Beauty in the Build

An eight-piece builder gel line joins The Manicure Company’s Zero portfolio, maintaining a focus on allergy avoidance, while supporting a stylish nail finish.

“Although Zero Builder Gel™ is designed to be regularly infilled, removal every three or so visits is important, so the health of the natural nail can be inspected. The product removes with ease, with no damage to the nail plate.”

Irish brand, The Manicure Company (TMC), has been focusing on providing reliable, innovative and fashion-forward products to nail pros since 2016, and unveiled its Zero Gel Polish™ range last year. While the product captured attention with its ‘zero’ allergens ingredient list, behind the scenes the company was also perfecting a line of builder gels with the same conscious focus.

Five years in development, Zero Builder Gel™ has launched with eight inclusive shades. Crafted in the USA, the builder in a bottle formula boasts strength and durability that lasts a minimum of three weeks on natural nails. In addition, Zero Builder Gel™ can also be used to create short to medium nail enhancements with forms or tips.

Eoin Cotter

“Zero’s focus is not only on creating products that perform well and are durable, but on offering peace of mind for those concerned about allergies or who have experienced an allergy,” comments Eoin Cotter, co-founder & creative director at The Manicure Company. “After the launch of Zero Gel Polish™, we were contacted by many nail clients and techs who told us that the product allowed them to safely use gel products again. This cemented our dedication to the Zero vision. Now, with Zero Builder Gel™, these pros and their clients can experience long-lasting, durable enhancements.

“Just like the Zero Gel Polish™ formula, Zero Builder Gel™ is free from Hema, Di-Hema, HPMA, TPO and IBOA,” Eoin continues. And he assures that this formulation focus hasn’t compromised the qualities that have helped builder gel to boom in the professional nail market. “Wear, longevity, colour and application are as they should be with a high-quality product, but Zero Builder Gel™ has the added benefit of being hypo-allergenic,” he notes. The formula is also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with TMC’s ethical ethos.

Meet the shades

The Manicure Company turned to its users to help curate the selection of Zero Builder Gel™ shades. “Our customers, distributors and ambassadors throughout Europe are indispensable for feedback, and the eight builder gel shades are a result of their thoughts and suggestions,” Eoin reveals.

How to apply

1. Prep the natural nails and buff nail plates with a buffing block or 240-grit file to remove surface shine. Remove all dust and filings, then cleanse nails with TMC Pro Prep & Wipe Solution and a lint-free pad.

2. Prime each nail with Zero Gel Polish™ Primer. Allow to air dry for 30 seconds.

3. Apply a thin layer of Zero Builder Gel™. Cure for 60 seconds in the TMC Dual Pro UV-LED Lamp.

4. Apply a thicker layer of Zero Builder Gel™ to add strength and structure, by placing a gel bead at the back third of each nail and floating down. Cure for 60 seconds.

5. Cleanse nails with Pro Prep & Wipe Solution and a lint-free pad, before buffing and filing as required to refine the shape. Remove all surface shine, dust and filings. Proceed with gel polish or top coat application.

Zero Builder GelTM in Skin Deep.

How to infill

1. Using an E-file or hand file, remove any gel polish or top coat, then reshape and file the nails as required.

2. Prepare the new nail growth and cuticle areas following Zero Builder Gel™ application instructions.

3. At the back third of each nail, apply a bead of Zero Builder Gel™ and work down the nail, thinning it out towards the free edge. Cure for 60 seconds in the Dual Pro UV-LED Lamp.

4. If required, add a second layer of Zero Builder Gel™ to refine the shape and structure, then cure.

5. Cleanse nails with Pro Prep & Wipe Solution and a lint-free pad, before buffing and filing as required to refine the shape. Remove all surface shine, dust and filings. Proceed with gel polish or top coat application.

How to remove

1. Using an E-file or hand file, remove the bulk of the product.

2. Soak a TMC Removal Wrap in Gel Off Solution and apply to each nail. Leave for 10-15 minutes.

3. Remove the wraps one at a time and push the product off the nails with a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick.

4. If the product is not removing easily, reapply the wrap and allow to soak for five further minutes.

5. Once all product has been removed, lightly buff the nails with a foam file and finishing file to restore natural shine. Apply TMC Bio Cuticle Oil to finish.

Zero Builder Gel™ is available for £13.50 + VAT via www.themanicurecompany.com and associated stockists.

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