You just got your first 14 Day Mani At-Home Gel Polish Kit and couldn't be more excited to save big on going to the salon and begin doing your gel nails from home! Then you may (or my not) realise that you've never applied them yourself before and need an in depth guide on how to apply your Gentle Gels™ polish...and that's where we come in. In this guide we will take you step-by-step on a journey detailing how to apply your Gentle Gels™ properly from home and how to make them last 14 days or longer! STEP 1: CUTICLES Using the Steel Cuticle Pusher, begin by gently pushing back the cuticles making sure that all excess skin is removed, and the nail plate is clear. Don't use any cuticle oils during this step as the nail plate needs to be free of any oils to help make the gel polish grip to the nail plate. STEP 2: SHAPE & BUFF Next, shape your nails into your desired look with the Nail File. Then using side 3 of the 7 Way Buffer, etch the nail plate to remove any shine from the nail and create a slightly rough surface for better gel adhesion. (NOTE: Etching your nail plate will NOT damage your natural nails, it only roughs up the surface layer). STEP 3: PRIME To ensure that your nails are free from dust from filing/etching, wipe your nails with a cotton pad soaked in some acetone OR use a gel nail primer. STEP 4: BASE Apply a thin layer of your Gentle Gels™ Base Coat, making sure to cap the free edges and cure under our UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds. STEP 5: COLOUR Apply a thin layer of your colour of choice. This first layer needs 60 seconds under the lamp to cure. Then apply your second layer of colour and cure again for a further 60 seconds. (NOTE: If the Gentle Gels™ polish you're using is of a thicker consistency or you applied thicker layers, we recommend curing for 90 seconds. Also keep in mind that your gel nails will stay tacky until AFTER a layer of Top Coat is applied and then cured - this is normal!). STEP 6: FINISH Apply a thin layer of Gentle Gels™ Top Coat. Cure under the lamp for 60 seconds. Now you can apply Cuticle Oil or any other creams!