FAQ
Follow these steps for good nail preparation:
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly first, before filing and buffing – nails are porous and will expand slightly when wet. If product is applied before they’re completely dry, the nail will dry after application and contract causing colour to lift.
- Gently remove any cuticle from the nail plate with cuticle pusher. Be careful not to scratch the nail.
- Using the Buff, gently and lightly buff the nail plate to remove any shine on the nail surface. Buffing removes oil and dead skin from the nail plate.
- Brush any dust off the nails. Then wipe each nail with a Nail Prep Pad or lint free wipe soaked in Isopropyl Alcohol. Do not touch nails. Make sure nails are dry before application.
- For easy removal later, apply a thin layer of Simply Billie Base Coat under all products.
- Apply thin coats. Avoid flooding the cuticle and skin with the product. Try to leave a tiny gap between the cuticle and the beginning of the nail.
Try using the clothes peg / clothes pin method. Use clothes peg to pinch the back of each finger, pulling the skin away from the nail’s sidewalls, making the nail easier to paint. Or use a very fine nail art brush to push the gel away from the cuticle and sidewalls before curing.
Use a Gel Corrector Stick (preferably soaked in Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to run along the area between skin and nail if you do end up with product on the skin. Any product on the skin will then clean off easily afterwards. Or use a Q-tip and isocol (available from supermarket) to wipe around each nail before curing. An alternative is to use a baby wipe wrapped around a toothpick.
Always cap the free edge of each nail once you’ve applied Top Coat. Express 1-step doesn’t require Top Coat, however cap the free edge on the second Layer of colour instead.
When curing under LED Light, follow correct hand or foot placement. Always follow recommended curing times, 30 seconds for Express Light and 2 minutes for Traveller Light.
We recommend a thin coat of base coat, cured. Follow with a thin layer of topcoat, cured.
Always apply thin layers. Less is more when it comes to base, colour and topcoat.
Always prep the nail as directed and wipe clean with IPA (alcohol wipe) prior to application
Cap the Top Coat by brushing a thin layer horizontally over the top edge (free edge) of the nail. Then brush vertically again from the cuticle to the free edge.
If nails are very short, try electrical, masking or scotch tape under the end of the nail while capping free edge (to avoid skin). Some clients recommend Elmer’s glue.
Try wiping off any excess Top Coat on the bottle edge first. Then brush Top Coat on the top half of the nail first, capping the free edge. Then coat the whole nail vertically starting from the cuticle and working your way up to the free edge. No need to cap again in this step.
No need to ever go bare. You can remove the old colour and reapply a new colour right away. Just be sure to remove all of the old colour thoroughly, push back cuticle off nail plate, file and lightly buff the nail surface. Wipe thoroughly with IPA wipes (alcohol).
Simply Gloss products will protect and strengthen the nails while on. Use of a cuticle oil after gel application is recommended.
Simply Gloss products are hard wearing but we would always recommend gloves if undertaking these activities.
Use an IPA wipe (alcohol). Fold wipe in half and run down the brush while applying light pressure.
Use an IPA wipe (alcohol). Fold wipe in half and run down the brush while applying light pressure.
Try these different techniques:
Always wipe one side of the gel brush on the side of the bottle. The brush should never be dripping in gel.
Apply Base Coat, Top Coat and coloured gels in thin layers. These can be thinned by sitting bottle in hot water or sitting in the folded wheat bag for 1 minute.
Use an orangewood stick to wipe off any base, top or colour that has run into the cuticle or onto the skin.
If the orangewood stick is soaked in IPA (alcohol) this will work best. It’s important to do this on each layer BEFORE curing.
If you are applying Perfect Powders or Mad About Metallics, tap any excess powder off brush before applying.
Try the clothes peg method. Pinch the skin at the back of each nail with a clothes peg. This will pull back the skin around the nail’s sidewall, making it easier to paint.
Apply a thin coat of Elmer’s glue over the skin around the nails. Let dry. Scrape off any dry glue on the nail itself. Glue will rinse off the skin once manicure is complete and cured.
For fingernails use the pink file 280 grit dark pink side / 320 grit light pink side. The higher the number the finer the file.
For toenails use the pink file for thinner toenails or for thicker toenails use either the white 100/180, 100/100 or 120/240. The higher the number the finer the file.
The cuticle pusher is used to gently remove any skin stuck to the nail plate. If there is still skin attached to the nail plate, the product will not adhere fully. The cuticle pusher should be used gently, generally working halfway down the nail towards the cuticle. Be careful not to scratch the nail plate, as this can damage the nail.
