Fun with Nails!

[ashmamma84]

I like to try different things with my nails...especially so in the summer. What do you like to do to your nails? Do you create designs with paint or rhinestones?

This week my nails are "Geranium"...it's a red-like color by Essie, but I don't have any designs on them. I am getting a fill in and pedi tomorrow after work, so I'll snap a pic.

Bonus points if you post pics!

[Tracyarts]

I don't paint designs, but I use bright colors and glittery polishes in summer for fun. Especially on my toenails to show with sandals.

Tracy

[troubadours]

i've never been one for fake nails or really excessive decorative stuff on them, but recommendations would be appreciated if anyone knows of any good bright colored (like somewhat neon pink/aquamarine/yellow) nailpolishes that are long lasting!

[HottiMegan]

i have oily nail beds and cant do the fake nail thing (I've tried many times and they just peel off after a couple of weeks) I usually paint my nails with light pinks and sheer iridescent colors. My toes are always painted. I like bright, vibrant colors. Right now i have a dark blood red color i bought at Hot Topic.

[elle camino]

all my polishes are OPI since that's all the beauty supply by my house sells. if i had a choice i'd buy essie. that stuff NEVER PEELS.
anyways:

toes (at the moment):
http://www.kpc-b.com/product/collor/opi/brights/b31.jpg
flashbulb fuchsia

fingers (at the moment):
http://img.timeinc.net/instyle/images/2006/products/April/BBB/031706_opi_01b.jpg
lincoln park after dark

[Rowan]

Ooooh that Lincoln Park one is gorgeous!

I miss my acrylic nails :(

Toes right now...metallic deep blue. :D

[mossystate]

I stopped putting color on my fingernails, years ago...I prefer the natural look when I look at my hands....however...toes?....they get pretty colors..I love looking down and seeing beautiful hues against my pale skin. Right now, the toes are sporting a bright, berry color.

[kr7]

I stopped putting color on my fingernails, years ago...I prefer the natural look when I look at my hands....however...toes?....they get pretty colors..I love looking down and seeing beautiful hues against my pale skin. Right now, the toes are sporting a bright, berry color.

Me too! Exactly. :)

Chris

[BeaBea]

My hands :( I'm having really problems with them at the moment, they're peeling, splitting, getting hangnails, all sorts. They look a mess so I've clipped them all off really short so they look as neat as possible. I'm hoping they'll grow back to the nice, well behaved nails that they used to be.

My feet :) I hate seeing my feet naked so my toe nails are ALWAYS painted, usually pink or red. If it gets chipped and I dont have time to remove it completely I just paint on another, darker shade. If I'm wearing a deep plum colour its probably about six layers thick. Currently its the palest shade out of these four but all Leighton Denny polish rocks!

Tracey xx

[troubadours]

all my polishes are OPI since that's all the beauty supply by my house sells. if i had a choice i'd buy essie. that stuff NEVER PEELS.
anyways:

toes (at the moment):
http://www.kpc-b.com/product/collor/opi/brights/b31.jpg
flashbulb fuchsia

fingers (at the moment):
http://img.timeinc.net/instyle/images/2006/products/April/BBB/031706_opi_01b.jpg
lincoln park after dark


i am digging the fuchsia for sure!

[cherylharrell]

I love wearing all sorts of neat & unusual colors. Like blue, green, purple, brown red, yellow & even black. Sometimes I'l put another color or a sparkly polish over the top of it to make a new shade or look. Some folks like it others think it's weird lol. Here lately I've sometimes been forgetting to paint my nails. Right now they are candy apple red with sparkly stuff painted over top them...

[Tooz]

Lincoln Park After Dark = all fall and winter, alternating with white. I LOVE that color.

[SoVerySoft]

This thread seems like the perfect place for me to ask - is it a regional thing or are most women opting for french manicures rather than colored polishes nowadays?

I look around the women at work, and maybe 10% of the women have color, the rest are natural or french.

I notice this with hands - it is the reverse for feet - most have colors and a small percentage go french.

[kr7]

This thread seems like the perfect place for me to ask - is it a regional thing or are most women opting for french manicures rather than colored polishes nowadays?

I look around the women at work, and maybe 10% of the women have color, the rest are natural or french.

I notice this with hands - it is the reverse for feet - most have colors and a small percentage go frence.

I can speak only for college aged girls these days, since those are the ones I have most contact with on daily bases. But yes, it seems that fingernails are more natural these days, and toes are quite the opposite. I'm in the mid-Atlantic region, but in all honesty I couldn't say if this is the trend in the entire region or just my county. I haven't been anywhere for ages! I have no life since I went back to school! LOL!

Chris

[SocialbFly]

as a nurse, they make it almost impossible to wear anything anymore, when i do put something on, i like those peel and stick avon colors, believe it or not, they dont peel off and they chip lots less...so i basically cant wear any fingernail polish at work (cant be chipped at all, and has to be fresh, good grief!), and i cant have any fake nails (dangit) so my toes have to be my creative outlet, right now they are some OPI color that is hot hot pink...woooohooo

[Donna]

I've done color for years (I always asked for OPI when I used color as it seems to be the longest lasting,) but when I recently had my acrylics put back on after a three month break, my nail tech talked me into a set of pink and whites and I love the way they look. Loved it so much, in fact, I asked them to french manicure my toes as well. Next time, though, I think I will go back to my favorite toe polish....bright red.

[mpls_girl26]

I don't put any color on my finger nails. I have such short nails and my nail beds are also pretty short so I just don't do color. Clear coat is it or maybe a light light beigeish color.

My toes however.....are always red! I like OPI and wear Chick Flick Red and another one I think is called Big Apple Red or something like that.

I do NOT like the french pedicures that people do on their feet...yuck.

[kr7]

Yeh, you do have to be very careful with french pedicure. Some people make the white part too wide, and it makes you look like you have these looong talons. Eeeeewwwww!

Chris

[ashmamma84]

SVS - Alot of younger women (20's) that I've seen do rock the french manicure and do a brighter shade on the feet. In the summer, I normally do brighter shades on my hands, like white or hot pink...and I'll get a fun deco art on my toes like dots or a flower. For fall/winter, I like deep, rich plums, browns/bronze or reds.

I guess I'm a weirdo because I hardly ever wear french on my hands or feet.

[ashmamma84]

I've done color for years (I always asked for OPI when I used color as it seems to be the longest lasting,) but when I recently had my acrylics put back on after a three month break, my nail tech talked me into a set of pink and whites and I love the way they look. Loved it so much, in fact, I asked them to french manicure my toes as well. Next time, though, I think I will go back to my favorite toe polish....bright red.

