Tried this ASP Light-less Gel Kit I got from Sally's. I couldn't stand having short nails after chopping off all my nails after taking off the acrylic overlay. 😢
I didn't want to do acrylics again since it is kind of harsh on the nails. So I opted for gel instead. I actually considered getting builder gel but it's overpriced at Sally's.
Kit includes:
Light-less Gel, Gel Cure with spray nozzle, Instant Nail Glue, Mini Emery Board, 20 French White Nail Tips, and a Resin Tip Extender (don't use this).
* I bought a bottle of ibd Brush-On Gel Resin to use as a brush. From YT videos the lightless gel messses up nail brushes, and initially I only wanted to extend my natural nails so I followed one of those videos. From videoed using the top made the nail very bumpy.
Other items you will need:
Nail Clippers, Nail Dehydrator or Rubbing Alcohol, Nail Primer, Orange Stick, ibd Brush-on Gel Resin, Paper Towels, Buffing Block and maybe a full size Nail File, and Top Coat of your choice. (A mask is recommended because it does get dusty.)
Also do this in a open ventilated area.
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Steps:
Clean natural nails of any polish and oils. Push back cuticle. Lightly buff the top of the natural nail. (I didn't even read the instructions and just went into it doing my usual prep that I do with acrylics lol)
Select the best tip sizes for each finger (slightly bigger is better, you want the tip to sit on top well without needing to press it on to fit) I use a nail file to taper the side walls to fit perfectly. Dot some glue in the well and stuck on to nails. Hold for a few seconds to let it stick. Then trim and shape for your desired look (lightly buff the smile line and tip for a more flushed feel to the natural nail).
Apply some dehydrator to the natural nails and let it dry. Then apply some primer and let it dry.
Apply a bead of Light-less Gel on the middle of your nail. Using the Brush-on Gel Resin, spread the Light-less Gel evenly over the whole nail avoid touching the cuticle or skin (clean up with an orange stick if necessary). Try not to use too much gel otherwise it runs.
Hold the Gel Cure 6-8 inches away and spray lightly over the nail. (Tip: you get less roughness if you hold it at least 6 inches away. You only need a little misty amount on the nail, don't over saturate with the Gel cure.) Allow the Gel 1 minute to set. Apply 3-4 layers for ideal strength.
File and buff the nail to refine the shape. Apply your choice of top coat And you're all set!
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I think I did pretty well... (2nd time's the charm). I attempted to use silk fibers as an extension to my natural nails, but they kept getting deformed since the silk had no structure on it's own. I'm used to acrylics since that's what I tinkered with since high school.
It actually looks prettier than when I do acrylic nails since its thinner (hopefully no cracking will happen). I like that there is less filing involved, just a little bit to refine the shape and get rid of little bumps. It just lacks the curved profile when you look from the side of the nail. I also don't really like using tips since I usually overlay on my natural nails for strength or use a form for short nails. I'm thinking of attempting LED builder gel next after these come off. 😁
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Overall Rating: 8/10
Quite easy to do. Easy to follow instructions (even though I deviated a bit). Good for beginners with a bit of experience. May take a few tries if you have never done artificial nails before.
It still took quite some time to do, no difference from acrylics. Well I think I do acrylics faster... Or maybe because this is something new. Most of the time is spent on filing and shaping though. (I need to get me a efile.)
Less odorous than acrylics which is good, but it's not unscented. There is still a nail chemical-like smell, it's just not as strong or permeating as monomer.
Good tip selection but I won't be able to use any of the other sizes so it seems like a one time use for me. So you will need to buy more tips.
I think the Light-less Gel will likely have to be repurchased after 4-5 manicures.
Good deal for beginners with mostly everything you need. I actually have most of this stuff, but I think the kit was cheaper then just buying the Gel Cure and Light-less Gel. I got it last week at Sally for less than $14 since it was on sale.
