We've Discovered the Secret to Getting the Perfect Gel Mani At Home
It’s a great feeling when you leave a salon with picture perfect glossy nails. There’s something about having manicured hands that can make you feel so much more put-together, no matter if you’re wearing a top-to-toe tracksuit or a power suit.
Some people are blessed with great nails and great habits (no nail nibbling in sight), some are naturally talented at nail art, and some, well, aren’t. I definitely fall into the latter and had long given up even trying to do my own nails at home, knowing that the average nail polish—no matter how many days wear they promised—would get chipped on my hands in under an hour. Even if I get the professionals to do it, unless it’s a hardwearing gel manicure, there’s no hope.
So when I recently discovered Le Mini Macaron’s DIY gel manicure sets, let’s just say, it was a game-changer. Nothing will ever beat that post-salon spoilt feeling, and I’m not claiming to be the next Sharmadean Reid, but if you’re a gel-mani addict like me and you can’t get out to the salon at the moment (I feel you), this may be the product your at-home beauty routine has been shouting out for.
Whether you decide to go all out deluxe with the maxi lamp or the classic one-nail-at-a-time standard sets, follow our expert tips here and you’ll get the perfect finish. You may never look back.
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Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.
Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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