Post by seven7devils on Jul 3, 2015 12:21:50 GMT -5
I pried my acrylic nails off the other day and I'm trying out the natural nail thing for a change. I also feel like it's more modern to have natural nails.
I have tried gel nails at the salon in the past, but they totally destroyed my nails. I would like my at-home manicure to last a little while. Do you guys have any recommendations for polish that lasts? Or techniques? It's been forever since I've done my own manicures.
I just picked up the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish and top coat. I applied it last night, so we'll see how long it lasts. Love the color, though! (of course I can't find a picture -- it's teal)
Post by callmehales on Jul 3, 2015 12:25:05 GMT -5
zoya wears the longest for me, and sally hansen is pretty up there. it's also a matter of finding a topcoat that works for you. my favorite is NYC in a new york minute in grand central station. it's a small bottle, costs like $2, and i use it up quick enough it never gets gloopy.
I took mine off...that I had for 15+ years...about 2 months ago and it was the best decision ever! I bought a protein polish (that someone here recommended) and it has done wonders for my natural nails--really only had acrylics to make my nails stronger. I do the protein polish (nailtiques formula 2) as a base, polish, and seche vite top coat. I usually have to redo my nails every 4 days when they start to chip.
These are all Indie brands so you wont find them in a store; they have to be purchased online.
www.llarowe.com is a good place to find a wide variety of international and indie brands.
For mass produced items Butter London PD Quick top works well and China Glaze base coat is decent. Avoid Seche Vite; it causes massive shrinkage with a lot of polish brands and it gets goopy really quick.
Buy ANY 3 colors, Get 3 FREE – Includes FREE Shipping! NOW – 7/4/15 (11:59pm EST)
USE CODE: 3FREE *Terms & Conditions Valid online only at www.zoya.com 6/26/15 – 7/4/15 (11:59pm EST). Excludes Zoya Treatments and the Naked Manicure System. Continental US and Canada ONLY.
It works for multiples of 3; so if you buy 6 polishes you will get 6 free. And typically if you spend over $50 you will get a polish trio for free plus a mini sized polish remover.
Post by treedimensional on Jul 4, 2015 10:18:05 GMT -5
I mostly wear my nails bare, but when I want color and shine, I use regular base coat (Orly Bonder) and regular polish, then one clear UV gel topcoat. My mani lasts longer than with regular topcoat but it's still pretty easy to remove.
The manicure combination I use, in order, is: [treatment, like Nailtiques if needed] Orly Rubberized base coat, 2 coats of polish (essie and OPI work best on my nails), one coat of Gelous Nail Gel base coat with the green cap [yes, it says base coat, but I find it seals my manicure if I use it at this step], and one coat of Poshe top coat. With this combination my manicures last 7+ days with minimal to no chipping.
Another vote for seche vite top coat. I use that on top of essie or zoya polish and I can get a week out of my home manicure. It helps to use a lighter sheer color. If it does chip, it is not as noticeable. I also wear gloves when I wash dishes to protect my nails.
They have something that you can put under gel that protects the nail while having the lasting affects of a gel manicure. I haven't tried it yet but plan on buzzing by CVS later to get it and try it out.