Puggle Clear – Liquid Hard Gel Builder in a Bottle
Meet PUGGLE — the newest member of the PUG family, and a whole new way to work with hard gel.
PUGGLE is a hard gel builder in a bottle. It carries the same permanent, file-off hard gel strength that PUG is known for, but in a thinner, honey-like consistency that flows from the brush, self-levels beautifully, and on the right client, can deliver a finished result with little to no filing at all.
The wider-neck 20ml bottle with oval brush applicator is purpose-designed for this formula — the wider opening reduces air introduction during brush withdrawal, minimising bubbles in the gel, while the oval brush head makes cuticle-area application cleaner and more precise.
PUGGLE is HEMA-free and TPO-free, formulated in the EU to EU cosmetic regulations, making it a strong option for technicians working with sensitive clients or those who have moved away from HEMA-containing products across their service menu.
If you love the durability of hard gel but have always wanted a more fluid, self-levelling brush-on option — PUGGLE was made for you.
| PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Type of gel | Hard Gel Builder / Structure |
| Semi / permanent? | Permanent — file off only |
| Format | 20ml bottle with oval brush applicator |
| Flexibility rating | 3 — Some Flexibility |
| Viscosity rating | 2.5 — Medium to Medium Thick |
| Action of application | Build / Float / Structure / Sculpt (short sculptures) |
| Cure time | 60 sec 405nm LED · 2 min 365nm UV |
| Lamp | 365nm + 405nm dual cure — PN Speciality Dual Cure Lamp recommended |
| Self-levelling | Yes — enhanced self-levelling formula |
| No-file technique | Possible on suitable clients — see application notes |
| Cures with tacky layer | Yes — remove with The One Spray and a lint-free wipe |
| Can be filed into shape | Yes |
| HEMA free | Yes — HEMA-free and TPO-free |
| Recommended base | Clear Lastik, Lastik HF or Stick 'n Float |
| Recommended primer | Sticky Bond / Sticky Bond HF |
| Colour cover | 0% — Clear |
| Made in | EU — formulated to EU cosmetic regulations |
USE CASES
Hard Gel Structured Manicure / Overlay
PUGGLE's enhanced self-levelling formula makes it an ideal choice for hard gel overlays on natural nails. Applied over a rubber base, it flows to an even layer, builds structure and an apex, and on clients with naturally even nail curvature, can be worn with little to no surface filing. A strong, durable alternative to soft gel builders for technicians wanting a file-off hard gel result in a brush-on format.
Tip Overlay
Apply over tip extensions as a structural overlay. The fluid consistency allows product to flow over the tip and blend seamlessly into the natural nail without dragging or pulling. File to refine the shape and surface after curing.
Short Sculptures Over Forms
PUGGLE can be used to sculpt short extensions over forms. The thinner consistency makes it well-suited to shorter length sculptures where controlled flow is an advantage. For longer or more structured extensions, PUG hard gel from the pot is recommended.
Hard Gel Infill / Rebalance
Use PUGGLE to infill and rebalance existing hard gel overlays at the regrowth appointment. De-bulk as needed, apply PUGGLE to the new growth area and blend over the existing product, then cure and file to finish.
Nail Art — Glitter and Chrome Encapsulation
Encapsulate glitters, chrome powders, foils, and flat nail art elements under PUGGLE for a hard gel finish over nail art. The clear formula keeps encapsulated elements vivid and true to colour.
ABOUT PUGGLE
The PUG range was built on a simple idea — hard gel shouldn't be complicated. Strong, reliable, and self-levelling, PUG became the go-to hard gel system for technicians who wanted professional results without the guesswork. But the range was always going to grow.
Like its namesake — the Puggle, a cross between a Pug and a Beagle — PUGGLE takes the best traits of the PUG family and reimagines them in a new form. Same hard gel DNA. Thinner, more fluid consistency. A brush-on bottle format designed for technicians who love a self-levelling gel that does a lot of the work for them.
Where PUG hard gel from the pot gives you maximum control and workability for sculpting and structured builds, PUGGLE is designed for speed, flow, and finish. Its enhanced self-levelling formula means that on clients whose natural nail shape doesn't require directional correction, a smooth, even result is achievable with minimal filing — and in some cases, none at all.
The 20ml bottle is purpose-built for the formula. The wider neck reduces air introduction during brush withdrawal — a known issue with thicker gels in narrow-neck bottles — keeping the product bubble-free and consistent from first use to last. The oval brush head gives you clean, precise placement right from the cuticle area without the need to splay or reshape the brush.
PUGGLE is HEMA-free and TPO-free, manufactured in the EU to EU cosmetic regulations. It is compatible with all Planet Nails base products — Lastik is the standard recommendation, or Stick 'n Float for HEMA-free services.