Your pink and whites are cute -- do you have tips or an overlay? I just have a pink acrylic overlay...but I'm thinking of switching to gel.

[Ruby Ripples]

I don't put any color on my finger nails. I have such short nails and my nail beds are also pretty short so I just don't do color. Clear coat is it or maybe a light light beigeish color.

My toes however.....are always red! I like OPI and wear Chick Flick Red and another one I think is called Big Apple Red or something like that.

I do NOT like the french pedicures that people do on their feet...yuck.

Eww me neither, I think french pedicure just looks weird, like trying to make toenails look like fingernails!

[Ivy]

right now, mine are yellow with black tips. they were black with white tips before. i'm not big on fake nails (too much money for me), but i love funky nails.

[Shosh]

Hey Ash, I love getting my nails done. I just have a french polish on right now. As for nails I once saw a lady with a little hole drilled in to her nail. She had a small charm hanging from it.:)
Susannah

[Donna]

Your pink and whites are cute -- do you have tips or an overlay? I just have a pink acrylic overlay...but I'm thinking of switching to gel.

I guess they're tips? :confused: I am incredibly stupid when it comes to this stuff. They use a white acrylic powder and shape the tips, then fill in the bed part with a pink acrylic. They overlay that with a gel and I sit under the UV light for a few minutes.

The best part of the pink/white is that I don't have a long drying time. Once I have sat under the UV light for a few minutes, I am done. No more sitting for 20-30 minutes under the drying machine waiting for the polish to dry "hard" so I don't gouge or smudge it on the drive home.

As for nails I once saw a lady with a little hole drilled in to her nail. She had a small charm hanging from it

I used to do that....bloody little charm catches on EVERYTHING. I ruined more blouses, sweaters and nylons with that little charm.

[Sandie S-R]

This thread seems like the perfect place for me to ask - is it a regional thing or are most women opting for french manicures rather than colored polishes nowadays?

I look around the women at work, and maybe 10% of the women have color, the rest are natural or french.

I notice this with hands - it is the reverse for feet - most have colors and a small percentage go french.

Interesting Randi, I'm the same way. And from what I notice here in So Cal it is pretty much the same (so it is not regional). Most women have french, light colors or natural on the hands and bright colors on the feet...which is how I paint mine.

[ashmamma84]

Okay so I just got a fill in and pedi...I'll take a pic and then post. :)

[ashmamma84]

Okay so I know I'm a little...so sue me. These are my hands...

[SoVerySoft]

Okay so I know I'm a little...so sue me. These are my hands...

Absolutely lovely!!!

[ashmamma84]

Absolutely lovely!!!

Thanks, SVS! :)

As a side, I just noticed the little folds on the sides of my wrists...fat is so interesting some times.

[kr7]

Okay so I know I'm a little...so sue me. These are my hands...

God, Ash! You have beautiful hands. They look elegant.

Chris

[ashmamma84]

God, Ash! You have beautiful hands. They look elegant.

Chris

Thanks, doll!

[Shosh]

Okay so I know I'm a little...so sue me. These are my hands...

Ash we have the same nails!!!:) Very nice. Susie

[HottiMegan]

Okay so I know I'm a little...so sue me. These are my hands...

Those are lovely nails. When I'm ready to try fakies again, you'll have to give me some pointers on finding a good salon and what kind to get :) (i keep debating about trying it again.. )

[ashmamma84]

Thanks Susannah and Megan!

Oh and Megan, just let me know when you are headed to get them done...and I'll give you any tips (no pun intended) that you need. :)

[Tooz]

Well, lately I've been using my old Creative Nail Design stuff. It takes ages to dry, but this has been on for five days, and look: minimal chipping. I cook, I open soda cans, I do God knows what and it stands up.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a217/etooz/DSC00589sm.jpg

[BigCutieSasha]

right now, mine are yellow with black tips. they were black with white tips before. i'm not big on fake nails (too much money for me), but i love funky nails.

I used to do the black with white tips. I called it the naughty French tip! :)

[HottiMegan]

Thanks Susannah and Megan!

Oh and Megan, just let me know when you are headed to get them done...and I'll give you any tips (no pun intended) that you need. :)

I'm thinking of getting a set done next month, when swimming season is done. So you'll be getting a pm from me for tips and info when i get ready to do it. I'm thinking about asking a checker at my grocery store where she gets her nails done cuz they look really nice.

[Jes]

Well, lately I've been using my old Creative Nail Design stuff. It takes ages to dry, but this has been on for five days, and look: minimal chipping. I cook, I open soda cans, I do God knows what and it stands up.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a217/etooz/DSC00589sm.jpg

you have, to my mind, the perfect nails. lovely, lovely. nice shape and here's the key: you have a very long nail bed, so even when short, your nails look long. I have a very short nailbed and my nails, even when longer, always look stubby. and i hate it.

[bigsexy920]

My favorite color is Vixen It an Esse color i think .. im not sure .. but i like dark colors on my nails and toe nails sometimes i change it up to really light like Ballet Slipper . also an Esse color

i actually did a hot pink for Vegas .. I HATE it

[TraciJo67]

I've done color for years (I always asked for OPI when I used color as it seems to be the longest lasting,) but when I recently had my acrylics put back on after a three month break, my nail tech talked me into a set of pink and whites and I love the way they look. Loved it so much, in fact, I asked them to french manicure my toes as well. Next time, though, I think I will go back to my favorite toe polish....bright red.

I have the pink & white too, Donna ... and I love them. My only concern is that they are damn expensive to maintain. I'm paying $30 for a fill. I can't seem to find anyplace to do it for less, and I don't understand why acrylics are so much cheaper ($14 for a fill).

I do a french pedicure for the toes also. I really like the clean, fresh way it looks & it seems to last longer than a simple polish does.

[Tooz]

you have, to my mind, the perfect nails. lovely, lovely. nice shape and here's the key: you have a very long nail bed, so even when short, your nails look long. I have a very short nailbed and my nails, even when longer, always look stubby. and i hate it.

Oh, thank you! How sweet. :) I assure you, my nails look pretty stubby when they're cut short, really-- these have a little bit of the white part that grows up (and eventually gets clipped off). Have you tried pushing cuticles back? I use that trick a LOT to make my nails look longer. I have such short, stubby fingers that making my nails look a little longer offsets the stubbiness-- so I strive for it.

