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Post by smalltowngirlie on Jul 28, 2014 21:40:15 GMT
What is the secret to a good at home manicure? I do not have the $$ to get a professional one, but want my nails looking good. It seems when I do my nails myself within a day or two the polish starts wearing off or pealing. I have tried doing a base coat first, a top coat, but they still didn't last long.
How often do you do your nails at home? What is your favorite nuetral color? What color do you feel is the most versatile?
I have easy access to Target, Walmart and Walgreens to get polis at, so if you have a favorite polish I can buy at any of these stores that would be even better.
Thanks for any advice or pointers.
Becky
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Post by krispin41 on Jul 28, 2014 21:42:05 GMT
Cleaning them really well helps me, with a bit of alcohol before I put the polish (or base coat on). But truthfully, I go and get a gel manicure...I can every three weeks (longer, but by then I am usually sick of the color), I just gave up my Starbucks to get them.
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Post by krispin41 on Jul 28, 2014 21:42:53 GMT
Oh and as for polish, I like the Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear. Lots of fun colors.
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sharlag
Drama Llama
I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy.
Posts: 6,580
Location: Kansas
Jun 26, 2014 12:57:48 GMT
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Post by sharlag on Jul 28, 2014 21:43:11 GMT
Only my left hand would look decent if I did my own. Maybe I could get a discount if I went in and had them do my right hand only?
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Post by Dictionary on Jul 28, 2014 21:46:52 GMT
I have to say even with a professional manicure mine only lasts about 1-2 days. I type and am hard on my hands so they chip. I do like to do touch ups so it's great to have your own nail color for that.
After you file and buff wash your hands and then use some polish remove and go over your nails to make sure they are super dry.
I like dark colors on my nails and prefer OPI (Lincoln Park after Dark, I'm with Brad, etc). I also find a clear coat with chunky glitter in it, is a great way to hide chipping nails and extend the polish for another week.
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MizIndependent
Drama Llama
Quit your bullpoop.
Posts: 5,836
Jun 25, 2014 19:43:16 GMT
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Post by MizIndependent on Jul 28, 2014 21:46:55 GMT
Nail polish thinner and a very good top coat. I use: Barielle Professional Gel Top Coat (it's just regular clear coat, not a Gel polish)
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Post by KikiPea on Jul 28, 2014 22:09:39 GMT
I have not found anything that works for me. I SUCK at home mani/pedis. I HAVE to pay for mine, unfortunately.
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stampstace
Junior Member
Posts: 74
Jun 27, 2014 0:14:00 GMT
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Post by stampstace on Jul 28, 2014 22:11:46 GMT
Honestly I had the same issue and finally gave up and started using Jamberry Nails. I have been using them for a while now. My manicures with them lasts between 12-15 days. They say pedicures will last up to five weeks but I have not tried my toes yet.
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Post by red88 on Jul 28, 2014 22:17:43 GMT
My oldest daughter just finished her nail schooling....I babysit her son, so free at home manicure! I haven't had one done by her yet, not time. But I will. If you can't afford a salon, try a cosmetology school, they are pretty cheap & students do a great job! I've seen a few of her manicures she's posted on FB & they are good. I've had the school do my toes & they turned out great, I think I paid 8.00 & then I left the student a 10.00 tip.
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Post by krispin41 on Jul 28, 2014 22:59:02 GMT
I have to say even with a professional manicure mine only lasts about 1-2 days. I type and am hard on my hands so they chip. I do like to do touch ups so it's great to have your own nail color for that. After you file and buff wash your hands and then use some polish remove and go over your nails to make sure they are super dry. I like dark colors on my nails and prefer OPI (Lincoln Park after Dark, I'm with Brad, etc). I also find a clear coat with chunky glitter in it, is a great way to hide chipping nails and extend the polish for another week. Ooooh I forgot about my Lincoln Park After Dark polish, a fave too...and I second the tip about the chunky glitter polish. Love me some glitter polish!!
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NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,856
Jun 25, 2014 21:53:42 GMT
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Post by NoWomanNoCry on Jul 28, 2014 23:04:38 GMT
Sheche Vite top coat. Changed my nail life lol. Also I have china glaze...OPI...Essie ...but the best polish I have used is the cheap Wet n Wild with the wide brush.
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calgal08
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,519
Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
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Post by calgal08 on Jul 28, 2014 23:04:54 GMT
Honestly I had the same issue and finally gave up and started using Jamberry Nails. I have been using them for a while now. My manicures with them lasts between 12-15 days. They say pedicures will last up to five weeks but I have not tried my toes yet. Jamberry Nails? What are these?
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Post by BuckeyeSandy on Jul 28, 2014 23:13:28 GMT
Another one going for the alcohol wipe before applying the base coat. Take your time, nail polish remover on a "q-tip" is your friend too.
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Post by transprntbutterfly on Jul 28, 2014 23:35:11 GMT
I followed This faux gel tand it works great and lasts about 10 days which is perfect for me.
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MizIndependent
Drama Llama
Quit your bullpoop.
