How to Apply Overlays & Structured Manis with OPI GELevate™
Want the secret to longer, stronger nails? OPI GELevate™ 4-in-1 Builder brilliantly builds and fills overlays for length that laaaasts.
Step by Step
Step 1
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Prep those nails! Follow our OPI Salon Pro prep basics.
Step 2
OPTIONAL: Customize your service for longer wear - apply a coat of Bondex Bonding Agent and allow to dry. Skip this step if a HEMA-free service is desired.
Step 3
OPTIONAL: For a HEMA-free and soak-off friendly service, skip Bondex application and apply a thin coat of GelColor Super Base Base Coat to all 5 nails. Cure for 30 seconds in the OPI Star Light.
Step 4
Apply a thin coat of GELevate 4-in-1 Builder in Clear (Shade: OPI'm Flawless) to all 5 nails leaving a thin free margin around the perimeter of the nail. Cure for 30 seconds in the Star Light Lamp.
Step 5
Pick up a small bead of GELevate 4-in-1 Builder in the shade of your choice on one side of the brush. Place the bead in the cuticle area and gently nudge the product towards the cuticle and from side to side leaving a small free margin.
Step 6
Using lighter pressure, guide the gel from side to side while pulling forward to create the apex, leaving a larger free margin at the sides.
Step 7
Use the corner of the brush to guide the gel down the sidewalls, leaving a small free margin.
Step 8
Review the structure of the nail and use the corner of the bottle brush to perfect the apex and shape. Pro Tip: For more precision, use a liner brush to refine.
Step 9
Pro Tip: Flip the nail upside down for 3-5 seconds to allow the apex to smooth.
Step 10
Flash cure the nail as needed with the Lightning Flash Cure Gel Lamp.
Step 11
Repeat steps 2-6 on the remaining nails until all nails are complete. Cure for 60 seconds (if using the clear builder, cure for 30 seconds) in the Star Light Gel Lamp. Repeat on the other hand.
Step 12
OPTIONAL: If shape refinement is needed, remove gel residue with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99.
Step 13
OPTIONAL: Freshly applied builder needs a lighter touch, and will file easily using a 240 grit file and padded buffer. Refine shape with a 240-grit file, followed by a 240-grit buffer or an e-file. Cleanse nails thoroughly with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution.
Step 14
Finish nails with your choice of OPI GelColor and GelColor Super Gloss Top Coat.
Step 15
Remove gel residue with a nail wipe saturated with N.A.S. 99 Cleansing Solution.
Step 16
Apply a drop of ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil to the base of each nail and massage in.
Video Tutorial