Edit: Also, I forgot-- sometimes, over time, clipping your nails SUPER short can sort of shorten your nail bed. Maybe let them grow out more/for longer periods of time? (Trying to think of helpful stuff)

[Jes]

Oh, thank you! How sweet. :) I assure you, my nails look pretty stubby when they're cut short, really-- these have a little bit of the white part that grows up (and eventually gets clipped off). Have you tried pushing cuticles back? I use that trick a LOT to make my nails look longer. I have such short, stubby fingers that making my nails look a little longer offsets the stubbiness-- so I strive for it.

Edit: Also, I forgot-- sometimes, over time, clipping your nails SUPER short can sort of shorten your nail bed. Maybe let them grow out more/for longer periods of time? (Trying to think of helpful stuff)

might be right, but i'm screwed now. a whole childhood/adolescence of chewing my nails off has ruined a lot of possibilities!

[ashmamma84]

My favorite color is Vixen It an Esse color i think .. im not sure .. but i like dark colors on my nails and toe nails sometimes i change it up to really light like Ballet Slipper . also an Esse color

i actually did a hot pink for Vegas .. I HATE it

I like sheer colors too, but the hot pink sounds cute....

[Tooz]

might be right, but i'm screwed now. a whole childhood/adolescence of chewing my nails off has ruined a lot of possibilities!

Well, it's never too late to try! My best friend feverishly bit her nails until she was 21 or 22. She's since stopped (she'll be 24 in November) and her nails have changed a LOT.

[Ruby Ripples]

I've always wanted to have a professional manicure and pedicure, although the pedicures here are only having the toenails painted etc, no foot work happens. They are way out of my budget though, expensive here, so to get my nice long nails I love to stop my hands looking like fat baby hands, I buy cheapy cheap fake nails on ebay and glue them on, theyre about the equiv of $3 a pack of 20, and I think they look as good as a salon manicure! Well... if you don't look too closely! :p

[ashmamma84]

I've always wanted to have a professional manicure and pedicure, although the pedicures here are only having the toenails painted etc, no foot work happens. They are way out of my budget though, expensive here, so to get my nice long nails I love to stop my hands looking like fat baby hands, I buy cheapy cheap fake nails on ebay and glue them on, theyre about the equiv of $3 a pack of 20, and I think they look as good as a salon manicure! Well... if you don't look too closely! :p

You did that yourself?! You have more skill than me, that's for sure! They look lovely!

[Isa]

I've always wanted to have a professional manicure and pedicure, although the pedicures here are only having the toenails painted etc, no foot work happens. They are way out of my budget though, expensive here, so to get my nice long nails I love to stop my hands looking like fat baby hands, I buy cheapy cheap fake nails on ebay and glue them on, theyre about the equiv of $3 a pack of 20, and I think they look as good as a salon manicure! Well... if you don't look too closely! :p

Those look beautiful! I've always wondered about the quality of the stick/glue ons I see in the store.

I've recently went back to my fakies after obliterating my natural nails over the past several months and my hands look so much better. Went with the natural look as I have no patience anymore for sitting around the shop waiting for polish to dry. My toes dry much quicker so they are a dark red right now. I finally took a chance there, trying something different from my usual browns and have been very pleased with it.

[GWARrior]

Ive always been a wicked nail-biter... still am actually. But over this summer, I started getting into painting my nails (I had a lot of fun with a black marker and clear polish!).

unforutnately, with my job working for a dog groomer, i spend a lot of time bathing dogs, making the polish peel off. :(

and i really really suck at painting my nails. im horrible at it.

[Kimberleigh]

Normally this time of year I have shredded nails from working in the garden. I found a pair of fabulous gloves this spring, and have had nails all summer. :D
It's hard to tell in the photo, but the color is called Love Letters, it's pale pink, I forget the brand. The toenails are currently a Loreal metallic purple called Barefoot Babe.

[Tooz]

Holy crap-- are those your real nails? Mine peel and split before they ever get that long.

[Half Full]

I have the pink & white too, Donna ... and I love them. My only concern is that they are damn expensive to maintain. I'm paying $30 for a fill. I can't seem to find anyplace to do it for less, and I don't understand why acrylics are so much cheaper ($14 for a fill).

I do a french pedicure for the toes also. I really like the clean, fresh way it looks & it seems to last longer than a simple polish does.

Pink and Whites are much more expensive because they require lots more work...you can't just clip off the old acrylic and do a fill, you have to file out the white and refill that, then fill the pink from the cuticle. You have to do it that way to maintain a balanced, natural looking pink to white ratio. It's twice as labor intensive as plain acrylics. (I'm not a nail tech, just always been into nails :D )

[Half Full]

I like to try different things with my nails...especially so in the summer. What do you like to do to your nails? Do you create designs with paint or rhinestones?

This week my nails are "Geranium"...it's a red-like color by Essie, but I don't have any designs on them. I am getting a fill in and pedi tomorrow after work, so I'll snap a pic.

Bonus points if you post pics!

Two of my recent maincures. These are my real, natural nails with nothing on em but polish and I do my own manicure once every 2 - 3 weeks. I can make the polish last that long cause I use Seche Vite as a topcoat and it ROCKS!
(I have a knitting blog and we were posting pics of "Knitting and Knails" if you're wondering about why I have nail pics :D )

Pink and White, the pink being a shimmery light pink (Essie for the white and OPI Brights collection, "And This Little Piggy..." for the pink.)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/FluffyKnitterDeb/P1020028.jpg


OPI, "You Red My Mind"

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/FluffyKnitterDeb/P1020107.jpg

I'm currently wearing OPI Brights Collection, "Pink Before You Leap" another, slightly darker, shimmery pink. I like light, bright polishes for summer, I save all my deep berry, fuschia and reds for the winter mostly. I almost exclusively wear frosted/shimmer polish and my toes are almost always nekkid :eek:

[Sandie S-R]

I started wearing acrylics back in the 70s when they first showed up in salons in Colorado. I wore them clear up until 6 months ago. Rachael and I used to go and get our nails and toes done every two weeks. It was our Mommie/Daughter time. Our salon charged $30 for a full set, and $15 for fills for frenchtips with acrylic overlay, which is what we both always did. We like the french for our fingers and bright colors on the toes. The Spa pedicures are $18. She and I just got tired of going and decided to take ours off and let our natural nails grow out. I'm surprised that I really like my natural nails so much. They are strong and grow well, rarely chip or break, and look pretty nice I think. I still go for pedis, but am happier with my shorter natural nails. Here is how they look tonight (I just polished them with OPI).

