Korean Gel Finishes at VESSCA: Which One Suits You

Faced with a shelf of hundreds of bottles, most guests choose by colour. In Korean nails, though, the finish decides how the set looks — the same nude done as jelly or as pearl gives two very different results.

Below are the finishes VESSCA works with, and the nails each one suits.

Jelly — sheer, with depth

Jelly gel is partly translucent. Light passes through, so the colour looks layered rather than flat, like a thin layer of glass over the nail.

Suits: short and natural nails. Because it is sheer, it never looks heavy. It is also the safest choice for a first Korean set.

Note: being sheer, it does not hide marks or ridges. For uneven nails, choose a more opaque finish.

Cat-eye — a band of light that moves

The gel contains magnetic particles. While it is still wet, the technician holds a magnet close to pull the particles into a band, then cures it. The band shifts as you turn your hand.

Suits: medium-length nails and longer — the band needs room to run. On very short nails the effect gets cut off.

Tip: a diagonal band looks slimmer than a horizontal one and makes the nail look longer.

Pearl — soft shimmer that changes with the light

Like the inside of a shell: pink and pale blue tones shifting with the angle. Gentle, never glaring.

Suits: almost any nail, and especially work — it shines but stays discreet. Office guests choose it most.

Choosing a tone: gold pearl flatters deeper skin tones; silver pearl suits fair skin.

Aurora — a fine rainbow shimmer

Ultra-fine shimmer creates a multi-colour glow like the northern lights. Stronger than pearl and very noticeable under lights.

Suits: special occasions, photoshoots and parties. For everyday wear it may feel bold depending on your workplace.

Velvet — a soft matte, fabric-like surface

A newer finish popular in Korea: matte and smooth like velvet, with light moving softly inside.

Suits: cooler months and deep tones — brown, smoky grey, wine red. On light colours the effect is hard to see.

A quick guide

A note on gel quality

Every finish above has cheaper imitations. The difference doesn't show on day one but in week two: low-quality gel dulls, yellows at the edges, and is a common cause of skin irritation around the nail.

You can always ask a salon to show you the bottle. A salon using authentic products will hand it over straight away.

VESSCA's gels are chosen by the salon and brought from Korea — including Kiss NY, Snow Velvet and Aurora Queen — and the bottles are always on the table for you to see. Find us at 251/30 Le Quang Dinh, Gia Dinh ward (Binh Thanh), Ho Chi Minh City, open 9:00–20:30. Message us before your visit and your technician will set aside a few shades for your skin tone.