Builder Gel For Beginners! | How To Use A Builder In A Bottle 💗

[@kathijohnson843]

Very informative 👏🏿 👌🏾. But, could you take it a lil further & do a video/tutorial on the differences between builder gel, polygel & acrygel (acri-gel) ? I find it a little confusing. Surely there must be technical reasons to use one over another. Keep up the great work. I'm loving your videos more & more. I'd really would love to see that chic studio of yours again. It's awesome.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Polygel & acrygel are the same thing. It’s a very thick gel that you would push around into place, similar to an acrylic. It still needs to be cured just like a gel, but with a more similar consistency to acrylic. Companies just use different names for the same type of product. These would be strong like hard gel or acrylic and you could use to sculpt out long extensions. ☺️

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Here’s a video I made using polygel ☺️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2ebeWiim9GNmK8

[@marielanders1218]

Polygel and Acrygel use a slip solution or you could use isopropyl alcohol to move the product around. When it gets sticky you dip your brush in slip solution or the isopropyl alcohol.

[@kathijohnson843]

@@NailsByKatieDutra thanks for such a quick reply. You are one of the few that do. I really appreciate that. Be blessed & prosper.

[@xxSydneyFox]

Polygel is a bit easier to use for newbies because you don't have to be quick and you can manipulate it as much as you want. Acrylic is definitely the hardest to use. Builder and hard gel are pretty much the same as you use a brush to apply.

[@sheressalindsey6595]

What a great tip with the light line...your a great teacher, so informative and you speak so eloquently. Thank you for your videos.

[@alexiatsaroucha8808]

I think this was the most detailed video around builder gels I've come across. Thank you! ❤

[@erikavujasinovic8971]

Thanks for the video! I had bought many colors from luminary and the gel in all of them started separating. If I hear it up it goes back to a workable form, but just for a few seconds before it separates again. They are all ruined. I contacted Luminary and they told me the product has a shelf life of 1 year, after which it goes bad. Very disappointed. I never had that issue with LE gels, even the ones I bought years ago

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes Luminary has a 1 year shelf life, so I would not recommend purchasing or stocking up on a lot of them unless you know for sure they will get used within a year.

[@art_see_shan1849]

Using the small detail brush while building is ingenious! I’m gonna try that especially with hard gel

[@BeInspiredByPrettyThings]

It's so helpful to see a "self" application!

[@rebelprep]

Hi there! First off- thank you for the courteous replies to all other comments so if you don't get back to me on this older video I completely understand!! Also, I love and appreciate your clap backs on a few! I do my own nails at home with mostly dip powder and gel and have just started dipping my toes into the waters of making press ons for personal use and some more elaborate things. What I'm trying and failing to understand is whether I should go with builder gel or hard gel to protect my nails long term because I do like to change them often. Even with peel base and stickers for press ons it takes a toll eventually as I'm sure you can attest better than I can! Anyways, I'm looking to implement just one system to do fills over time and I'm not grasping the concept well even though I do watch your excellent videos. My brain is stubbornly non comprehensive on this. Thanks!!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Hey there ☺️ I personally don’t have much experience with press ons. If you did apply something under the press on you would want it to be thin, otherwise the tip isn’t really going to fit will. I would not build it up like I did in the video.

[@yvonneboggs6358]

I tried to read in comments, didnt see it.. So, non nail tech person here... first timer.. In your video tutorial, did you cure the nails after your first "thin coat?" Or did you go directly to the building part with the thicker dab? And will a LED light suffice? I dont like all those harmful rays, and unfortunately, I have thin nails that always break, so I have resorted to using product. Nail polish chips too easy, I wash my hands ALOT. (RN). Thanks

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

First, what I’m using is an LED light. LED describes the type of bulbs, they still emit the UV rays needed to cure gel. The UV rays in a nail lamp vs something like a tanning bed are not the same. It’s on a different spectrum of UV. It is extremely important though that you use a good quality lamp that is compatible with the gel you’re using, otherwise the product will be under cured which can lead to lifelong allergies. You can’t just use and lamp with any gel. You can do a thin coat and cure it first, then if you hear of a “slip layer” that would mean you don’t cure it right away and use use it to help the bigger bead of product self level, then cure.

