Builder Gel Overlay on Natural Nails for Beginners // Tips & Tricks and Demo

[@micheleschell8692]

That was the BEST explanation of how to use builder gel.

[@chantelpurcell3331]

These are the exact nails I aspire to have , shape, colour, length. Perfect

[@laurencreech8256]

Thank you SO MUCH! I've always wanted to try builder gel, but felt intimidated by it. After watching you video two months ago, I tried it and fell in love! You have saved my nails and my sanity! :)

[@carriegnails]

Oh I’m so glad to hear this Lauren! It definitely can be intimidating at first but I’m glad you’ve got it sorted. Thank you!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@poohtunia077]

Appreciate you taking time to cover everything in detail. Loved the video, very helpful. Thank you!

[@RasMantisArt]

So helpful! Thank you kind lady! I love the shape of your nails that has always been my aim since starting gel. Did it once and 2 broke on one hand and I had to punish the other hand. Cannot wait to get them back in shape and protected with the builder gel! Yay claws!

[@cmstrauss514]

Finally! I’ve watched several videos today and everybody raves about using builder gel but not a single one of them mentioned how to remove it! I’m not sure I like the idea of it being there forever lol or having to file it all off, but my nails are very weak and I am trying to find a solution to avoid soaking in acetone for dip removal. I was looking into peel base and it seems so many ppl use builder gel with this.

[@carriegnails]

I’m so so glad it was helpful!! That was my initial hesitation too. I never filed the product all the way off, just down to a very thin layer and filled over top. It was easy. Combined with peel base it works so well! Good luck if you consider trying it, and let me know if I can help! 🥰

[@cmstrauss514]

@@carriegnails thank you 🙏🏻!!

[@lolololol7573]

@@carriegnails This is exactly what I've been looking for. I really want to avoid acetone and I don't mind if it takes a bit longer, especially knowing it lasts and works for weak nails. Your video has been wonderful to explain everything in detail. I will definitely try this now.

[@unboundbytiffany]

Ive actually had issues with 2 brands that specifically are base and builders and do not advise to use base, with major lifting and adhesion issues when teying to base first. So i would highly advise, follow the instructions on your professional grade products. They are there for a reason (if youre using a professional grade brand and product at least. There are few exceptions, when youre usijg peel base, when you have very oily or damaged uneven nails etc. And on and on. But generally start with the actual manufacturers instructions ideally). Also please please note, protein bond is usually for acrylic but more importantly (as yes it'll help adhesion with gels as well in most cases so that aspect is not that big a deal, but getting a primer or bonder that is part of your BIAB product line will usually always work best as their literally made to work together. But anyways, the biggest thing I want to warn anyone who could be reading this, young nails protein bond has HEMA in it. So if you don't yet have any gel allergies, please use with the same extreme cautiousness as you do your gels, and for those with HEMA allergies, please do not use the young nails protein bond. Sadly it's not very well known that this bonder has HEMA in it.

[@dianehedricks7860]

EXCELLENT TUTORIAL!!! I forwarded this to the Dr. I work with! I have had her doing her own dip manis for over a year now and I think builder gel will help her with strength! I do BG and love it. I hope she does too! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@carriegnails]

Thank you so much Diane! I can’t live without my builder gel now. It’s been such a game changer! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dianehedricks7860]

@@carriegnails I totally agree!!! I don’t soak off, so I just file down to the BG, wipe with alcohol and do another layer of BG and go into my dipping. It works for me, so I just roll with it!😂

[@mandab919]

Tfs. Very detailed. I ordered these igel builder gels last year and just now finally using lol... hate I didn't use sooner.

[@tajuannalee3158]

A push dispenser lol Thanks so much for this video! Builder gel did seem intimidating but you make it look doable!

[@carriegnails]

Lol see!? Why was that so hard for me. 🤦‍♀️🤣 Thanks for that, that was definitely the goal... to make it look doable 😊❤

[@angelrussell1616]

I been looking for you about 3 days now!! I needed this video im going to have you on when I'm doing my nails!! Thank you so much for this just what I needed!

[@carriegnails]

I’m so glad you found me! I appreciate the feedback and I’m so glad you found it helpful. 🥰🥰🥰

[@razorcatshark3223]

Thanks for the very thorough description of your process. I'm not currently using gel base coats before or after my builder application but it's an interesting proposition to consider if/when I try different builder gel products.

