What it is: When two or more molecules interact to create a new and different molecule. Therefore a chemical change that occurs when two or more substances combine to form a new substance. An example would be when two molecules of hydrogen (H2) combine with one molecule of oxygen (O2), they form two molecules of water (H20).
What it is: An organic compound that has a superhydrating effect on skin cells. This emollient improves the appearance of dry, rough skin by hydrating and smoothing the epidermis while also sloughing away dead skin cells.
How to use it: Synthetically formulated and used in skincare products for its moisturizing and natural, gentle exfoliating properties. Urea is found in footcare products as it’s an anti-itch ingredient, so offers relief while, soothing and hydrating the skin.
What it is: A chemical compound used in various concentrations that helps to stabilize the pH of skincare, haircare, nail products, soaps and detergents.
pH balancer
What it is: Carbon-containing substances. All living things are organic.
How to use it: Organic farming of ingredients used in the beauty industry means the resulting produce contains no toxins, GMOs, chemicals, artificial additives or preservatives.
How to spot it: Check the label of hand & nail products, such as certification from the UK’s Soil Association, COSMOS for European certification devised by five organisations BDIH (Germany), Cosmebio (France), Ecocert (France), ICEA (Italy) and the Soil Association (Great Britain).
What it is: An ingredient used to make color appear brighter.
How to use it: Found in nail strengtheners to create luminous and healthier nails when used on dull or discolored nails.
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What it is: Part of the acrylic family, an oligomer sits between a liquid and a solid (a semi-solid), sometimes referred to as a pre-polymer. Oligomers are short chains of acrylate monomers that are partially polymerized and usually very thick and stringy, often having a gel-like or resin appearance.
How it is used: UV/LED hard gels are oligomers that require curing under a lamp.
What it is: A preparation (such as a lotion or cream) applied to the skin to prevent or relieve dryness.
How to use it: Used in nail services to help treat dry skin and prevent it from drying out again. Moisturizers do this by holding water in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. (Lanolin, the conditioning secretion from sheep’s skin found in their wool, is an ingredient used in many skin and hair care products used for its moisturizing ability.)
Clear
Brush on nail glue
What it is: A type of adhesive that is applied in liquid form, which dries to then hold two materials together.
How to use it: Adhesive is used to adhere nail tips to the natural nail for a tip and overlay service.
Soak-Off Gel Colour
Fast application, long lasting and user friendly
Assorted Gel Polish Colors
What it is: A chip-resistant brush-on pigmented oligomer in an opaque bottle or pot that cures when exposed to UV or LED light.
How to use it: Developed to create long-lasting, durable nail color. Use on clients that want a chip-resistant polish for 2-3 weeks of wear. Dries immediately once cured.
How to apply it: Most often used with a base coat, then 2 layers of color, then finished with a shiny or matte top coat with each layer being cured.
How to remove it: Apply acetone or product remover to a cotton pad, gently press to the nail & wrap with a foil. Soak according to manufacturer’s instructions.
How to store it: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place & keep away from heat & light.
What it is: A highly pigmented and thick viscosity gel in a pot, used for nail art. Cures when exposed to UV or LED light.
How to use it: Used to create nail art designs either inside or on top of the nail surface.
How to store it: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.
