Forming one flower petal on the nail:

• Place a gel ball on the nail in the indicated place.
• Press it with a silicone pen at an angle of approximately 45°, holding the pen like a pen – i.e. with the thinner, pointed tip facing the nail plate.
• Gently push the gel to the sides to form the base of the petal.
• Make sideways movements and then straight ahead - this will give the petal width at the base and stretch the petal.
• Finally, use the tip of the pen to "pull" the tip of the petal upwards/outwards to obtain the characteristic pointed end of the petal.

Creating a whole 3D flower on the nail:

• Repeat the same steps for the next petals, arranging them around one point (the center of the flower), keeping a similar size and angle so that the flower is symmetrical.
• Usually 5 petals are made, but the number depends on the pattern.
• Finally, you can add the center of the flower (e.g. a dot with a different colored gel or glitter) and cure in the lamp according to the time specified by the gel manufacturer.

Tips for the Beginner Stylist

• Cleaner No. 2 is your friend – the less sticky the gel is, the cleaner the petal line.
• It is better to make smaller balls to start with – it is easier to control the shape than to correct a petal that is too large.
• Practice on a training tip – before you start styling your client’s live nail, practice your technique on a training tip.