As a newborn photographer, I need clean, smooth nails. Nails that snag can scratch a baby and honestly, it just doesn't look professional! As a woman, I just enjoy having pretty nails but do not want to spend the time or money at the salon. I have extremely thin, brittle nails that break constantly. I've tried all the supplements and am in good health. This is just how my nails are. Even going to the nail salon, I never got more than 3 days from a gel manicure. Finally, I discovered rubber base. Some people also use builder gel. I think the flexibility of the rubber base works perfectly for my nails but if you have more rigid nails, the builder gel (Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3WSd4eH ) may be better for you. The money you save by doing your nails at home justify trying a few options out to find your winning combo.

I start with primer (Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3AnQDVy ) to prevent lifting. If I am starting with bare nails, I apply all over. If I have product on from my last manicure, I just apply the primer to the outgrowth (natural nail). This usually takes a tiny amount so this one bottle has lasted me a few years.

Then a very thin layer of rubber base (Amazon:https://amzn.to/46AMIkv ) If I am starting with fresh nails, I do 2 thin layers of the rubber base. If I am refreshing nails that already have product on them, I do not fully remove. I simply file the shine, smooth as best as I can and apply 1 thin layer of rubber base from base (cuticle) to tip, smoothing over the new nail growth and old nail product. This rubber base will even out and fill in flaws. It self-levels. Just apply a thin layer and it's pretty easy. (I'm not even good at painting my own nails- if I can do this- so can you!)

Then I apply 1 to 2 layers of color: Beetles Gel polish Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A90qPf 

Then 1 even layer of top coat: Beetles Top Coat Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SA2ztC

I finish by using lint free wipes with a splash of alcohol. I touch around to make sure all has cured. I tend to have trouble with a perfect top coat application around my thumb side walls. I don't know why! So I check on that, add more top coat and cure again if needed. 

I protect my hands from the UV. Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WBrP4d
 (This is actually the first step but an optional product.)

My actual nail light isn't available at this time but here are a couple $10 options:  

Amazon Options: 

https://amzn.to/3SDOFa9
https://amzn.to/3SD2A0d
 

In my experience, the cheaper full sized light (to fit your whole hand) is just fine. None have lasted more than 2 years, even if I bought a more expensive one so I just go cheap on this.

I never fully remove between manicures. I simply file the shine away, smooth any rough edges and reapply. I fie the gel with the rough side and use the less gritty side on my natural nail, if needed to shape. Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yhmTt7

Hope these recommendations help you have beautiful nails and save a lot of time and money. I earn a small commission on purchased made through Amazon links.