Nail Art
What Are Builder Gel Nails? Things You Need to Know
What are builder gel nails? They are a versatile choice for anyone seeking a durable manicure that strengthens nails...
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Rock the Holiday Look with Cat Eye Gel Nails
Want to add a little something special to your outfit for the holidays? Why not make things magical with a little sparkle on your fingertips?...
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Introducing Cashmere-inspired Nail Design: The Pinnacle of Nail Luxury
Do you remember how luxurious cashmere feels? Now, imagine that same extravagance for your fingertips...
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Popular Nail Art Designs with Ripple Cat Eye Gel Polish
Magnetic polish has just been upgraded! You’ve got to try popular nail art designs with our new Ripple Cat Eye polish...
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DIY Press-On Nails with Soft Gel Tips: Simple and Affordable Way for Beauty Enthusiasts to Create Stunning Nail Styles
We sometimes find ourselves in a dilemma when it comes to press-on nails. On the one hand, they’re convenient and inexpensive. But, on the other hand, it’s challenging to find the perfect design. Not to mention, some brands of press-ons look and feel downright fake. This is where soft gel nails offer an ideal solution. Soft gel nails can be fully customized to any look we desire. Moreover, they are thin, flexible, and lightweight, just like natural nails. These are the reasons why we created this guide to DIY press-on nails with soft gel tips. This is a simple and affordable way for beauty enthusiasts to create stunning nail styles. Homemade press-ons allow you to play with colors, patterns, and textures and create exclusive, one-of-a-kind nail designs. Let’s begin with what you need to get started. Supplies Needed Soft gel nails (full cover, not just tips) Gel base coat Gel top coat Gel Polish in various colors Buffer block for your nails and for the soft gels Nail file, fine grit for the natural nails, medium and fine for the soft gels Cuticle pusher> Clippers (for trimming any and all nails) Nail stands or a similar way of mounting individual soft gels for painting Mounting putty to secure the soft gels Alcohol to cleanse natural nails and soft gels Nail wipes (better than cotton because they don’t leave fuzzies) UV lamp for the gel polish Nail glue (safer for natural nails—see below) Which Soft Gel Tips Are Best for DIY Press-On Nails? As we mentioned, you need full covers, not just extensions. If you explore the LAVIS soft gel collection, you'll see they come in many shapes and lengths. These include almond, ballerina, and stiletto in short, medium, and long sizes. Moreover, each set includes 11 different nail sizes to ensure each fingertip fits perfectly. And you can get the soft gels in a professional kit that includes protein bond & primer, gel adhesive, a nail lamp, base coat, and top coat. Lavis Almond Medium Nail Tips + Professional Kit BUY NOW You might also like Aprés Gel-X nails or Kiara Sky soft gels that come in kits with all the basics to apply them. Apres - Gel-X Nail Extension Kit BUY NOW But as mentioned in the list above, you'll also require regular nail glue that air-dries without a nail lamp. We know the TikTok trend regarding gluing press-on nails with gel adhesive. But we don't recommend this method because UV light needs to penetrate to cure the gel. If the DIY press-on nails are painted a dark color, the adhesive might not cure properly. Worse, it can lead to allergic reactions and infections. Although nail glue might not last as long as gel adhesive, it's safer because it air-dries. Plus, it's easier to remove, so you can change up your customized press-ons whenever you like. Classy Nail Art Nail Glue BUY NOW KDS Nail Glue BUY NOW Now, here's the step-by-step guide to DIY press-on nails with soft gel tips. How to Make Customized Press-on Nails with Soft Gels Step 0: Prepare the Natural Nails Prep your own nails first by trimming and shaping them. Pay close attention to pushing back the cuticles so the soft gels won't lift. Lightly buff the shine from the surface and wipe them with rubbing alcohol to remove debris and oil. Step 1: Choose the Soft Gel Nail Shape and Size You've probably already picked the style and length of the nails you'll customize. But now’s the time to open the box and select the perfect match for each fingertip. Look closely, and you'll see a tiny number etched into each nail cover. Zero is typically for thumbs, while 11 is sized for a pinky. Match each nail cover to a finger and lay them out in order. Ensure there is no overlap over the skin so they won't pop off. Step 2: Prepare the Soft Gels Trim and shape the soft gels if desired. Rough up both sides a little with