All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Seeing as I couldn’t resistchewing my own nailsto save my life, fake nails are my saving grace.
First, let me fill you in on what soft gel extensions actually are.
Unlike other types of nail extensions, these can be soaked off with acetone somewhat like your averagegel manicure.
What comes in the Apres Gel X Extensions Kit, and how much does it cost?
Don’t be too impressed — I did not do this set myself. But this professionally-done Gel X Set is a perfect example of just what can be done with this system.
Once those suckers are on, what you put on them is fully your prerogative.
As far asnail shapesgo, the brand offers coffin, square, round, and stiletto options.
Don’t be too impressed I did not do this set myself.
Don’t be too impressed — I did not do this set myself. But this professionally-done Gel X Set is a perfect example of just what can be done with this system.
But this professionally-done Gel X Set is a perfect example of just what can be done with this system.
Park says the most popular shape, however, is the Natural Coffin Medium.
How do you use the Apres Gel X Extensions System at home?
When you go to an overpriced cocktail bar, you simply must snag a nailfie with your fresh DIY Gel X set. I’m wearing the nail polish color Need Some Vitamin Sea from theNails Inc. Made in Mykonos Nail Set.
And it’s worth it if you’re the perpetually-manicured bang out.
You’ve got to pick the right nail sizes from your kit before you do anything.
After that comes nail prep, another crucial step for a set’s longevity.
A set I created by painting on two coats ofSugar Daddyby Essie and placingCiaté London Stick-On Nail Stickers, followed by a topcoat.
Though important, nail prep for Gel X is relatively low-key.
As Los Angeles-based nail artistSigourney Nunezsays, “It honestly takes practice.
It just takes repetition.”
Yes, even my corner bodega beverages count as nail-art props. Here, I’m wearingAprés’s Lucky Envelope gel polish.
I’m wearing the nail polish color Need Some Vitamin Sea from theNails Inc. Made in Mykonos Nail Set.
That’s because once you cure, there’s really no going back without fully removing the extension.
Minerva approaches this step with a “less-is-more” mentality.
This set’s color is the work of Nails Inc.’s Summerland Gardens shade from theOn the Horizon set.
Thankfully, there are tips for that, too.
“My best advice is to apply the extension at a 45-degree angle.
and if theres flooding [at the cuticle], do not cure it!
Clean it up first and retry,” Nunez advises.
The rest, thank God, is smooth sailing and completely up to you.
That said, if you want to play around with different methods, there’s nothing stopping you.
How long do Apres Gel X Nail Extensions last?
Minerva says her sets last about three weeks on average.
(I like it that way due to my aforementioned manicure boredom, anyway.)
Are Apres Gel X Nail Extensions easy to remove at home?
Why should I use the Apres Gel X Extension Kit?
I can do a set at any time I like at no additional cost to me.
Yes, even my corner bodega beverages count as nail-art props.
Here, I’m wearingApres’s Lucky Envelope gel polish.
This set’s color is the work of Nails Inc.’s Summerland Gardens shade from theOn the Horizon set.
But the time it can save you make it worthwhile in the end, Minerva argues.
“Before, we had to sculpt all extensions which included utility, filing, buffing, etc.
It was a long process and messy!
This system takes away all of that.”
Personally, I couldn’t agree more.
Saved time, saved money, plus a new creative hobby?
Give it all to me, like and thank you.
