If I were going to start doing manicures with builder gel, or if I just wanted to grab some new products, these are the top 10 items I would recommend right now! And they’re all 20% off until tonight!
A quick backstory on why I recommend these: way back when I knew I wanted to become a nail tech, I followed a few people on social media that were doing nails the way I wanted to do them and they all used Japanese gel. So by the transitive property, I started using it too and I seriously fell in love!
Japan in general just has an overall standard for quality that I think is really admirable and it translates to the gel polish too. Another reason I love using it is because they are on the cutting edge of nail product innovation and art trends, the products are accessible so you can just try it out subtly, or go all out!
This list is going to be 10 of my favorite items from Kokoist. Which I’m sure you all know by now but if you don’t, they are a Japanese brand that makes amazing quality products that are so pleasant and lovely to work with! If you have any questions about any of the products or how to use them, leave a comment or reply to this email and I’ll help.
I have been using Kokoist & Nail Thoughts products for over 6 years now and I just love them so much. I’m also an educator with them which means I host certification classes (more on that below), and I feel pretty confident in my recommendations because I’ve pretty much tried all of their products (except some color gels!).
See everything in one place here:
(You can also see even more of my recommendations from other favorite brands like Sweetie Nail Supply, Kinetics, Erica’s ATA, Nail Mart USA and more on my spreadsheet HERE!)
Base Coat - Kokoist Sticky Base: a HEMA and TPO free base gel, use it under builder gel to increase and improve retention. This really helps if you ever have lifting with builder.
Clear Builder - Kokoist Platinum Filler Base: A base + builder in one (but wear a layer of the base gel above for extra insurance against lifting!)
Tinted Builder - Nail Thoughts 3-in-1 Base, Builder and Color: this can be worn directly on prepped nails, or use a layer of the Sticky Base for extra insurance! My favorite colors currently are Dahlia Syrup Base (peachy sheer brown), Rose Water Base (sheer cool toned milky pink), and Plumeria Syrup Base (sheer, cool toned milky white).
Color Gel: I love using the Kokoist Bottle’n Go and Nail Thoughts color gels! One of the best things about Japanese gel colors is the pigmentation is incredible and you only need to do very thin coats for full color payoff. This keeps your nails thin and prevents them from getting bulky which can cause lifting. See my recommendations on the Kokoist/Nail Thoughts tab here!
Magnet Gel: Kokoist makes some of the best mag gels I’ve ever used! If you haven’t tried the new Unicorn Candy Magnet Collection yet… treat yourself!!
Magnet: the Max Magnet is the BEST!! It’s literally the only magnet I use now.
Lamp: The Le Blanc (cordless) or Infinity Hybrid (corded) are my top lamp recommendations especially if you’re using Kokoist/NT products because they are literally formulated so they cure properly with these lamps. And they’re 20% off right now!!!
Brushes: I have been using the Round and Long Liner brushes the most recently. These are called Kumano brushes which means they are made by craftsmen who have been experts in Japanese brush making for hundreds of years. The quality is amazing, they are so soft and flexible and easy to work with, they absolutely hold up to the high quality standards I mentioned earlier. Make sure to clean these with brush cleaning gel to maintain them!
Top Coat: I have been loving the new Totally Glossy Non Wipe top coat! It’s essentially the HEMA and TPO free version of Ultra Glossy. Both are amazing options!!
Fixee Gel: A thick gel with nylon fibers in it to do nail repairs, fixing cracks, or extensions!
Kokoist’s 20% OFF everything sale runs through Monday July 6th until 11:59 pm PST!
I am gearing up to host some branded certification classes this summer! If you’re interested in learning more about my Kokoist Double Certification, Nail Thoughts with Erica’s ATA E-Filing Double Certification and NEW Kinetics Certification, enter your email here on this form and I’ll send you a note with more info when they’re ready :) Ps - anyone on the waitlist will receive a special discount when enrolling in the classes!
BYE! 💋
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