[@carriegnails]

I hear ya. Some builders state in the directions that you don't need a gel base. If that's working for you, I'd stick with it! I'm hard on my hands and I find if I skipped the gel base I just didn't get the longevity

[@idajene]

I’ve been trying to work with builder gel for about 3 months. Tried watching all kinds of videos but none were as in depth as yours. Like I didn’t know you can file your builder get before applying a gel polish. Cause I was just applying color then filing. Lol. Very informative and educational video! Thanks for sharing! 😅

[@jennib7211]

Thank you so much for this!!! So informative!! I am about to try BG for the first time. I dip but don't like to dip when my nails are uneven in length. I am hoping this will help me get a nice natural length after awhile. Thanks again!!

[@carriegnails]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! Go check out my IG feed. See how short my nails used to be. My natural nails would have NEVER gotten this long without builder gel! ❤️❤️❤️

[@shadow-fh6jm]

Can you use clear builder gel and then put different gel color on them instead of dipping?

[@Lorenamaysing]

I have this color coming and I haven't seen it in person or on video and now I see that it's just a beautiful as I'd hoped!

[@carriegnails]

It’s definitely a beautiful color! I’m sure you’ll love it! 🥰

[@Fur_ball]

I used to have really bad lifting when I was doing acrylics but not gels.

[@blueisis02]

Excellent vid for us beginners! Thx! What peel gel base are you using? Do you have a video on it already? Thanks!😁

[@carriegnails]

Thank you so much! I’m using UNT right now. The amount I use kind of fluctuates but it’s usually 1-2 full Layers. Peel base video is definitely on my list of videos to do but unfortunately the list is long! 😂🤦‍♀️

[@sallyanon5382]

Nice tutorial. I learned a lot!

[@carriegnails]

Thank you Sally! Glad to hear it! 🥰

[@maramosquera6145]

So when do you apply the peel off?

[@juliecardot6635]

Hi! I just came across your video and decided to try this today! I think it went pretty well but I do have a question! I did exactly what you did here, including finishing with a base and top gel coat because when I do my dip powder, I will use peel base. My question is how many days can I go between this process and then actually using the dip powder? Do I have to do anything to the top coat that was applied today before applying the peel base? Thank you and thanks so much for this video!

[@carriegnails]

Hey Julie! Glad to hear your first attempt went well! 🥰 Technically the answer to your question is “as long as you want.” I usually say 2-4 days just because I keep my builder a little on the thin side to keep from creating bulk once I add dip powder on top. So because I’m hard on my hands and clutzy lol, that’s about as long as I like to risk it, otherwise I could break a nail with the thin overlay. But if those aren’t of particular concern then you can leave your builder as long as you like. Whenever you’re finally ready to do your dip mani, just wipe down with alcohol to make sure they’re clean, apply your peel base, then proceed 😊. Hope that helps!

[@shannonmesenbrink3745]

I tried doing an infill but I had some lifting and chipping. I tried to fil down as much as possible but when I put the other layer on I could see lines where the old layer chipped. At that point do you recommend soaking off? It was my first time. Also tried to soak it off and it was really hard to get off.

[@carriegnails]

Hi Shannon! Couple things…you want to gently clip off anything that has lifted. I like to use cuticle nippers for this. Don’t ever pull, just clip of anything that has separated from the nail. File down as much as you can without danger to nailbed. Then you’ll fill over top. Yes, sometimes you will see some areas underneath that you clipped off, especially if you’re using clear bg. This is just one of many reasons I prefer bg that is slightly tinted. But if the little imperfections don’t bother you then just go with it. I pretty much never recommend soaking off unless you have just way too much lifting. Then it might be best to start over. If you’re going to soak, make sure you file down as far as you can before doing so. Even then, be prepared for it to take a while. Keep in mind hard gels do not soak off. Make sure yours is soak off builder gel. Use pure acetone in a baggie submerged in a bed of hot rice or hot water to help speed up the process. Have an orange stick or non metal cuticle pusher to help you gently scrape off what you can every few minutes. I know that’s a lot. I hope this helps! I’ll try to work on a BG troubleshooting video! 🥰

[@shannonmesenbrink3745]

@@carriegnails I will do that. I bought an e file just bc soaking off is such a hassle even with regular gel. Thank you so much!

