Innovative technologies are rapidly penetrating the art of manicure. If earlier women had to perform complex manipulations consisting of several stages in order to get beautiful nails, now this process is greatly facilitated. Instead of the three-phase technique of applying gel polish, a single-phase 3 in 1 gel polish appeared. What does this mean?
Colored gel polishes
Previously, it was necessary to apply three layers - the base, the gel polish itself and the top (finish, fixation). Now, when using single-phase 3 in 1 gel polish, it is enough to apply one layer and quickly get an even, beautiful, high-quality coating of the nail plate.
The unique formula of single-phase gel polish includes several components that simultaneously work to create an effective coating. This varnish is environmentally friendly, quickly applied and stays firmly on the nail plate for a long time (up to 3 weeks).
What is needed
To use 3 in 1 gel polish, you need the following products and tools:
- gel polish 3 in 1 of the desired color;
- orange stick, scraper, cuticle pusher;
- cotton wool or lint-free napkins;
- UV lamp 36 Watt or Led - lamp for drying (polymerization) of gel polish;
- file (buff) for polishing and removing the keratin layer of nails;
- degreaser (dehydrator) - a special product with a low-fat pH formula;
- acid-free primer (ultrabond);
- oil to soften cuticles and side ridges.
The process in detail
Applying 3 in 1 gel polish at home must be done carefully and strictly according to the instructions.
Let's look at the necessary steps step by step:
- prepare nails with a file or scissors of the same shape and length, using a stick or scraper, carefully push the cuticles and side ridges as far as possible;
- using a buff (special soft file), polish the entire surface of the nails, brush off the dust with a brush;
- degrease nails using a special product (dehydrator) to create a strong, even and durable coating;
- apply a primer (ultrabond) to ensure strong adhesion of the varnish to the nail plate, which will prevent the coating from peeling off and cracking in the future;
- Apply a thin layer of gel polish on 4 nails (except the thumb) and dry in a UV lamp for 2 minutes or in an LED lamp for 30 seconds. Next, repeat the process for the thumb;
- you can apply a second thin layer of coating for a more saturated color and dry it again in the lamp;
- seal the sections (edges) of the plates with the same gel polish;
- Lubricate the cuticles with a special softening oil and massage lightly.
Important. After applying the primer, a layer of gel polish should be applied no later than 15 minutes later, otherwise you will have to make an additional layer of primer. The ends of the nails should be sealed on both layers so that the polish does not crack and is preserved for a long time.
Is Bluesky a Shellac CND knockoff?
Counterfeit - a change in the appearance or properties of objects, passed off as a real thing. Therefore Bluesky cannot be a fake of Shellac CND. Bluesky is an individual brand offering a product similar to Shellac CND, with the difference that it is developed and manufactured in China, while Shellac CND is an American company.
Guangzhou Bluesky Chemical Technology Co., Ltd is the first professional gel/gel polish manufacturer in China, which specializes in the research, production and sales of UV & LED soak off polish gel, UV & LED soak off gel and UV & LED gel.
What types of gel polish systems exist: the main features of single-phase and three-phase shellacs.
Gel polish is a hybrid of gel + polish. It follows from this that it is easy to apply like a regular varnish, and in durability and wear it shows itself as a gel coating.
It’s also worth remembering that if you don’t handle bottles carefully (dirty neck, loose closure) and your gel polish will begin to lose its quality like regular polish. It is important to observe the storage conditions for gel coatings (store in a dark place, away from heated appliances and sunlight, do not keep an open jar near a UV or ice lamp that is on).
Currently, the most popular systems are single-phase and three-phase systems. Their main difference is immediately visible: in a single-phase system you use 1 bottle (color), in a three-phase system you use 3 different bottles (base and final coat + color). There is a base + top in one bottle, but the disadvantages of such a coating have been identified (reduced wear resistance, a few days after application it can cause yellowing on light shades).
The primer in the Bluesky gel system is used as needed; it is intended for brittle and thin nails, nails on which varnish and gel coatings do not adhere well.
Market offers
The quality of the coating primarily depends on the composition of the gel polish. How to purchase high quality single-phase 3 in 1 gel polishes? Manufacturers offer a wide range of such varnishes with a rich color palette, so that everyone can choose the best color for themselves.
There is also a clear gel polish, which may be required as a pre-coat before applying a color design, to strengthen nails or create a transparent simple manicure. This new product in manicure has already become popular and in demand for its convenience, speed of application, cost-effectiveness and safety. You can buy it in any salons and online stores.