[TraciJo67]

Pink and Whites are much more expensive because they require lots more work...you can't just clip off the old acrylic and do a fill, you have to file out the white and refill that, then fill the pink from the cuticle. You have to do it that way to maintain a balanced, natural looking pink to white ratio. It's twice as labor intensive as plain acrylics. (I'm not a nail tech, just always been into nails :D )

I know that it's more labor intensive, but I'm not sure about doubly so. I've used acrylics in the past, and it took nearly as long to get a fill (unless I didn't need them cut down). But then again, I'm not the one cutting and scraping and filing and brushing and dealing with nasty chemicals all day long.

Sandie - I've tried many times to use my natural nails, but the problem is, after taking the acrylics off, they are very weak & flexible. They break off so easily. Your nails look healthy & hard. How long did it take to get them in that condition? Did you do anything special to them to help them grow stronger?

[Shosh]

Hey Ash, This week my nails are electric blue!! They look ace too!:) Susannah

[Sandie S-R]

I know that it's more labor intensive, but I'm not sure about doubly so. I've used acrylics in the past, and it took nearly as long to get a fill (unless I didn't need them cut down). But then again, I'm not the one cutting and scraping and filing and brushing and dealing with nasty chemicals all day long.

Sandie - I've tried many times to use my natural nails, but the problem is, after taking the acrylics off, they are very weak & flexible. They break off so easily. Your nails look healthy & hard. How long did it take to get them in that condition? Did you do anything special to them to help them grow stronger?

Hey TraciJo...

Yeah the first couple of weeks they were a little soft, but after that they did wonderful, much better than I expected. I do 2 things to keep them strong and not breaking. 1., always keep them polished. I use 2 coats of polish and a strong top coat. As soon as I see any chips, I take off the polish and re-polish (usually about every 5-6 days). I must admit that I have to polish more with naturals than with Acrylics, but it's the trade off. :) 2., I drink a soy protien shake every day with lunch. It has helped my hair and nails like you can't believe. Great stuff!!

So, those are my secrets.

[Half Full]

Here is how they look tonight (I just polished them with OPI).


You have lovely nails Sandie, you don't need acrylics!

[Half Full]

Sandie - I've tried many times to use my natural nails, but the problem is, after taking the acrylics off, they are very weak & flexible. They break off so easily. Your nails look healthy & hard. How long did it take to get them in that condition? Did you do anything special to them to help them grow stronger?

The primer that your tech puts on your nails prior to applying the acrylic is acid designed to eat little "holes" into your nail to give the acrylic something to adhere to. When you take your acrylics off they will always be soft and weak :(

The "secret" to long natural nails is of course a healthy diet, genetics and MOISTURE. You don't want hard nails, you want flexible nails that will survive life's daily assult without breaking. Moisturize your nails buy appllying lotion at least once daily and massaging some cuticle oil in at least once a week plus drinking lots of water. As Sandie said, keeping them polished with a good top coat is essential. ( I heartily recommend Seche Vite! - you can find it at most beauty supply stores and online)

You can use a nail hardener after your acrylics come off but once your nails are back to their pre-acrylic state, most hardeners make your nails too hard vs. flexible and they break.

Hope this helps :D

[angel-1]

Okay so I know I'm a little...so sue me. These are my hands...

It must be a great pleasure to be touched by those hands.

[latinshygirl92377]

oh wow i hadnt seen this thread,,,,its really cool! i like doing my own nails,i think its kinda safer...but anyhow this is the kinda thing i like to do
these are my nails,

By the way girls such pretty nails!:bow:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a362/phoeberocha/nails.jpg

[angel-1]

I've always wanted to have a professional manicure and pedicure, although the pedicures here are only having the toenails painted etc, no foot work happens. They are way out of my budget though, expensive here, so to get my nice long nails I love to stop my hands looking like fat baby hands, I buy cheapy cheap fake nails on ebay and glue them on, theyre about the equiv of $3 a pack of 20, and I think they look as good as a salon manicure! Well... if you don't look too closely! :p

Ms. Ruby, Oh Ms. Ruby, oh, OH Ms. Ruby, DAMN!!! Is there a part of you that isn't gorgeous?

[Shosh]

Hey Ash,

I am so addicted to getting my nails done. I spend a fortune on them. This week I had them paint on a new color. It is a Jade green. It sounds really unusual but they look really pretty.
I have the little butterfly stick ons that I put on my nails, then I go over them with a top coat to seal it on to the nail. I enjoy having my nails done.

[bexy]

oh wow i hadnt seen this thread,,,,its really cool! i like doing my own nails,i think its kinda safer...but anyhow this is the kinda thing i like to do
these are my nails,

By the way girls such pretty nails!:bow:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a362/phoeberocha/nails.jpg

omg are those dice and hearts on ur nails!?!? girl ur talents in make up are surreal!
my nails are always the same, short and painted black, occasionally with glitter lol!

[latinshygirl92377]

omg are those dice and hearts on ur nails!?!? girl ur talents in make up are surreal!
my nails are always the same, short and painted black, occasionally with glitter lol!

BEXY!!!! You are soo Fabulous! I love your comments. I have done soo many different styles on my nails but i never took pictures except for that one..but i promise i will work on my nails very soon and take some pics of them. Just for you to see them....hugs Bexy!:kiss2::)

[Shosh]

oh wow i hadnt seen this thread,,,,its really cool! i like doing my own nails,i think its kinda safer...but anyhow this is the kinda thing i like to do
these are my nails,

By the way girls such pretty nails!:bow:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a362/phoeberocha/nails.jpg


Phoebe your nails look awesome.:) I love getting mine painted all kinds of colors and having all kinds of designs on them.

Shoshie

[Friday]

How much does a manicure and a paint job on natural nails run? Although my nails grow well (when I'm not chewing) and seem to be fairly sturdy, a paint job won't last me more than two days before the color literally starts wearing off the tips because of all the mail I handle. The paper is just hell on the polish. Would professional polish last longer? I use both a base and a top coat.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l94/ShariSez/P1000623.jpg

They're a little yellow because they're painted all the time but if I don't paint, I chew. Slapping color on now.

[Suze]

How much does a manicure and a paint job on natural nails run? Although my nails grow well (when I'm not chewing) and seem to be fairly sturdy, a paint job won't last me more than two days before the color literally starts wearing off the tips because of all the mail I handle. The paper is just hell on the polish. Would professional polish last longer? I use both a base and a top coat.



They're a little yellow because they're painted all the time but if I don't paint, I chew. Slapping color on now.

I use both cheap and expensive polish and haven't really seen a difference. What I do is wearing glossy/light colors rather than the other stuff. (can't.find.the.right.word.:rolleyes:)

[bexy]

How much does a manicure and a paint job on natural nails run? Although my nails grow well (when I'm not chewing) and seem to be fairly sturdy, a paint job won't last me more than two days before the color literally starts wearing off the tips because of all the mail I handle. The paper is just hell on the polish. Would professional polish last longer? I use both a base and a top coat.