APPLICATION — STANDARD PROTOCOL
| 1 | Sanitise nails using The One Spray. Push back cuticles and buff to remove all traces of shine. |
| 2 | Apply nail tips if required, cut and blend (optional step). |
| 3 | Apply PN Nail Prep to the natural nail only. Allow to dry (optional step). |
| 4 | Apply PN Sticky Bond or Sticky Bond HF sparingly to the natural nail only. Allow to become tacky. |
| 5 | Apply a base coat layer of Clear Lastik, Lastik HF, or Stick 'n Float over the entire nail. Do not touch the cuticle or sidewall areas. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60–90 seconds. |
| 6 | Apply PUGGLE starting 1mm away from the cuticle. Float the product gently across the nail and allow it to self-level before making any adjustments. Use the oval brush to guide product to the sidewalls if needed. Seal all sides of the free edge. Cure 60 seconds (405nm LED) or 2 minutes (365nm UV). |
| 7 | Repeat with a second layer of PUGGLE if additional structure or length is required. Seal the free edge and cure. |
| 8 | Remove the tacky layer with The One Spray and a PN Lint Free Wipe. |
| 9 | File to an even, smooth finish if required. Buff with a buffer to remove scratches. For clients whose natural nail curvature allows it, this step may be minimal or skipped entirely. |
| 10 | Wash hands thoroughly to remove product residue and dust. |
| 11 | Apply The One Spray to a nail wipe to sanitise. The nail is now ready for gel polish colour or top coat. |
PUGGLE's enhanced self-levelling formula makes a no-file finish achievable — but client suitability matters. Clients with naturally even nail curvature, consistent sidewall depth, and no length or shape correction required are the best candidates. Where length, direction, or shape correction is needed, standard filing applies. The formula gives you the option — the nail decides whether to use it.
REMOVAL
PUGGLE is a permanent hard gel — it is file off only and cannot be removed with acetone.
| 1 | De-bulk the surface using the 100-grit side of a 100/180 file or an e-file de-bulking bit. File only the product surface — do not touch the natural nail. |
| 2 | Continue filing carefully until the product layer is thin. Switch to a finer grit to remove the remaining product close to the nail surface without damage. |
| 3 | Buff lightly with a buffer to remove any residue and smooth the nail surface. |
| 4 | Nails are ready for a fresh application. |
Planet Nails strongly recommends infilling over full removal where possible. De-bulk down to a thin even layer and apply fresh PUGGLE on top — the natural nail stays intact and the prep process is significantly shorter at the next appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is PUGGLE?
PUGGLE is a hard gel builder in a bottle — a permanent, file-off hard gel in a brush-on bottle format with an enhanced self-levelling formula. It is part of the PUG (Planet Ultimate Gel) family and shares the same hard gel strength and durability, in a thinner, more fluid consistency suited to brush application.
What is the difference between PUGGLE and PUG hard gel?
Both are permanent hard gels that file off. The key differences are format and consistency. PUG comes in a jar and is applied with a separate gel brush — it has a thicker consistency suited to sculpting, building, and hands-on shaping. PUGGLE comes in a bottle with a built-in oval brush and has a thinner, more fluid consistency that self-levels from the brush. PUGGLE is the better choice for technicians who prefer a brush-on flow-and-cure approach; PUG remains the better choice for longer sculptures and high-structure builds.
What is the difference between PUGGLE and Lastik?
Lastik is a soft gel — flexible, rubber-based, and soak-off with acetone. PUGGLE is a hard gel — it cures harder, files off only, and provides a more rigid, durable finish. Lastik is the recommended base under PUGGLE. They are not interchangeable.
Can PUGGLE really be used without filing?
On the right client, yes. PUGGLE's enhanced self-levelling formula is designed to produce an even, smooth surface after curing with minimal intervention. However, this depends entirely on the client's natural nail shape. Clients who need length correction, shape redirection, or have uneven sidewall depth will still require filing. The formula makes a no-file finish possible — the client's nail determines whether it's appropriate.
Is PUGGLE HEMA-free?
Yes. PUGGLE is both HEMA-free and TPO-free, manufactured in the EU to EU cosmetic regulations. It is a strong option for technicians building a HEMA-free service menu or working with clients who have confirmed sensitivities.
What base should I use under PUGGLE?
Clear Lastik or Lastik HF are the standard recommendations. For fully HEMA-free services, use Stick 'n Float as your base. Always apply Sticky Bond or Sticky Bond HF to the natural nail before the base coat.
Can PUGGLE be soaked off?
No. PUGGLE is a permanent hard gel and must be filed off. It will not dissolve in acetone. Do not attempt soak-off removal.
How thick should I apply PUGGLE?
Apply in thin, even layers — maximum 1.5–2mm per coat. Thicker application risks undercuring, heat spikes, and inconsistent self-levelling. For additional structure, apply a second layer after curing the first.
Why does the bottle have a wider neck?
The wider neck is intentional. With thicker builder gels in narrow-neck bottles, pressing the brush against the neck on withdrawal can push air into the gel, creating bubbles that cure into raised mounds on the nail surface. The wider-neck design on PUGGLE reduces this significantly, keeping the product consistent and bubble-free.
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