• Behind LA-BEK
• Removal & Nail Care

A real customer email, lightly edited for length. Name changed and no photos included, at her request.   Every so often an email lands in our inbox that stops us in our tracks. This one did. It's from a customer we're calling Ellie, and it's about hands, habits, and giving yourself permission to feel proud of something so small. Ellie picked her nails her whole life. "Down to the wick" is how she put it. She'd tried everything to stop and nothing had stuck. Then two mates who already wore la-bek put wraps on her thumbnails during a weekend away in May, half as a joke, half as an intervention. They lasted less than 24 hours. But something about seeing polish on her nails, even briefly, was enough. She let her real nails grow for two weeks before trying wraps on her own for the first time. The messy middle Her first set was Transparent Pink. She wasn't sold. Her real nails were still visible underneath, and because she didn't want to file the wraps right down, she ended up with fluff trapped underneath and not much surface area for them to hold onto. They lifted. They fell off. She'd already watched our video on applying wraps to short nails, so none of it surprised her, and crucially, having something on her nails at all was enough to stop her picking. A week later she switched to Olive. A darker colour hid what was underneath and disguised the fluff. Still some lifting, still the odd wrap falling off, but by now she was cutting most of them in half to make a pack stretch further, and slowly learning the technique of filing and shaping nails she'd genuinely never had before. Her third set, Lavender Whip with a few Secret Garden accents, lasted properly. That's when it clicked, both the application and, unexpectedly, the fun of it. She never thought of herself as a nail art person. Turns out pretty colours and a bit of pattern give her, in her words, "much needed daily dopamine hits." Five weeks in By week five, some of her nails were long enough that she had to trim them. Her thumbs, unsurprisingly the most damaged to begin with, are still catching up. Her family noticed before she said a word. Her mum and sister have started wearing LA-BEK too, and now do their nails together. Her mum, in her seventies, has always had lovely nails but they've started to split with age, and wearing wraps has given her a bit of her own nail pride back. Ellie told us she hadn't realised how much she'd been hiding her hands, or how bad she genuinely felt about them, until she stopped. What we took from this We're not going to claim LA-BEK breaks habits. Every set of hands is different, and this is one customer's experience, not a promise. But Ellie's story is a good reminder of why we do this. Not the wraps, but what having something you're proud to look at can do. One more thing. Ellie's only feedback for us was a request: a video showing wraps on very short or bitten nails specifically, using the lighter shades, with an honest look at the early challenges. Noted, Ellie. Watch this space. Laura + Bek FAQs Will la-bek wraps work on very short or bitten nails? Yes, though you'll want to go in with realistic expectations. Less nail means less surface area for the wrap to grip, so lifting is more likely at first, especially on thumbs. Darker or opaque colours also do a better job of covering the nail bed underneath than sheer or transparent shades. ⸻ Can wraps help stop nail biting or picking? We can't promise that, and we'd never claim it as a cure. What some customers, like Ellie, find is that having something on their nails is a helpful physical reminder and makes picking harder to do without noticing. Everyone's experience is different. ⸻ Do I need a UV lamp for semi-cured gel wraps? Yes. Semi-cured wraps are real liquid gel, about 60% cured, and need a UV lamp to fully set. If you'd rather skip the lamp altogether, our UV-free gel wraps are peel and press with no curing required, though they wear for a shorter 7 to 10 days. ⸻ What's the difference between semi-cured and UV-free? Think of them as two handbags for different occasions, not an upgrade or downgrade. Semi-cured wraps need a lamp and wear 2 weeks or more, ideal for weak, short or damaged nails and long-wear lovers. UV-free wraps need no lamp and wear about 7 to 10 days, ideal for travel, quick manis and low-maintenance moments. ⸻ How do I remove them without damaging my nails further? Always use oil, never peel. Peeling wraps off can take layers of your natural nail with them, which is the opposite of what you want if you're trying to grow yours out.   Written by Laura & Bek Founders of LA-BEK, an Australian brand creating semi-cured gel nail wraps and UV-free gel nail wraps designed to make salon-quality nails simple, at home.  

