Beetles Builder Gel for Nails,0.51 oz 8 in 1 Strengthening Nails Enhancement Building Apex for Beginners & DIY Salon Manicure,Clear Builder Nail Gel,LED & UV Lamp Needed

I tried this with white nail tips and the entire process was a fraction of the time compared to my usual acrylic powder and monomer. My family appreciated it was odorless. I normally stink up the house lol. Here's what I did and it turned out great. 1) Push cuticles back. I didn't clip mine this time because I had an allergic reaction the last time I cut them, so left them. 2) Use a buffer to remove the shine on the nails and any dead skin. 3) Apply dehydrator to nails 4) Use buffer on the nail tip to add texture for better adhesion. 5) Glue on the nail extension. 6) Apply a layer of base coat. It will be sticky so make sure you don't touch anything that may stick to it. (Avoid skin!) 7) Put nail under UV lamp for 120 seconds 8) Add builder gel. I like to brush a layer on, then follow up with a pea sized ball at a time to build up thickness just past and just dab the brush to move it around. You will only be able to do one finger at a time because it's a bit runny. Place it under the UV light for 30 seconds to hold it and move to the next nail until all are ready for the official 120 second bake. Use nail file to fix any messy edges. (Avoid skin!) 9) Add top coat and put under UV light for 120 seconds. (Avoid skin!) 10) Use nail file to shape any messy edges. 11) Wash hands with soap and water and add cuticle oil. Make sure you avoid any of the gels leaking off the nail bed. This will help prevent skin irritation and premature lifting. So far the product seems pretty good. Hopefully it will last two weeks, but if it doesn't I still think it's worth buying just to save time and avoid the strong odor of monomor. Follow up: It's been a week since I used the builder gel and it has lasted without lifting surprisingly longer than the acrylic powders that I've been using, so I changed my review to 5 stars. Even though I was very careful I did have another reaction from the beetles product. I'm not sure what chemical agent is in their polishes and gels, but it always makes my skin itch and if I'm not careful I have broken out in blisters all around my cuticles and it runs up my fingers. The itching and pain when that happens is UNREAL and lasts for weeks! I recommend applying their products on one finger (I know that is tough when you are excited to do your nails) and wait a couple of days to see if you have any type of allergic reaction or skin sensitivity to any of their products before you go all in and do a full set of nails.

I’ve been using this builder gel for a bit now and I actually really like it. It functions the way it should and gives my nails a nice strong base without feeling heavy. It stays put and holds up pretty well during the week which is all I really need. It’s pretty easy to apply too. The gel levels itself just enough to help smooth everything out so even if you are not super experienced it still looks decent. I didn’t feel like I was fighting with it or rushing before it got gloopy. For the price I think it is good value for money. You get enough product to last a while and it performs just as well as some of the more expensive brands I have tried. The look is nice and clean. The finish leans more matte before you put a top coat on which I like because it is easier to see the shape. It also dries clear so it can work with pretty much any polish on top. The smell is not bad either. It definitely has a nail product scent but it is way lighter than some of the really strong builder gels out there so it did not bug me at all. Overall I think this is a solid option if you want something easy to use that gives good results without spending a ton. I would buy it again.

Started doing my own nails over a year ago. Takes some practice but very easy product to use. Gets really strong and keeps my natural long nails from breaking. Smooth texture and dries quickly under UV light.

Much like everything in the gel nail world, prep work is needed to ensure it not only works but stays on! I have never done this before on my own, I did quite a bit of reading, research, asked questions to the nail techs I know, Pinterest, read reviews and of course the you tube videos, for inspiration, technique and more education on how to use and for best uses tips! 1. My nails have grown out a but, I have what ever left from powder dip I did quite a bit ago. Not ready to expose my nails completely and not really wanting to add more powder dip, I turned to this builder gel polish 2. I prepped as best I could by filing down smoothing the surface from the powder and taking the shine off the natural nail growth I have. I used a dehydrator and a nail primer. 3. I used a gel base coat and cured that according to the instructions. 4. FINALLY! I applied the Beetles Builder gel! I started with a small amount at the base of my nail, getting close to the cuticle, then pulled that toward the apex, and end of my nail, I used my own brush to do so because otherwise it just felt like I had too much. It goes on quite smooth and it’s important that you let it sit a bit before applying more to see really where it sits on your nail, if you like it, making sure the amount, not to bulky not too light. Take your time, don’t rush. The color of this polish, is very neutral and earthy, I love that it is elegant, and discrete. The polish itself looks and feels a bit bulky, but remembered this is a builder, it is not supposed to look liquid or fluid like. A little goes a long way. Application is quite easy and the instruction are clear and straightforward. 5. Lastly I just added my top gel coat after I cured the builder as instructed. I notice a few areas where I have applied the builder a bit thin and can go back to try to apply better. This is the fun of trying this at home for myself and learning by doing so! The bottle size is a good size for its price and allows me to ameliorate my technique. I am no expert or profesional, using this builder as instructed is helping me have manicured nails, and learn on the way. I have only given this polish four stars because I am Waiting to see how well it holds up now that I have done my manicure with it. Once I have an update in 2-3 weeks of growth and every day everything I will add more to this review. I like this polish and will be trying out more colors ! I like the beetle brand for gel nail polish as well 💅💕✨

I've been using Beetles Builder Gel for about four months now to do my own nails. Uggh! My nails! Thin, peeling, even at their healthiest they would grow but then tear off. I tried the dip manicure stuff - never could perfect it. I tried gluing fake nails on - they looked nice, but never lasted. I tried just about everything. I finally found what works for me. I don't believe I use the product the way most people do. I looked at a couple of tutorials on YT, but ended up just brushing on a nice coat of the Builder Gel over my base coat. I have two nails that have no apex, so on those, I do build them up a bit. The rest? Just apply a good base coat, then apply builder gel, clean up the sidewalls and cure. Then a top coat and I'm done. I do like the natural look, but I've also begun branching out into colors. My kids got me the Beetles kit with a number of colors in it and I'm having great fun with that, as well. But I don't see me ever replacing my Beetles Builder Gel.

It has really great quality, the bottle and the point have a very nice quality ! The color is as shown in the pictures , it’s a very nude pink color , very elegant. The texture is as it should be. The bottle size is as the size as is represented in the picture which is great , it has lasted me for a while now . It dries up perfectly in my lamp. Overall, it is great for how much money it cost . I would definitely recommend it !

Kinda a pain to use. Beautiful color though

Honestly, this is a great option for beginners! The photo shows my very first attempt (I had never done this on myself before), and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s easy to work with — it doesn’t run or spread, but still blends nicely with a brush. The color is soft and forgiving, so it doesn’t highlight small mistakes and actually helps everything look more even and neat.