CND Plexigel / Builder in a Bottle - Full Application [Watch Me Work]

[@TheSalonLife]

What do you think? Timestamps: 0:00 prep (filing) 3:44 cuticle work and nail prep 11:45 cleansing 12:52 Bonder application 16:52 Shaper application 26:17 Protector application (Top Coat) 29:57 finishing

[@smartburgher1]

One of the best nail videos i have watched! You explain each step thoroughly! Brilliant

[@gracegate8182]

Great instruction video. Exactly what I have been searching for. I now can do my own nails. So uncomplicated. Thank you!

[@becvoigt1756]

Hi great video! Do you have a tutorial of extensions with the plexigel? Also how would I go about adding coloured shellac to these? Would I use a plexigel top coat or the shellac one... would I do one coat or two of the shaper?

[@demend2549]

You skip top coat after curing shaper or builder you skip base of shellac and go to the two coats of Color with curing time in between. After color is cured apply SHELLAC top coat and you're done :) hope this helps!

[@allisonmichelle4419]

I’m wondering if flipping the hand over (and holding fingers straight out) for about 30 secs after applying shapers would help with any shape issues. Great video!

[@TheSalonLife]

That would work if the coat was thicker (more product). The nails weren't really uneven that much.... I've done Shellac on her in the past and they looked great. I just found this product didn't level as well creating little pooling.

[@makinguup]

I do two nails- then have client turn hand over - while I do two on other hand-it does help- I will also e-file/buff surface- it is too uneven to just leave as gel polish surface- if I do I’m unhappy w how it all looks.

[@dianeisbister1827]

I just started using this product but have had some clients and myself with some nails just pooping right off after a week or less? Disappointed but perhaps I need a better Curing machine!? What do u recommend ?

[@ElizabethSlator]

I’ve had the same, comes clean off like a press on nail

[@dimitraa9603]

Hi from Montreal Canada 🇨🇦 😊. I just started following you and I bought this system. I'm a nail tech. I experienced a lot of cracking with this. The gel would just crack and split. What am I doing wrong? I did the prep and followed the steps. Too thick or too thin gel application?

[@leannejayne3545]

Great video, does the filing at the end not break the lovely seal you created? X

[@nataliepostma9389]

I bought the builder to use as an overlay for my natural nails. Should I have bought the shaper instead?

[@nataliepostma3683]

??

[@valerygiovannetti4535]

I use this product and it’s just awesome!

[@brenda012249]

Maybe after each coat of the builder gel just on 4 fingers and turn upside down just before placing under the light and do the thumbs last

[@evelyngrace9954]

That’s how I felt too when I worked with this product. I felt it looked wavy even though I applied it very thinly. But once you put the color on top, it wasn’t as noticeable

[@brendadelgado1362]

Hello do you wipe with alcohol after the shaper, or apply the shellac color on top , Thanks?

[@evelyngrace9954]

@@brendadelgado1362 I didn’t wipe, I just apply the shellac

[@dianeisbister1827]

Also when using shellac with this product do I need to use CND base coat before applying and does this top coat work better than Reg CND top coat I realized I did not use a bonder as my supplier never told me

[@craziest520]

Great video, your application is perfect! i have a question: is there a reason for not using Luxio anymore?

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you Maria! I choose CND Shellac for several reasons. 1) I have the best results with CND Shellac to be honest. Most consistent results. 2) CND Shellac soaks off the fastest, easy to do it at home in case client has to do it themselves, the top coat doesn't need to be filed (sickness/lockdown etc) 3) I'm trying to keep things simple and streamline the process 4) CND Shellac is available locally.

[@jennalamaina1285]

How is your rebalancing going with this product? What if the nails get very long, do you just file the length with the gel on the nail?

[@helenats.2289]

I would like to see you do extention with the builder, I start using it recently and I would love to listen your opinion or your point of you about it. It would help me a lot. Thank You ♥️

[@TheSalonLife]

I’m going to try that with Light Elegance Jimmy Gel. I got all the shades :)

[@thearmchairjournalist566]

@@TheSalonLife Have you done it yet with the Plexi or Jimmy gels?

[@kaylasabella2283]

So if she wanted a shellac color would you have to remove the shine

[@epiphannytaylor3211]

No I’m not understanding the purpose of using the system without doing any extension. Why not just use a regular CND shellac?

