Thank you for all the information. I agree with you that the top gloss seems to stay shiny longer (Akzentz) than the Amore. I'm not sure how to use the paint on white though. I did try it, but it's a little too bright for my liking. Does it tend to chip of ever? The instructions say to use it after your shape filing is done, then paint it on, so what do you use underneath it - no white at all?

Thank you for the tips Lana, I really appreciate that. I will try to work the natural gel as you've explained. And hey, if I can ever get to the point of not finish filing - wow, that's one step shorter and would be great.

Another question for you, with rhinestones, I've put them in just before the top gloss (on a friend of mine) and she had a crack in the gel on either side of the rhinestone. I thought maybe I didn't do it correctly.