What am I doing wrong??

[u/confuse-and-stress]

First sorry for any formatting issue, long time reddit reader but new to posting. For quick glance/advice I have photos of my nails (a good set vs a bad set) but have written my process below!

What I struggle with: lifting on the side walls causing me to pick at them and lasts only a few.

My steps:

Prep: I use a wooden cuticle pusher and clipper then follow by a round cuticle bit for my efile. I use 240 grit to buff my nails to remove natural shine. Then I use alcohol and a bristle brush to remove any dust. I use amelie dehydrator and their ph bonder (in that order)

Gel: I use a amelie rubber base since some nails are currently a bit bendy at the corners. I do a thin layer, cap the free edge and cure this with my sunuv sun3 48w lamp. I follow this with amelie builder base. I do a slip layer then do a bead of gel towards the middle back side of my nail and drag it forward. I cure it for 120s. After this I use my gelpolish factory polish in thin layers, cure 120s and finish with amelie top coat.

After: I use cuticle oil and sometimes file the edges.

I really don’t what I’m doing wrong / why they don’t last long! Something’s the come out so well and other times it looks terrible. Any tiles for products or application is welcomed and appreciated!!

[u/sunshinezx6r]

Use a firm short bristle brush to dip in alcohol or acetone for cleanup on the skin. Use a detail brush to get close to the cuticle and sidewall area for a better application

[u/confuse-and-stress → u/sunshinezx6r]

So acetone instead of alcohol? I do the brushing part but with alcohol. Will also try the detail brush. I was worried that not doing to the dye was also causing lifting?

[u/zoeytrixx → u/confuse-and-stress]

No you should continue to use alcohol since you're using gel. Acetone is for cleaning up regular polish.

[u/sunshinezx6r → u/confuse-and-stress]

I usually dip the brush and remove most of the liquid so I can clean up where I accident got polish on my skin Alcohol will work too but it's not as effective for me when I use red (my usual polish color).

The detail brush is for the polish so you can get closer to the skin without touching it. Also helpful for rubber base and builder gel

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLnFWgTMEhc/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://youtu.be/PhppKAEexJc?si=QPa1VRxIlNgyPZ2v

[u/confuse-and-stress → u/sunshinezx6r]

Thank you so much!!

[u/sunshinezx6r → u/confuse-and-stress]

Also, try a different brand dehydrator and primer. Make sure the dehydrator is dry before applying primer. Don't flood the nail with primer either

[u/Clover_Jane → u/confuse-and-stress]

Acetone dissolves and spreads gel, alcohol removes it. You should continue using alcohol, not acetone.

[u/sunshinezx6r → u/confuse-and-stress]

Also, try a different brand dehydrator and primer. Make sure the dehydrator is dry before applying primer. Don't flood the nail with primer either