They're a little yellow because they're painted all the time but if I don't paint, I chew. Slapping color on now.

if and when i do go to get my nails done, i go to the beauty college, as my friend is a hairdressing student there and recommended it to me. i can get a full hand massage, manicure and paint for around £5!! so maybe theres a cosmetology (is that what they call it in the states?) school near u?

[bexy]

BEXY!!!! You are soo Fabulous! I love your comments. I have done soo many different styles on my nails but i never took pictures except for that one..but i promise i will work on my nails very soon and take some pics of them. Just for you to see them....hugs Bexy!:kiss2::)

i want u over here doing my nails NOW! with dice on! sooooooooo cool cant wait to see more pics! xox

[latinshygirl92377]

i want u over here doing my nails NOW! with dice on! sooooooooo cool cant wait to see more pics! xox

Bexy! I'd Love to go do your nails.....:)...but since i cant well here is as promised some more pics of my nails......they dont look great but i liked them!

hope you enjoy!
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a362/phoeberocha/nailss.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a362/phoeberocha/naillss2.jpg

:):happy:

[ashmamma84]

Shoshie, you should post a pic of your hands...I'm interested in seeing the color. :)


And Friday, you have lovely hands. Your nails look so healthy and strong.

[Friday]

Thank you Ash.

And thanks for the idea Bex, there are a ton of schools around here. I'll check before we go th Reno next month.

[sunnie1653]

I used to always have pink & whites on my hands.. took the fakies off for about 6 months then just had them redone yesterday. :D I usually a red/pink color on my toes (I do at-home pedicures.. <3 them.) But this week I put that Lincoln Park color on. I love it!!!

[Shosh]

I took my fakies off last week because they were hurting. I had been having them done for a year, and I decided that it was time for them to come off. I am going to grow my own nails. It may be healthier and cheaper.I am on a budget now.:(
I do like the look of the fakie french nails though.:)

Any good products for rejuvenating my own nails?

Thanks

S

[ashmamma84]

I took my fakies off last week because they were hurting. I had been having them done for a year, and I decided that it was time for them to come off. I am going to grow my own nails. It may be healthier and cheaper.I am on a budget now.:(
I do like the look of the fakie french nails though.:)

Any good products for rejuvenating my own nails?

Thanks

S

Sally Hansen, OPI, and Creative all have products that will help rejuvenate your nails/cuticles. However I'd suggest for the first mani, go to a professional and have them give you a service. After that, you'll be able to maintain them on your own with no problem.

[thatgirl08]

I love acrylics on my fingers. I usually get white tips but I occasionally get teal, blue, pink or black tips to spice it up. I pretty much have to have fake nails because I can't stop myself from biting my real nails, so they always look crappy unless I have fake ones on. Right now I just have sparkly pink polish on my toes.

[ashmamma84]

I love acrylics on my fingers. I usually get white tips but I occasionally get teal, blue, pink or black tips to spice it up. Right now I just have sparkly pink polish on my toes.

I love my acrylic too...it's funny because I'm natural (so to speak) when it comes to alot of other things. lol

Right now I have Essie's High Maitenance on my hands and OPI's MonSooner or Later on my feet.

[Ivy]

I love acrylics on my fingers. I usually get white tips but I occasionally get teal, blue, pink or black tips to spice it up. I pretty much have to have fake nails because I can't stop myself from biting my real nails, so they always look crappy unless I have fake ones on. Right now I just have sparkly pink polish on my toes.

i'm the same way! i bite my real nails and they always look disgusting. acrylics save me from having gross looking hands.

my nails are always, always, always black with either a white french tip, a gold tip with a line of silver glitter underneath, gold glitter over the black polish, a clear nail with a black french tip and a line of gold glitter under the black or have gold and silver designs with or without rhinestones. i pretty much just alternate between those. i'm kinda boring like that.

my toes are also always black, usually with gold glitter.

[Sandie S-R]

i'm the same way! i bite my real nails and they always look disgusting. acrylics save me from having gross looking hands.

my nails are always, always, always black with either a white french tip, a gold tip with a line of silver glitter underneath, gold glitter over the black polish, a clear nail with a black french tip and a line of gold glitter under the black or have gold and silver designs with or without rhinestones. i pretty much just alternate between those. i'm kinda boring like that.

my toes are also always black, usually with gold glitter.

Show us a pic Ivy, this sounds very pretty.

[Ivy]

Show us a pic Ivy, this sounds very pretty.

here are my toes right now!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/ivy_bbw/Photo70.jpg

this picture is from a month or two ago, my nails need touched up right now, so i'm not going to post a picture of them.. hehe

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/ivy_bbw/Photo58.jpg

[Sandie S-R]

Very pretty, my dear. Thanks for sharing the pics!!

[Shosh]

Sally Hansen, OPI, and Creative all have products that will help rejuvenate your nails/cuticles. However I'd suggest for the first mani, go to a professional and have them give you a service. After that, you'll be able to maintain them on your own with no problem.


Thanks.:) Will do.

The only problem with fakies is that they can do serious damage to your own nails once you take them off, as I have found. It will take a while to get my own nails looking healthy again.

[Shosh]

Hi,

Does anybody get hangnails? You know when the skin detaches from the cuticle? I seem to get them all the time, and I do not know why. They can be so painful too.

Does anybody know what to do to stop it from happening?

[BeaBea]

Hi,

Does anybody get hangnails? ..... Does anybody know what to do to stop it from happening?

All the time, and yes, they are very painful. The only thing that works for me is to push my cuticles back every single day after my morning shower and then moisturise, moisturise, moisturise after every hand wash and all through the day. It's boring but prevention is better than cure.

Tracey xx

[No-No-Badkitty]

Sadly, my profession, would never allow me to maintain nails. That and I am an incouragable tom-boy who digs in the mud, fishes, gardens, land scapes and builds....I could never have pretty nails. Hell I can't even grown them out past my finger tips or I start catching them on things and ripping them loose.

[Shosh]

I am thinking of getting a full set of French tip nails to wear for my brother's wedding in February.

I have had my acrylics off for six months now, and while my nails are very healthy, they are brittle on the ends.

I may just get the set and take them off again after the wedding, or let them just grow out.

[IdahoCynth]

I am not much of a "girl", and haven't ever really done my nails, but lately I have been having fun with these (http://www.konadnailart.com/index1.html).

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/Cynorita/misc/nails.jpg

My daughter is happy that I did some "girl stuff" :)

[Shosh]

I am not much of a "girl", and haven't ever really done my nails, but lately I have been having fun with these (http://www.konadnailart.com/index1.html).