A cuticle removal product can be used with the cuticle pusher. Product should be thoroughly rinsed from skin and nails. Nails should be completely dry before application of product.
Use the finer side of the buff to gently remove shine off the nail surface. Do not use pressure as this can damage the nail plate. Light buffing helps the product to adhere fully, giving you much longer wear.
Also use the buff to clean around the tips of the nails in case there’s any loose nail from filing.
Use the soft dusting brush to brush any dust off the nail once you have filed, cleaned the cuticles and buffed the nail plate.
It can also be used for dusting any excess powders off the nail.
When finished filing, buffing and cleaning the nail plate, use the soft dusting brush to remove any excess dust. Then wipe over each nail with the IPA soaked nail prep pad. DO NOT touch the nails after this time as this can deposit oil from your skin back onto the nail.
No the Base Coat does not need to be used, however using Base Coat will prolong the wear time of the polish.
No the Top Coat does not need to be used, however using Top Coat will prolong the wear time of the polish. Remember to cap the free edge on the final coat, whether it’s colour or Top Coat.
Yes the Top Coat must be used over the cured Everlasting 3-Step Colours. Remember to cap the free edge on the Top Coat.
Yes the Base Coat must be used under Element Beginner Gels
Yes the Top Coat must be used over the cured Element Beginner Gels. Remember to cap the free edge on the Top Coat.
Apply thin layers. Product can be thinned by warming the bottle before use. Refer to the Instruction Guide for full directions and tips.
Always use the correct amount of gel on the brush – always scrape down one side of the brush completely on the inside of the bottle. The product remaining on the brush shouldn’t be so great that it floods the nail but shouldn’t be so little that it drags on the nail. The brush should glide easily over the nail without flooding the nail in gel.
Start applying colour ¾ of the way down the nail and then work back towards the cuticle (that way product is not so thick). Try to leave 1/2mm gap between the cuticle and the beginning of the nail.
Follow full directions and tips in the Instruction Guide.
Use a Gel Corrector Stick (preferably soaked in Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to run along the area between skin and nail. Any product on the skin will then clean off easily afterwards. The nail prep pads can also be used to clean up.
No the colour will not set until placed under light. The colour can be brushed over several times. Only cure when you are satisfied with application.
Gels include Base and Top Coats, Express 1-step colours, Everlasting 3-step colours and The Element Beginner’s Range. These bottles should be stored in a cool, climate-controlled area away from exposure to natural sunlight / UV rays. It is recommended that these bottles not be stored in bathrooms where the temperature is likely to vary.
Gel bottles should not sit close to the LED lights while the light is on, as this can cure the gel in the bottle. Gel bottles should never be used outside.
Store all gels upright. Do not store upside down or laying flat.
After each use clean the neck and rim of the bottle with a lint free wipe soaked in Isopropyl Alcohol. This will allow the lid to close properly and keep the contents airtight.
The Base Coat once cured will feel tacky, it is not meant to dry completely. Perfect Powder Naturals, Express 1-step, Everlasting 3-step and Element’s Beginner’s gels are all designed to be applied over the tacky Base Coat surface.
Simply Billie gels are naturally a little thicker than natural nail polish.
To make your base and top coats easier to manage, you can try turning the closed bottle on it’s side and rolling it between your hands. The heat from your hands will help to warm and thin the gel, especially if you are in a cooler climate or are in an airconditioned room. Do not shake as this can cause unwanted air bubbles.
If this doesn’t help, try running your tightly closed bottle under warm water to heat it up slightly. Repeat this process until your polish is a good consistency.
Yes, the blue film is a protective cover that must be fully removed before first use.
We recommend checking that the product has been applied according to all instructions. And that the system has been applied in very thin coats and is not touching the skin. The product should never be applied to damaged nails.
There are 2 options for removal –
- Express Remover. This product is cellulose-based and has a thick, jelly like consistency. Lightly buff the top coat of each nail. Paint each nail with the Express Remover. Wait 1 minute for the nail colour to bubble and gently scrape off. Be very careful not to scratch the nail plate. Repeat these steps if necessary.
- Foil Removal Wraps. Soak the absorbent pad (on the foil) in acetone. Wrap the foil wrap around the finger securely, placing the absorbent pad directly on the fingernail. Repeat for each finger. Wait 20 minutes. Nail colour should easily scrape straight off. Work on removing each foil, and the gel residue underneath, one nail at a time. Be very careful not to scratch the nail plate.
Lightly buff each nail first before any removal
Express Remover – use in conjunction with an exfoliating glove. Use instructions above, rub off any stubborn gel residue with the glove.