[@carriegnails]

@@shannonmesenbrink3745 anytime!! 🥰

[@pamelahornak7253]

I just got my first builder gel. Your video is really nice. I haven’t used gel products before, just reg polish and since Dec, dip powders. My biggest thing is when to cure and how long. This video did help me with that. Thank you!

[@carriegnails]

Thanks Pamela! Glad you found it helpful! Good luck! Always available if you have questions 🥰

[@YogaCheryl]

Thanks so much for this! My manicurist charged an ungodly amount to do a structured gel mani - $135!! 😳 I know I can manage this myself and probably buy everything I need for that amount!

[@jennas_nails]

Wow, so well explained thank you

[@carriegnails]

I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you! 🥰

[@vickninosk]

A question? Do you remove your builder gel all the time or you just refilled it?

[@lesabailey977]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial. I have watched a lot of KZbin videos and they never explain the builder gel very well. I do have one question. If I am staying out with no builder gel on my nails do you have to dehydrate the nail or can I just use primer? Thanks again

[@carriegnails]

Thank you! 🥰 I’m so glad you found this video helpful! Okay so I want to make sure I understand your question…do you mean if you’ve got completely naked nails? If that’s the case the you don’t need to dehydrate the nail, and primer won’t really do anything for you if you’re not putting primer over top. You only need to dehydrate and use primer right before you’re about to apply your builder gel. Is what you meant?

[@lesabailey977]

@@carriegnails Yes thank you so much. Very helpful

[@jeannedugal9865]

love your video....when I do my nails I always have such a hard time getting rid of the sticky layer....I just bought a new lamp it is 168 watts....and still the same problem I wipe with 100% alcohol as well.....I have tried thinner layers but I see you dont really use a thin lyer with the builder get which I use...just wondering if there is an answer to this problem

[@carriegnails]

Some builders do make quite a bit of an inhibition layer. There are definitely some formulas I have to clean with alcohol multiple times, and sometimes even wash my hands, to get rid of the sticky layer. (This, of course, is assuming you've fully cured it and it's not sticky from undercuring.) Unfortunately I don't know any way to get rid of this any faster, other than to use some acetone, but that could affect your builder. You may just have to go over it multiple times with the alcohol to get the sticky layer to dissipate, or you may consider trying a different brand/formula. ❤️❤️❤️

[@jeannedugal9865]

@@carriegnails thank you

[@amberisrad]

im getting builder gel for christmas this year (i am SO excited) and your video has helped a bunch! my question was, would i be able to file down the product with a hand file? i know it will take a lot longer but im not looking to buy an efile, for the moment at least

[@carriegnails]

I’m so glad to hear you found it helpful! 🥰 You CAN use just a hand file but it will take a bit longer. My biggest suggestion here is if you’re only going to hand file, really take your time with your layers and try to get each one shaped right and with the apex in the proper spot so you don’t have to do much filing when you’re finished. ❤️

[@amberisrad]

@Carrie G Nails thank you much :) i will definitely invest in an e-file eventually but good to know until then i can use a hand file! thank you so much for the advice!!

[@Amanda-ht8kg]

This video helps so much! Thank you. So if you went on to the peel base layer, would you wipe off the tack from the gel top coat or leave it before applying PB?

[@Amanda-ht8kg]

Oh I have one more question, too! When you are removing your mani, how do you know when you get down to the BG? I’m scared I’m going to go through it into my natural nail

[@carriegnails]

Very good questions Amanda! I use a no-cleanse gel topcoat but if you’re using a standard topcoat with tacky layer you would want to wipe it off with alcohol first before applying peel base. Do you mean if you’re removing with an efile? You’ll know if you start to see the clear (or whatever) layer of builder gel start to come through that you’ve removed the color. I get that fear though! What I did in the beginning while I was learning my efile was to use the extra coarse bit part of the way then switch to a medium sanding band. That way you don’t end up taking off too much too fast so you don’t worry so much about going down to the natural nail. Hope that helps! 🥰

[@mymakeup1669]

Beautiful!

