This is the nail lamp I currently own. It's not big enough for 2 hands at the same time, which imo is the only downside (very compact). It's a beast so far as curing stuff though!
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This is the nail lamp I currently own. It's not big enough for 2 hands at the same time, which imo is the only downside (very compact). It's a beast so far as curing stuff though!
I have not done mine for ages they look bare.
Still going strong with the gels. Every 2-3 weeks just cutting my nails (I like to keep them short, just a bit over the finger), apply the gel and not having to worry.
My top favorite gels are from Born Pretty. I don't like Modelones anymore, they chip fast. This is what i use now https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...3d03433aqIp7v8 they are dirt cheap, i literally ordered 10 bottles and still using it 1 year later :))) Maybe because i keep my nails short and don't consume much.
I use base coat and top coat from a local brand, it's more expensive but i feel my nails last longer thanks to that. It's higher quality and it worth because it's the first that goes in contact with the nail.
I can come with a new answer, now that i got some experience. Apparently, it's your gel polish. You might use something that is not a good quality. I have been trying some brands and some do really burn when you put it under the lamp. Yes, it should heat a little, but it shouldn't burn that bad, unless it's a low quality.
To avoid getting lumpy nails, try to use thin layers and spread it well. Being gel, it doesn't dry and you can take your time spreading the gel evenly on your nail, as patient as you can and as long as you like. Just try to not overload the brush, always have liiiitle gel on it and eventually add extra, than trying to remove the excess from the nail.
Does anybody know what to ask for in the shop if you want poly gel? Do you just say poly gel or is it called something else professionally?
i think its that time of year again....... Essie Bordeaux time. just in time for fall :)
Attachment 55922
That color is nice. I love the dark colors in Fall/ Winter.
I do my nails with gel, but fuck me, I see those polygel compilations popping on my youtube and I am not tempted to buy a kit. I need to watch some tutorials for beginners and learn how to remove them with a drill.
Not sure if I wanna go for it, because even removing the gel and re applying, every 3 weeks is a pain in the ass for me. And I don't wanna go to salon because I can't stand the idea of sitting there for 2 hours, I rather do it at home, watching Netflix, like I do with the gels.
But meanwhile, I watch those compilations, they are a guilty pleasure lately:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gUAVWv8xoY
Edit: HOLY SHIIIIT!!! I need this mini UV lamp into my life!!! I usually stick 1 finger under the lamp, as I paint them, anyway. Sooo... I'll buy it asap!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000...63897698%21sea
I am a nail tech now so if you have questions lmk
OPI show us your tips.
I switched from polygel to soft gel (or soak off acrylic) nail extensions a while ago and my nails are definitely healthier. I've found that they almost always last longer as well (vs polygel). I've only had 1 come off ever and 1 broke, but out of probably 8 sets, that's not bad at all. Only downside is that you can't really fill them like polygel or acrylic & have to soak them off, then put a new set on. on the bright side, soaking them off usually takes under 30 minutes & in under 60 minutes total (including prep, application, & painting them) you have a new set that should last 3 weeks or so. There's also a TON less filing involved, which is nice.
I use the following:
Mia Secret Dehydrator/Primer
Apres extend soak off gel
So far as full cover nail tips, I've found that Makartt & Enailcouture both make really solid nails. I will say I have yet to try anything other than the clears from enail, so I'm not entirely sure how well the different color ones cure.
also, you'll want two lamps for this method. A small one to initially cure while you hold on the nail so no air bubbles pop in. then a larger lamp for end stage curing.
Top it all off with your favorite gel polish and you're in business!
In HS I had long nails that people always thought were fake. Fast forward some years later and now they get to a certain length and break. What should I do to prevent thatQuote:
Originally Posted by Pinksugardoll;
I don't like going to get my nails done, now. I would spend so much getting my nails done to get hired several times and didn't get hired. And I would spend so much on my nails and later disappointed in my results, from the cost, while working. Anyway, I will be entering an audition in a long while in New York hoping for the best outcome. I will just do my nails this time since I don't care to maintain it and the cost of. Lower effort, less burn out and more money in my pocket. I will treat entertaining as an in between gig or an extra stream of income, not my primarly, consistent source since lately it hasn't been too appreciative or good to me.
For those of you who do gel polish nails at home, DND Daisy is having a 20% off sale on everything. They are by far my favorite brand of gel polish! Their DC Platinum collection is amazing if you like shimmer that isn't chunky glitter.
I buff and file my natural nails and then paint top coat over it, or I use press-on french nails. I keep my nails/press ons on the short end so they don't get in the way of daily living. I work out a lot and use my hands, so don't want to risk getting the nails broken off.
I use IBD 5 Second Brush On Nail Glue, which is strong as fuck.
My latest enail haul came in (showed up in under 10 days, which is fast for where I live). Got some French almond nails like these:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/10...g?v=1614283309
Going to apply them tomorrow! I seriously love how durable soft gel nails are. Like it's so nice only worrying about doing your nails once every few weeks due to growth and not because they're chipping or breaking. Plus, it's so much cheaper than going to the salon & usually the outcome is (usually) better. For under $75, you can get set up pretty well with a gel polish set, lamps, soft gel glue, nail files, bond, and enough soft gel nails to last you 20+ sets. Can't imagine going back to acrylics or polygel at this point, especially with how much they beat up your natural nails.
^^^I saw someone on tiktok talking about how they do their nails is to instead of using nail glue and fake nails, they use curing gel with (clear) fake nails and they stay on forever. The next time one of my nails breaks and I need a tip instead of gluing one on I will cure it with my nail gel and see how it holds up.