the buffer block them to improve adhesion. Then, wipe them with rubbing alcohol. Mount them on the nail stands with poster putty and arrange them in the order you intend to paint them. If you don’t have nail stands, use the thumbtacks pressed into a cardboard box. You’ll still need something to secure them, and putty works better than tape. Step 3: Apply the Base Coat and Decorate the Nails Brush on the base coat just as you would for any gel manicure and cure it. Then, create whatever design you wish on the nails. Use thin coats and cure between them. Check to make sure no polish has spread underneath the soft gels before curing. When you're satisfied with the design, apply and cure the top coat. Step 4: Glue the Diy Press-ons to the Natural Nails Please use nail glue instead of gel adhesive for this step, especially if the nail design is opaque. If you apply a glue drop to the press-on's backside and a drop to the natural nail, the covers should stay in place for a couple of weeks (if they aren't often soaked in water). For best results, wipe the natural nails and the customized nails with rubbing alcohol. Don’t worry; it won't dissolve the gel polish. The alcohol makes sure that no oil will disrupt the adhesion. Place a drop on the interior of the soft gel near the base and another drop on the natural nails in the same place. Use a tiny amount. If you’re worried about going overboard, just put a single drop on either piece instead of both. Line up the press-on to match the edges and come in at a 45-degree angle. Squeeze the edges and press the base on first, working toward the tip. You'll be gripping the edges at the same time you're pushing down on the center. Hold it tight for 10 seconds while the glue sets. Then wipe off the edges if you see any excess adhesive. Once the gluing is complete, please keep your hands dry for at least an hour, and don't soak them in hot water for at least a day. How to Remove DIY Press-On Nails Nail glue comes off with acetone, or you can try soaking your fingertips in hot, soapy water with oil. The first method takes about 10 minutes, while the second takes longer but is less dehydrating to the skin. Also, acetone will wreck the design because it dissolves the gel polish. If you’d like to reuse the customized soft gels, try the hot water removal method instead. Conclusion DIY press-on nails with soft gel tips let you endlessly experiment and conveniently switch up your manicure. Take a peek at what’s trending to find the season's top colors for your next manicure. Remember, we offer free shipping on orders over $100!
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10 Mauve Nail Ideas and Polishes to Try in 2025
Mauve is a sophisticated color. For many, it's a fashion favorite that blends pink and violet to perfection. You can wear this charming shade any time of year, making it an ideal choice for your next manicure. Let's discover ten mauve nail ideas and polishes to try in 2025...
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The 10 Best Fall Nail Polish Colors to Wear in 2025
It's time to downshift from neon summer shades to autumn colors. As leaves transform from brilliant green to warm hues, so we adapt our manicures to the changing seasons. Right now, the best fall nail polish colors to wear in 2025 are calm, cozy, and elegant. Explore them below.
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The 8 Best Nail Polish Removers That Won’t Damage Your Nails 2025
When it comes to maintaining the health and beauty of your nails, choosing a safe nail polish remover is crucial. The market is flooded with a variety of options, but not all of them are created equal. The best nail polish removers prioritize the well-being of your nails while effectively removing polish. How to Choose a Nail Polish Remover That Won’t Damage Nails Acetone-free polish removers, for instance, are an excellent choice as they prevent damage and dehydration caused by harsh chemicals. But sometimes acetone is necessary, as it is for removing a gel manicure. Therefore, you have to rely on the rest of the formula to protect your nails. Check the Formula One of the key aspects to consider when selecting the best nail polish removers is their list of ingredients. Look for products that contain conditioning ingredients, such as vitamin E and aloe vera, to nourish and strengthen your nails. These removers not only clean off stubborn polish but also promote healthier and more resilient nails in the long run. Additionally, opting for a non-toxic nail polish remover ensures that you are using a product that is not only safe for your nails but also for the environment. With the growing awareness of eco-friendly and sustainable living, it’s essential to make conscious choices when it comes to personal care products. Plus, cruelty-free, vegan