Nails · Hands · Beauty

Lovely nails
that last, kind to your skin

Gel nails, nail care, hand and skin care, written so you can actually follow along, with the precautions every time. From a shop that started with gel-nail supplies.

Read the articles What we know best

What this site helps with

Nails first, then hands and skin

We start with what we know best, gel nails, and widen out to nail care, hands and beauty basics.

Gel nails at home

Prep, thin coats, proper curing and removal that spares the nail plate, so a gel manicure lasts as it should.

  • base
  • colour
  • top
  • cure

Nail care

Brittle nails, dry cuticles and the break between gel sets: what helps day to day.

  • cuticle oil
  • file
  • rest

Hands and skin

Everyday basics for hands and skin, clear and without overclaiming.

  • moisturise
  • SPF
  • gloves

Using products safely

Ventilation, keeping uncured gel off skin, spotting allergies early, and knowing when to see a doctor.

  • HEMA
  • ventilation
  • allergy

What the shop knows well

Gel-nail essentials, and how to choose them

An overview of the categories the shop knows well, with what to check before you pick. Nothing is sold on this page; if you want to know what we carry, just ask.

Gel colours

Solid, sheer, syrup, glitter and art colours.

Check firstWhat light and how long the label says to cure, and the main ingredients.

Base and top coats

Base grips the nail, top seals and shines; wipe and no-wipe types.

Check firstMost makers recommend using one system from base to top.

UV/LED lamps

They harden the gel; they must match the gel, not just have high watts.

Check firstA wavelength range that matches your gel, and room for light to reach every nail.

Files and prep tools

Files, buffers, cuticle pushers and lint-free wipes.

Check firstA grit that suits the job; buff the nail only lightly, just to dull the shine.

Prep and removal

Nail cleanser, acetone, and foil wraps or clips for removing gel.

Check firstUse with good airflow, away from flames, cap tightly after use.

Aftercare

Cuticle oil and hand cream.

Check firstA little often beats a lot once in a while.

What we stand by

Beautiful, but safe first

  1. Safety firstPrecautions every time: airflow, no uncured gel on skin, cure as long as the label says.
  2. Steps you can followOne step at a time, with the reason and the usual traps.
  3. No overclaimingNothing here cures anything. For skin problems and allergies, we point you to a doctor.
  4. Ask freely, no pressureAsk anything; you do not need to buy first.

Articles

Read before you start

See all
New to gel? Start here · Beginner Gel nails at home, step by step From your first gel manicure to choosing a lamp and avoiding allergies.
  1. Gel nails at home, step by step: from prep to top coat
  2. UV vs LED nail lamps: the difference, and why your gel stays soft
  3. Gel nail allergy: warning signs, HEMA, and how to lower the risk
Start with lesson 1
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About us

From a gel-nail supply shop to beauty more broadly

pickoshop started by selling gel-nail supplies: gel colours, base and top coats, lamps and the everyday essentials for doing nails, at home or for a living.

Now we want to be more than a shop. This site gathers practical know-how, from gel manicures that last to caring for your hands and skin, told honestly, without overclaiming, and always with safety in mind.

Started withGel-nail supplies
Growing intoHands, skin and beauty basics
We stand bySafety and honesty
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A question about your nails, or what we carry?

Say hello, no need to buy anything. Ask how to use something or tell us about a nail problem, and we will help you think it through.

Contact details will appear at the foot of the page soon. In the meantime, the articles are here.

Read the articles