[@abernathiee]

Super informative and well explained vid, Katie!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Thanks for watching!

[@sara341426]

I’m new to all of this and wondering, can you use regular polish after using the base and then a gel topcoat after that or do you have to use all gel for everything?

[@lt5179]

Hey it’s a little late to reply to your comment but…. If you apply a gel top coat to a regular polish, you run the risk of bubbling and uneven curing. You can definitely use regular colour and top coat on top of gel built nails tho! Hope this helped 😊

[@strawberryme08]

Do you use alcohol to clean the brush? My builder came in a little pot. is a flat wider brush or thinner and long? What’s easier?

[@DakidaB]

I’m late to the video. This was super informative!! Thank you!! I do my own gel-x nails currently. But, I’ve realized the Luminary system is for professionals only. And I know your professional advice would be to leave it to the professionals lol. But, can someone that isn’t a nail tech/pro use it themselves/DIY?

[@Tristyjoe]

Thinking about switching from acrylic to gel and this video was very helpful!

[@ChristianMig1980]

I am a beginner and this helped a lotm ty

[@mrsrebeccagolding3437]

📣📣📣📣LUMINARY IF YOUR WATCHING...... Would love to try this BUT shipping is so high to the UK 🇬🇧 😅 PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can we get it here for a more affordable way 🙏 😊

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes I know many UK techs that would love to try Luminary!

[@melexclusive9337]

Can you purchase this without being licensed?

[@lindat1879]

Great tutorial Katie 👌😊. With luminary can you cure for a few seconds to freeze the gel so you can do all 4 or 5 fingers then finish curing for the full amt of time instead of doing one at a time?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I find that Luminary needs a little bit longer to cure enough for it to not move anymore. At least 10-15 seconds. So I usually do one nail and then switch hands on my client and do one nail, working back and forth. ☺️

[@ashleighzinser5013]

Hello, quick question….. if I have fragile nails would this work to make them thicker kinda like acrylic to wear they won’t break. Take into account that I’m a nurse so I wash or germ x constant, or would I want to go with hard gel?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes you can use this to build the nails up thicker ☺️

[@Kaywolff]

Thank you for your video. Do you recommend to use the builder gel in the bottle or the pot?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Everyone has their own preference so try both and see what you like! 🩷

[@alirae3663]

So I am just a bit unclear-if you’re not a fast worker-would you do individual curing? I’ve been having problems with pooling. Or could I flash cure in between? (Honestly I don’t really understand flash curing so that could be a stupid question) Thanks!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

It depends on the gel. I find luminary cures slower so I work back and forth fully curing one finger at a time. My hard gel cures very fast so it’s hard within 2-3 seconds, which means I only need to do a flash cure (a 3 sec cure) before moving on to the next nail.

[@Beann0]

You talk entirely too much..just do it ALREADY

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I’m here to teach! Thankfully you can click away if you don’t like it 😉 but thanks for the engagement and the comment though! ❤️🙌🏻

[@leeevers8976]

Excellent tutorial video, Katie!!! Do you ever use an e file for finish filing?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I usually don’t, but some people like it better than hand filing!

[@krissynddd8642]

Thank you sooooo helpful!! It was very detailed and easy to understand.

[@vannnie222]

When you apply a gel color do you use another base or skip?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

No need to add another base 😄

[@taylormakimelgoza]

This video is so comprehensive and informative!! Thank you!! What do I do if I have a nail that broke and is a lot shorter than my other nails? Can I use builder gel to make an extension?

