Women deny themselves the pleasure of covering their nails with varnish only because regular varnish is damaged by contact with water and mechanical stress immediately after application.
And not everyone knows that this problem was solved long ago thanks to the invention of a new decorative coating.
Several years ago, the American company CND offered a special coating - shellac (gel polish). It is the standard of a new line of polymer coatings for nails. 40-50 minutes to keep your nails beautiful and well-groomed for three weeks
But the secret is not only in special compositions; a special application technology using a UV lamp has also been developed. The result is a durable coating that is gentle on the nail plate.
The benefits don't end there:
- Nails coated with shellac do not break and grow faster because the gel polish creates a frame for the nail plate.
- Shellac lasts on the hands from 1 to three weeks, without losing its brightness or fading, and on the feet it lasts even longer, since here the nails grow much more slowly.
- The varnish coating is of high quality, and therefore the surface of the nail is smooth and uniform.
- Gel polish does not weigh down your nails.
- Shellac has no odor, and allergic reactions are excluded, because the coating is made from a resin of natural origin and does not contain formaldehyde and other harmful substances. The resin is produced by tropical insects, so shellac is theoretically harmless; this resin is even used in cooking.
- Shellac can be easily removed using a special product, cotton pads and an orange stick, without damaging the nail plate.
The American company Kodi appeared on the market in 2005. Over several years of work, it has established itself well thanks to its high-quality nail extension products. Cody suggested an alternative to shellac - Codi Professional gel polish. The basis of gel polish is a polymer of natural origin; it does not dissolve in water, acetone, or alcohol.
Durable and elastic gel polish does not contain harmful chemicals and is therefore non-toxic. The rubber coating is difficult to damage, while Kodi gel polish is almost half the price of shellac, and the non-viscous texture is easily applied to nails without the help of professionals. Kodi offers a wide palette of colors, shades can be mixed to create incredible combinations. This is a paradise for creative people.
Gel polish is durable and therefore not afraid of mechanical impact. Replacement of the coating is required on average after three weeks, but only because the nail plate has grown and a strip of the nail plate has formed that is not covered with varnish.
The coating looks like regular nail polish on the nails and is applied with a brush, but dries only under the rays of a UV lamp, and after drying it becomes stronger and more resistant to wear than traditional polish.
The surface of the coating does not scratch, crack, or chip, and the color does not fade during wear. It is still not easy to find Codi gel polishes in non-specialized stores, but there are official representatives in Russia. You can order gel polish, auxiliary liquids and other products for nail design on the website in online stores.
The company offers a starter kit, which includes everything needed for coating:
- Files and buffs for preparing the nail plate.
- Ultraviolet lamp.
- Working fluids (degreaser, acid-free primer, sticky remover).
- Base coat.
- Colored coating.
- Top (finish) coating.
- Cuticle care oil.
- Lint-free wipes and discs.
To maintain the coating for a long time, it is necessary to use the entire system. Purchasing a starter kit is expensive, but all components have a long shelf life, so later you will only need to periodically purchase individual elements.
Shellac Kodi and its advantages over other manufacturers
The advantages of Cody shellac (gel polish) over shellac from other manufacturers is that the gel does not dry out the nail plate and therefore prevents nail delamination.
The reason is the layer of primer applied before the Cody shellac. It creates a protective film and moisturizes the nail plate. We recommend: Chameleon gel polish: creating a spectacular manicure
Having studied the technology of applying Kodi products, you can get a professional manicure at home.
Small bottles (7, 12 ml) allow everyone and professional craftsmen to have many shades in their collection for reasonable money. By the way, the company offers 30 ml bottles for professionals.
The disadvantage of Kodi shellacs is that few people know about these products, since this is a young company. Like shellac, Kodi gel polish is not suitable for constant wear; your nails need to be given a “rest” and properly cared for. Use with caution for those with sensitive nails. The peeling process is more complicated than other brands, but it's a small price to pay for super durability and an affordable price.
What visible characteristics does the original base have?
Determining originality by the appearance of a bottle or packaging should be treated with caution, since over time a company may change the design of its products.
The original base is very thick and viscous, which distinguishes it from a fake. It flows off the brush with difficulty, so it is convenient to use. The smell of the base is not sharp, without aggressive notes, but at the same time quite noticeable.
Important! Kodi does not produce or sell 7 ml and 30 ml bases. This is definitely a fake. Any sale of such products is illegal.
If you are a beginner, we recommend purchasing the Kodi base and top 2 in 1 in 8 ml volume. The original is highly durable and protects the manicure from chips and cracks.