• Behind LA-BEK

Some collabs just feel right. When Sue and Chef Gigi from Gigi's Gelato — the Yarraville gelateria that's quietly become one of Melbourne's best-kept Italian secrets — reached out about doing something together, we said yes before they'd finished asking. They're obsessed with quality. We're obsessed with quality. They make their gelato from scratch with no chemicals or artificial flavours. We make gel nail wraps that don't compromise on what goes near your skin. A Saturday morning that brings the two together? It almost wrote itself. What's happening Self-care meets sweet treats in a once-off pre-Mother's Day morning at Gigi's Gelato in Yarraville. We're sharing an Italian-style morning tea — affogato (fior di latte gelato with a shot of espresso) paired with freshly baked cookies by Chef Gigi — while introducing you to LA-BEK's gel nail wraps with a live demo on how to get a salon-quality mani in just 10 minutes. Bring your mum. Bring your bestie. Or just yourself. Honestly — the morning works either way. The details Date: Saturday 9 May 2026Time: 10.30am – 12pmLocation: Gigi's Gelato, 15 Anderson Street, Yarraville VIC 3013Tickets: $22 What's included Each ticket gets you: - An affogato — fior di latte gelato with a shot of espresso and a wafer (valued at $10)- A freshly baked cookie by Chef Gigi (valued at $7.50)- A UV-free gel nail wrap set to take home (valued at $22) That's nearly $40 of gelato, espresso, cookie and gel nails for $22. Maths is doing some heavy lifting in your favour here. BOOK YOUR TICKETS Photo: Gigi's Strawberry Sorbet UV-free Gel Nail Wraps, Gigi's Blueberry UV-free Gel Nail Wraps, Gigi's Chocolate UV-free Gel Nail Wraps, And about those new colours… To celebrate the collab, we've launched three brand-new UV-Free shades named after some of Gigi's most-loved flavours. Gigi's Strawberry Sorbet A soft, sun-ripened pink with a fresh, fruit-forward feel. Inspired by Gigi's strawberry sorbet — the one made with up to 70% real fruit. (Yes, really.) Gigi's Chocolate A warm, rich espresso-cream brown. The colour you'll want to wear with everything in winter and through into autumn. The mani equivalent of a really good affogato. Gigi's Blueberry A deep, moody blueberry-violet with a velvet finish. Unexpected, grown-up, and a little bit cheeky. Each ticket holder gets to take a set home (your choice of colour on the day). And yes — the new shades are available online with limited stock. Why this collab Two reasons. The first is simple: Gigi's gelato is genuinely the best in Melbourne. Chef Gigi was the first Victorian gelateria to receive a double Slow Food Snail of Approval — the international recognition for "good, clean and fair food." We've always loved spaces that care this much about their craft. The second reason is bigger. So much of life as a busy woman is rushed. Quick meals. Quick beauty. Quick everything. We wanted to host a morning that's slow on purpose. Made for sitting down. Made for talking to the woman next to you. Made for a cookie that took someone time to bake and a coffee that took someone time to pour. Mother's Day weekend felt like the right moment to do that. Who it's for This morning is for: - Anyone wanting to do something a little different for Mother's Day weekend- Friends, sisters, mums — solo or in a group- People curious about LA-BEK who want to see how the wraps work in person before buying- Locals who haven't yet experienced Gigi's (you're in for a treat)- Anyone who likes the sound of espresso, gelato, cookies and a fresh mani in one Saturday morning You don't need to bring anything other than yourself. We'll have everything set up for you. How to book Tickets are limited (the space is intimate — that's part of the charm) and we expect them to go fast given the timing. If you can't make it on the day but you'd love to support the collab, the three new UV-Free colours are live on our site now. Mother's Day kits will also be available to purchase on the day. We'd really love to see you there. BOOK YOUR TICKETS Event FAQs Where exactly is the event held? The event is at Gigi's Gelato, 15 Anderson Street, Yarraville VIC 3013 — a short walk from Yarraville train station, with on-street parking available nearby. ⸻ What time should I arrive? Doors open at 10.30am sharp. We recommend arriving a few minutes early so you can settle in with your affogato before the live demo starts. The morning wraps up at 12pm. ⸻ Can I bring my mum or a friend? Absolutely — that's exactly what this morning was made for. Just make sure each person has their own $22 ticket so they're included in the affogato, cookie, and gel nail wrap set. You can also come solo — many people will be. It's a warm, welcoming space. ⸻ Are the three new collab colours available online? The new Gigi's Strawberry Sorbet, Gigi's Chocolate and Gigi's Blueberry UV-Free wraps are available now. ⸻ What if I can't choose between the three colours? You'll only need to pick one as part of your ticket — but the other two will be available to purchase on the day if you'd like the full set. (No judgement — we'd probably want all three too.) ⸻ Is the event suitable for kids? The morning is designed for adults, but well-behaved older kids who'll enjoy gelato and watching a nail demo are welcome. There isn't a separate kids' price — every guest needs a ticket. If you're bringing little ones, just be aware the space is intimate. ⸻ Can I buy a ticket as a Mother's Day gift? Yes — and it makes a really beautiful one. A pre-Mother's Day morning out together, with everything taken care of (and a fresh set of nails to take home). When you book, you can either:• Buy two tickets and surprise her with the morning• Or send her the ticket details to book her own seat next to yours ⸻ What if it sells out? The space is small and tickets are limited, so it's likely to sell out quickly given the Mother's Day timing. If it does, the three new collab colours are still available to buy with limited stock — so you won't miss the launch even if you miss the morning. ⸻ Is there parking nearby? Yes — Anderson Street and the surrounding Yarraville Village area have on-street parking. Yarraville train station is also a 5-minute walk if you'd prefer to skip the parking entirely. Written by Laura & BekFounders of LA-BEK, an Australian brand creating semi-cured gel nail wraps and UV-free gel nail wraps designed to make salon-quality nails simple, at home.