[@TheSalonLife]

Ah, I assume that the additional coat is supposed to give the nails more strength or you can even out the nail surface with it. I personally didn’t experience longer wear with Shellac on top of this. Oh! Also some people prefer to file the color off so you can create a little overlay with this so you can file the color off.

[@xeniamusicua]

Hello dear girls!This pflexigel only for CND lamp?if I have UV lamp it will be work?

[@frangipani1956]

Great work! What's the speed at of the E-file you are using for this?

[@abbyrokusek1800]

I have an artistic lamp, would that work? How long should I cure for?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Abby, CND recommends you only use their lamp to cure their product. Can you use another lamp? Yes, but there is no guarantee it will cure correctly. In our opinion, not worth the risk in trying. - MSL

[@AC-tn1cy]

Can I float back and forth across the whole bed for second coat instead of a thin coat?

[@TheSalonLife]

The way I understand Shaper is used as a thin strengthening coat without building up the nail like in a nail overlay.

[@AC-tn1cy]

@@TheSalonLife Yes watched some videos of the colored builders and can float the second coat.

[@TheSalonLife]

Builders yes, but this was Shaper so it was supposed to be used in thin coat.

[@TheSalonLife]

Ps. It didn’t make a big difference. People that “think” they have stronger product on their nails use their nails more usually. The key is to have healthy nails and not to use them as tools, then you won’t needs so many strengthening layers. Especially with such short length.

[@grande1ify]

Is there a film to wipe off between shaper and sealer?

[@emmabrewer2283]

Is this topcoat stain resistant?

[@jades361]

is this the same as builder in a bottle?

[@sarahkalnajs5810]

How does it compare to Luminary builder gel? I love luminary but my salon just closed and I can only find a salon that uses CND plexigel.

[@TheSalonLife]

I have never tried Luminary system, sorry I can’t be more help!

[@erikadorogi1820]

I wonder which would be better for weak and splitting nails? CND Plexigel or Dazzle Dry system with Transform?

[@TheSalonLife]

Short term- Plexigel. Long term (my preferred approach in life) Dazzle Dry :)

[@erikadorogi1820]

@@TheSalonLife I greatly appreciate you and your professional help and advice you are giving us.

[@samidluxe]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! I have been wondering how to safely perform an e-file manicure because I LOVE how the cuticle clean up looks. But also know that if done improperly can cause weakening of the nail bed and injury to cuticles. Also as soon as you started filing I was like HA! I file side to side and never have an issue with clients nails shredding. (PS now you got me looking up those files you’re using! What brand are they?) ALSOOOO haha - there was a video you posted where you used Gelish products (I use Gelish, OPI, and CND and some stuff by The Gel Bottle.) So in the video you use the ProBond around the tip of the nail and I was like WHATTTT that is BRILLIANT. So for months now I’ve added that to my clients nail prep and it was a game changer! :D Okay, getting back to watching the rest of this video now before my next client comes haha!

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Samantha! Thank you so much for your comment! I also love dry manicures but not really for how it looks as there should be really nothing different to see per se :) Before any enhancements it's better not to introduce water to the nail plate. Please check out this video where I explain the new info when it comes to what cuticle is (for example you can never hurt "cuticle" or make it bleed because cuticle is dead skin but you can definitely hurt the living skin, or Proximal Nail Fold). kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYvQp3xoed19m6M The tools I use are from Erica ATA. Made in USA. Great quality. Use this Discount Code for 10% off bits, bit kits and - THESALONLIFE Small Tapered Barrel (fine or medium) bit.ly/2PgnlRg Boss Lady Hand file (fine pattern or medium) bit.ly/3804Wi5 For pedicures I use: Pedicure Skin Bit (coarse- AMAZING!!) bit.ly/3gm2esp Erica Pedi Excavator Tool bit.ly/3goe9WH I'm so glad that adding primer to the free edge is helping you!! That's awesome!!

[@orchidea8627]

So it is basically an extra layer which applies like gel-lac to enforce the natural nails, right? I saw this can be used to create extensions too, but I am mainly interested in to use it as a base for my weak and thin nails under Shellac.

[@TheSalonLife]

Have you tried Jimmy Gel? Do you soak off Shellac or file off?

[@orchidea8627]

​@@TheSalonLife I never heard about Jimmy Gel, I will check it, thank you. I always soak off the Shellac. My nails are naturally very thin and bendy, unfortunately they were always like this.