[@TheCyahnian]

Awesome video, love your channel with all your tips and tricks they are so helpful! I recently came across a nail tech who wears gloves on their hands to protect from the UV rays because they change up their nails so much do you think this is necessary? If not, do you wear sunscreen?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Hello, no I do not think it’s necessary and I do not wear gloves for curing or sunscreen. The nail lamps do not emit the same rays as a tanning bed. If it was dangerous I would not put myself or my family in harms way. ☺️

[@hollydavis06]

Thank you so much for this…I have been doing it all wrong. Such a big help!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I’m so glad I could help! 💖

[@javierarojas8706]

This video was great I think I'll use primer ... it's the only thing I don't use and I'm finding the tips of my nails pealing off after a shower and a wash of dishes 😢

[@alikc25]

Thank you for the video ,very helpful.

[@Hpee2k]

The most helpful video to me ♥️

[@FrankieWarner-ur7ee]

Do you know how to do an American style versus an French nail with the gel?

[@elizabethsmithakaelizabeth3332]

Does your nail already have a natural apex? Gorgeous nails!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

they do! 😃💗

[@laurenmariemarie4923]

How do you do your left hand, I can’t find many videos that show how tips for the left hand. :)

[@heart2worship8D]

Is builder in a bottle soft gel? What’s the difference between soft gel, builder or rubber base?

[@MariaHernandez-fp2wu]

Is it possible to use a form and the cure with builder gel? I have trouble with a smooth surface.

[@TheCupofthea]

Hi ! I am new in your site and I would like to see how to chape short nails. This is my problem each time. Thank you ❤️

[@SimoneDutranails]

Katie show how you edit your videos and how you record please 🙏

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I have a video all about that ☺️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZPUfHx8aaqtZpY

[@maddiemany7750]

You have a super soothing voice!

[@sandraburnett2035]

Nothing sticks on my nails, I prep prime dehydrate and follow all instructions. But although nails look great it peels off immediately like it’s not set and fully peels off .

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

If it’s peeling off immediately you may be using the wrong lamp. Otherwise there is something incorrect in your prep process. ❤️

[@chaylalalonde9589]

Do you have a video comparing luminary and magpie? I'm on the fence of which system to o with

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I don’t, I haven’t used much of the magpie builders

[@cry21hearts]

What builder gel would you use for someone who wants to grow their nails really long ?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

You can use this type of gel to grow out your natural nails, if you’re wanting super long nails I’d suggest a hard gel or acrylic

[@cry21hearts]

@@NailsByKatieDutra thank you ! I have some client that want their nails really long but don’t want acrylic so I have been searching for a good hard gel do you have any hard gel favorites?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I use Akzentz hard gel ☺️ I have lots of videos using it, here’s one of many kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXOadoKJa6aNkKc

[@cry21hearts]

@@NailsByKatieDutra thank you !! I will check that brand out

[@aleishasdiary]

Hi! So luminary is classified as hard gel & not soft gel? I’m a bit confused just started using it & I love it but confused by the fact that it’s soakable lol

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I would classify it as a soft gel since it is soakable, or semi-hard because you can build and file it like a hard gel.

[@christinad2547]

Great tutorial!!! I absolutely love luminary system💕

[@brokfan4eva]

I've seen so many people in my Maniology group talk about builder gel and I've thought about it, but unsure if my work would let me do it (I work in healthcare) as acrylic is not allowed, but shellac is. My nails have been peeling at the tips for the last 2 years since my last salon manicure (I think the tech over filed my nails at that visit as they have been breaking and peeling ever since then), and one of my doctors thinks I have psoriasis of the nails (which I just got diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis) so I'm also unsure if I can use it due to the psoriasis. This video is very informative!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Well, at this point your nails would have been completely grown out since you had your last manicure, so I don’t think the peeling would be caused by that. ☺️ We grow a whole new nail about every 6 months. Glad the video was helpful!

[@Nollala]

thank you so much!! Do i have to use a gel base coat before applying the gel polish?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Nope! Just the color and top coat 💖

[@xHappzx]

Isn't this more of a pot gel? I don't understand why they chose this type of a system if they're going for builder in a bottle.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

You can apply it from the bottle if that’s what you prefer ☺️

[@pariss8396]

Hello I just purchased builder gel. Is it supposed to be sticky even after it’s been cured?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes, it’s called the Inhibition Layer

[@mariahjane7969]

Im going to use the light to check for uniformity of the builder gel. It's a great idea. Sucks that luminary is a professional brand only.