polish removers offer a guilt-free way to keep your nails looking fabulous while minimizing your impact on the planet’s wildlife. Ease of Use Some of our favorite nail polish removers come in the form of pre-soaked wipes. They are effective because they concentrate the remover where it’s needed most. Moreover, they protect the skin by limiting its exposure to drying chemicals. You might also enjoy nail polish remover in gel form or a jar with a sponge. Both are easier to manage than the traditional liquid in a bottle. Let’s look at the best nail polish removers to protect your nails. Blossom Nail Polish Remover BUY NOW The safest nail polish removers are acetone-free polish removers, which are gentle on your nails and won't strip away natural oils. These types of nail polish removers contain conditioning ingredients that help to strengthen and moisturize your nails. Blossom’s polish remover shuns acetone in favor of propylene carbonate. It’s a colorless and odorless cyclic carbonate ester that comes from propylene glycol. It easily dissolves nail polish without irritating the nose or skin. Furthermore, Blossom’s plant-based formula is enriched with essential oils to soften the skin and strengthen the nails. It’s paraben-free and cruelty-free with no animal ingredients. All you have to do is choose which delicious scent you prefer! Gelish Harmony Nail Polish Remover BUY NOW Gelish makes two types of polish remover, one for nail lacquer and the other for gels. The Harmony polish remover quickly dissolves regular nail lacquer while protecting the skin and nails with aloe and vitamin E. It easily dispenses from the bottle so you can soak a cotton pad and wipe off the polish in seconds. OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover BUY NOW OPI’s lacquer remover is the choice of professionals and at-home nail artists around the world. It rapidly clears off the darkest colors of nail polish without sucking the moisture from the cuticles or nail bed. The secret to its success is a proprietary blend of grapeseed oil, kelp extract, and aloe vera. No, it’s not acetone-free, but it’s efficient and packed with beneficial ingredients. OPI Expert Touch Removal Wraps BUY NOW You can get the same high-performance polish remover in pre-saturated wraps. They remove everything from regular nail polish to soak-off gels and acrylics in 10 minutes or less. These foil wraps are not only convenient but also protective of the nails. They focus the polish remover where it’s needed most and keep it off the skin as much as possible. Plus, they are rather fun to use! Just place the pad over the nail and wrap the foil around the finger. After the time is up, press down on the pad with your thumb and twist to pull off the polish or enhancements. Every once in a while, you’ll need to use an orange stick to nudge off the remaining residue. Gelish Artificial Remover BUY NOW If you’re wearing soakable gel polish, this polish remover will take it off in record time. It removes gels in 12 minutes or less and acrylics in 20 minutes. Furthermore, it’s especially effective for removing Gelish polish. Although it’s not acetone-free, it’s enhanced with vitamin E to protect against dryness. It also has a decent scent. But to be honest, we prefer the ease of using Gelish’s foil wraps for gels instead. Gelish Wrap It off Foil Remover BUY NOW Instead of making your own nail wraps, these premade ones are super convenient. They have an absorbent cotton pad with a foil exterior. All you need to do is add the liquid polish remover (featured above) and twist them around the nails. They even thoughtfully placed the pad off-center so that they are simpler to wrap. CND Foil Remover Wraps BUY NOW If you’re wearing CND Shellac, you’ll want these foil wraps to take it off. They are a no-nonsense polish remover that gets the job done in only 8 minutes. CND Offly Fast Nourishing Remover BUY NOW What’s unusual about this polish remover is that it features macadamia oil with a healthy dose of vitamin E. It prevents the skin and nails from becoming dehydrated when you take off CND Shellac or VINYLUX polish. DIY Polish Remover What if you need to take off nail polish and don't have a polish remover at home? What else can you use? Well, rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer may work. Or you can check our article about homemade polish remover for more ideas. Conclusion Without a doubt, the best nail polish removers are those that effectively remove polish without causing damage to your nails. By choosing acetone-free, conditioning, and non-toxic options, you are not only ensuring the health of your nails but also contributing to a greener and more sustainable world. So, go ahead and enjoy your next manicure. We have lots of new and trendy polishes and products to get you started!