Which gel polish is better to choose: single-phase or three-phase?
There is no definite advice, but the main thing that should influence your choice is ease of use. Of course, it’s like any manicure - if you follow the rules, you’ll get a long-lasting coating. Therefore, I consider a three-phase system to be a full-fledged system, where each bottle plays a specific role. But you can limit yourself to the express option - choose a single-phase system, which is faster and you won’t get confused in the bottles. But it’s like a 2in1 shampoo, how long can you wash with it and will your hair thank you for it?
Top brands
Let's note the main brands offering high-quality 3 in 1 gel polish:
- Bluesky (China). One Step series, stays on nails for 2 weeks without defects, wide range of shades, convenient brush. There are no odors or harmful components. Affordable prices, high quality;
- Giorgio Capachini (Russia). Lasts for 2-3 weeks, can be adjusted up to 4 times, the palette contains about 60 colors. Drying time is 4 minutes, the One Step line is very durable, the economical bottle is enough for 20 procedures;
- IRISK (Russia). Long lasting, dries quickly, does not stick. There are series of 20 and 60 different shades;
- Masura (Russia). The main palette is pink and red tones, inexpensive, lasts 2 weeks;
- Joy (Russia). High durability, bright deep tones in a wide palette. The components of the product strengthen nails, eliminate brittleness and splitting;
- Runail (Russia). One Step line, long lasting and quick drying. The shades are saturated, but prone to fading, so you need to apply a fixative, affordable prices;
- Planet Nails (Germany). Innovative gel polish, One Step series, hypoallergenic. The colors are rich, the coating has a mirror shine;
- Patrisa Nail (Germany). High quality, rich shades, comfortable brush, hypoallergenic. Lasts 14 days or more, glossy shiny manicure.
The best brands are constantly expanding their product range and developing new formulations and technologies.
Three-phase Bluesky system: characteristics of base, top and color coating.
Let's start with it, because it is considered universal for everyone. If not for everyone, then for most it is suitable. This system consists of 3 bottles, each of which performs strictly one function (base coat (synonym: base), color coat, final coat (synonym: top, finish, top coat).
The base
is “double-sided tape” and securely glues the colored coating to the nail plate.
Color -
various saturated or translucent shades with different textures (enamel texture, mother-of-pearl, shimmer, etc.), effects (magnetic, cat's eye, thermal, luminescent or fluorescent, mirror, etc.).
Top
- a durable final coating that reliably seals the color, protecting it from fading, gives a perfect glossy shine and makes the coating durable. The final coating may have a sticky layer (after drying the top, a residual stickiness remains in the lamp, which is removed with a special preparation “Cleanser plus”). The top, which does not have a sticky layer, after drying in the lamp becomes a hard coating that does not require other additional procedures after drying. The final coating can be not only glossy-transparent, but also contain various decorative elements (sparkles, mother-of-pearl, mica, etc.) or have a matte effect.
There is a top with a fragrant effect, which, after drying in a lamp, leaves a light aroma on the nails (apple, cherry, peach, lemon, chocolate, coffee, blackberry), it will remain on the nails for several days.
Top for the 3 step gel polish system: which one to choose?
Is it better to have a top with or without a sticky layer? Should you buy a scented finish or a classic one? According to test results, final coatings with an adhesive layer turned out to be more durable. If stickers are used for nail design, then to fix them you only need a top coat with a sticky layer. Finishing coatings without a sticky layer tend to turn yellow a few days after application.
Primer
- used for brittle nails that peel and weakly hold artificial coatings. Bluesky primer is acid-free, has residual oiliness and does not dry out completely.
Advantages and disadvantages of Bluesky three-phase gel nail polishes
Pros of the system:
- suits most nails;
- the correct 3-step approach to manicure. Disadvantages of the system:
- you can’t skip anything and replace the base with a top, and the top with a base, too (exceptions are base + top in one bottle, but it has less durability). — you need to immediately buy 3 bottles (base/color/top) — difficulties may arise during application, you need to remember the sequence of using the jars.
Korean brand
According to reviews from specialists and buyers, one of the best is the single-phase gel polish TNL (3 in 1) from the Korean brand TNL Professional.
The following advantages of TNL 3 in 1 gel polish are usually noted:
- easy to apply;
- good consistency;
- high durability;
- the color matches the color indicated on the website;
- Can be combined with other brands;
- lasts 3-4 weeks;
- stylish beautiful palette of deep tones.
