DIY Gel Nail

Today's special: DIY Gel Nail

I am a huge fan of gel nails, my favorite being OPI's Axxiom & Shellac. Unfortunately, that $30 habit isn't exactly one I am still hanging on to while we are on the med-school budget. Instead, I've done my research in order to find a more affordable way to get that gel nail look!

Anyway, here's what you need:

1. Gelous Advanced Nail Gel Coat {got mine here}
2. Your choice of nail polish - per People Style Watch for September - Burgandy is hot this fall so I am using my old, trusty bottle of William Tell Me About OPI. {Find here.}
3. Out The Door Top Coat - it's the BEST! Hands down - you nails will dry in an instant & will be super shiny! {Find here.}
4. Nail file of choice - I am using one from Sally's. {Find similiar here.}

Here's how:

· Remove all nail polish & use a file to smooth down ALL over your nail!

· Wash your hands to remove any remaining oil, dirt, etc.

· Apply a thin layer of the Gelous Advanced Nail Gel

· Allow a few minutes to let it get semi-dry

· Repeat that - another layer of Gelous & allow it to set...

· Then, use your choice of nail polish & give it 4 or so minutes to set...

· Add yet another layer of the Gelous Advanced Nail gel & allow it to semi-dry

· Add another layer of your nail polish

· Apply the On The Go Top Coat...

· Voila, DIY Gel Nail

Okay, so some people don't have the patience for all of this - and that's totally understandable. If so, just leave out applying the last coat of Gelous Polish! Your nail won’t be as thick - but it will still look really nice!

Nail Salons allow an hour and 15 minutes to get the real deal - this is only going to take 20, tops.

The key here is to get that BASE coat of the Gelous Polish semi-set before you apply your nail color!

Here's a more recent photo of my wanna-be gel nails taken from my Instagram! Wearing Play Date by Essie! (2.14.13)