OPI GELevate | Why Professionals Trust This 4-in-1 Builder Gel (2025)

OPI GELevate is changing the game for nail professionals who seek a streamlined, high-performance builder gel that’s as versatile as it is reliable.

Developed with both clients and technicians in mind, this 4-in-1 innovation brilliantly adheres, fills, overlays and builds — all in one simplified application. Whether you’re extending the nail, reinforcing it, or creating a flawless overlay, GELevate adapts to your service needs while maintaining a luxurious feel and long-lasting wear. Moreover, it’s formulated without animal-derived ingredients and is HEMA-free, making it a conscious choice for salons that prioritize clean beauty and client safety.

What Sets GELevate Apart?

OPI GELevate isn’t just another builder gel — it’s a professional tool designed for versatility and efficiency. At its core, GELevate delivers four functions in one application:

• Adheres to the natural nail or tip for long-lasting results
• Fills uneven surfaces or imperfections
• Overlays the nail to strengthen and protect
• Builds desired structure or extension length with ease

This means fewer products, faster services, and simplified steps for the technician — all while providing salon-quality results. In addition, its comfortable, lightweight texture ensures the finished nail never feels heavy, bulky or overly stiff.

Equally important is the formula: Vegan and HEMA-free. For clients with ingredient sensitivities or those who prefer ethical beauty solutions, GELevate meets these needs without sacrificing performance.

When to Choose Each

• Choose GELevate Colors when you want to combine strength-building and vibrant color — ideal for quick services that skip traditional polish or gel color steps.
• Opt for GELevate Clear when doing structured French sets, encapsulated art, or when applying gel polish as a color layer over the base.

This level of flexibility allows technicians to tailor every service with precision and creativity.

Top Benefits for Nail Professionals

Beyond its formula and function, OPI GELevate offers multiple benefits that enhance both service quality and client satisfaction. Let’s take a closer look:

• Long-Lasting Results
  • GELevate delivers excellent wear:
    • Colors offer a minimum of 2+ weeks of chip-resistant color and strength.
    • Clear offers an extended 3-week wear, ideal for longer appointments between fills.
  • A reliable option for busy clients who expect durability and polished results.
• Lightweight and Comfortable
  • While many builder gels can feel rigid or overly thick, GELevate is uniquely lightweight and flexible. Clients enjoy a natural nail feel, while professionals benefit from a smooth self-leveling texture that makes sculpting and building easier.
• Clean Beauty Standards
  • As more clients inquire about ingredients, GELevate helps you stay ahead. Its Vegan and HEM

Best Uses and Application Tips

OPI GELevate works in many service contexts. To make the most of its potential, professionals can adapt it in the following ways:

Ideal Use Cases

• Overlays on natural nails to add strength without bulk
• Extensions using forms or tips for length and shape
• Structured manicures with builder color
• French nails when paired with white or color tips
• Reinforcement base for soft nails beneath gel polish

Application Tips

To ensure flawless results, follow these guidelines:

1. Prep thoroughly: Clean, push back cuticles, remove shine with a light buffer, and cleanse the nail plate.
2. Prime as needed: Use OPI Bond Aid or a compatible primer for maximum adhesion.
3. Apply in thin layers: GELevate is self-leveling. Start with a thin base layer before building structure.
4. Cure properly: Cure each layer under an OPI LED light for 30–60 seconds.
5. Refine and finish: Shape, buff, and apply top coat or color as needed.

Proper technique helps maintain nail health and improves longevity, especially for clients with problem-prone or sensitive nails.

Learn Through the GELevate Education Program

To support professionals further, OPI offers a dedicated GELevate™ Extension System education class — an online learning module that walks you through every phase of using GELevate successfully.

• This course includes:
  • Nail prep strategies for lasting adhesion
  • Layering and building techniques
  • Tips for sculpting with precision
  • Removal and rebalancing guidance

The education is self-paced and accessible, making it ideal whether you’re brand new to builder gels or refining your technique.

What is OPI GELevate and how is it different from other builder gels?

OPI GELevate is a 4-in-1 builder gel system that adheres, fills, overlays, and builds in one streamlined formula. Unlike traditional builder gels, it’s vegan, HEMA-free, and available in both clear and colored versions for added versatility.

Can GELevate be used over natural nails, tips, and forms?

Yes. GELevate™ works beautifully on natural nails and can be used with forms or tips to create length and structure.

Do I need a separate base coat or bonder with GELevate™?

No. GELevate™ is a self-adhering system, eliminating the need for a separate base coat. However, using OPI Bond Aid may enhance adhesion for certain clients.

Is GELevate soak-off or file-off?

It’s a soak-off builder gel. You can remove it using professional acetone, but gentle hand-filing before soaking will reduce removal time.

Is it beginner-friendly for newer techs?

Yes. GELevate™ is self-leveling, flexible, and lightweight — making it easy to sculpt, build, and finish even for beginners.

What brush should I use with GELevate™?

Use a builder gel brush with firm bristles. OPI recommends its own GELevate-specific brushes for ideal product control.

Can GELevate™ be used with gel color on top?

Absolutely. While GELevate™ Colors offer built-in color, the clear version is perfect as a base layer under OPI GelColor or any compatible gel polish system.

What’s the cure time for GELevate™?

Cure under an OPI LED Lamp for:
30 seconds for thin layers
60 seconds for thicker structure-building layers

Does GELevate™ cause heat spikes?

It has a low heat formula, but to avoid potential discomfort, apply in controlled layers and allow a few seconds of rest between applications for clients with sensitivity.

Is GELevate™ safe for sensitive clients or allergy-prone skin?

Yes. It’s formulated without HEMA, one of the most common allergens in gel systems, making it a safer option for sensitive clients.