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/Cynorita/misc/nails.jpg

My daughter is happy that I did some "girl stuff" :)


Cute!:) I like nail art.

[electra99]

When I was younger I never thought I would be a woman who had her nails done, but once I started I found it hard to stop. I also usually go for French on the fingers and a color on my toes.

I used to have traditional acrylic nails but switched to gels about a year ago. The gel nails are a little more expensive to maintain, but I have found that my natural nails are not as damaged as they were when I was getting the acrylics done. Also they are a little lighter and have a thinner application, so they look and fell more natural than the acrylics did. When I first got the gel nails, I was having a problem with them breaking all the time but now that I found the right salon I can usually go 3 weeks between fills without a problem.

Has anyone ever had silk nails? I have never had them and was wondering what they are like.

[succubus_dxb]

I've had silks done for a few special occasions and they were great. Apparently they're harder to maintain than gels/acrylics - guess I can't compare. Mine lasted a good 2 months, I 'filled' them myself. lol.

As an artist I can't really have my nails very long, and typically don't paint my fingernails, just toes.

[Weeze]

This thread is not good for me.
I have totally been wanting to go get mine done again and then this shows up.
Divine message?
I think so.

[Cors]

I used to keep my fingernails short, well-filed and unvarnished when I was with my ex. When we broke up, one of the first things she said was that I can have my salon talons again!

I have been growing them out since. They are at a decent length now and I regularly give myself manicures. Mostly French (OPI Bubble Bath, Alpine Snow tip), surprisingly easy with Nailene Perfect Tip guides and they last for up to two weeks. Occasionally I paint them red to go with my toenails. My faves: OPI I Am Not Really A Waitress, Vodka and Caviar.

[AnnMarie]

My nails are generally short, very brittle, some ridges, etc. Pain in the butt, they never look BAD, but rarely look good.

Years ago I got a set of gel nails at a salon about 2.5 hours away (went with a friend) and they were the best fakes I've ever had. I don't like much length, I have too much to do with my hands. When I had these done years ago I had a white sculpted tip put on with gel, so no tip glued on, just made from white gel. It was fantastic...loved it.

Lately I've been thinking about doing it again, but it's very hard to find someone who does gels around my area. Even when I could find one, no one did sculpted tips with them.

Finally I just found a woman who runs a tiny salon out of her house - all word of mouth business. She's fantastic and I had her put on a set of gels over a week ago and they still look great. I'm really happy with them.

I'm a horrible picker at fake nails, but so far nothing. As long as they don't lift, I tend to leave them be, but acrylics always lifted on me, and they were just so thick, I never liked the finished look.

The gels are great... I prefer a french on my hands, so I got a french with white gel, and it's just over my own nails. I don't want tips glued on, so we're just going to keep doing these as my nails grow out a little bit. I don't want them over fingertip length, so not far to go anyway.

They stay shiny, haven't chipped but one tiny spot and I just sealed it up with a little glue to make sure water doesn't keep getting under there.

My lady charges $30 for the set, the repairs are free if needed, and she does a new full set every time you go - no fills. She said it's the only way she's happy with how they come out. She also does pedicures, so eventually I may start those for summer.

I have cabbage patch hands, which I think are cute, but it's nice to put something a little more girlie on them - here's a pic.

[Miss Vickie]

AnnMarie, I'm glad to know I'm not the only fake nail picker out there. That, plus the fact that artificial nails are not allowed at work, is why I gave up. Plus, my natural nails are so thin that the grinding they do to rough them up hurt. The heat build up was awful and I feared they'd go right through my nail.

Yours look so cute. Natural and feminine. Very nice. I hope you keep loving them and that they wear nicely for you.

[AnnMarie]

Thanks, Vicki.

Yeah, the grinding scares me to death because my nails are pretty thin anyway. The woman I just went to didn't use any tool for roughing, just a regular file. She said with gels that's all that is required because they're not thick... so there was really no thinning at all, and no burning. She only used one tiny tool, this itty bitty little tip that worked down my cuticles a bit, but it was just the smallest little thing and just made some dust... you couldn't even feel it and it left no damage on my actual nail. Wonderful!!

I totally understand why nurses can't have fake nails, makes sense to me. However, I'm really enjoying these so far, so I'm going to see how long I can keep them up. I'm really not good at anything that's a regimen... so let's see if a zebra can change its stripes. :)

[Weeze]

Got mine done this afternoon! haha.
So cute :)
love my pink and whites :)

[Miss Vickie]

Thanks, Vicki.

Yeah, the grinding scares me to death because my nails are pretty thin anyway. The woman I just went to didn't use any tool for roughing, just a regular file. She said with gels that's all that is required because they're not thick... so there was really no thinning at all, and no burning. She only used one tiny tool, this itty bitty little tip that worked down my cuticles a bit, but it was just the smallest little thing and just made some dust... you couldn't even feel it and it left no damage on my actual nail. Wonderful!!

I totally understand why nurses can't have fake nails, makes sense to me. However, I'm really enjoying these so far, so I'm going to see how long I can keep them up. I'm really not good at anything that's a regimen... so let's see if a zebra can change its stripes. :)

Sounds like you found a great alternative then, if they don't have to grind. I swear that scared the daylights out of me, and it hurt, too.

I hope you're able to keep those nails. I'm like you -- not so good at regimens. One of the reasons I let my eye lash extensions go by the wayside. Anything that requires I be in a salon every three weeks is just so not doable for me. I'd much rather get a massage with my time and money.

[ashmamma84]

Got mine done this afternoon! haha.
So cute :)
love my pink and whites :)

post a pic, girlie! i am so overdue for a fill in, it's ridiculous...oh well, i'll get around to it shortly. :rolleyes:

[Shosh]

I am def going to get a set of gels I think for my brother's wedding. The acrylics damage your nails too much.

[TraciJo67]

I am def going to get a set of gels I think for my brother's wedding. The acrylics damage your nails too much.

Both are equally damaging, Susannah ... unfortunately. It's the artificial plastic layered over your natural nail bed that causes the most problems, in terms of possible infections, softening the nails themsleves, etc.

The gels are easier in terms of application, but just as damaging in the long run. Also, a lot more expensive --- at least, here in the U.S. they are.

[Shosh]

Both are equally damaging, Susannah ... unfortunately. It's the artificial plastic layered over your natural nail bed that causes the most problems, in terms of possible infections, softening the nails themsleves, etc.

The gels are easier in terms of application, but just as damaging in the long run. Also, a lot more expensive --- at least, here in the U.S. they are.