It is convenient for professional craftsmen to use the Codi base with a large volume of 35 ml. It will perfectly align your client's nails for subsequent gel polish coating.
note
Shellac Codi is among the top ten and has an advantage in terms of price level.
Professionals identify several criteria for determining the quality of gel polish:
- Duration of preservation of the varnish coating on the nail plate without chips, cracks or loss of gloss. The manufacturer must guarantee a minimum period of 3 weeks.
- Consistency that meets the requirements. The better the quality of the gel, the easier it is to work with and the longer it lasts. The gel should not spread and give a streaky effect; for this, the quality of the brush is important.
- Removing nail polish should take no more than 15 minutes. This is also an indicator of the quality of the material.
- Wide range of color palettes.
- Hypoallergenic gel composition that does not damage the nail plate.
- No strong chemical smell.
Based on these criteria, reviews from professionals and product users, a TOP-8 list was compiled, which included Kodi shellac.
Each company's products have advantages and disadvantages:
1. Shellac CND
It is considered the standard of professional products, the most expensive. There is one “but” to using CND gel polish: it does not adhere well to thin, weakened nails and chips at the tips of the nails with frequent exposure to hot water. Therefore, it is not suitable for women who run their own households.
The main disadvantages of CND shellac:
- High price.
- Application requires experience, as shellac has a dense texture.
- Chips may appear from impacts on a hard surface.
- During the day after applying shellac, you must avoid contact with water, especially hot water.
2.OPI Gelcolor
Premium brand, but less known than CND. The coating has a glass effect. Easily removed without cutting and comes in over 140 shades. For polymerization, you can use an LED lamp, which reduces drying time. Ideal for French manicure.
Minuses:
- Rarely found on sale.
- High price.
3. Gelish Harmony (Gelishe)
A popular European brand, it is safe for the health of the nail plate and even strengthens it. It can be removed by simple dissolution and has a lower price compared to Shellac.
Minuses:
- It's liquid, so you have to apply several layers.
- The finish brush dries quickly.
4. Laque RuNail (Runail)
Produced in Russia. An excellent choice for thin, flaky nails. Strengthens the nail plate. Long lasting, with good consistency.
Minuses:
- Difficult to remove.
- The assortment is still small.
5. Pnb (Professional Nail Boutique)
Super glossy gel polish from America. It holds up well, so it is popular among housewives. According to reviews, it lasts more than 3 weeks.
Minuses:
- A rarity in Russia.
- Some shades take longer to cure.
6. Bluesky
Popular among nail design artists due to its low price. In terms of service life it is not inferior to Shellac CND.
Minuses:
- Few shades.
- Unstable quality.
7. Canni
Inexpensive and the best among “Asians” varnish made in China. Retains its original appearance for about 2 weeks. Easy to apply, easy to remove. Suitable for those who like to change their looks often and inexpensively. Rich palette of shades (more than 200).
We recommend: Drawings on extended nails for beginners
Minuses:
- Strong smell.
- Available for order on well-known Chinese websites.
Gel
Kodi Professional
The Kodi line, which represents gel polish, is labeled Professional, is very high quality and represents professional products containing rubber in its composition. It is this polymer that is responsible for the high strength of the coating. But, in order for the manicure to last and look chic for a long time, you must adhere to the correct technology for applying this varnish and use all the products of the line in combination.
As a rule, this is a base layer, any color shade of gel polish from those represented by the wide Kodi palette and a finishing/topcoat. This line also has an economical option, suitable for owners of strong nails that are not prone to splitting, containing both a base and a top. But, if the nails are thin, then it is better not to use this product.
Kodi gel polish palette and review of color solutions from this manufacturer
The Kodi varnish palette includes more than 250 shades, number 1 - 250.
In addition to many shades, the company offers a new product - thermal varnishes. After application, the coating changes color when exposed to sunlight or body temperature. If the temperature is low, darker shades appear.
Such coatings look especially impressive in the cold season, when temperature changes are significant. Thanks to these features of the varnish, you can create incredible nail designs: numbers T600 - T640.
The “Cat's Eye” series created a sensation, but the inventors were inspired not by the shine of the eyes of the cat family, but by the effect produced by a stone with a similar name. Varnishes in this series have an unusual shine and, as a result, volume, which is obtained thanks to the magnet used during application. Hence the second name of the series: magnetic.