• Behind LA-BEK

and We Couldn’t Be More Excited We’ve been holding onto this news for a little while now… and it feels so good to finally say it out loud. On 1st February, we’re officially launching our brand-new LA-BEK UV-Free Gel Nail Wraps — and honestly, we could not be more excited to bring this new technology to our community. If you’ve been with LA-BEK for a while, you’ll know we don’t launch products lightly. Everything we create is tested, refined, and chosen with real life in mind. So when we say this range has been carefully developed, we really mean it. This launch isn’t about replacing anything you already love — it’s about adding more choice, more flexibility, and more ways to enjoy beautiful gel nails wherever life takes you. First things first: semi-cured gel nails are here to stay Let’s clear this up right away. Our semi-cured gel nails are not going anywhere. They remain our go-to for:• extra strength• long-lasting wear• nail growth• salon-level durability• manis that truly last through life If you love the ritual of applying, curing, and locking in that ultra-glossy finish — semi-cured is still your best friend. Our new UV-free range doesn’t replace them.It completes them. Different needs. Different benefits. Same LA-BEK quality. So… what is new? Our UV-Free Gel Nail Wraps are made from real gel, just like our semi-cured wraps — but they’re fully cured before they reach you. That means:• no UV lamp• no curing step• no waiting• no stress You simply peel, press, shape, and go. Because the gel is already cured in controlled factory conditions, the wraps stay stable on the strip. They won’t harden unexpectedly, and you don’t need to rush to apply them indoors or away from sunlight. And that’s where these really shine. Made for real life (and real plans) One of the biggest reasons we developed this range?You told us you wanted gel nails that fit around your life. Our UV-free gel wraps are perfect for:• travelling• holidays• weekends away• camping trips (yes — even campfire mani time 🔥)• quick changes between outfits• busy weeks when time is tight Because there’s no lamp involved, you can apply them anywhere — at home, in a hotel room, at a friend’s place, or even on the go. Why you’ll love the UV-Free range Here’s what makes these wraps so special:• Real gel, fully cured• No lamp required• Quick application (around 10 minutes)• Lasts up to 2 weeks with proper prep• Moves with your natural nail• Gentle, damage-free removal with cuticle oil or warm water• Vegan & cruelty-free• HEMA-free and TPO-free• Lightweight, flexible and comfortable• Perfect for travel and everyday wear They’re also incredibly versatile — including the ability to create 3D gem and layered effects, something that fully cured gel technology does beautifully. Launching with 23 colours (and more coming soon) We’re launching this range with 23 carefully curated colours — from easy everyday shades to fun pops that are perfect for outfit-matching and seasonal looks. And this is just the beginning. We already have more colours and finishes in development, because once you try these, we know you’ll want options (and we love giving you options). How to choose between semi-cured and UV-free? Think of it this way: Choose semi-cured gel nails when you want:• strength and structure• long-wear (up to 2+ weeks)• support for weak or growing nails• a premium, salon-style mani Choose UV-free gel nails when you want:• speed and convenience• no lamp• easy outfit or mood changes• a mani that fits around travel and plans• beautiful colour that lasts up to 2 weeks You don’t have to pick just one. Most of us won’t. Why this launch means so much to us At LA-BEK, we’re always thinking about how our customers actually live. Busy schedules. Holidays. Kids. Work. Last-minute plans. Wanting nice nails without it being a whole thing. This new UV-free range is about meeting you where you are — and giving you another way to feel polished, confident, and put-together, without pressure. ✨ Launching 1st February ✨We cannot wait for you to try them. SIGN UP TO GET EARLY ACCESS Make sure you’re signed up to our emails and following along — we’ll be sharing colour previews, tips, and launch details very soon. As always, thank you for being part of the LA-BEK community. We’re so excited for this next chapter — and we’re so glad you’re here with us. Sign Up Here

