- I get my nails done every month and have tried everything from Gel-X to Russian manicures.
- I’ve never done my own gel manicure at home, though, so I was excited to try it.
- Le Mini Macaron’s gel-manicure kit was only $38, but I felt using it required a lot of work.
Although I’m well-versed in getting my nails professionally manicured — I go every month and have tried everything from Russian manicures to artful press-on sets — I’ve never done my own gel polish.
If you’re on my side of TikTok, you may have also been scared away from doing it yourself for fear of developing a gel allergy or contact dermatitis from improper technique.
Many gel polishes contain reactive ingredients that can cause irritation if absorbed into the skin.
To shake off my hesitations, I spoke with Christina Kao, the cofounder of Le Mini Macaron, about best practices before using the company’s at-home kit.
Here’s how my first gel manicure at home went.
