My First Gel Manicure by Gelish

my-first-gel-manicure-Gelish-Patranila-Project
I know, I know I’m late to the gel manicure game. I’m usually an early adopter but for some reason, I was super slow to try gel manicures. I think it was because I heard more than a few horror stories about nails being severely damaged after removal and I wanted no parts of it.

 

Enter Gelish and nail expert Danielle Candido. I had the good fortune of being invited to a fall preview and manicure session with Ms. Candido, lead manicurist for Morgan Taylor and Gelish, who not only designed beautiful nail art for me, but gave me a thorough lesson on how to care for my nails while indulging in gel mani mania.
Gelish nail art by Danielle Candido.
Gel manicure using Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish. Nail Art designed by Danielle Candido.

While I chose colors and Danielle designed a work of art, I learned all about proper nail prep (no water), care and maintenance (keep your cuticles and nailplate fed) and best practices for removal (no peeling). I kept my manicure for a really long time (more than four weeks) and I was stunned to find that not only were my nails free from damage, they were stronger than they were before the gel manicure. Gelish is a vitamin-rich formula that encourages continuous Keratin absorption into the nailplate and that, along with the proper removal technique, makes all the difference.

Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish
My Gelish manicure after four weeks!

I also received the Gelish NOURISH Cuticle Oil that I applied twice a day and it is officially one of my new favorite things. It’s a delicious blend of Grapeseed Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Sesame and Vitamin E that not only gives your nails all the nutrients required, it smells really good. Sometimes I apply it just so I can get a whiff of it.Right on time for autumn, Gelish has introduced the Get Color-Fall collection that is full of bold, rich colors and wearable glitters. Here’s a sampling of some of my favorites from the collection. Don’t you love the names? To see the full collection visit the Gelish website and while you’re there, take advantage of all the educational information provided because after all, beauty shouldn’t hurt!

Gelish Get Color-Fall Collection ~ Fall 2014
Gelish Get Color-Fall Collection

You can get a Gelish salon manicure for around $30 or you can purchase at-home Gelish MINI colors from Sally Beauty for $14.95 each. For more information on the full at-home Gelish MINI kits, visit Gelish MINIS.

Are you a fan of gel manicures? I’d love to know what your experience has been. Leave a comment below and as always, thanks for reading!

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28 Comments

  1. 12 September 2014 / 2:15 PM

    You went to town on this one. I love the colors and the creativity. Beautiful!

  2. 10 September 2014 / 9:26 PM

    wow i would like to have one of this too! i haven't tried this kind before i always opt to normal things for my nails great colours too!

  3. 8 September 2014 / 2:27 PM

    LOVE IT!!! I had acrylics for several years and would always get cool patterns like yours… The gels are something I've never tried, but I love the design!

  4. 8 September 2014 / 2:13 AM

    You have nails like a Hollywood star lol!

  5. 7 September 2014 / 10:13 PM

    Your nails look great! I have never done the gel either.

  6. 7 September 2014 / 9:40 PM

    I have not gotten a gel manicure yet myself. But I can't believe how good your nails look after four weeks. I think I need to get one.

    • 9 September 2014 / 5:46 PM

      Right! I was really surprised at how good they looked after so long. And I'm not easy on my hands at all.

  7. 7 September 2014 / 7:12 PM

    I haven't tried the gel manicure yet but that's because I'm a nail biter :(.

  8. 7 September 2014 / 6:50 PM

    I'm not sure if I'd be able to do it on myself as good as you did, it looks amazing!

  9. 7 September 2014 / 6:25 PM

    Great job on trying the gel manicure, we have the same experience before that I was hesitant to try this but when I did, I can't resist how lovely they looked on my nails. You picked gorgeous shades dear!

  10. 7 September 2014 / 5:24 PM

    Looks great! I know gel is becoming increasing more popular…I'm fortunate to be blessed with thick nails so I save big bucks polishing them myself 😀

  11. 7 September 2014 / 1:55 PM

    Looks HOT! 😀 Thanks for sharing!

  12. 7 September 2014 / 1:16 PM

    Wow, that is gorgeous! I said I would start taking care of myself a bit better in the style arena. I was considering acrylic (I used to get them back in the day) but now I think I might see if the local place can do this. I'm rough on my hands, and plain manicures just do not last! I'm really intrigued!

  13. 7 September 2014 / 11:34 AM

    I've been thinking of getting my nails done, will have to look into this. The colors look really nice.

  14. 7 September 2014 / 8:22 AM

    Love the colors and designs. I also think its great you can do it at home and keep them long term as in multiple weeks. This is definitely on my Christmas list!

  15. 7 September 2014 / 4:47 AM

    I like colors and that is a great price. The design one is pretty neat looking.

  16. 6 September 2014 / 7:51 PM

    Those look great!!! Love the colors you chose

  17. 6 September 2014 / 3:33 PM

    Wow, they look great after 4 weeks. I bite my nails still so no manicures for me.

    • 6 September 2014 / 4:24 PM

      Getting manicures is a great way to stop yourself from biting them. Especially a gel manicure. It's tough to bite through all of that!

  18. 6 September 2014 / 12:19 PM

    I would have to say that i love the outcome… there is so much you can do at home now its pretty crazy

    • 6 September 2014 / 4:25 PM

      Agreed! But I'd never be able to do that design on my own. I love leaving it to the pros!

  19. 6 September 2014 / 11:53 AM

    Hey Pat thats a nice experiment on gels, i do love my wife to try it out as well

    • 4 September 2014 / 1:47 PM

      I know! Having a manicurist do it is much safer, and easier too!

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