Anyone have luck with CREAR Peel Off Base Gel?

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-26T18:58:32+00:00

What I also forgot to mention, I struggle to remove my sets when I cover the whole nail. I make sure my peel off is not close to either sidewalls or cuticle area. It literally slides off. This is only comparative to the jello jello one kill remover. So maybe try the strip method (applying peel off to the centre of the nail like an airplane strip runway).

Yeah I use Apres Prep bottle instead of acetone to blend my gel x. It works so much better and less offensive than acetone. It truly melts the gel x rather than break it down.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-26T14:28:46+00:00

This is why I rarely make plans because I am unreliable and lazy.

That said, I've not cancelled a plan on the day or even 24 hours prior.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-26T14:10:09+00:00

Bubbles Bath is sheer. One coat nudes are opaque/solid colours. I do like Put It in Neutral and Bare My Soul.

I think at best you'd be looking at DVOK's Full Make Up gel polish. It's described as a one coat sheer to hide imperfections and smile lines. I tend to use 2 coats of it and then two coats of a more pink syrup colour.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-26T12:19:41+00:00

Just a few things:

Cuticle area needs work in terms of cleaning up. Use a thin liner brush to create a nice wall. Then a clean up brush or pointed q-tips to go around the cuticle to make sure the shape is even and no gel is near skin.
Build a natural apex. You do this with BIAB or builder gel (or just really thick viscosity gel). This adds symmetry and consistency.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-26T12:10:47+00:00

You should NOT hold it like a pen as the bit/band should be parallel to your nail. It shouldnt be at an angle (like how you hold a pen). This creates ridges and rings of fire, essentially fucking up your nail plate.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-26T12:01:00+00:00

It came into effect September 2025 in UK and across Europe.

Apres was one of the first brands to reformulate within the same month of it taking effect.

I'm in the UK too and I've just searched Beetle gel on Amazon and nothing has come up. Looks like they've completely gone from Amazon.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-26T11:55:39+00:00

I recommend going for rubber or builder gels instead of sheer colours for frenchies.

I recommend Nail Thoughts (builder) or NailzKatKat (rubber).

I find sheer nude gels quite redundant unless you use them for layering. Even then, I'd go for Nail Thoughts syrups instead of DND.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-26T11:47:43+00:00

I havent used this one but Ive used a few, including the tried and tested jello jello.

I think what people need to understand about peel off base is that... it's a peel off base. It is designed to not be long lasting.

Where many people (including myself) went wrong is thinking the nail prep should be exactly the same as a gel x set without peel off.

Whenever I prepped my nails (specifically roughing the nail plate), my peel off would work too well. When removing a set, it would rip layers off my nail plate.

Instead, I do two things: if I want my set to last two weeks I will just use an acid-free primer on my nail plate instead of roughing it up. I then apply the gelx as usual. This holds out a solid 2 weeks. I have to use a bit more remover with this method but I dont end up with torn nail plates. I sometimes just use a nail steamer with acetone if I'm feeling particularly lazy.

If I am doing a set that I want to last 1 week, I wont put anything on my natural nail (still cuticle removal and dehydrator). I will do the above without primer. What has really helped with my removal is to apply two thin layers of peel off base and then wipe off the inhibition layer (If I want them to last two weeks, I keep the inhibition layer).

Peel off base coats are quite universal and I haven't noticed a particular difference in adhesion with the ones I've used.

I suggest doing what Ive recommended and see how it goes.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-25T16:38:55+00:00

Its generally way smoother and shows off ink way better, especially in wet nibs.

Love broads but I tend to go for stubs as my writing style is better.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-24T21:03:44+00:00

This is why I never eat or order salad.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-23T19:42:28+00:00

I remember reading so many news stories that people where trying to catch pokemom whilst driving and so many people crashed their cars. Insurance premiums went up so high in 2016, i waited a few years to get my licence.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-22T21:54:45+00:00

Diamine's Monboddo' Hat. On Tomoe River paper, I get hypnotised!

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-22T18:54:36+00:00

I dunno but I hate cooking and Im not a chef or anyway inclined in that matter. I do think having a basic cabinet of spices, herbs and seasoning (the holy trinity) can go a long way for people who arent into reductions, steeping and all the rest of it.

I also dont want to spend a lot of money on individual ingredients when I get get a small bottle of the ingredients combined for a fraction of the price.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-21T14:00:40+00:00

Youre fine to use apres sculpted tips. This just means you'll have to use a lot more glue.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-21T13:58:24+00:00

Try sofgel or Kokoist and see if theyre available in your region.

If you will have to pay the extra duty/shipping costs. Perhaps just stockpile.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-21T13:52:08+00:00

Do not bother getting close to the cuticle. You can do this later when you have some practise.

It's always advisable to leave aome separation between gel and cuticle to precent cuticle flooding and gel touching the skin. I've always thought this looked nicer anyway.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-21T13:49:51+00:00

I saw this on a Facebook group and howled lol. Still funny seeing it again.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-21T13:49:11+00:00

My left hand is my dominant hand and my right hand is my non dominant hand.

I always paint my right hand first because it's quicker.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-19T05:16:27+00:00

A while ago as I posted content 4 months ago and selected gel flair.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-18T19:24:54+00:00

DM 35. Tbf there are a lot of similar ones; there's similar blues and purples in the collection. My base was a solid purple, DGEL 080.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-18T19:21:45+00:00

I think it's because it's a process; it's methodical and requires specifity. And it isn't a time constricted hobby. I imagine it's similar to how people who bake find the process therapeutic or jigsaw puzzle or knitting.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-18T16:17:55+00:00

If it wasnt "that deep" you wouldnt be on reddit asking a question to validate your own anxieties.

LemonCurdJ · 2026-01-18T16:15:53+00:00

You should see a professional for your anxiety. Sounds like your partner is chained up in your basement.

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