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Original poster

Gel nail kit-any recommendations for the lamp?

29 replies

Holidayshopping · 15/12/2018 13:48

I’m going to buy one as a gift but am unsure which to get. The reviews of some on amazon suggest 12w aren't good enough and to get 36w but then there are 15/30/60 seconds ones which don’t give a wattage?!

Can anyone recommend anything that’s good-I never know how much to believe some of the ‘verified purchase’ reviews on amazon!

OP posts:
Somertime · 15/12/2018 14:53

I'd also like to know too - it's so confusing! I read that UV lamps can be dangerous and you should get LED but not sure if that's true.

Original poster
Holidayshopping · 15/12/2018 15:04

Thank you for replying-it’s very confusing! I’m looking at the LED ones now!

OP posts:
JustBeenNosey · 15/12/2018 15:16

I bought one off a website before, I got the lamp, all the top coat, base coat all the stuff to do your cuticles with for about £80 however I soon realised that the lamp wasn't that great.

If think you're going to get one, and can afford it.. get a decent one as you'll just end up disappointed with them chipping or peeling away.

Look at salon services or Denis Williams.. some sort of wholesalers who sell beauty stuff x

OP posts:
Bigonesmallone3 · 15/12/2018 16:10

Don't bother with sensationail
I don't know if it was the light the polish or me just never had a lot of luck and have gone back to getting the professionally done..

Somertime · 15/12/2018 20:06

How about this one? It's got good reviews and seems good value for money
YaoShun Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit With 24W LED Nail Lamp Base Top Coat Set And Manicure Tools Nail Art Home Use Kit #3 www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BF91R8N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_33vfCbZYGMBTJ

Fstar · 15/12/2018 21:30

I bought the sensationail from boots years ago and love it, they do a peel off base now too which is good. Various kits on boots just now

SilverGiraffe7 · 15/12/2018 21:35

I have this lamp - bought it in February and have been really pleased with it.

Jaxinthebox · 15/12/2018 21:36

I just bought a LED kit from Wowcher/Groupon with blue sky/mylee gel colours. It gets good reviews and was a bargain.
Not used it yet, only bought it for my toes as I have an amazing nail tech who does my hands, but I grudge paying for my feet. weird

Original poster
Holidayshopping · 16/12/2018 13:10

@silvergiraffe7 that’s the one I’m looking at I think. It’s between that and this

www.ellisons.co.uk/star-nails-pro-dual-cure-lamp.html?referer=PLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn4fn-5Oi3wIVTOd3Ch0VDALfEAQYASABEgKdNfD_BwE

The Mylee one seems to only be 18W though whereas the Star Nails one is 36w. Do you find it is powerful enough?

Can I ask which brand of gel varnish you use?

OP posts:
SilverGiraffe7 · 16/12/2018 13:43

It's powerful enough for me on the 15 second setting and mine last well. I use whatever I can find fairly cheaply.. mainly on Ali Express or Wish. Most are Elite99. :)

Original poster
Holidayshopping · 16/12/2018 14:54

That’s great-really useful to know, thank you! Does it only take 15 seconds to cure a coat?!

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Original poster
Holidayshopping · 16/12/2018 16:01

And do I need a primer??

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Elephantina · 16/12/2018 16:05

I paid £44 for a 36w lamp on amazon - SunUV 5 I think?

I needed 36w to cure builder gel, as I have very thin nails, so I can use it to scuplt polygel and all sorts. To just cure gel polish, a low wattage will probably be okay but go higher if you can.

Most gel polishes cure in 30 secs, builder and polygels for sculpting extensions 60 secs. I started doing my own a year ago!

Elephantina · 16/12/2018 16:07

Oh primer - yes probably. Try the Bluesky range, best seller is Bbeautylounge on ebay and amazon.

You'll need pure acetone for removal (and you can use it as a dehydrator), isopropyl (or rubbing) alcohol for cleansing, primer, base and top coat. And colours, obvs.

Wolfiefan · 16/12/2018 16:09

Why do so many say LED/UV? I’d like an LED one too.

Original poster
Holidayshopping · 16/12/2018 17:13

I’ve found this one now from that seller @Elephantina It looks like it’s the same make lamp as yours a Sun one. Are you quite happy with it? I am now torn between that and the Mylee one!

Gel nail kit-any recommendations for the lamp?
OP posts:
SilverGiraffe7 · 16/12/2018 17:49

I do: base coat (15 secs), 2 x colour (15 secs each) then finish with a top coat (15 secs). Job done and lasts a good two weeks.
(Although I'm currently sporting base coat, Christmas Sharpie drawings by my children, top coat Grin)

Elephantina · 16/12/2018 18:00

That's not the one I have - I have this one which is 48w actually, my mistake, its been brilliant:

[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06ZZWT48M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MfPfCbQMQCSHF]

(I've forgotten how to make that clicky, sorry)

But the one you've found is a good brand.

Elephantina · 16/12/2018 18:01

Oh the link looks messy but it works

Wolfiefan · 16/12/2018 18:01

That one says UV/LED too. Am I missing something really obvious?

Original poster
Holidayshopping · 16/12/2018 18:06

I like the fact it comes with lots of extra stuff (and 4 colours you can choose yourself) but wish I could find some reviews of the actual lamp!

OP posts:
Elephantina · 16/12/2018 18:29

Not sure Wolfie - as far as I can work out, virtually all gel polishes need both uv and led to fully cure? The more modern lamps are more intense led's (hence faster) but there is still some uv. According to what I just googled anyway.

My DH is pretty clever about this stuff hut even he is stumped!

Elephantina · 16/12/2018 18:29

*but

Ukelou · 16/12/2018 18:38

All gel polishes can be cured by uv but only led specific polishes can be cured by led lamps