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Lavis Jelly Nude Gel Nails Review 2025
Do you love the clean look aesthetic? Like when your nails have a sheer wash of shiny color and not much else? Then you’ve got to see our Lavis jelly nude gel nails review 2025. We’re covering the most gorgeous shades of jelly polish for an irresistible, trendy manicure that’s easy to do at home. The Benefits of Jelly Nude Gels These colors are like lip gloss for your nails. They may seem like the height of simplicity, but there are actually many different jelly nail designs to enjoy. Can you imagine how much they will dress up your next French manicure? Moreover, jelly nude colors match anything, whether you're on vacation, at work, or at a formal event. Since they are gel polish, they stay glossy and chip-free for weeks. All you need is a UV or LED nail lamp to cure them. For maximum jelly goodness, pop on clear gel extensions first. Then you have even more canvas to show off the color. If you’ve not done a gel manicure before, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s not just the incredible durability and glossy shine. Gel polish is a dream to use. It has a lovely texture and no noxious odor like nail lacquer. Plus, if you don’t like how it looks, you can wipe it off before you cure it because it won’t dry until it’s under the nail lamp. Lavis Jelly Nude Gel Collection BUY NOW Some say that jelly nails look like the colorful yet transparent jelly shoes from the 90s. Others call them stained glass nails. Either way, this sheer polish has a luxurious look. It’s perfect if you want to get in on the jelly nails trend. The full set of jelly nude gels from Lavis includes twenty-four colors. They include sophisticated grays, the palest of greens, hints of peach or plum, baby pink, sky blue, and beige. But those aren’t even all the shades! That’s because these polishes are very versatile. Take number 10, for example. One coat makes it a barely-there pink. The second coat gives it a richer color. And the third coat takes it deeper still. The polish gives you total control over the outcome. Of course, each of the gel colors is sold individually as well as in the set. However, if you purchase the set, it comes with the sample board. The samples include examples of what one, two, and three coats will look like. We love this collection of nude gel colors and so do our customers. It’s hard to choose a single color because it’s so tempting to experiment with them all! There’s literally a shade for every outfit, from blue jeans or a sundress to eveningwear or a day at the office. Unlike opaque polish, you never have to worry if your translucent nails will be too much. Still, they dress up anything. What Can You Do with the Lavis Jelly Nude Gels? Jelly nudes are incredibly adaptable to all sorts of nail art. Here are some ideas: Leave your nails with a simple wash of color. Add a colorful line for micro-French nails. Jazz up summertime with strawberry nails. Join two colors for a subtle ombré or gradient effect. Spice up the manicure with a glitter accent nail, rhinestones, or charms. Accentuate the nails with emboss gel. The sky’s the limit! How to Choose the Best Jelly Nude Gel Colors for Your Skin What's the trick to finding out which colors look best on you? Look at your wrists in daylight. Are the veins blue, green, or some mix of both? If they look blue, you have cool undertones. If they look green, you have warm undertones. And if it’s a little of both or else you’re not sure, that means neutral undertones. Accordingly, look at the color chart for the Lavis jelly nude collection. Those with cool tones might choose numbers 14, 16, or 21. Next, someone with a warm undertone might go with 10, 18, or 20. Someone with neutral undertones can wear whatever they like! In any case, it’s not like matching your makeup. Instead, it’s choosing a complementary color for your nails. The best part about using these nude gels for jelly nails is that you’ll have color consistency. Sure, you can mix your own glass nails color with a clear top coat and another nail polish shade. But sadly, it’s hard to re-create the same color again later even if you pay close attention to how many drops you combined. What’s more, the Lavis gels have excellent shine and durability. What Do You Need to Apply Lavis Jelly Nude Gels? Besides the usual manicure tools like a file, clippers, and buffing block, you’ll need a nail lamp. We’d like to suggest this one as it cuts down on curing time for gel polish: Lavis UV/LED Nail Lamp BUY NOW This powerful nail lamp is perfect for both salon and home use. What's nice is that it's rechargeable so you don't need to sit near a power outlet to do your nails. Using it is straightforward. Choose a timer setting and watch the screen as it counts down. You don’t even need to touch the button to turn on the light each time – there’s a motion sensor that does it for you. The mirror finish interior and strategically placed LEDs ensure perfect curing every time. You’ll get better results and a longer-lasting manicure if you prep your nails properly. This includes pushing back the cuticles, removing the shine from the nail plate, and cleaning the nails to remove oil. Then, apply a base coat first before the jelly nude polish and a top coat after. The Lavis Diamond Top Gel is ideal for finishing up your manicure. A single coat turns jelly nails into glass nails like magic. When you do gels, it’s also handy to have lint-free wipes. They are convenient for removing the sticky layer left on some gel polishes. Plus, they are ideal for keeping nail art brushes clean. Finally, don’t forget the cuticle oil. Your jelly nails manicure will look even more stunning if your cuticles are healthy and hydrated. Conclusion If you love jelly nail polish, then you need to see what else we have in store! Check out our new arrivals page to see what’s trending. 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