No matter how well you’ve mastered the art, if your basics aren’t right in place, you won’t get the results as desired. This stands true for your nails as well and if you’re a true manicure lover, you know how much a good base matters. But no, we aren’t talking about a base coat here. Even if you have the best base coat, your manicure might not look as smooth and even. So what to do then?
Don’t worry, you haven’t wasted your money investing in all those gel polishes and nail art stuff. All you need is a good self-leveling gel. Wondering what it is and how it is different from the OG builder gel? We’re here to solve all your doubts.
What is Russian Self-Leveling Gel? How to Use, Apply, and DIY
With so many nail gels available in the market, are you confused about which ones to buy and which ones to skip? Well, the fact of the matter is that all these gels have different purposes. You can invest in a good nail gel as per your needs instead of hogging on to everything! So here’s why you need a good self-leveling gel especially if you’re a DIY nail enthusiast. Keep reading to learn what Russian self-leveling gels are and how to use them.
What is Russian Self-Leveling Gel?
A Russian self-leveling gel, shortened as a Russian gel or a self-leveling gel, is a specifically designed nail gel meant to smooth out the surface of your natural nails. It fills in the uneven ridges to create an even surface free of imperfections before polish application. The gel has unique self-leveling and self-smoothing features that make it a stand-out product for flawless manicures.
Russian gels have a consistency that falls somewhere between that of a gel polish and a builder gel; they are denser than a gel polish but less thick when compared to a builder gel. These gels provide a bubble-free nail surface by leveling themselves on the nail bed. This ensures a smooth and even nail surface all over before gel polish application.
While some may argue that even a standard builder gel does the same job of creating a strong and smooth base for a manicure, Russian nail gels are still somewhat different. They create a base that doesn’t require rigorous filing, unlike builder gels. This saves both time and effort and you can enjoy not just an even base but also a self-made apex on your natural nails.
Russian self-leveling nail gels can be a go-to product for DIY manicurists as they help you create fuller-looking nails without having a command over the traditional nail gels. You can even use the self-leveling gel to build the perfect c-arc apex that looks natural and gives a lifted appearance to your own nails without the need for extensions.
Features and Benefits of Russian Self-Leveling Nail Gels
One can’t compare Russian gels to builder gels as both are designed for different purposes. But here are some key features of self-leveling nail gels that make them a good option for DIY manicures:
1) It fills in the ridges or flat surfaces of your natural nails making them look fuller and more even.
2) It helps strengthen nails to prevent weak and bendy nails from breaking thereby allowing them to grow better.
3) It comes in bottled packaging, unlike the tub-like containers of builder gels. This makes it easier to apply just like a nail polish.
4) It is strong and flexible and helps create firmer, plumper, and well-curved nail beds.
5) You may use it to mend a chipped or cracked nail as it creates a thick and strong layer that prevents further breakage.
6) It can even be used with press-on nails or nail extensions to overlay and you can achieve an apex without acrylics or gels.
Despite the fact that you can use a builder gel for all of the above, using it requires some special tools and techniques which can be waived off in the case of a Russian gel.
How to Use, Apply, and DIY
Using a Russian nail gel is no rocket science. It is applied simply just as you’d apply any other nail gel:
1) Start with a well-prepped base.
2) Applying a dehydrator and a primer air-drying both.
3) Now apply a layer of the Russian self-leveling gel such that it is slightly bulging in the middle and flushed near the periphery.
4) Allow the gel to level itself automatically without any hassle.
5) Cure the gel under a UV/LED lamp for 2 minutes or as mentioned on the bottle.
6) Follow up with a base coat and two coats of polish, curing between each coat.
7) Finish off with a top coat and apply cuticle oil after curing.
Wrapping Up Russian Gels
Russian self-leveling gel is more than just a trend—it’s a game-changer in the world of DIY manicures. Learning what a Russian gel is and how to use it can elevate your nail game to a whole new level. With its smooth finish, durability, and flawless appearance, this gel not only offers ease of application but also ensures long-lasting results with minimal effort. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, professional look or experimenting with intricate designs, a self-leveling gel is a must-try for any nail enthusiast.
