There are three reasons to read this post. First, you’ll discover the difference between builder gel in a jar and builder gel in a bottle (BIAB). Second, you’ll learn how easy it is to build beautiful nails with both of them. And third, you’ll uncover why these builder gels are the safe choice for long-lasting manicures.
Many nail products have chemicals that either slowly cause damage or immediately trigger an allergic reaction. No nail pro or enthusiast wants to develop sensitivity to products, but they may doubt whether any alternatives work as well as what they’re used to. The good news is that we stock HEMA-free and TPO-free builder gel that deliver flawless results without dooming anyone to lifelong allergies or worse. Let’s take a look.
What are TPO and HEMA?
It turns out that both Tri methylbenzoyl Diphenyl phosphine Oxide (TPO) and 2‑Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) are ingredients in nail coatings, ink, and dental fillings. It’s tricky because you’d think that if they go into your mouth, they must be safe! However, there’s reason to believe that both harm human health.
What are they? In a nutshell:
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TPO is a photo initiator that prompts gel polish to harden into a solid film under UV light.
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HEMA is a monomer that creates a type of glue or polymer so that gel or acrylic sticks to the nail.
TPO and HEMA are Unsafe
In Europe, TPO was banned in nail products because it might be potentially to reproductive organs. However, this finding was based on studies inflicted on rats. The animals were fed the chemical and they developed liver problems. Not only that, but their lungs filled up with fluid and the female rats were unable to bear young.
Just to be on the safe side, after reviewing those findings, TPO was outlawed in cosmetics in the European Union. Since many nail brands distribute worldwide, several have eliminated TPO to follow the new law. LAVIS and LDS saw the value in removing TPO for the wellbeing of their customers, too, and so the new builder gels are TPO-free.
As for HEMA, there was already proof that it harms humans. It has a track record of causing allergic reactions when gel or acrylic products come in contact with the skin. It might not happen the first time a person uses a product with HEMA, but once the sensitivity develops, it’s a lifelong problem. Even the dust from filing cured products with HEMA is hazardous.
If you’ve ever used nail products and reacted with blisters, redness, itching, or dark spots under the nails, it’s best to get a medical assessment.
Builder Gel without Harmful Chemicals—No TPO, No HEMA
Our store has an entire section devoted to HEMA-free, TPO-free gel products. Moreover, there’s an extensive collection of LAVIS BIAB and builder gel in the jar colors. If you haven’t tried builder gel yet, you should know that it’s beginner friendly. If you can hold a brush, you can create durable overlays and extensions and even craft three-dimensional designs with builder gel. Let’s look at the two types individually.
LAVIS Builder Gel in the Jar
Why does everyone who tries it love LAVIS builder gel in the jar? For one, it’s available in sticky and non-sticky versions. The former is perfect for sculpting extensions, and the latter is ideal for nail art like 3D bows or flowers.
Both the non-sticky and sticky builder gels are free from TPO and HEMA. What’s more, they come in sheers and exclusive shades you won’t find elsewhere.
Imagine creating a custom manicure in exactly the length and color you want in just a few steps. What if you could do it in under 40 minutes? Our Instagram has videos to show you how to use builder gel in a jar plus dual forms to craft extensions just like that.
Pop open the box of dual forms and select the proper size for each fingertip. After prepping the natural nails and applying the gel base coat, it’s time to have fun with our non-toxic builder gel in the jar.
Dip the brush into the builder gel. It has a thick consistency. Instead of dipping into the middle and trying to deal with the excess dripping from the bristles, use the side of the bottle and lift with a twist to sever the connection. Then coat the inside of the dual form to the length you want. Don’t worry about making everything perfect because you’ll still need to file after curing, and that will remove any excess.
Flip the form with the wet builder gel and press it into place. Come in at an angle, with the first contact starting near the cuticle.
Pro tip: if you’re sculpting long extensions, coat the inside of the dual form and flash cure it, then add a little more builder gel at the base to adhere the extension to the natural nail.
To fully cure LAVIS builder gel, you’ll need 60 seconds under LED light. But the good news is that even the compact nail lamps we stock are powerful enough to do the job.
Once the builder gel is cured, squeeze the dual form and twist to pop it free from the extension. Don’t worry, the builder gel is tough and flexible, so you’re not going to hurt anything.
Now use a nail file to smooth the edges and perfect the tip. Remove the debris with a lint-free wipe.
The final step is applying the top coat. Here you see the LAVIS Diamond Top, but we also carry a matte finish.
Just like that, you’ve got the exact nail length you wanted in a manicure that can last weeks but will soak off when it’s time for a change. More importantly, you’ve used a nail product free from harmful chemicals, and that protects the artist and the wearer.
HEMA and TPO-Free Builder Gel in a Jar for 3D Nail Art
Builder gel in a jar is excellent for sculpting textured nail art. The non-sticky version is especially easy to use for projects like this delicate butterfly. Unlike acrylic, builder gel won’t set until it’s cured, so there’s no rush. You can simply enjoy making the magic happen.
LAVIS Builder Gel BIAB
When should you use builder gel in a bottle instead of builder gel in a jar? What’s the difference?
BIAB (in the bottle) is thick, but close in texture to regular gel polish. It’s best for overlays and short extensions. Meanwhile, builder gel in a jar is suited to long extensions and three-dimensional designs.
You can use BIAB over natural nails or soft gel tips. It’s perfect if you want a chip-free manicure that lasts longer than regular gel polish, especially if you want to protect fragile nails.
LAVIS BIAB comes in over three dozen flattering shades, plus it’s compatible with other products like chrome powder and Metallic Marble Ink.
Here you can see the builder gel in a bottle being applied with the brush from the bottle. We should note that builder gel needs a little extra care and a different type of brush stroke because of its thicker consistency. If you watch a video, you’ll catch on quickly. It’s a swishy side to side motion.
Here you can see what happens when the artist uses Aurora chrome powder on top of builder gel. It creates an iridescent glaze that’s absolutely irresistible.
Conclusion
Are you ready to explore HEMA-free and TPO-free builder gel? Then visit our store to find sales and exclusive discounts plus free shipping!