Which is the best nail glue for fake nails, rhinestones, gems, and natural nail repair?

How do you choose the nail glue you need among the different types of adhesive?

Is there another way to secure nail art without using glue?

These are examples of the questions we’ll answer here. Let’s start with selecting the right adhesive for the project you’re doing.

How to choose the best nail glue

If you’re new to using adhesives for nail art, start with a thick glue that dries slower. It will give you time to move gems and make adjustments. Just be careful to avoid spreading it over the skin.

When you want to apply press-on nails, it’s handy to use thin brush-on glue. Glue with a thin consistency dries faster and is less prone to drying lumpy and lifting.

Stick on larger, more massive stones with gel. It will need to cure under a lamp, but it’s the stronger adhesive.

Can you apply nail art without nail glue?

Yes, you can apply rhinestones and gems with nail polish only, but they won’t stay put for long. The stones may fall off at any moment.

If you choose to experiment with this method, press the gem into the top coat while the surface is curing but still wet. But make sure it’s not so fresh that the stone slides around or smudges. Then, use a tiny brush to put an additional coat around the edges (1).

Which is better: nail glue or gel?

Both nail glue, also known as resin, and gel are essential for nail art. Nail glue air-dries on its own while gel requires a lamp to cure.

Neither one is better than the other – it’s a matter of choosing the right tool for the job. You may also use one to fill in the gaps that the other leaves behind.

For example, you might put a tiny dab of gel on the nail and press the gem into place. Let it sit under the lamp. Once the gel has cured, you might see that there are gaps around the edges. That’s when you could use a thin brush and press a tiny amount of glue around the perimeter.

How to use nail glue to apply fake nails, rhinestones, crystals, and gems

If you’re applying fake nails like acrylics, put a small drop of glue on the underside of the artificial nail tip. As you press it into place, carefully rock it back and forth to ease it into position. Then, use a nail brush soak in acetone to remove any excess glue from the skin.

Alternatively, if you’re doing nail art with stones, always put the nail glue on the natural or polished nail, never on the back of the rhinestone, crystal, or gem.

On a natural nail, make sure the surface is clean by washing the hands, then wiping the nail with nail polish remover or 70% alcohol.

Make sure that any polish is thoroughly dry first. For even better adhesion, buff the shine off the placement area.

Remember, nail glue is powerful. Start with a small amount as you can usually add more if you need it later. It’s easier than trying to remove excess.

The best place to glue rhinestones and gems is next to the cuticle as the nail doesn’t flex there. Also, large gems that have a curved bottom will stick better than those that are flat.

How to remove nail glue for a new manicure

Nail glue removes with acetone, just like gel nail polish. Soak a cotton pad, wrap it around the nail, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

How to keep nail glue from drying out and the lid from getting stuck

Don’t you hate it when you only use the nail glue once, and it’s already dried out? Or when you can’t unscrew the cap because it’s glued shut?

You can avoid those problems by wiping the applicator and around the lid with acetone before closing the bottle or tube. Be careful to not get any acetone in the glue.

Alternatively, you could grease the inside of the cap with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.

After that, store the glue in a cold place to extend the shelf life.

Best Nail Glue in 2020

Modelones Nail Glue

Each tube of this nail resin lasts for 10 to 20 manicures. It has a precision nozzle to prevent drips and waste.

It’s exactly the type of nail glue that’s ideal for gemstones, French styling, and other decorations. The strong adhesive is ingredients that won’t harm nails.

You can also use it for press-on nails and tips. It bonds in 5 seconds and holds for several days.

Happily, the brand backs their product with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Beauty Secrets Nail Glue

Have you ever had an allergic reaction to nail adhesives? If so, try this non-toxic nail glue. It doesn’t contain but phthalates, petrolatum, alcohol, parabens, soy, or animal derivatives. It’s also vegan.

The squeeze applicator resists clogging and dripping, which makes it straightforward to use with minimum mess. It’s perfect for bonding nail tips.