Posts: 5,836
Jun 25, 2014 19:43:16 GMT
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Post by MizIndependent on Jul 28, 2014 23:38:55 GMT
I followed This faux gel tand it works great and lasts about 10 days which is perfect for me. "Schwebel’s says recalled bread poses no health risk"
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Post by MichyM on Jul 28, 2014 23:42:13 GMT
What is the secret to a good at home manicure? I do not have the $$ to get a professional one, but want my nails looking good. It seems when I do my nails myself within a day or two the polish starts wearing off or pealing. I have tried doing a base coat first, a top coat, but they still didn't last long. How often do you do your nails at home? What is your favorite nuetral color? What color do you feel is the most versatile? I have easy access to Target, Walmart and Walgreens to get polis at, so if you have a favorite polish I can buy at any of these stores that would be even better. Thanks for any advice or pointers. Becky I do my fingernails once weekly. I'm not familiar with what brands are at Walgreens or Walmart, but Essie (IMO) is a decent brand and I can get it at Target. The Essie Good To Go fast drying topcoat is pretty good too. I also have used Seche Vite topcoat. Start with a good basecoat on clean, completely dry nails with no polish remover, lotion, oil, or any other residue on them. Make sure that you apply all coats on the tips of your nails too. My favorite polish brands are Butter, Essie, Zoya, and OPI. Halfway through the week I end up doing an additional coat of color and another top coat to help prevent mid-week chipping. Right now I have an Essie color on that I applied last Tuesday night and I have very very little wear on my tips. The best cuticle remover I've ever used is Deborah Lippman (though I'm not a fan of their polishes). The cuticle remover is pricey, I think about $15 but it is THAT good. I've had the same bottle for about 15 months, and still have a month or so's worth of use out of it, so it's worth it to me. I do my cuticles about every three weeks. My favorite neutrals right now are: OPI Leotard Optional Zoya Lauren Zoya Pasha. Hope this helps a little!
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Post by Aheartfeltcard on Jul 28, 2014 23:55:41 GMT
Only my left hand would look decent if I did my own. Maybe I could get a discount if I went in and had them do my right hand only? Lol!
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Renee
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Jun 26, 2014 0:39:03 GMT
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Post by Renee on Jul 28, 2014 23:57:34 GMT
Kristina Werner has a nail blog. She has made videos showing how she does her manicures. Her nails always look beautiful!
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Post by JBeans on Jul 29, 2014 0:04:13 GMT
One thing that I would do is really make sure that you clean your nail bed thoroughly and make sure that cuticle is pushed back. Prep your nail bed with alcohol to make sure it is dry before applying polish. However, polish is going to chip within a day or two regardless. Also, after your mani, make sure that you are continuing to moisturize your hands daily. Use cuticle oil and hand lotion. As someone said, Jamberry nails will last longer than polish. They say you can get up to two weeks out of them, but I am hard on my nails and get about 10 days out of them. Honestly I had the same issue and finally gave up and started using Jamberry Nails. I have been using them for a while now. My manicures with them lasts between 12-15 days. They say pedicures will last up to five weeks but I have not tried my toes yet. Jamberry Nails? What are these? They are heat and pressure applied nail wraps. Heat with a hair dryer and smooth to the nail. They come in over 300 designs, from subtle to busy. Metallics, glitter, clear designs (that look great over top of polish), matte....you name it. If you go to www.anailrevolution.com you can see the designs. If you are in the US, ignore the pricing because it is lower than the Canadian prices that show up. Also, here are *my hands* with Jamberry nails on.
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IPeaFreely
Full Member
Posts: 389
Location: Castle Frankenstein
Jun 26, 2014 8:32:27 GMT
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Post by IPeaFreely on Jul 29, 2014 0:09:37 GMT
here are my tips
complete one hand, then the other so you always have a dry hand to use clean dry nals with alcohol, white vinegar or opi's skip the chip use base coat and quick drying top coat put a layer of quick drying top coat on every day
my manis last about 5 days. but I like doing my nails and change the color often
eta: i forgot my best tip--use a small artist brush and pure acetone to clean up around the cuticles.
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janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
Posts: 5,641
Jun 26, 2014 14:35:07 GMT
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Post by janeliz on Jul 29, 2014 0:19:59 GMT
I do my nails at home every week.
For me, the secret to a great looking and longer lasting home manicure is a good fast-drying topcoat. Seche Vite is awesome, but I've actually switched to NYC "In a New York Minute" clear topcoat. It's just as good as Seche Vite, IMO, and I think I pay about 2 bucks for it at Target.
While my nails are painted, I try to keep my cuticles moisturized. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter cuticle rub is the best. I highly recommend.
I have the best luck with Essie and Zoya polishes, but NYC Color polish isn't bad at all. Oh---and I think the Sinful Colors polishes are pretty good, too.
My favorite neutral/nude is Essie Mademoiselle. My favorite color for summer is Essie California Coral. I'm a fair skinned blonde, and it's the perfect coral-red for my skin tone.