[@carriegnails]

Thank you! 😊

[@Habitualhomebody]

This has been the most informative and helpful video I've found on builder gel, so thank you! I'm a total nail newbie, as a recovering lifetime nail biter, I'm really interested in doing gels to give my nails strength and deter me from biting. I have some questions! Instead of a glass file like you used, can you use a cuticle remover like Sally Hanson with the builder gel already on? Like before a fill-in? Or will that cause the builder that's already on to lift? Also, for flash curing... If you flash cure one finger at a time, by the time you get to the last one, won't the first finger be fully cured by then? For peel base...how easy is it to peel off? Because as a recovering nail biter and picker, I LOVE peeling off my nail polish and I don't want it to be that easy for me. So is it really as easy as peeling it off or are there extra steps to do before peeling? And last question! I'm sorry! 😆 Do you have to remove the inhibition layer of the builder if you are going to put gel color on top? I imagine the sticky layer would help with the gel sticking. Thank you SO much!!

[@carriegnails]

I’m glad to hear you’ve found it helpful! 1.) No, I wouldn’t recommend a cuticle remover before a fill in UNLESS you file down and prep the night before and apply your builder the next day. Cuticle remover can often cause builder gel to lift. 2.) Yes, essentially. But you’ll have to fully cure the last finger anyway so you’ll still need the full time. Make sure everything is fully cured to avoid peeling and gel allergies. 3.) If you apply a gel top coat over the builder, it’s very easy! Depending on the amount you apply and other factors such as frequent hand washing, etc. I struggled a bit in the very beginning with peel base as I was trying to get my process down. The biggest issue was not allowing it to dry fully. I have a separate video on peel base. So if you DON’T want it to be easy, peel base probably isn’t the product for you. But you can simply apply your gel or dip mani right over top of wiped-down builder and just file off your color down to the builder when you want to change. 4.) Yes actually, you DO want to remove the inhibition layer on builder. I know normally we don’t do this, as like you said that sticky post can help other layers over top to stick. But builder gel typically has much more of an inhibition layer and it can cause your color layers and top coat to remain sticky. Ask me how I know that 😉 You want to use a gel base or gel primer after wiping down your builder gel before going in with color. I know that seems like extra steps but you’ll likely be disappointed if you don’t wipe down the builder 😊

[@Habitualhomebody]

@@carriegnails thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to answer all my questions!

[@carriegnails]

@@Habitualhomebody anytime! I’m here to help! Good luck! 🥰

[@mirandaduong4966]

I’m a newbie, and I’m still confused on if you have tips underneath already, and if that was the purpose of the gel builder?? Also, what do you mean by peel base 😮‍💨 any advice would be helpful. I’ve watched as many tutorials as my eyes could stand at this point 😂

[@callmekells802]

THIS is the video I have been looking before! Gorgeous natural stiletto nails.

[@carriegnails]

Oh I'm so glad you find it helpful! Thank you so much! ❤

[@gsunflower124]

Nail GOALSSSSS!! Great tutorial

[@carriegnails]

Wow, thank you so much for that! ❤😘

[@Likaye-b9t]

Great video!!

[@carriegnails]

Thank you so much! ❤❤❤

[@imairsiha]

my peel base never works out for me.. i didnt know i should use a base, then top, THEN peel base! going to try next week.

[@carriegnails]

I don't often see that explained either. The first time I didn't and I had to file it off. What a pain! Hope this helps! ❤❤❤

[@noelthompson8932]

Can you use it as a shiny layer over polish in nail full cover extentions?

[@carriegnails]

Over gel polish or nail polish? If you mean nail polish I would test it on a swatch stick first. Nail polishes sometimes don’t get along with gel. If you mean gel polish, you definitely could do that if you have a clear builder! Builders have a sticky (inhibition) layer, so you would need to wipe off the tacky layer or put a no cleanse gel topcoat over top. But really I would just wipe off the tacky layer of the builder with an alcohol wipe and just leave it like that

[@SheenaBrown444]

Can you use dashing diva nail guards under builder gel?