What’s the downside? Several reviewers say that it takes a little bit longer than usual to dry. But once it sets, it can hold for weeks. Moreover, the fact that it slow to dry is excellent for beginners.

Nailene Ultra Quick Nail Glue for Artificial Nails & Repair

Many techs say this is the best nail glue for natural nail repair. Some describe it as “scary strong.”

It cures in 5 seconds yet adheres to fake nails for 2 weeks or longer. It withstands washing dishes and bathing.

Thankfully, although the nail glue is ultra-durable, it removes easily with acetone.

If you’d like to use it to repair a torn or broken nail, you’ll need a pair of tweezers. Apply a thin layer of glue, then use the tweezers to hold the repair for 5 seconds while it sets. Lastly, buff the area to make it smooth.

KISS Precision Nail Glue

This nail glue is suitable for repairing split and cracked nails as well as applying artificial nails. Yes, you can use it to fix human nails as well as fake nails. It has an antifungal ingredient to prevent infections.

There is a precision nozzle on the tip of the squeezable container. The thin liquid seeps into the crack to seal the problem. Then, the glue sets in seconds.

I noticed that a handful of users have had success using it to prevent gel manicures’ peeling.

Makartt Nail Glue

Here’s a brush-on nail glue that’s ideal for rhinestone and gem application. It can also fix split nails and bond nail tips.

It dries a little slower than the KISS or Nailene glues. That’s handy for repositioning stones. Any excess adhesive can be removed with acetone.

The acrylic nail glue is made of ethyl cyanoacrylate. Therefore, please avoid exposing the nails to water for at least an hour after using it.

NYK1 Nail Bond Acrylic Nail Glue

This nail tip adhesive comes with a precision brush applicator. Reviewers say it’s durable enough to last for a week or longer. Their main complaint was how long it took to dissolve the glue to remove it.

What’s interesting is that it’s compatible with other nail glue brands.

Big Bondini Plus Brush-On Glue

Save money and skip those tiny tubes of glue. This bottle contains 200 drops with a “clean hands applicator.” The small brush provides pinpoint accuracy.

Use the glue for nail tips and art as it adheres to artificial nails and gems for 2 weeks or longer.

IBD Brush-On Glue

This is brush-on nail glue for natural and artificial nails and tips. It works well in conjunction with the same brand’s builder gel.

It dries slowly enough for beginners and holds well enough for gemstones. Try it with decals, too.

Cala Super Nail Glue

I’ve seen mixed reviews for this acrylic tip nail glue. It’s less expensive than some of the competition.

Highlights include ultra-strong bonding that sets quickly.

Complaints include the bottle clogging.

Dashing Diva False Nail Fast Bond Glue

There are nail technicians who won’t use other brands of professional nail glue besides this one. It’s suitable for adhering artificial nails as it doesn’t leave any gap between the full cover nail and the nail bed.

Furthermore, it’s suitable for fixing all sorts of nail art like stones as the decorations stay put for 2 weeks or longer. It’s a thick gel that tolerates repositioning if needed. But it has a precision applicator tip to reduce mess. The adhesive won’t bubble, and it smooths the nail surface for a perfect finish every time.

BTArtbox Adhesive Super Bond

This pack comes with enough adhesive for 350 press-on nails, nail tips, or decorations. Plus, it can fix chips and cracks in natural nails. The ingredients are non-damaging to the nails. You can check the MSDS sheet for details.

Although the glue dries swiftly, you have a little time for adjustments. Therefore, it’s handy for beginners as well as professionals.

Once bonded, the glue can hold up to a month. But it’s also not difficult to remove.

For best results, ensure that the natural nails are cleaned with alcohol, then dry before application. When applying press-on nails, push down starting at the cuticle and work your way to the tip. Hold for 5 seconds. Keep the nails dry for at least an hour to ensure it cures completely and becomes waterproof.

Wipe-Off Rhinestone Glue Gel

You’ll need an LED UV lamp to cure this glue gel, but it’s super strong. It’s perfect for holding large stones on nails.

The glue comes with 3 different brush applicators.

To use a gel, follow the steps. Cure the polish completely.