• Behind LA-BEK

At La-Bek, we believe beauty shouldn't come at the cost of the planet. From day one, we've been asking ourselves an important question — how can we make the at-home manicure experience better for you, and better for the environment? While we're not perfect (and sustainability is a journey), we're proud to be one of the few semi-cured gel nail brands putting waste reduction at the heart of what we do. Here's how we're making progress — and where we're headed next. Thoughtful Packaging Choices You've probably noticed that our nail sets don't come in fancy boxes or layers of unnecessary wrapping — and that's intentional. Pretty packaging often ends up in landfill after a single use, so we keep things simple, sleek, and minimal. Our mailers are made from recycled materials, and we've introduced soft plastic recycling at our HQ to make sure every piece that can be reused, is. Phasing Out Single-Use Tools We're gradually removing single-use items like prep pads from our kits. Instead, we're shifting toward reusable, washable options that last and giving our customers the options to choose what works nest for them. It's a small change that adds up over time, and we're committed to continuing to refine every element of our process. The La-Bek Send-Back Program One of the initiatives we're most proud of is our Send-Back Program — a return-to-recycle system for our customers.You can send back un-used nail strips, empty cuticle oil pens, and other recyclable components, and we'll make sure they're processed responsibly. It's an easy, practical way to enjoy your manis and still do something good for the planet. 👉 Learn more about the Send-Back Program here.Reusable, Washable, Better by Design Every time we create a new product — from our Precision Tweezers to our Cuticle Balm — we choose materials that are reusable, durable, and built to last. We're constantly looking for ways to reduce waste, rethink materials, and inspire more sustainable habits at home. Our Ongoing Commitment Sustainability isn't a trend for us, it's part of how we design, package, and think about every La-Bek product. We know there's always room to improve, and we're committed to taking those steps thoughtfully and transparently as we grow. Join Us on the Journey Watch our latest video to see how we're making La-Bek manis more sustainable.

• Behind LA-BEK

Two busy mums. One brilliant idea. And a game-changing approach to salon-quality nails. When Laura Wattie and Rebekah Drew first discovered semi-cured gel nail strips, they were hooked. As two time-poor, style-loving mums juggling work, kids, and the chaos of everyday life, they were searching for one thing: nails that looked amazing without the appointment. "We didn't have the time (or energy) to spend 90 minutes in a salon," says Rebekah. "And the cheap DIY options just weren't cutting it." But even the semi-cured strips on the market had their flaws — sizing issues, too thick or too thin, packaging that was hard to store, or poor quality that peeled after just a few days. So… they decided to fix it. From the Mornington Peninsula to Mailboxes Across Australia LA-BEK was born from a desire to create a better solution. One that was high quality, affordable, and actually fit into real women's lives. Laura and Bek spent months testing samples — ensuring that every product was something they'd proudly wear themselves. Their range quickly grew from a small launch collection to dozens of stunning colours, tools, and nail care essentials. "We want women to feel amazing without needing a babysitter, a huge budget, or a perfect schedule," explains Laura. And clearly, they're onto something. Salon Results. Zero Fuss. Today, LA-BEK is trusted by thousands of women across Australia who are swapping out expensive salon visits for fast, flawless manis at home. Their strips last 10–14 days, apply in minutes, and require zero dry time — with finishes that rival gel, without the damage. From neutral chic to glossy bold, LA-BEK now offers something for every mood, outfit, and occasion — along with cuticle care, top coats, and even nail stickers for next-level looks. It's More Than Nails. It's Me-Time. At the heart of LA-BEK is something simple but powerful: making time for yourself feel easy and fun. "It's not just about nails," says Rebekah. "It's about reclaiming a few minutes of peace, beauty, and joy — something just for you." Try It For Yourself LA-BEK's entire range is available online, with fast shipping, friendly support, and no subscriptions or strings attached. If you haven't tried semi-cured gel yet — or haven't loved it in the past — this is your sign. 🖤 Designed by women, for women.🖤 Zero hassle, max results.🖤 Affordable. Beautiful. Addictive. Explore the Collection →