The unusualness of the palette of Cody varnishes from the “Cat's Eye” series did not end there; these varnishes are distinguished by a more stable coating. This palette so far consists of 52 shades: numbers 701 - 784. A magnet is attached to the Cody varnish palette of the “Moon Light” series. Thanks to the use of a magnet, metal particles rise from the general pigmented mass of the gel polish, and a voluminous iridescent light highlight appears on the surface, creating a 3D effect.
The technology requires holding the magnet at a distance of 3 mm above the surface of the nail plate for 5 seconds. After applying the second coat of varnish, the magnet must be applied again. In this case, the moonlight is more expressive. The company's specialists follow fashion trends and constantly add new shades to the Kodi collection.
Kodi offers such a variety of palettes that there is no need to mix colors, color saturation is easily achieved by adjusting the number of coats of varnish applied. Kodi gel polishes are compatible with products from other companies, so designs can be applied using products from any manufacturer.
According to reviews from professionals and ordinary consumers, Kodi gel polishes:
- Easy to apply.
- They have no smell.
- They don't chip.
- Does not require removal of the top layer of the nail.
- Offered at an affordable price.
- Do not thicken throughout the entire shelf life.
- Equipped with a fairly wide brush. This allows you to literally cover the entire nail plate with just a couple of strokes. The pile is shorter than some other analogues.
- They dry even under the rays of LED lamps.
Summer 2016 trends
For ordinary girls, it is enough that their nails look impressive and neat. But for big fashionistas it is important to follow fashion and be in trend. Recently, naturalness and health have become such a trend.
This trend has not bypassed the nail beauty industry. Too long and sharp nails have long been out of fashion and are considered vulgar. Therefore, this summer you should give preference to more natural oval or rounded shapes. When choosing a nail design, you should adhere to the same laconic principle.
The most natural-looking manicure that never goes out of style is, of course, the classic French manicure. As well as inverted (moon manicure) and their combination. You can add zest by making the jacket colored, matte or shimmering with sparkles, but you should not overuse contrast; it should be no more than a couple of tones. The hottest trend is to highlight one or two fingers in the classic version using painting, stickers, rhinestones or other accessories. It is also fashionable to make a French smile line of an unusual shape.
Design using adhesive tape is also very popular, the main thing is not to overload the nail plate with elements. Lines in different directions look most advantageous in the following color schemes:
- Classic black and white
- Marine shades with white
Two bright colors with one neutral
A single-color manicure is a kind of classic in nail art. The tone should be chosen in pastel colors. The most popular colors this summer, close to natural shades, are peach, beige, cream, and light pink.
Nail Art Stickers and Easy Art nail design stickers are also popular. They will help you quickly and easily make your hands beautiful. There you can find both simple patterns and ready-made coverings. Kodi thermofoil, covering the nail plate, creates a metallic effect. This decor is applied after the base layer and covered with a top coat.
Whatever direction is chosen, using Kodi gel polish, nails will always be in trend, since it does not harm the nail plate and creates an ideal coating. Any girl will love these products for the excellent combination of price and quality.
note
LED lamps can only be used with compatible products.
Under the rays of this lamp, the polymerization process of Kodi gel polish occurs 2-3 times faster. LED lamps last up to 7 years and cannot be replaced; UV lamps need to be changed every 6-12 months. You can save on purchasing a UV lamp, but you need to remember that the power of the UV lamp must be at least 36 W, since dark shades (black, burgundy) do not harden under low-power rays. In addition, there may subsequently be no spare parts for lamps from unknown manufacturers.
Cons of Kodi gel polish:
- It has a liquid consistency and therefore requires thin application and drying of each layer. If you apply a thick layer at once, then before polymerization is complete it will flow under the cuticle and an unsightly roll will form. It will no longer be possible to correct such a defect after hardening.
- The removal process is more complicated than that of analogues; for many, it is the process of removing gel polish that becomes an obstacle to choosing this brand.
- According to reviews, after 3 weeks of wear, the coating on the tips begins to wear off, but does not chip. True, the merit here is not only the gel polish itself, but all the manufacturer’s products as a whole.
Codi gel polish base, remover and other manufacturer's materials
In addition to the base for Kodi gel polish, Kodi gel polish remover, the company offers its customers freshers, ultrabonds, primers, brushes, buffs and other related and auxiliary products for nail design. Cody produces perfumes, as well as materials for eyebrows and eyelash extensions. Codi varnishes and coatings contain an acrylic oligomer with a low level of toxicity, which is why many professionals use the Codi gel polish base and top coat from this company.
