Novice nail techs may be discovering builder gel for the first time, but nail experts know builder gel has been around for a long time. Builder gel—also called structure gel—is trending again. One of the reasons we love this trend is that it’s brought one of our favorite companies into focus: The Gel Bottle!
In this week’s nail blog, we share everything you need to know about Builder in a Bottle by The Gel Bottle—what it is, who makes it, and the best way to use it.
Our Nail Expertise
Here’s why you can trust guidance and recommendations from NailsPlus:
- We’re a family-owned company of nail experts with decades of experience building a customer-first experience with nails, nail products, and nail education. We test every product that comes through our doors, and we stand behind the quality of each product we sell online and on our sales floor. We are authorized distributors for several top nail brands, including Aprés Nail, Valentino Beauty Pure, The Gel Bottle, Mia Secret, and NotPolish.
- Our focus on education elevates our brand. We’re committed to providing resources to new and experienced nail professionals through our educational blog and in-store demos. We stay up to date with nail industry news by educating ourselves on new products and attending the top nail trade shows.
Our reviews speak for themselves. We have a 4.9 rating on Google with hundreds of five-star reviews citing our strong customer service.
What is The Gel Bottle?
The Gel Bottle Inc., founded by Daisy Kalnina is best known for creating the very first builder gel in a bottle. Kanina started managing her mother’s full-service salon at the age of 15. She combined her passion for nail artistry with her business smarts to create The Gel Bottle Inc, a strong woman-owned business with a trademark beautiful product.
What is builder gel?
Builder gel, also known as structure gel or hard gel, is used to strengthen and create extensions that lengthen the natural nail. Even stronger than gel polish, builder gel is a hybrid of gel polish and acrylic. Clients often request builder gel because they want to preserve the health of their natural nails. Acrylic is often considered stronger than builder gel, but builder gel is more flexible. Flexibility helps reduce lifting and makes for a very durable nail.
What is Builder In a Bottle?
Builder In a Bottle (or BIAB, as coined by its founder The Gel Bottle), is a very thick structure gel. If you’re rocking short nails, use BIAB as a layer on top of your natural nail to make them strong and healthy. If you want to create a tip, use BIAB to build an apex and a longer nail.
BIAB comes in hundreds of colors, from neons to pastels to lovely autumn shades. We also love the clear version of BIAB, one of the brand’s most popular products.
How do I use Builder in a Bottle?
Remember, BIAB builder gel works as both a base and a builder, making the nail strong and providing structure. Here’s how to use BIAB:
1. Prepare the nails. Remove existing polish, clean and push back cuticles, and shape the nail. Be sure nails are free of oil, lotion, and residue.
2. Apply base layer. When applying the base layer (either a nude or clear BIAB or a rubber base), keep it thin but also be sure to coat the entire nail. Then, cure under an LED lamp.
3. Apply the first layer of BIAB. Now apply your first full layer of BIAB gel by starting at the cuticle and moving towards the nail tip. Be sure to cap the edges and then cure.
4. Apply additional layers as needed. Depending on how thick you want the nail to be, you can add additional layers or start building out a tip on the natural nail. Each layer needs to be cured under a lamp.
5. Buff and shape nails. Achieve the desired shape and length by filing and buffing the nail.
6. Apply a top coat. BIAB’s clear all-in-one acts as both base and top coat.
Have questions about Builder In a Bottle or any other products on our blog? Don’t hesitate to get in touch and follow us on Instagram and Facebook! We love talking about all things nails + beauty!
Beautifully Yours,
Kim Phan, VP