Next, apply a dab of gel on the nail and press the rhinestone on top.

Set the gel under the lamp. Turn the nail from side to side to ensure the light reaches as much of the glue as possible.

Add more gel glue if needed, and cure again. If it’s a flatback rhinestone, cap the edge. In other words, put glue all around the perimeter so that no gap is visible.

After gluing small gems, you can wipe off excess sticky parts with alcohol.

Rhinestone Picker Dotting Pens, Dual-Sided

Here is the tool you need to pick up and place gemstones. It’s like a pen with 2 different ends.

One tip is waxy. Press that end onto the rhinestone, and you can lift it to place it in the glue on the nail.

Flip the pen and use a stainless steel point to press and hold the stone in place.

Beetles Nail Art Design Brush Set

These precision brushes are excellent for doing nail art. They’re suitable for painting fine lines. Plus, they’re handy for outlining the nail with a little acetone to ensure a salon-quality finish.

JOYJULY Nail Art Kit

Save time and money by getting a kit with all the tools you need to decorate nails. This kit comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

It includes striping tape, striping roller boxes, 3D rhinestones in a dozen colors, 5 dotting pens, and 15 brushes. All that’s missing is the nail glue.

Rhinestone Glue Gel Kit

This kit has a wide variety of nail decorations, plus it comes with glue gel and other tools. It’s backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

There are thousands of rhinestones in various sizes and colors, plus tweezers, brushes, and wax pens.

What’s nice is that once the glue gel has cured under the LED light, it’s no longer sticky and doesn’t need to be wiped.

Conclusion

Using the right adhesive guarantees long-lasting manicures and gorgeous nail art that stands up to wear.

You can have a lot of fun with nail glue doing tips, press-on nails, and sculptures.

If you discovered your new favorite nail art tools today, come back and tell us about your experience with them.

Source:

1. https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/creativeage/nailpro_201711/index.php#/p/51 How to Adhere Statement Gems, by Leslie Henry, published in NAILPRO November 2017

Is there a gel nail polish that doesn’t need UV light? Yes, and it offers the same glossy shine as regular gel polish.

The best no-light gel polish cures without using a nail lamp. Plus, it lasts for a week or longer without chipping.

Today, we’re going to review gel nail polish that dries quickly without UV light.

How long does it take for no-light gel polish to dry?

This type of gel-look polish dries all by itself. It doesn’t require a nail lamp or a dryer.

The only thing you have to do is show a little patience. Depending on the brand, it may take anywhere from 2 minutes to 15 minutes to cure.

Then, you can enjoy the trendy glass-like shine for a week or more. That’s because this type of gel polish is durable enough to stand up to daily wear.

Tips for the perfect home manicure and pedicure using gel nail polish without UV light

Round up the nail clippers, emery board, cuticle pusher, nail polish remover, and cotton pads. It’s also nice to have hand lotion for afterward.

No-light gel polish usually requires a top coat and base coat, which is the colorful layer. So, gather up your polish and nail art ingredients, too. Now, let’s start the manicure or pedicure.

1. Begin by washing your hands or feet. Use the polish remover to take off any remaining polish. (Even if you weren’t wearing any, it helps to swipe the acetone across the nails to make sure they are oil-free).
2. Then, trim and shape the nails. It helps if you soak your hands for a few minutes in warm water first. Remove or push back overgrown cuticles. Oval or squoval -shaped nails are more resistant to chipping. Moreover, emery boards and crystal nail files are gentler and less likely to cause splintering (1).
3. Make sure you’ve cleaned off remnants of polish and dust from filing. You can use a little acetone on a cotton swab for this part.
4. Shake your polish or stir it, then apply the base coat. Two layers should be enough. Let each coat dry before you do the next. If you’re new to manicures, here is a hint: mistakes are less visible when you use light colors.
5. Finally, it’s time for the top coat for extra gloss and durability. Once every nail is dry, apply moisturizer, and you’re done.