We recommend: How to properly extend nails with gel to create ideal shapes
For manicure you will need:
- File.
- Degreaser.
- Bond.
- Primer.
- Transparent base for gel polish Kodi.
- Colored gel polish.
- Top coating.
- Ultraviolet lamp.
- Cody gel polish remover.
general information
Kodi
Today, many manufacturers of materials for decoration and nail care produce their own shellac. The American company Kodi Professional is no exception.
This brand began producing its own products, the price of which is quite reasonable, in 2005. Over the past time, it has been able to gain a fairly strong foothold in the world market, thanks to the excellent quality of the goods it produces.
Materials for nail extensions of the Kodi brand are extremely popular in Europe, Asia, America, and the CIS countries, as they are developed at the highest level and meet all international standards. As for gel polish, it is a combination of all the best qualities that modern coatings can have.
Attention
Professional nail designers recommend removing cuticles without using water, because nails absorb moisture and do not have time to dry under the lamp.
Excess moisture can prevent the long-term preservation of the varnish coating. Step-by-step instructions on how to do a manicure with gel polish at home:
| Step 1 It is necessary to lightly treat the surface of the nail plate with a nail file to make it slightly rough, this is necessary for better “adhesion” of the varnish to the surface of the nail. Remove shine using a buff and degreaser. |
| Step 2 Applying bond and primer. They are needed for reliable adhesion of the gel polish to the nail plate. . The bond increases the durability of the coating by two to three times. |
| Step 3 Apply a thin layer of Codi gel polish base. The consistency of the base is thick, but it is applied well and distributed evenly; the ends also need to be processed. |
| Step 4 Each layer is dried for 2 minutes in a UV lamp; after applying the gel, the nails must not be touched, otherwise fingerprints will remain on the surface. |
| Step 5 Applying colored varnish in two layers, each layer should be thin, the ends are also painted over: “sealed”. Each layer is dried. |
note
The bottle of gel polish should not be shaken.
If you need to mix the contents, you need to carefully roll the bottle between your palms; when shaking, bubbles will form in the contents of the bottle and it will be impossible to work with such varnish. It is better to apply the first layer as thinly as possible. Light shades may apply unevenly; this defect will disappear after applying the second coat. When applying light shades, in some cases it is necessary to apply a third layer. After polymerization, the nails still cannot be touched, as their surface is sticky and easily damaged.
| Step 6 Preserve the manicure using a top coat. This layer must be dried thoroughly under a lamp, because if it is not dried enough it will not shine. It is important at this stage to “seal” the end of the nail plate to prevent chipping. |
| Step 7 Remove the sticky layer using liquid and lint-free wipes. |
| Step 8 An optional, but pleasant stage of the manicure procedure is applying a special oil to the cuticle and the surface of the skin around the nail. |
To completely remove the varnish coating, you will need to file down the top layer, and the rest of the work is completed using Kodi gel polish remover. This manicure can be removed using cotton pads soaked in a solution.
They are applied to the nails, after which they are wrapped in foil or placed in special caps with liquid. Foil is necessary so that the liquid does not evaporate quickly and softens the coating; softening will take a maximum of 15 minutes.
After removing the old coating, the nail plate is treated with a buff, the edges are corrected with a file, and you can apply a new coating or leave it without it, because the nails look natural and undamaged, this is a clear indicator of the quality of the product.
Advice
Do not try to remove the unsoftened layer of gel polish from the nail.
It may come off easily after treatment with Kodi gel polish remover, but unpleasant snags and bumps may remain on the nails, which will ruin the appearance. The advantage of modern varnishes is that you can forget about controlling the movement of your hands and not worry about the safety of the coating. You don’t need to dry your nails for a long time, it’s unusual, but very convenient. Which coating is better, what to choose, everyone decides for themselves based on their experience of use and focusing on their feelings and needs. And in order not to make a mistake with the choice of gel polish, you should listen to the opinions and advice of professionals.
Health effects
In the production of the original Kodi liquid, ingredients tested by GOSTs and tests are used. Using real varnishes, you can be sure that there will be no negative reactions of the body in the form of allergic reactions, which cannot be said about fake varnishes. Counterfeits are made from unknown materials, without preliminary checks and control of inspection organizations.
When using a counterfeit, the worst thing is not that the varnish can curl, shrivel, crack, or fly off on the second day, but that the body gets a severe allergic reaction to foreign substances contained in the counterfeit varnish.
The original is protected by certificates and this is the first sign of originality - the presence of a certificate.