Directly soaking nails in Acetone for 20 minutes is a quick way to remove gels. After soaking, gently lift off any gel residue with the cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick. Take care not to scratch the nail plate.
Use the teabag method as follows –
- Prepare nail as per instructions (file, buff, wipe with IPA)
- Apply Base Coat. Using tweezers add a small piece of cut-up teabag paper to the split. Wrap around to the underside of the split if possible. Apply a little more Base Coat, ensuring the teabag paper is sitting flat and not crumpled.
- Cure under LED Light
- Apply colour as per instructions
- Apply Top Coat
Simply Billie believes that nail care is vital to have strong and healthy nails. This includes regular use of a good quality cuticle oil, a good diet, and a multi-vitamin specifically for nails. and taking a good multi-vitamin specifically for nails. Finally, be extra gentle with removal to not scrape off the top layer of your nails and never use an electric file unless you are qualified to do so.
All Simply Billie machines have a warranty of 1 year. Please note that this warranty is for factory defects and is not valid if the product has any damage to it. You must supply an original receipt for proof of purchase.
Every effort is made to ensure that all our product imagery is an accurate representation of the colour you will receive. However, colours can vary slightly due to colour/resolution settings. We cannot accept any responsibility for any variation
Our nail bottles are filled by machine and hold 7.3ml and will last on average 20+ full manicures or pedicures! In the rare chance of faulty machinery, Simply Billie does not accept any responsibility for slight error in the quantity filled.
As a brand we would never advocate the use of any animal in testing of any product that we produce. Our products are both vegan and cruelty free.
Almost any substance, natural or man-made can cause an irritation or allergic reaction. Simply Billie nail products are designed for the nail plate and not for the skin. Reactions are very rarely caused by the product being applied as directed. The nail plate, being keratin, acts as a good barrier.
We recommend reading the product ingredients and check for any known allergies and follow our step-by-step application instructions.
We advise trialling product on one nail first as a patch test to make sure you have no sensitivity. Leave for 24 hours, remove and check. If you see or feel anything unusual, discontinue use and contact us at hello@simplybillie.com
If product does go onto the skin, it should be removed immediately with a damp cloth or wipe. Do not use on damaged nails. Although unfortunate, a reaction does not mean that the product is not safe for the general population.
In the extremely unlikely circumstance that a user has a slight reaction, please remove the product immediately and discontinue use. Most nail issues are relatively minor and if treated correctly will clear up but if you are at all concerned it is always best to seek medical advice.
Simply Gloss products do not contain Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, Camphor, Dibutyl Phthalate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, Parabens and Lead.
- If using Traveller Light for the first time, remove the protective blue film on the underside before use.
- Wash hands with soap and water. Dry thoroughly. File nails, push back cuticles to remove skin on nail plate. Lightly and gently buff nails. Brush off any dust. Wipe each nail with a Nail Prep Pad.
- Apply a thin layer of Base Coat to each nail on the left hand. Avoid the skin. The Base Coat should look smooth and thin when applied.
- Cure under LED Light – Express Light 30 seconds, Traveller Light 2 minutes. Nails should remain tacky.
- Sponge end of applicator: Dip sponge end of applicator into the powder. Dab, dab, dab the sponge end on the nail from base to tip. Dip back into powder and keep repeating until powder sets into the Base Coat and nail is fully covered. Do not rub back and forth. Lightly brush off any excess.
Brush end of applicator: Dip brush end of applicator into the powder. Gently brush on the nail from base to tip in light strokes. Dip brush back into powder and keep repeating until powder sets into the Base Coat and nail is fully covered. Do not rub back and forth. Lightly brush off any excess.
- Gently apply a thin layer of Top Coat, making sure there is enough topcoat on the brush that you don’t pull powder from the nail. Your brush should hardly touch the nail plate.
- Cure under LED Light – Express Light 30 seconds, Traveller Light 2 minutes. Nails should be dry. Wash hands to remove any powder on skin.
- Repeat for right hand
- If using Traveller Light for the first time, remove the protective blue film on the underside before use.
- Wash hands with soap and water. Dry thoroughly. File nails, push back cuticles to remove skin on nail plate. Lightly and gently buff nails. Brush off any dust. Wipe each nail with a Nail Prep Pad.
- Long Wear Method: Apply a thin layer of Base Coat to each nail on the left hand. Avoid the skin. The Base Coat should look smooth and thin when applied. DO NOT SET. Immediately apply a thin layer of Top Coat over the Base Coat. Avoid the skin.
Short Wear Method: Apply a thin layer of Top Coat directly to each nail on the left hand. Top Coat is applied alone without Base Coat. Avoid the skin.