[@carriegnails]

Hi Tasheena! I have never used Dashing Diva nail guards, but given that they are designed to be used under gel polish, and builder gel is just a stronger/thicker version of gel polish, I don't see why you couldn't! 💗

[@Pocketsnuggies]

Thanks for this! Just saw you mention this on Facebook, so I hopped on over. What grit sanding band please? I know you said fine, but which number if you know. Thx. Just got my builder gel and excited to try it. :) Also, would love a video for when you apply it the first time. (Whole nail) for technique. I’ve seen people place bottle in warm water for ease of applying. Have you tried that? This is the BEST video I’ve seen so far on this. 💜

[@carriegnails]

Awesome! I'm glad it was helpful to you! The mandrel bit is the bit you will need. The sanding bands are like a little sleeve that go on the mandrel bit. There are fine, medium and coarse sanding bands. So what I used was the mandrel bit with the fine sanding band placed over top. The bit: www.igelbeauty.com/products/nail-drill-bit-titanium-coated-carbide-mandrel-long-life?_pos=2&_sid=f15efc55e&_ss=r The bands: www.igelbeauty.com/products/dbit-50-sanding-bands-fine You can also find these items on Amazon. Melody Susie makes some great cheaper alternatives. But I like Igels quality and if you catch them on a 60%off sale, it's actually a good deal!

[@carriegnails]

Also thanks for the request! My application would be the exact same if I started with bare nails. Only difference is I might add another layer or two of the builder for thickness. But otherwise steps would be exactly the same. And you can warm the bottle if it's easier for you. I find that I don't need to.

[@Pocketsnuggies]

@@carriegnails Thank you. I have an e-file and the mandrel I just wondered what grit you used. Thank you for getting back to me. I’ve just seen people work the builder gel back-and-forth on their nail with the first application, that’s why I asked. I’m trying my first time today. Wish me luck! :)

[@carriegnails]

@@Pocketsnuggies I'm sure you'll do great! Feel free to message me if you need any help!

[@gwenfarley7540]

As video. I use igel beauty's bg. So this was perfect.

[@carriegnails]

Thanks! I'm so glad you found it helpful!! ❤❤❤

[@victoriababbs3635]

Great video! Thank you! Quick question… If I want to use dip powder and the gel method over BG, then after base coat, top coat, then peel base…do I do another layer of base coat to start the dip and gel top coat method? Does that make sense?

[@carriegnails]

It does! So after you complete your builder and add your peel base, you can go right in with your mani. Just add your gel base and go right in with the powder. If you wanted to add a layer of gel base on it’s own and cure before starting with your powder, you can, but it’s definitely not necessary 🥰

[@victoriababbs3635]

@@carriegnails thanks!!! 💜

[@Flipper2012]

What do you have on your nails in the beginning? I see a lot of lifting.

[@carriegnails]

I’m not sure what you’re seeing but there is not a lot of lifting. There is a little lifting on one nail which occurred when I took off my peel base. I filmed this at a time when I was still trying to find a good peel base & number of layers that worked for me. I didn’t not apply enough on that nail which is why a bit of lifting on the builder occurred when I tried to take it off. Since I was going to fix it anyway I took the time to film this video.

[@sayenjacobs94]

Is this the same as rubberbase gel?

[@carriegnails]

I am not a nail tech but from my understanding rubber base gel and builder gel are similar but not the same. From what I know, rubber base gel is a thicker, more flexible version of gel base, whereas builder gel is designed for overlays for brittle, weak nails.

[@wamemasilo7546]

I would say no. They are not the same. I use both. 2 layers of rubber base(thin layer then a thick one) 2 layers of builder gel (thin layer then a thick one). The thick builder gel layer is to build the nail and give it an apex.

[@misscooks601]

I brought this gel to my nail tech the other day. She was having such a glitch and country understand the point of this gel. Anywho she did the absolute worst application , I have lost all hope in nail techs. Especially hard gel techs, I’ve been growing my nails out for a few years so they’re long. Nail techs rather chop em off and do a new set (lazys) I’m seriously studying KZbin university trying to figure this out. And I’m one of those clients that notices everything although I try my best not to.

[@smurfmonster]

Builder gel should NOT be brushed on like nail polish like this, it should be applied and guided with the tip of the brush and you shouldn't be using more than 2, MAXIMUM of 3 layers ( 3 layers would be on very thin bare nails in order to build the apex). I really don't want to be rude but I don't know where you trained to use builder gel but please consider a training update.

[@carriegnails]

Thanks for your input!

[@karlamichellemrodriguezcor5115]

There are different ways of doing things. If that is effective for her and other people, so be it. You are allowed not to follow her recommendations or techniques. Maybe you could start a KZbin channel so you can bring your techniques.

[@thestarsnatcher]

i'm glad someone said this cus.....the end result doesn't look incredible and this is the only video i've seen where it's applied so laboriously like this instead of in a couple precise swipes 😅