[@katiebell8872]

Hey, I was able to purchase from their site and I'm not a professional

[@marilynmorrison4936]

I enjoyed this video you explained all of the steps well my only question is why is there such a large gap between your cuticle and the gel nail?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I use my color coat to tuck up to the cuticle, which keeps that area thin

[@abrilhelena5749]

What do you charge for this service?

[@Amberclayt0n]

Is it necessary to top coat them if you're just doing an overlay, no color or art?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes! They will not be shiny on their own

[@MontseLovesYou1]

How to avoid heat spikes while using luminary?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Use a lamp that has a "low heat" setting or just take your hand in and out of the lamp :)

[@genjangquintabel3113]

Thanks a lot but what I don't understand is do you heat it one after another or you build all the nails and heat all at once

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

You have to do one at a time. It’s too runny to wait and do all the nails at once, the gel will run off onto the finger.

[@8thhousealchemist600]

Gel builder takes so long to cure, but polygel is fast.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Mine starts curing within seconds… a full cure is 30-60 seconds depending on the brand

[@manoelaz6114]

Do you cure the first layer?

[@aysiaboyd3119]

I ordered a couple colors of Luminary gel but it was separated in the bottle and the pot. I mixed it a bunch of time but eventually the gel just separates again after like 5 minutes. I don’t understand why, and how I can mix it so it doesn’t separate again while I’m using it.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

How old is it? It has a 1 year shelf life, and after a year it will do this. Otherwise I may have to give them a stir once in a while but not every time.

[@franccesca-ft6xc]

I feel like sometimes temperature plays with it!

[@beatahp335]

Hi , I was wondering if you are familiar with Magicgel NailGuard system and could compare the two ?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I am not familiar with that one

[@beatahp335]

Np,thanks

[@peony6818]

what hard gel do you recommend for long nails?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I use Akzentz ☺️ I have a lot of videos of me using it

[@marceldumitru4991]

Because I want to buy one

[@aireragine]

So, each nails you have to cure it one by one in order to avoid the builder gel to not lose it shape? Or you can apply the builder gel in all of your nails and cure it at the same time?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

One by one ☺️

[@aireragine]

@@NailsByKatieDutra omg that’s a lot of work but thank you so much for the info 💗

[@scharifranklin2294]

Best video hands down

[@lindahamila]

Great tutuorial!! Question, what grit do you use for the nail file that you buff the nail with?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

180 💓

[@lindahamila]

@@NailsByKatieDutra Thank you 😊

[@Ms2unique4u]

Thank you for such an informative video!! I also have a question….You said that you should use the same brand of LED/UV lamp as the gel system you’re using to do your mani with, otherwise you can have issues with the way your mani comes out. So, if that’s the case, are you saying people are going to have to buy a lamp each time they use a different brand of gel in order to achieve a good outcome? I mean people are going to end up with God knows how many different lamps. Please clarify if I misunderstood what you said. Thank you!!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I would not say you “need” to do that, but it is recommended and you cannot guarantee a proper cure unless you’re using that same brand of lamp. When brands create their gels, they test them in their lamps to make sure the gel cured properly. I would say it’s most important for the builder/hard gel you’re using. I have many different gel polish brands and they all cure fine in my Akzentz lamp. But I use Akzentz as my hard gel, which is why I use their lamp.