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Post by candygurl on Jul 29, 2014 0:23:47 GMT
Clean nails Add base coat Paint first coat Paint second coat Add seche Vite
Done!
Also this was one of the main reasons I bought a DIY gel manicure set! My mani can last up to 2 weeks!
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Post by Zee on Jul 29, 2014 0:35:32 GMT
It's really a matter of finding the best base coat for you, and that's often trial and error. You might try a sticky basecoat like Orly Bonder. Or you might need a strengthener, or a moisturizing bc. I find my polish actually lasts just as long if I oil my nails before polishing, rather than making them as dry as possible. Let it sit, wipe off the excess, apply bc, polish, then a good quick dry top coat like Seche Vite or NYC Grand Central Station. Oiling them keeps my nails from peeling, plus I use Barielle with Argan Oil base coat (I get it at Sally's). The drier my nails are the worse the peeling and then my polish doesn't adhere as well. For me personally, I get the best wear out of Zoya creams. I also tried the new Revlon Gel Envy recently and got 8 days of wear with just two tiny, not noticeable chips before I got bored to death of the color and took it off. But Revlon bubbles on me and if you don't use base coat, as they advertise none is needed, done of the colors will stain your nails I'm going to try the newer "gel like" Sally Hansen next. These are polishes that aren't light-cured gels but use a tc that strengthens on its own, esp in sunlight (so, sort of UV cured, but a separate light isn't needed).
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Post by Zee on Jul 29, 2014 0:37:13 GMT
I should add: I'm not interested in gel manis because I get bored quickly and like to change colors every 1-3 days
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lisasahm
Junior Member
Basement cat is easily annoyed.
Posts: 81
Jul 10, 2014 23:08:59 GMT
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Post by lisasahm on Jul 29, 2014 0:53:00 GMT
All of these tips are great, but one I haven't seen mentioned is keeping your cuticles moisturized and using cuticle remover once in a while. Never cut your cuticles. I get sad when I see someone with a mani, but her cuticles are a dry mess. I want to give her a jar of coconut oil
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Post by peajays on Jul 29, 2014 1:02:20 GMT
Another trick to clean up your manicure when you're finished, is use a small flat eyeliner brush, dip it in your polish remover/acetone and touch up to get the polish off of your cuticles, or if you want, run it around the edges of your whole nail to expose just a tiny bit of natural nail (like you see in blog photos)
***DO NOT REUSE THE BRUSH FOR ANYTHING ELSE
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notime2
Shy Member
Posts: 22
Jun 26, 2014 12:32:55 GMT
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Post by notime2 on Jul 29, 2014 1:47:14 GMT
I can't ever seem to get my polish to dry! I paint my nails and no matter how long I wait I end up with sheet marks every time I go to bed. I've tried using one coat and it doesn't cover, two coats never seem to dry. Any thoughts on what might be causing this?
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Post by Zee on Jul 29, 2014 1:53:43 GMT
I can't ever seem to get my polish to dry! I paint my nails and no matter how long I wait I end up with sheet marks every time I go to bed. I've tried using one coat and it doesn't cover, two coats never seem to dry. Any thoughts on what might be causing this? Yes, you need a quick dry top coat as discussed earlier. It's a life-changer!
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Post by cropaholicnora on Jul 29, 2014 2:05:18 GMT
I get compliments on my nails all the time. After I remove my polish, I wash and dry my hands. I put on hand lotion and wait a couple of minutes. I use a tiny bit of remover to get the lotion off my nails, but be careful not to remove it from your cuticles. Next, add a base coat let it dry for about 5 minutes. Base coat gives a good foundation and minimizes discoloring. Next, I add a coat of OPI or China Glaze. If it needs a second coat, wait another 5 minutes and add a second coat. Within a minute of the final coat of color, I apply a light coat of Seche Vite. I read somewhere that Seche Vite needs to be applied when the last coat of polish is still wet. I very rarely get chips with this technique and usually switch out my polish every couple of weeks when the outgrowth makes them look bad or when I get sick of the color.
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calgal08
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,519
Jun 27, 2014 15:43:46 GMT
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Post by calgal08 on Jul 29, 2014 2:32:54 GMT
One thing that I would do is really make sure that you clean your nail bed thoroughly and make sure that cuticle is pushed back. Prep your nail bed with alcohol to make sure it is dry before applying polish. However, polish is going to chip within a day or two regardless. Also, after your mani, make sure that you are continuing to moisturize your hands daily. Use cuticle oil and hand lotion. As someone said, Jamberry nails will last longer than polish. They say you can get up to two weeks out of them, but I am hard on my nails and get about 10 days out of them. Jamberry Nails? What are these? They are heat and pressure applied nail wraps. Heat with a hair dryer and smooth to the nail. They come in over 300 designs, from subtle to busy. Metallics, glitter, clear designs (that look great over top of polish), matte....you name it. If you go to www.anailrevolution.com you can see the designs. If you are in the US, ignore the pricing because it is lower than the Canadian prices that show up. Also, here are *my hands* with Jamberry nails on. Oooooh, those look so much fun
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