• Behind LA-BEK

Make the most of every mani (and reduce waste while you're at it). At La-Bek, we're all about beauty that fits your real life — which means easy applications, longer-lasting manis, and less waste. If you've ever finished a manicure and found yourself with a few strips left over, don't toss them! Those little gems still have plenty of life left in them. Here are five ways to use up your leftovers and feel just as smug about saving the planet as you do about your perfect nails. 1. Give Your Toes Some Love Yes — you can absolutely use your La-Bek nail strips on your toes. Trim, stretch, and apply just like you would on your fingers. Cure, and you're good to go. (Pro tip: mix and match with your mani for a cute coordinating look.) 2. Mix & Match Colours Leftover Lavender Whip and a rogue Champagne Glitter? Sounds like a vibe. Use your extras to create accent nails, ombre effects, or even colour-blocked looks. One hand in one colour, one in another? We're not here to judge. We're here to cheer you on. 3. French Tips or Nail Art Cut your leftover strips into thin slivers to use as DIY French tips or nail art. Whether you're after a classic tip, a diagonal edge, or something a little more abstract, your extras are the perfect way to experiment. (Pro tip: use our gloss or matte top coats to protect your mani masterpiece.)) 4. Share with a Friend You can stretch them. You can cut them. You can even gift them. If you've got strips you know you won't use, why not share them with a bestie? A mini mani moment with your mum? A spontaneous toe makeover for your significant other (no shade)? Sharing is caring, and it helps reduce waste too. 5. Touch-Ups & Fix-Ups Always save a few strips for touch-ups — just in case life gets a little too hands-on. Got a chip? Lost a strip mid-swim sesh? Your leftover nail strips are ready to step in and save the day. A Little Goes a Long Way So before you think of tossing that last strip — think again. By finding ways to use every part of your La-Bek set, you're not just getting more bang for your buck — you're helping us on our mission to make beauty better for the planet. And if you're still not sure what to do with your leftovers? Our Send-Back Recycling Program is now live — return eligible items like the black backing sleeves, protective films, and empty cuticle pens to us for proper recycling. Learn more about that here → La-Bek is more than a mani. It's a movement.Thanks for being part of it ????

• Behind LA-BEK

At La-Bek, we've always believed in doing things differently — creating beautiful nails with minimal fuss and zero fluff. But now, it's time to do better not just for your nails, but for the planet too. Why We're Making a Change The beauty industry creates an incredible amount of waste, and we don't want to add to the problem. That's why we're starting to phase out some of the disposable items included with our nail kits — starting with single-use prep pads. What We're Phasing Out: ✂️ Prep pads: Customers can prep with polish remover, Isocol like polish remover, Isocol, or even just thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water — no extra packaging needed. ???? Excess packaging: We're continuing to ship our nail sets without unnecessary boxes, and we've introduced a TerraCycle soft plastic recycling program in-house. When Is This Happening? We're starting now — but you may still receive prep pads with your orders over the next few weeks while we use up existing stock. Once they're gone, they're gone for good. What's Coming Instead: We'll soon be launching high-quality reusable tools, a new cuticle balm, and a top coat — all thoughtfully packaged with sustainability in mind. This is just the beginning. We're the only semi-cured gel nail brand actively working toward lower-waste, more sustainable beauty — and we're so glad to have you with us. Let's do better together. ????

• Behind LA-BEK

Semi-cured gel nail wraps are a more considered choice for anyone thinking about the environmental impact of their beauty routine, and the reasons go beyond just the product itself. Fewer harsh chemicals Our wraps are non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free, formulated without the formaldehyde, toluene or DBP found in some traditional nail products. That's better for your nails, and it also means less of those chemicals going down the drain with every removal. Less frequent waste With proper application, wraps last up to two weeks. Compare that to reapplying liquid polish every few days, and you end up using far less product, and generating far less packaging waste, over the course of a year. A gentler removal process Traditional gel and acrylic removal often relies on acetone soaking, which means used cotton pads and foil wraps every time. Our oil-based removal method skips both. Recyclable packaging and a send-back program Our packaging is recyclable, and our Send-Back Recycling Program lets you post back backing sheets, protective film and empty Cuticle Oil Pens to be recycled through TerraCycle rather than sent to landfill. It's a small system, but it's one more way to close the loop on a product that would otherwise be considered single-use. Learn About Our Recycling Program