‘I’ve saved £1,080 by doing my own gel manicures

It started as a lockdown hobby, but now I can never look back

During lockdown, I could no longer get my nails professionally done. Arguably, that was the least of mine or anyone else's worries, but it was still a problem.

So I began learning to do my own. It was a serious learning curve, and it gave me something to do other than sitting around at home. Three years on, it turns out I've saved roughly £1,080 in skipped salon appointments.

It all began with Mylee's gel curing lamp (£25). I knew from the get-go gel nails were going to be my go-to, and Mylee's lamp comes with a handy timer that always cures my nails for the perfect amount of time.

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On that note, Mylee's prep wipes (£8.99) were another essential I quickly acquired. To get gel nail polish to stick, you have to make sure your nails are clean and dry, and these little wipes do just that.

A good base is essential, and cuticles are part of that. I use Sally Hansen's cuticle remover (£6.99) followed by a quick scrape with my dual-ended tool (£1.99), and it gets me fresh cuticles in 20 seconds flat.

I prefer my nails in a long almond shape, but have always had brittle nails that snap at a mere look. That's why I chose to learn how to extend them; not only do I prefer the look, but the hard overlay of an acrylic-like extension protects my natural nails from wear and tear.

Mylee's builder gel (£13) and my favourite nail forms (£2.99) are the perfect solution. The builder base applies like a regular polish but hardens thicker and stronger, making it perfect for creating short extensions.

I just wrap the forms around my natural nail, then apply the builder gel on top and cure. After that, I can file the gel down to the shape I want and it's like I have a whole new nail.

To shape the nail, I use my nail drill (£19.99). It comes with plenty of attachments, which means I can gently shape my nails and remove the polish entirely with the same tool.

When I want longer nails, I forego the builder gel for poly gel (£4.69). The thick, putty-like substance comes in a tube, and squeezes out onto dual nail forms (£5.39).

I then press those forms onto my natural nails and clear away any excess putty with a brush (£5.99), secure them with clips (£2.39) then cure it under my lamp. After that, I can pop the forms off and file as I would builder gel.

When it's time to repeat the process, I've discovered one product that makes removal incredibly easy. Mylee's magic remover (£10) melts off the gel polish in five minutes, foregoing the need for cotton and acetone and annoying wraps.

The following products are what I use to do my nails:

Mylee's gel curing lamp (£25)

Mylee's prep wipes (£8.99)

Sally Hansen's cuticle remover (£6.99)

Dual-ended tool (£1.99)

Mylee's builder gel (£13)

Nail forms (£2.99)

Nail drill (£19.99)

Poly gel (£4.69)

Dual nail forms (£5.39)

Brush set (£5.99)

Nail clips (£2.39)

Mylee's magic remover (£10)

The total cost of all those things is £107.41, which works out to three or four nail appointments depending on what you get done. The whole lot therefore pays for itself in roughly three months, plus you get to do your nails at home, in your joggers, while watching Netflix.

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