Really? I thought the gels were less damaging for some reason. I may just have them for the wedding and then let them grow out and not get them filled again.

[Krisha]

I like to try nail painting and the artificial nail too but i think it is very expensive and hard to maintain.

[Lady at Large]

Back when I was a hairstylist I always wore acrylic nails filed nice and square and used OPI color "Needles in a Haystack" which I LOVED, or I would have a french tip air brushed on. I miss those day...now I have the ugliest short cut nails...*sigh*

[Weeze]

Pictures, as requested :)
Toes:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/sockittome08/007-2.jpg

Fingers:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/sockittome08/008.jpg

[ashmamma84]

Pictures, as requested :)
Toes:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/sockittome08/007-2.jpg

Fingers:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/sockittome08/008.jpg

Very cute, darlin'! :)

[AnnMarie]

I got my second set the other day, figured I'd show the progress. Just trying to get them a little longer. She said I did really well at keeping them in good condition (and I didn't pick!! miracle!).

[Sandie_Zitkus]

I got my second set the other day, figured I'd show the progress. Just trying to get them a little longer. She said I did really well at keeping them in good condition (and I didn't pick!! miracle!).

Oh AnnMarie they are so cute. My hands are short and my fingers too so I never bother with them. Very cute tho.:)

[george83]

I'm very boring when it comes to nails, for a start I hate long nails always have I'd go as far as saying I have a phobia of long nails lol. They dont even have to be that long for them to creep me out just past your finger tip is long to me.

I paint my nails as often as I can but have to take it off when I'm going to work, hell even the girls in my work are not allowed to wear it or make up for that matter.

I mainly paint my nails black but this week I have went for a metallic blue

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/quitebitterbeing/nails.jpg

[Tania]

I've been jonesing for french manicure lately, but I can't go there until I grow out my two car-door-and-window casualties.

I did do my "Not Really A Waittress" red last week, though. I love that color.

[Cors]

I've been jonesing for french manicure lately, but I can't go there until I grow out my two car-door-and-window casualties.

I did do my "Not Really A Waittress" red last week, though. I love that color.

Best OPI red! Mine and Ashley's favourite! My nails are either painted with that, or French.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/huizieee/IMG_5418.jpg
Excuse puffy toes, they look silly after a day out in heels.

[Tania]

ROCK ON! Best. Color. Ever.

If they ever pull Waitress, I'm gonna have to get another car (I bought my PT Cruiser because the candy apple red paint matched my nails, ha!).

[Cors]

ROCK ON! Best. Color. Ever.

If they ever pull Waitress, I'm gonna have to get another car (I bought my PT Cruiser because the candy apple red paint matched my nails, ha!).

Pictures of painted nails next to car please! :O

[george83]

ROCK ON! Best. Color. Ever.

If they ever pull Waitress, I'm gonna have to get another car (I bought my PT Cruiser because the candy apple red paint matched my nails, ha!).

now thats dedication lol

[Tania]

My nails are naked, but I can go take a pic of the bottle next to the car. :D One sec!

[Tania]

http://www.strangegirl.com/misc/DSC00299.JPG

http://www.strangegirl.com/misc/DSC00301.JPG

LOL.

[Cors]

http://www.strangegirl.com/misc/DSC00299.JPG

http://www.strangegirl.com/misc/DSC00301.JPG

LOL.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! *faints*

[george83]

that is to cool for school :D

[Tania]

Hahah! I'm glad you guys appreciate that.

Chrysler should get with OPI and make an official edition. I may be smoking rope on this one, but hey, if the color caught my eye for said reasons, it has to potential to do so with others.

[george83]

very true you should email Chrysler and suggest it lol.

Oh and cors I repped you by a mistake instead of Tania but enjoy your rep as you deserve it for all your shoe posts :D.

[Cors]

very true you should email Chrysler and suggest it lol.

Oh and cors I repped you by a mistake instead of Tania but enjoy your rep as you deserve it for all your shoe posts :D.

I got Tania. ;D

[Tania]

Thanks, guys. :*

[HottiMegan]

I've been jonesing for french manicure lately, but I can't go there until I grow out my two car-door-and-window casualties.

I did do my "Not Really A Waittress" red last week, though. I love that color.

I was so stoked to see that color is no longer discontinued. It is THEEE best red polish EVER!!

[cherylharrell]

Love the blue nails. I'll paint mine that color sometimes. I like to paint them weird colors like that purple, green, black & also normal colors like red & pink. Which reminds me I need to paint them again...

[Shosh]

Well I got French tips for my brother's wedding. I couldn't help myself, my own nails grow to a point, and then they just stop.

They look really nice. What can I say? I am addicted to my fake nails.:p

[ashmamma84]

*bump*

Recently my nail tech convinced me to go natural, so with much hesitation I decided to soak off my acrylic. She also wanted to try the new gel polish by OPI (Axxium). Part of my issue with manicures is the chipping polish and with Axxium I don't have that issue. The color lasts for 2-3 weeks and can be soaked off quickly or just filed off. It's in the beginning stages and not very many color choices yet, but as a woman who does alot of typing and things...it works.

http://www.opi.net.au/axxium_soakoff.shtml

just an fyi for those interested

[00 toni lynn 00]

beautiful hands and feet!

Best OPI red! Mine and Ashley's favourite! My nails are either painted with that, or French.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/huizieee/IMG_5418.jpg
Excuse puffy toes, they look silly after a day out in heels.

[pinuptami]

I am such a tomboy, I swear. I have never been one for polish, that is until lately. Now I have been painting my nails all kinds of crazy colors, fingers and toes both. My nails aren't too long, but I am having fun, and I think the polish is helping my nails not break so easily.

Here's a pic. Excuse the fact that it looks like I am going to backhand you all.

[00 toni lynn 00]

cute!!!!!!


I am such a tomboy, I swear. I have never been one for polish, that is until lately. Now I have been painting my nails all kinds of crazy colors, fingers and toes both. My nails aren't too long, but I am having fun, and I think the polish is helping my nails not break so easily.

Here's a pic. Excuse the fact that it looks like I am going to backhand you all.

[Tania]

This is only tangentially-related, but...I bought some of the OPI lipstick in "I'm Not Really A Waitress." :D Now my lips can match my nails.

[pinuptami]

This is only tangentially-related, but...I bought some of the OPI lipstick in "I'm Not Really A Waitress." :D Now my lips can match my nails.

I didn't realize they MADE a lipstick. Now I must have it.