[@samidluxe]

@@TheSalonLife I’m curious why you ask this question! I watched a video recently where a nail tech suggested that soaking with acetone can dry out and weaken nail beds so she files gel off clients but leaves the base (I think she uses Luminary Systems...) What are your thoughts on filing vs soaking?

[@sunshinedefoe7672]

@@samidluxe I was told by a cnd authorized salon 2 put Vaseline on ur skin & makes sure all around with good coverage & getting some on the sides & back on the nail won't interfere with the removal process. the Vaseline will help prevent the skin from getting dried out or irritated. ive not tried it as of yet, but I'll b goin back n the next few days & I'll try 2 remember 2 update or video the outcome 4u.

[@menanovaa_]

can shellac be painted over plexigel?

[@lindasteele6323]

Turned out so pretty. Such attention to detail. :)

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you Linda!

[@lindasteele6323]

@@TheSalonLife yw

[@rainbowgirl5229]

How would the normal shellac top coat compare to this plexi gel top coat? Thanks for the videos

[@TheSalonLife]

Plexi Top Coat is quite thinner.

[@felistarshiku5200]

Always watching your videos..They are great!Thanks

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you so much for commenting! :)

[@carriemacgregor2601]

I get the same end result with cnd shellac base and 2 coats of color and top coat..kast 3-4 weeks..not sure i trust this for nail enhancements

[@aprilstanley2683]

Would you always use 2 coats of the shaper?

[@TheSalonLife]

I guess if you are doing a re-balance and you have quite a lot of product left, you I guess could do 1...

[@jenniferattard8954]

What do you recommend as a good nail file please?

[@TheSalonLife]

I love Erica’s diamond files for gel etc and also the glass files for natural nails. I have the glass ones in our Amazon influencer store www.Amazon.com/shop/thesalonlife

[@aprilbertram437]

Can I use the Bonder as a base coat for Shellac?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi April! I don't think so. This question would be better answered by CND educator but I don't think so. Its meant to be used as a separate system I believe.

[@denisebradley512]

Great job as always!!! the brush looks perfect also.

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you Denise! Yes, awesome brushes. I will be also reviewing Light Elegance JimmyGel (also Builder in a Bottle). Are you familiar with it?

[@madiherman2661]

Hi!!! Love your video! What exact drill are you using?!

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Madi! I use Erica MT20. Amazing machine!

[@lauriehendry4786]

And what would Doug Schoon (whom you think highly of) think of filing the natural nails?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Laurie. Doug always recommends removing the shine before enhancements with 240 grit file. This is equivalent of 240 grit approximately. I like to evaluate the product by following the instructions to a T. Personally i don’t see a problem removing the shine with a prep bit like this for enhancements when done very gently and with a light touch. Obviously each area of the nail needs to be prepped only once. So when you soak off prep only the regrowth. Not the whole nail again

[@rikkibarzensky9546]

My question is how long does it take to soak off?

[@TheSalonLife]

It’s not really a soak off product. You are supposed to refill it. I tried on my nails and I filed 50% and then soaked for 10 min. I had it on for a week though. The longer you have it on the longer it might take to soak off. And of course thickness matters. A quick video of the removal is on my Patreon. www.Patreon.com/thesalonlife

[@rikkibarzensky9546]

Thank you for sharing! I was going to purchase but wasn’t sure! ❤️

[@marilynsanders5000]

My “Shaper” is very thick. How did you get yours so thin?

[@TheSalonLife]

It’s quite thick. I just applied a little more pressure.

[@evlovesyuh]

Are you able to use a normal lamp or does it have to be the cnd one?

[@TheSalonLife]

I Evelyn! For optimal cure and to avoid allergies they only recommend curing it with CND lamp. Other lamps will cure it but we won't know to which degree (impossible to judge with naked eye)

[@lreyes716]

Which file is the your using?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi There! The file we are using in this video is the Boss Lady Hand file (fine pattern or medium) you can find it here bit.ly/3804Wi5 Get 10% off Erica ATA bits, bit kits and files with our promo code: THESALONLIFE Thanks so much! MSL

[@LilNylife99]

Can you polish over?

[@patriciaj.bonovsky4582]

What brand of electric file do you use?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Patricia! Erica MT-20. Sadly not available anymore. The best e-file on the market

[@tataruiz1943]

Can you use gel polish on top of that?

