The concept of applying false nails with a gel-type glue that you set with an LED light is not new for professional or at home use. However, it is new for both the brand Kiss and the drugstore! I found out about Kiss Salon X-tend through an ad before it was available in stores or had any reviews. After researching it, I felt strongly that it will work. So, I ordered a starter kit on a whim and applied them for a special event. I am going to give you a full tutorial that includes application and remvoal, along with my pro-tips. The removal process will review their Glue Off product! I also have a detailed review of the kit and remover.
Where to Buy Kiss Salon Extend Nails
In this blog post I am using the Kiss Salon X-tend LED soft gel system starter kit in Tone. Since this line is new, the availability is limited. The Kiss website has all of the products, where as Walmart’s website and stores have a selection. While the starter kit has everything, you may purchase the nails, glue, and light separately from Kiss. As time goes on, the availability might extend.
Here is what you get in the starter kit:
- 30 nails
- LED soft gel adhesive
- LED lamp
- USB cable
- prep pad
- Cuticle pusher
- Nail file
Kiss salon extend nails claim to be an innovative DIY curing system with an ergonomic LED lamp. You should get a salon-level manicure that lasts up to 14 days. The nails are pre-sculpted and bend resistant. The LED lamp has a motion sensor.
Kiss Salon X-Tend Tutorial Tutorial
Before starting, you should protect your work surface with a paper towel, rag, or newspaper. A nail clipper will be needed if you wish to shorten the nails after application.
1) Prepare Nails
To begin prepping to apply Kiss Salon X-tend nails, start by following the steps in my nail care routine blog post, stopping when you reach base coat application.
Using the included buffer nail file, buff your natural nails. Be sure to be thorough, even getting the sides. This will add texture to your nail, giving the glue a surface to adhere to. Always be gentle to not damage your natural nails.
Using the included prep pad, wipe your nails down to remove all dust. These types of products will not adhere well to dust. The pad will also dehydrate the nails, which removes all moisture and natural oils to help adhesion.
Next, we want to prepare the false nails. Select the nails that are the closest in size to your natural nail. You do not want them to overlap onto your skin, as this will ruin the adhesion. I recommend laying the nails out in front of you in order of your fingers. You may use the provided nail file to file the edges for a custom fit.
2) Apply Glue & Cure Each Nail
Now we are ready to start applying the nails! I recommend starting with your pinkies, then working your way up to your thumbs.
Grab a nail, and apply a dot of glue to the underise, inside of the circled area. This may be hard to tell in the photos, but I am not fully filling the circle with glue. I find that the perfect amount is a dot within the circle. Next, firmly press the false nail on with constant pressure. The directions say to remove air bubbles, but, I never had any occur. If any product does ooze out onto your skin, wipe it off. I put the cap back onto the glue in between curing each nail.
Next, the directions state to “flash cure” the nail for five to seven seconds, which will be enough to hold it in place as you apply the other nails, then do the big cure. I think that is pointless. I skipped the flash cure and went ahead and cured my nail for two minutes using a timer on my phone. During the curing, I rotated the nail to be sure the sides were getting the light, and even flipped my finger over to get the underside. The lamp is motion activated, so you simply sit your finger on the circle on the base.
Repeat these steps for all 10 nails.
3) Trim & File, If Desired
Once you have applied all nails, feel free to trim them. This style is very long, so I did take some length off. I used the provided file to smooth the edges to ensure they were not sharp. Enjoy your completed look!
4) Removal With Kiss Glue Off
Lastly, I am going to show you how to remove Kiss Salon X-tend using the Kiss Glue Off False Nail Remover, which is recommended to be used with this kit. If you do not have the remover, you will need to soak your nails in acetone and work to remove the false nail as it gets gooey. Below you can also see that I purchased a set of green nails.
Kiss Glue Off is a runny water-like product, so please protect your work surface with paper towels. You are to dispense some of the liquid at the cuticle line of each nail, then wait two minutes. You may also apply it to the underside between your real nail and the false nail. Then, use the flat edge as a pry tool to gently lift the nail. Multiple applications of the remover may be needed. Be sure to keep the bottle tilted up at an angle as you pry so that it does not pour out.
Kiss Salon X-tend Review
It is now time for my Kiss Salon X-tend review! As someone who is experienced, I was able to apply the set from start to finish in about an hour. This was easy to use even for a beginner, and very fool-proof. As a tiny woman, I had to do minimal custom sizing to the nails. In terms of application, I had no issues with air bubbles, and few occurances of the glue oozing out. That is first time user error more than anything! The final results are stunning. It is true that these nails are bend proof and sturdy, plus very shiny and natural looking.
What I love about this set is, it hits all of my marks. I want simple application, nails that stay on for as long as I want, then easy removal. I wore these for three weeks straight, and NO nails fell off! That is unheard of! I think I could have gone even longer, despite them being rated for 14 days of wear, but I was ready for a new style. I had one nail that was about 98% of the way off but still holding on.
At the 12 day mark I did notice lifting at the cuticle area, and my hair started to get caught underneath. However, most of the glue was intact. Since these nails are a bit clear or “jelly,” you can see how much of the glue is still adhered. I did put these nails through a lot, including holiday decorating. I bashed a nail off of a box and hurt a lot, but did not fall off!
Kiss Salon X-tend is my new favorite false nail product, and I will absolutely use it again and repurchase. I am also excited for extended use cases. You can use the gel glue and LED lamp to replace standard nail glue with your other press-ons! It will work the best for any sheer/jelly or clear nails. I am not sure how well it will cure for fully opaque nails. I think it is super smart that Kiss buffed the underside of the nails, which is a game-changer. This only adds to the adhesion. I think I will start buffing the underside of other fake nails that I plan to wear with the X-tend glue, but using an electric filing tool. A normal nail file will not get into the curves of the underside of the false nail. I think it will be an interesting use in my Kiss Brush On Gel Nail Kit review for applying the tips.
I also want to give you a Kiss Glue Off review. The smell hit me instantly, as it has an herbal scent. It smells like it contains essential oils. This is no joke when I say this was the fastest and easiest nail removal I have ever had! I got them off in under 10 minutes, simply by applying product at the cuticle and under the nail. They just about fell off when prying, and in some cases, large pieces of glue came off in a sheet. The remover did not damage my nails at all! The marks on my nails are more so stress marks from wearing the nails, and they always occur on me. You need this inexpensive product in your life. I swear I am not sponsored at all, but I am blown away by everything!
Shop The Kiss Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System
Conclusion
In conclusion of Kiss Salon X-tend and the Glue Off Remover, both of these products worked amazingly, meeting their claims, and even going above and beyond. Kiss has brought salon technology to the drugstore, making it affordable and easy. Everything in this blog post is a game changer and new favorites that I will use on repeat. Let me know how it goes if you give these a try! Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
Do you like using gel products in your at home manicures?
One Response
Extremely helpful. I already use and am a fan of their press-ons, but for these was curious about durability (how long they stay on) and easy removal. Sounds like Kiss made it work again. And thanks for the Glue-Off tip as already use and am happy I won’t have to do the acetone route.