[@Ms2unique4u]

@@NailsByKatieDutra I guess I feel like regardless of what lamp you use, you just need to make sure you cure your nails until they’re fully cured and if that means curing 2 or 3 times in your lamp, so be it….just as long as it’s done correctly. Thanks!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Not necessarily. If the lamp does not emit the correct wavelength of light to properly cure the product, it will never cure no matter how many times you put it back in the lamp. Jim from Light Elegance had many videos discussing lamps and proper curing kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIu2Z3qPraatoZY

[@marceldumitru4991]

Where did you get that

[@peksita]

I really LOVE luminary 💖 but I'm from overseas and now the shipping sky rocketed 😫 so I might have to change 😢 cause I'll be running out soon ¿what builder in a bottle is similar to luminary?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

The Gel Bottle & Magpie are made in the UK ☺️

[@peksita]

Thanks! But I'm in south America 🤭 I will check them out anyways ☺️ thank you

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I’m sorry! The Gel Bottle has a distributer in Puerto Rico if that helps ☺️ www.thegelbottle.pr

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Looks like you could also get Jimmy Gel from Light Elegance here: www.glamshop.cl

[@nancysworld4178]

I didn't know you could go straight to polish without filling gel. Don't you have to seal the cuticle area to prevent lifting? Great video. Thank you, Katie, I love gel in a bottle. I use Madam Glam. 😀💅

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Sealing the cuticle is using a bit to thin out the product near the cuticle, as thick product at the cuticle area can cause lifting. ☺️ if your product is already thin at the cuticle, that step is not needed.

[@nancysworld4178]

@@NailsByKatieDutra awesome! I thought you always had to file it and that's why sometimes I ended up over filling my cuticle area. Thanks for that Katie! 😀

[@aysiaboyd3119]

I think sealing the cuticle area is more widely known for when you apply acrylic.

[@PrudenceSililoNyambe]

Greatfull

[@Wendycom5]

Really good information, but how many fill-ins take to start a new full set?

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

I never do another full set ☺️ just fills

[@Wendycom5]

@@NailsByKatieDutra thank you 🙏🏼

[@Time-Shepherd.]

❤🤠👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheCupofthea]

Thank you !❤️❤️

[@sd8990]

Hi Katie, would you recommend exclusively using the luminary primer, or would the YN protein bond be a viable option? Ty again for being so generous with your knowledge.

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

It matters what brand you’re using. Stick within the same line of products. Some brands don’t require a primer, some have their own. 💓

[@LIBDesignsNails]

Hi! Is Magpie beauty only for purchase for licensed nail techs? It says on their website certain products are not sold to the general public. Gel nail products? Or polishes? Was on the website. Do you have any insight? Or information about this. Thank you in advance!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Yes their gel and acrylic products are only sold to licensed nail techs. Glitters and nail art products are available to anyone. ☺️

[@LIBDesignsNails]

@@NailsByKatieDutra Awww that sucks! :-( the colors looks amazing! Do you know any other brands that carry Hema free gel nail polishes?

[@HappiSabi]

@@LIBDesignsNails Madam Glam & Triple D both carry HEMA free sale to unlicensed builder in a bottle. For HEMA free potted builder gel, Venalisa is the most affordable alternative out there who don't require license ❤️❤️ Xx

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

These are brands that I like that are available to anyone: Koko & Claire Daily Charme (code KATIE10 for 10% off) Anything from Zillabeau! Use this link for $10 off bit.ly/3I2m4nl You may have to look through the brands and ingredients to double check that they are HEMA free, but all those are very good 👌🏻

[@LIBDesignsNails]

@@HappiSabi Thank you!

[@totukimou]

You don't need to build apex because you have short nails, and now your nails look like they're growing downwards, it's not nice!

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

Hi. First of all, nice to meet you, I’m Katie. A real human on the other side reading your comment. ☺️ Yes, you do need a small apex even on natural nails. My natural nails already have a slight apex and curve down naturally. However I filed them straight and smooth into a beautiful shape. Obviously I’m not the KZbin channel for you. Have a nice day ☺️

[@MissP7197]

I just wanted to say how beautiful your nails look with such a lovely apex. I’m shocked to see someone thinks it makes them look bad. My nana was blessed with the same shape as you and I have been trying to emulate for years. This video has helped immensely, thank you from a new sub Down Under, Amanda❤

[@userrrrrbux312lilreymszelly]

thank you so much this video helped me a lot very clear and simple!🤍

[@NailsByKatieDutra]

You're very welcome!