[@TheSalonLife]

Yes :)

[@tataruiz1943]

But straight on the top coat or do you have to buff the nail? Does it require a base coat for the color

[@kittyholdaway6837]

Love your videos! Thank you so much :)

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you Kitty for your kind comment! Sending love right back!

[@angelsheavenlynailsboutiqu5868]

My gloves that I like best went up almost $20 a box. Where do you get your gloves these days?

[@TheSalonLife]

Same here. I bought few boxes at Canadian Tire (hardware store) for like $25 a box. All my suppliers have only XS sizes. It's getting scary!!

[@TheSalonLife]

email me for some ideas thesalonlife at gmail.com ;)

[@lorisutton2423]

What lamp are you using?

[@TheSalonLife]

CND Lamp. I always recommend using the lamp the system is designed with

[@lorisutton2423]

What would you use if you wanted color on natural nail?

[@TheSalonLife]

You can put Shellac on top. They only have a clean version of the builders

[@oliwiaf8293]

Cześć Aniu! Can you use it as a base under a color and if, do you have to do all 3 steps of Plexigel or you can skip top coat and then put Shellac? Thank YOU! Another great video! I hope you doing good! Pozdrawiam serdecznie!

[@TheSalonLife]

Czesc Oliwia! I don’t have the instructions at home, I will check once I’m at the salon. :)) Thank you for your comment :)) ps. Yes, lockdown is over as of Feb 16th so I can open up again :)

[@orchidea8627]

In the instructions video they said if Shellac is applied over, then you can skip the plexigel's top coat and apply the Shellac color and top directly on it. So Plexi base and builder or shaper, then Shellac color coats and Shellac top.

[@adairmarks6180]

Great tutorial!!

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you!

[@cadenceejade]

what’s the difference between shellac gel and regular gel

[@TheSalonLife]

Shellac is a brand name of a gel polish made by CND. It’s not a type of product. It’s like Windex is a brand name of a blue window cleaner. Not all blue window are Windex but it’s so famous that many people just call any window cleaner Windex

[@TheSalonLife]

Gel is a also a very wide term. Many brands make gels and they vary in quality, price, consistency etc Same with gel polish. Many brands make gel polishes (pigmented gel with or without solvents, usually in a bottle made to be used by painting on the nail which resembles nail polish, it usually comes off by soaking or off but many people file it off). One of those brands is CND and they make “Shellac”. They were one of the first brands that marketed the type of product very well.

[@hssu9076]

Have you tried Orly Gel fx?

[@TheSalonLife]

Yes, I have. It was very nice! I liked the consistency. I have a video with it somewhere .... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bovCon6ii8agmKM kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJyvlYypf9alr6M

[@meecheongkim3980]

HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hello Kim, I just tested the product and I didn't find it that effective (personally). I stick to just Shellac and natural nail care.

[@patriciaj.bonovsky4582]

I added this as a service. My client couldn’t keep Shellac on her nails. She needed just that little more strength. It was perfect.

[@michaelamarsalkova5542]

Thanks for the video. I know that shaper is used for defining apex and sealing splits and builder for extension. But can I use builder for the split as well eventhough I dont have short nail? I have only builder (with bonder) at home and I have half torn nail, so if I can use it. Thanks

[@LeylaXena]

I love your channel ❤❤❤

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you!!!

[@meecheongkim3980]

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM BRISA GEL?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Kim! Brisa is not a soak off and it's a hard gel. This is a soak off gel and a "soft gel"

[@vivimarlen5055]

Gracias por sus vídeos 😍me gustarìa la traducción en español o en francés 😅💅✍

[@fani112]

I do not get it. What is the purpose of this...

[@TheSalonLife]

Builder in a bottle in general or gel overlay?

[@fani112]

I meant that is it a nail extension or sthg to harden your nails?sorry if l was not clear

[@meecheongkim3980]

I FELT THE SAME. IF YOU ARE GOING TO PROVIDE THE PLEXI GEL SERVICE, HOW MUCH SHOULD I CHARGE?

[@tammyjohnston6545]

🥰🥰🥰

[@patriciaabherve1172]

Wondering how much a set (ballpark), then fill would cost in a salon?

[@TheSalonLife]

It varies by country, state, town and even area as well as the type of a salon and an experience and skill of the service provider. Its like a haircut. It could be $10 or $150.

[@lreyes716]

Which file is the your using?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hello there :) Erica’s Diamond Hand file (medium) bit.ly/3804Wi5 use code: THESALONLIFE for 10% off bit.ly/2PgnlRg