Prep your nails
Start with clean, completely dry nails. Push back your cuticles and shape your nails if needed. Remove any oil, hand cream or residue before applying the stickers.
Clean nails = better adhesion.
How To Apply
Apply your Cellies semi-cured gel nail stickers in around 10 minutes. Follow these steps for a smooth application that stays on properly and lasts as long as possible.
Watch the full application from start to finish.
It’s easier than it looks
Cellies are made from layers of real, semi-cured gel. They arrive soft and flexible, so you can fit them to your own nail. Once applied, you cure them under a UV/LED nail lamp and the gel fully hardens. No painting multiple layers and no waiting for polish to dry.
Step by step
How to apply gel nail stickers in 6 steps
Choose your size
Pick the sticker that fits your nail from side to side. If you're between two sizes, go for the slightly smaller one.
The sticker should sit on your nail, never on your skin or cuticle.
Apply the sticker
Place the gel nail sticker just above your cuticle and press it firmly onto your nail. Smooth it from the centre towards the sides so the entire sticker is attached.
Take a second to really press down the sides and edges.
File to your nail edge
Fold the excess sticker over the tip of your nail and gently file it away. Make sure there is no gel sticking out past your natural nail.
This is one of the most important steps if you want to prevent chipping.
Cure under the lamp
Once you're happy with the fit, cure your nails under a compatible UV/LED nail lamp until the gel has completely hardened.
The flexible semi-cured gel will now become hard like a gel manicure.
That's it
No waiting for polish to dry and no painting with your non-dominant hand. Your gel nail stickers are cured and you're done.
Once you've done it once, it becomes really easy.
The mistake I see all the time
File the sticker exactly to your nail edge.
If your gel nail stickers keep chipping, look at the tip of your nail first.
The sticker needs to end exactly at the edge of your natural nail. If even a tiny piece of gel sticks out, you'll keep bumping that exposed part against things.
Eventually it can crack or chip.
It sounds like a tiny detail, but it makes a big difference. Take a few extra seconds when filing.
Make them last
How to make gel nail stickers last longer
No oil before applying
Hand cream, cuticle oil and natural oils can make it harder for the sticker to stick properly. Start with completely clean, dry nails.
Keep them off your skin
Don't apply the sticker over your cuticle or skin. If you're between sizes, choose the smaller sticker.
Press down the edges
Before curing, check the sides and cuticle area and make sure everything is pressed down properly.
File before curing
Remove the excess sticker neatly and make sure nothing extends beyond the edge of your natural nail.
Cure them properly
Cellies arrive semi-cured. Curing under a compatible UV/LED lamp is what turns the flexible sticker into a hard gel manicure.
Don't pick the edges
I know it's tempting. Don't do it. Picking at an edge can break the seal and make the sticker lift sooner.
Good to know
Gel nail sticker FAQ
What are semi-cured gel nail stickers?
Semi-cured gel nail stickers are made from real gel that has only been partially cured. That's why they're still flexible when you receive them. You fit them to your nail and then cure them under a UV/LED lamp to fully harden the gel.
How long do gel nail stickers last?
Wear time depends on your natural nails, preparation and application. Clean nails, the correct sticker size, properly pressed edges and filing exactly to your natural nail edge can all help your manicure last longer.
Do I need a nail lamp?
Yes. Cellies are semi-cured gel nail stickers, so they need to be fully cured after application using a compatible UV/LED nail lamp.
Why are my gel nail stickers chipping?
Check the tip of your nail. One common reason for chipping is leaving a tiny amount of gel sticking out past the natural nail. That exposed edge gets bumped and can eventually break. File the sticker exactly to your natural nail edge before curing.
Why are my gel nail stickers lifting?
Lifting can happen when there's oil or residue on the nail, when the sticker touches your skin or cuticle, or when the edges haven't been pressed down properly before curing.
Can beginners use gel nail stickers?
Yes. You don't need to know how to paint gel nails. The colour and gel are already in the sticker. Choose your size, apply it, file off the excess and cure it under a compatible UV/LED nail lamp.
Do your next gel manicure in 10 minutes.
Pick your favourite Cellies set and try semi-cured gel nail stickers yourself.
Shop gel nail stickers