Secrets from the experts for a perfect finish on no-light gel polish

It’s difficult to get that flawless border around the nail, isn’t it? It’s all too easy to get polish on the cuticles. But if you get a very fine tip brush, dip it in acetone, and outline your nail first, you’ll never have that problem again. Your manicure will have a salon-quality look.

Next, when you dip the brush into the nail polish, pull it out while wiping one side clean across the neck. Let the bristles fan out and tap off the excess polish. Then, brush along the center of the nail from the cuticle to the end. Do the same for either side. Let that coat dry, then repeat the process.

You can avoid bubbles in the finish by using acetone to remove any oil from the nails first. Also, never use a hairdryer to dry your nails faster as the heat will slow down the dry time, and the airflow may cause bubbles.

If you end up with a chip in a few days, hit the spot with a little bit of acetone and smooth the polish. Then, touch it up with more polish or top coat.

Lastly, if you’re right-handed, you can appreciate the difficulty of applying polish with your left hand. But if you lay your right hand on the table and rotate it while you work on it, it’s a little easier.

How to choose the best color of no-light gel polish

You’ll need to know your natural skin undertone to choose flattering shades of polish. If you have a bluish undertone, go with cherry red, fuchsia, pinkish nudes, or violet.

Alternatively, if you have an olive undertone, your hands will look gorgeous with coral, chocolate, beige, or white.

Would you like to know an easy way to test a shade? Put scotch tape across your nail and apply the polish.

Best No-Light Gel Polish in 2020

butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer

Let’s begin with butter London as it’s one of the safest nail polishes available. Even though it’s free of harsh ingredients, it offers up to 10-day wear. It’s also extra glossy. Your friends will likely think you went to the salon to do your nails when you use it.

The cushioned finish looks just like UV-light cured gel polish. It’s smooth, strong, and fade-resistant.

This is one of the best polishes for pregnant women and those with sensitive skin and allergies. It’s 10-free, which means it does not contain formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, camphor, xylene, gluten, parabens, TPHP, and other nasty ingredients.

Instead, it has Shock Resistant Polymer Technology enhanced by diamond powder. It strengthens the nails with bamboo and access sunscreen by absorbing UV without fading.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish

When you use Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish, you’ll need color and top coat. There is a wide variety of shades available, from nudes to holiday fun. Plus, the colors are pigmented enough that one coat may be enough.

It’s considered a two-step gel hybrid as it requires no UV light to cure. But it’s chip-resistant and still easy to apply and remove. The finish lasts up to eight days.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Shiny Top Coat

Here’s the top coat that adds extra shine to the cushiony Miracle Gel. It ensures that your manicure lasts the full eight days or more.

essie Gel Couture 2-Step Longwear Nail Polish

Essie is a popular polish brand that’s been in the nail business for almost four decades. It offers a two-step system: brush on two coats of color, then cover with top coat. The patented swirl stem brush helps follow the curves, and it simplifies applying the polish.

The 100-plus shades range from classic colors to the latest trends. But what’s even more attractive is that the polish lasts up to two weeks.

essie Gel Couture Platinum-Grade Finish Top Coat

Here’s the clear top coat that seals in the color and intensifies the shine. Plan on sitting still for about 15 minutes while everything dries properly. Trust me, it’s worth it for the gorgeous glossy finish.

OPI Nail Polish Base Coat

OPI is an award-winning American brand that’s used by salons as well as people at home.

But there’s a catch. This is a three-coat process that takes longer than some other no-light gel polishes.

It requires the base coat, color, and top coat. But together, they create a long-lasting manicure that won’t fade or chip. It also won’t stain or yellow your natural nails.

OPI Nail Polish, Nail Lacquer

Choose from more than 200 attractive shades, including glitter, pastel, and pearlescent. Brush on two coats of color and then proceed to the quick-drying top coat below.

OPI Nail Polish Top Coat

The transparent top coat adds a diamond -like finish to OPI’s color coat. Once it cures, it maintains a high-gloss shine for a week of wear. It prevents smudging, chipping, and scratches.