Express 1-Step Method: Apply a thin layer of Express 1-Step to each nail on the left hand. Avoid the skin. (For longer wear apply a Base Coat underneath and cure before applying the Express 1-Step)
- Cure under LED Light – Express Light 30 seconds, Traveller Light 2 minutes.
- Dip sponge end of applicator into the powder. Gently rub applicator back and forth on the nail. Repeat with more powder until nail is covered in a metallic / chrome finish. Lightly brush off any excess.
- Gently apply a thin layer of Top Coat, making sure there is enough topcoat on the brush that you don’t pull powder from the nail. Your brush should hardly touch the nail plate.
- Cure under LED Light – Express Light 30 seconds, Traveller Light 2 minutes. Nails should be dry. Wash hands to remove any powder on skin.
- Repeat for right hand.
- Wash hands with soap and water. Dry thoroughly.
- File nails, push back cuticles to remove any skin on the nail plate. Lightly and gently buff nails. Brush off any dust. Wipe each nail with a Nail Prep Pad.
- Apply a thin coat of Base Coat to each nail on the left hand. Avoid the skin. The Base Coat should look thin and smooth when applied.
- Cure under LED Light – Express Light 30 seconds, Traveller Light 2 minutes. Nails should remain tacky.
- Choose 2 complementary colours. Apply the 1st powder to the bottom part of the nails then apply the 2nd shade on the top part, making sure to blend where the 2 colours meet.
- Gently apply a thin layer of Top Coat, making sure there is enough topcoat on the brush that you don’t pull powder from the nail. Your brush should hardly touch the nail plate.
- Cure under LED Light – Express Light 30 seconds, Traveller Light 2 minutes. Nails should be dry. Wash hands to remove any powder on the skin.
Use a clean A4 size sheet of paper or piece of aluminium foil with a crease down the middle. When finished with the powder, pour left over back into jar.
over back into jar.
Yes, here’s how:
For Perfect Powder Naturals –
Apply Base Coat over touch up area, set under LED Light, touch up area with coloured powder, brush off excess, apply Top Coat over the whole nail. Cure under LED Light.
For Mad About Metallics –
Apply Top Coat over touch up area, set under LED Light, touch up area with Mad About Metallic colour, brush off excess, apply Top Coat over the whole nail, cure under LED Light.
Remember to apply thin coats.
Simply wipe off with a lint free cloth soaked in IPA or isocol.
You can also use this tip if you want to experiment with colours. When you’re satisfied with the colour, apply a layer of Top Coat and cure.
Use the dry, scoop end of the cuticle pusher or use the flat end of a dry orangewood stick
Here are some tips you might try:
Only apply Mad About Metallic to cured Top Coat. Nail surface should be dry and never tacky or sticky.
Apply a thin layer of base coat first over the metallic and cure it. Then apply topcoat and cure
Apply 2 coats of Top Coat over the Mad About Metallic. Cure after each coat
Cleaning of applicators is recommended to avoid colour contamination. Quick clean by tapping / wiping on paper towel. For a thorough clean rinse applicators in mild soapy water, such as liquid hand soap. Air dry on paper towel.
Securing powders with the under-lid cap is recommended.
All powders should be stored in a dry place away from direct cooling and heating. Lids should be kept secured, and jars should be stored upright.
Refer to our Instruction Guides for full directions
NO – SNS or Dipping powder, is basically coloured acrylic based material that’s made of ground plastic. Perfect Powder Naturals, Mad About Metallic, and Chrome Glaze are true powders that are mineral based.
Our gorgeous nail powder containers hold between 0.75 grams and 3 gms of powder and the level inside the jar will depend on how fine the mineral powder is. These colours are often mixed and weighed by hand and every effort is made to ensure that the exact gram weight is as required. Simply Billie accepts no responsibility if on the rare occasion this varies slightly.
Don’t use Simply Gloss products on nails that are infected, damaged, weak or thin, have been bitten deep into the nail bed, or are surrounded by sore or inflamed cuticles.
Discontinue use if sensitivity or discomfort occurs – may cause allergic reaction in certain persons.
CAUTION – KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
DO NOT take internally
If accidental eye contact occurs, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice
Keep all products away from heat and open flame
Avoid inhalation, ingestion and prolonged contact with skin
If taken internally, DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical advice
If product is spilled on skin, wipe off and then wash with mild soap and water
If product is spilled on clothing, wipe off excess, Wipe with Isopropyl Alcohol if needed. Wash with mild soap and water.
Read product MSDS and Instruction Guide before use.
