This At-Home Gel Mani Kit Went Viral, so We Tried It

I love going to the nail salon when I have the time and money to do so. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, so I often opt for an at-home manicure rather than the expensive professional kind. I’m not complaining. Believe it or not, I love doing my own nails. Even though I lack the experience and precision of my favorite nail artist, sitting down with a nail file and polish feels like a kind of self-care ritual in itself. Plus, if we’re talking about gel manicures, I don’t have to make the dreaded follow-up appointment to remove it all and start over. It’s all in my hands (pun intended).

Recently I was intrigued by a particular nail kit I saw online. They’re a) adorable, b) affordable, and c) extensive – they come with everything you need to get your manicure done at home, including a portable, easy-to-use LED light for curing gel polish. So I enlisted Who What Wear’s beauty director, Erin Janz, to test it out with me. Ahead, see how it can be used with a salon manicure and learn how to use it to get the best results.

Gel mani set

Mini macarons

One Step Glitter Gel Nail Care Kit

This is the product in question – Le Mini Macaron One Step Glitter Gel Manicure Kit. Contains everything you need to create an at-home gel nail polish that lasts up to two weeks. Yes, just like a salon gel manicure, but less expensive and less time consuming (if you know how to use it properly).

Le Mini Macaron One Step Glitter Gel Nail Care Kit includes:

LED lamp with USB cord
Three-in-one gel nail polish (base coat, color and top coat combined)
Small nail file
Cuticle stick
10 packs of nail polish remover gel
Application and removal instructions

If you’re wondering where the LED is, it’s that little macaron-shaped object. (I told you it was cool.) Paint your nail, stick it in the lamp, press the button, and the polish cures in 30 seconds. You can also use an LED lamp to do a gel pedicure at home. Simply flip the magnetic top over.

Before and after

Caitlin McClintock, associate beauty editor

Caitlyn McClintock's nails before the Le Mini Macaron Gel Kit

Caitlyn McClintock's nails after the Le Mini Macaron Gel Kit

Thanks to the detailed instructions, I didn’t feel afraid at all. I set up all the tools in front of me, plugged the LED into my computer (yes, you can do this!), and got to work. First, I filed the edges and surface of my nails. I then used nail polish remover to remove any remaining dust or oil that might affect the final result. Next, I took up the gel polish, painting one nail after the other.

According to the instructions, I applied a very thin layer of gel polish. Then I cured it in an LED lamp for 30 seconds. I applied another thin layer of gel polish and cured again. Then I moved on to the next screw.

Overall, it was a very simple process. I think it took me about 10 minutes to complete it from start to finish. I loved how shiny my nails were. And the best part? You can easily remove it at home, so there is no need to book another salon appointment and spend more time and money starting over. Although it will definitely take some practice to perfect the look of my nails and precisely shape the thick gel formula, this is definitely something I will keep in my nail kit for at-home gel nails in the future. If you’re open to some experimentation and practice, I recommend trying this gel mani kit. If you don’t (no judgment!), I’ll make a salon appointment.

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Mini macarons

Cassis 3 in 1 one step formula gel polish

Erin Jans, Beauty Director

Erin Ganz's nails before the Le Mini Macaron Gel Kit

Erin Ganz's nails after the Le Mini Macaron Gel Kit

“I’m used to it love Doing my nails myself. Then, probably about five years ago, I got into the habit of getting professional manicures on a regular basis – partly out of laziness and partly due to the temptation of fancier treatments, designs etc., which I didn’t feel I could do. at home. (At least not without a lot of time and practice.) In the last couple of years, I’ve gone from using regular nail polish or gel to more fancy, long-lasting options like Aprés Gel-X Extensions or builder gel. . I love the look of long, almond-shaped nails, and these latest treatments encourage the length and flexibility that I was missing in regular polish or gel.

“I’m a sucker for any kind of gadget or gizmo when it comes to beauty, so when Caitlin asked if I wanted to try one of Le Mini Macaron’s popular at-home gel manicure kits, I was intrigued. As you can see, after I removed my builder gel in Salon, my nails were a wreck, and I was worried about how the gel polish would apply (and look) when I was done Also, a three-in-one formula that can work as a base coat, gel polish, and topcoat I was skeptical.

“Overall, I think anyone who is good at doing their own nails (aka, has a steady hand and a lot of patience) will love the Le Mini Macaron Gel Nail Kit. The brand provides easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, and there are plenty of shades to choose from.” Between them, the process of applying nail polish and then holding your finger in the lamp for 30 seconds (self-timed) was quick and painless, plus with the holidays right around the corner it would make the perfect gift for any beauty lover, I will definitely be keeping this set in my It’s affordable, but ultimately, I don’t think it will replace monthly pedicure appointments. There are so many other steps and factors that go into looking great nails (filing, shaping, trimming, etc.), which is why I love going to a professional. Although the finish and durability of my nails at home was a 10/10, my painting abilities were not, and my hands and nails just didn’t look as neat and tidy as I wanted, since it’s a three-in-one polish formula. They are very thick, and this, combined with the rather large brush, made it difficult for me to be very precise and not get gel all over my face. Fingertips. Next time, I’ll definitely have a small brush and a bowl of nail polish remover nearby to clean things up as I go.” -Jance

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Mini macarons

3-in-1 one-step gel polish in coconut yoghurt

Application process

Firstly, file the edges and surface of your nails to strengthen them and improve the adhesion of the gel polish. Then wipe off any remaining dust or oil with nail polish remover. After that, you’re ready to start painting with gel polish.

The brand recommends working nail by nail (like we do). Apply a thin layer of gel polish, cure and repeat. Applying very thin layers of gel polish is crucial. If you apply it too thickly, it won’t cure completely and you’ll be left with a smeared, sticky manicure.. We recommend applying very thin layers so they remain clear before curing.

Since gel polish is often thicker and more viscous than traditional nail polish, We also recommend keeping a small, clean brush on hand to help shape the paint and fix messy smudges or lines before treating. If you don’t, you will definitely lack the precision of a salon-quality nail polish.

Once the gel polish has cured, you are ready to use. You don’t have to worry about toppings or anything like that. We recommend applying a little hand cream and going on your merry way.

When it’s time to remove gel polish, don’t worry. This process is as simple as the application process. Start by filling the surface of your gel manicure. Then insert your finger into the remover bottle and place the cotton piece over the nail. (It is included in the kit.) Wrap the removal pad around your finger and remove the label on the package to ensure it is sealed. Wait 15 minutes and use a skin stick to scrape off the remaining gel. Easy easy.