BIAB nails

The Strong, Glossy Look You Can Fake With Gel Polish

Dreaming of nails that are strong, glossy, and effortlessly chic? Enter: BIAB Nails — the nail trend that’s all about structure, simplicity, and serious shine. But here’s the good news: even if you’re not heading to the salon for a Builder in a Bottle treatment, you can still get the look at home using just gel polish.

What Are BIAB Nails?

BIAB, or Builder in a Bottle, is a thick gel formula that strengthens natural nails while adding a slightly structured, curved look. It’s applied like polish but works more like a lightweight overlay, giving nails a durable base that doesn’t chip easily.

What makes BIAB nails so iconic is their minimalist finish — think soft milky tones, translucent pinks, and a cushioned, glossy appearance. They’ve become the ultimate “clean girl” manicure.

But if you don’t have BIAB on hand (or prefer to skip the salon), you can still get that signature BIAB look — using gel polish alone.

STEP 1: Start With a Clean Base - File your nails into a natural round or soft square shape. Push back your cuticles and gently buff the surface for better adhesion.

STEP 2: Apply a Base Coat - Cure under a LED lamp.

STEP 3: Build Colour With Sheer Gel Polish - The signature BIAB look calls for milky, translucent shades. Some favourites include:

  • Milky pink
  • Sheer nude
  • Blush beige
  • Soft peach


Apply 2–3 thin coats, curing in between, to build depth while keeping that natural glow.

STEP 4: Float a Final Coat for Structure - For that slightly domed, cushioned finish, apply a slightly thicker layer of your gel polish and let it self-level before curing. This gives the illusion of builder gel — no sculpting needed.

STEP 5: Seal With Glossy Top Coat - Lock in the look with a high-shine top coat. It enhances the clean, healthy glow and gives that glassy BIAB finish.

Frequently asked questions about BIAB Nails

Can I fake BIAB nails using only gel polish?

Yes! While gel polish won’t be as strong as true BIAB, you can still achieve the look — soft curves, milky tones, and high gloss — by layering and using thick base/top coats.

Which gel polish shades work best for the BIAB look?

Go for sheer or jelly formulas in soft pinks, nudes, peaches, and beiges. Opaque or bold colours won’t give the same clean, natural vibe.

Does this look good on short nails?

Absolutely. In fact, short nails make the BIAB aesthetic look super modern and clean — especially with rounded tips and sheer finishes.