Adesse New York Organic Infused Gel Effect Nail Polish

Animal-lovers look for brands like this one. This nail polish is certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny to be vegan and cruelty-free. It’s made in the USA with premium ingredients like organic pigments, minerals, and essential oil.

Moreover, the polish is designed to strengthen natural nails with organic bamboo and omega fatty acids. The omega comes from natural argan oil and shea.

I’m also happy to report that it’s 12-free. It doesn’t contain toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, and several other toxins common to other polishes. There’s no strong odor, either.

That all sounds good, right? But is it going to give you a decent manicure? Yes, because it seems like it melts over the nails. The polish fills in ridges for a flawless, glossy finish.

For best results, shake the bottle before using it.

Eternal Gel Nail Polish Kit

Eternal’s polish dries to a mirror shine. It holds up well for days on end but soaks off with regular nail polish remover.

It conveniently comes in a two-pack that includes the color and the top coat.

Users say that it takes about 10 minutes to complete the manicure as the polish dries quickly.

CND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish

You might be familiar with CND’s Shellac that requires UV light to cure. The Vinylux is the new gel-look polish that hardens with exposure to natural light and air.

Conveniently, the color names are the same between Shellac and Vinylux polishes. If you had a favorite shade, you could easily find it in the new polish lineup. You can also use one to touch up the other.

Vinylux is designed for seven-day wear without chipping or fading. It features a patent-pending technology that grows stronger when exposed to daylight. There’s no need for a base coat. Just apply color and top coat.

When it’s time to do a new manicure, it’s straightforward to remove with nail polish remover. You don’t even need acetone.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Gel Lab Pro

Have you heard of the celebrity manicurist who has worked with Lady Gaga, Scarlett Johansson, and Kim Kardashian? This is the brand she developed. Her name is Deborah Lippmann, and her nail polish has won awards from places like Allure Magazine.

This stunning polish requires no lamp and no special tools to apply. It will not damage natural nails, either. The brand markets itself as “the healthy alternative to gel polish.” They are 7-free and non-toxic.

A manicure done with color coat and top coat will last for a week or more.

COVERGIRL Xl Nail Gel

This inexpensive brand provides excellent value for the money. Covergirl’s air-dry gel polish can last for eight days or more without chipping. One reviewer says her pedicure lasted for three weeks.

The plump, shiny finish is available in a wide variety of shades.

L’Oreal Paris Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque 1-2-3 Nail Color

L’Oreal’s three-step gel-look polish is surprisingly resilient. It mimics the gloss and strength of a salon gel manicure.

First, apply the primer to prepare the surface by smoothing imperfections. Second, brush on the color, and the nails already look thicker. Third, put on the glaze top coat for a mirror shine.

Maybelline Super Stay Gel Nail Color

Maybelline’s no-light gel polish is fortified with vitamin B5 and minerals to strengthen the nails. It lasts at least a week when you use top coat over the color. Users say it dries impressively fast.

Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Polish

Revlon tries to go head-to-head with Maybelline, but some reviewers say it falls short. The light shades require three coats to go opaque. Worse, the polish is thin and runny. It doesn’t seem to last for the whole week.

If you decide to give it a try, it comes in 46 shades. It’s also infused with plant oils and shea butter to keep nails healthy.

Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel Diamond Envy Top Coat

Be sure to seal the color coat with this transparent top coat. It’s chip-resistant and extra shiny. Plus, it’s straightforward to apply with the wide-angle brush.

Tbestmax Professional Nail Art Liner Brushes

In the expert tips at the beginning of the article, I mentioned using an extra-fine brush to ensure salon-like perfection. Here’s a set of three brushes to help you achieve that goal. They are also suitable for nail art.

Conclusion

I’m pleased you browsed our top picks for no-light gel polish. They are the healthy option as they require no UV lamp to dry. They are also less expensive since you don’t need to buy a light for home manicures.

If you’re skeptical that you can get a salon-quality manicure with this type of polish, I recommend that you try it. I suspect that you’ll be pleased with the durable, cushiony, glossy finish.

Source:

1. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-manicure-guide Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on February 28, 2019, accessed November 6, 2020