[thatgirl08]

I decided to bump this thread with some pictures, as I'm loving my nails lately. I started getting fake nails again a few months ago and I saw that the salon I go to started offering colored tips and I'm totally in love:wubu:

Two months ago:
http://i31.tinypic.com/r73ymu.jpg

One month ago:
http://i25.tinypic.com/a46682.jpg

Now:
http://i31.tinypic.com/15rjpqa.jpg

It's my goal to try them all! (All of the good ones anyway.. which leaves about 15!)

[Suze]

I decided to bump this thread with some pictures, as I'm loving my nails lately. I started getting fake nails again a few months ago and I saw that the salon I go to started offering colored tips and I'm totally in love:wubu:

Two months ago:
http://i31.tinypic.com/r73ymu.jpg

One month ago:
http://i25.tinypic.com/a46682.jpg

Now:
http://i31.tinypic.com/15rjpqa.jpg

It's my goal to try them all! (All of the good ones anyway.. which leaves about 15!)

ah, looks great! i'm tempted to try out colored tips now, but i don't think i'll be able to do that myself. :/

is that opi btw?

[Tooz]

Those are cute. I'd love to get gel tips like that or something, but I am terrified of fake nails.

[Jack Secret]

I guess I'll mention http://www.nailbytes.com

some of the people on this site have Dragon Lady fingernails but you have to notice all of the really cool colors.

And yes I am a guy. Nice hands and nails are kind of sexy!

--c

[AnnMarie]

Those are cute. I'd love to get gel tips like that or something, but I am terrified of fake nails.


I was too, but after about 9 months I'm totally fine and used to them and I've had no issues at all. I use gel only, no tips (although I used one last time for a repair when I broke a nail of mine down to the quick), and it' just a few layers of gel over my own nails as they grow out.

My nails haven't thinned (as they grow up over the two weeks you can see/feel your natural nail at the bottom, just like it always was. However, I'd say that finding a person who actually gives a shit, does a good job, and understands your concerns is a big component. My nail tech is fabulous, she takes a really long time (which can suck sometimes) but they always come out nice, and I'm really enjoying having "finished" nails all the time. It's a very little thing, but it makes me feel a little bit more put together and girlie, with almost no effort.

Here's a recent pic (last weekend) with them showing on both hands. Sorry it's big, I left it large so the nails would show enough.

[LunaLove]

i usually have chipped black nail polish, but when i saw this quick drying hue i just had to try it out!

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/373068349/Photo_56.jpg

[ashmamma84]

Those are cute. I'd love to get gel tips like that or something, but I am terrified of fake nails.

Just in case you aren't ready to dive in all the way, OPI has Axxium which is a line of gel lacquers that resembles what a full set might look like. I did a stint of natural nails for a couple months and it's what my tech used on me. It's applied like regular polish and then "cured" under a UV light, I believe. The only gripe I had is the limited colors since the line is so new (and I love to play with different colors every time I have my hands done). Also, it lasts the length of a traditional gel or acrylic set. In fact, my mother had it done on her toes back in July and they still look great. :eek::D Just to give you an idea.

I am since back to my overlay because I just was so used to having it done and missed them. Either way, for me it's imperative that my hands are pulled together and manicures just didn't suffice for me since I use my hands so much and polish would chip in a couple days.

[Tooz]

My thing is I love doing my own nails-- I have a sawed-off cardboard box full of OPI, China Glaze, Creative Nail Design and Zoya. I do a pretty good job on my nails, such that I've never had any manicures done by anyone other than myself. I love doing my nails!

Ignore me being dumb, hurr's my current (OPI Bastille My Heart...AMAZING COLOR.)

ETA my cuticles need help, but I am OUT of cuticle oil. Will get after I move, I guess.

[LunaLove]

i usually have chipped black nail polish, but when i saw this quick drying hue i just had to try it out!



grrr, this photo was supposed to show up:

[AnnMarie]

*bump*

Recently my nail tech convinced me to go natural, so with much hesitation I decided to soak off my acrylic. She also wanted to try the new gel polish by OPI (Axxium). Part of my issue with manicures is the chipping polish and with Axxium I don't have that issue. The color lasts for 2-3 weeks and can be soaked off quickly or just filed off. It's in the beginning stages and not very many color choices yet, but as a woman who does alot of typing and things...it works.

http://www.opi.net.au/axxium_soakoff.shtml

just an fyi for those interested


That's one of the gels that my tech uses on my nails. When they're behaving fine, we use that and a white gel for the tip - all are cured under UV - if it's not cured under UV it's not really gel. When my nails are a bit more unruly (weather changes, super cold, etc... it can make things a bit wonky once in a while) she'll go to a "pink" gel which is just not as clear as the regular OPI we use... but it's a little bit more forgiving of tough conditions, so we we switch around a bit to accommodate my nails.


I love gels. I wouldn't use anything else - at all. The fact that I never ever have to cover them up with a polish or worry about them being shiny (they're perma shine)... love it. And if I ever want color, the gels come in about 1,000 colors, so all I have to do is get that as a top coat instead of the last layer of clear.

Love it!!

[Weeze]

So the gel just goes right on top of your natural nail? None of the powder/weird purple liquid gunk, or the gluing on the little plastic things?

[HottiMegan]

My thing is I love doing my own nails-- I have a sawed-off cardboard box full of OPI, China Glaze, Creative Nail Design and Zoya. I do a pretty good job on my nails, such that I've never had any manicures done by anyone other than myself. I love doing my nails!

Ignore me being dumb, hurr's my current (OPI Bastille My Heart...AMAZING COLOR.)

ETA my cuticles need help, but I am OUT of cuticle oil. Will get after I move, I guess.

I have only had my nails done like 4 times in my life. So most of the time i'm an at home do it yourself girl too. My nails are naked right now. I keep them naked a lot since my hands are regularly fishing stuff out of Alex's mouth :) I have never had a pedicure and probably wont since my feet are SOOO ticklish

[thatgirl08]

ah, looks great! i'm tempted to try out colored tips now, but i don't think i'll be able to do that myself. :/

is that opi btw?

It's not nail polish.. they're fake! I'm sure if your nails are long enough a salon could paint them like that though, I think it'd be rather difficult to do yourself.

Those are cute.

Thank you:]

i usually have chipped black nail polish, but when i saw this quick drying hue i just had to try it out!

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/373068349/Photo_56.jpg

I love yellow nails.. super cute!

[ashmamma84]

My thing is I love doing my own nails-- I have a sawed-off cardboard box full of OPI, China Glaze, Creative Nail Design and Zoya. I do a pretty good job on my nails, such that I've never had any manicures done by anyone other than myself. I love doing my nails!

Ignore me being dumb, hurr's my current (OPI Bastille My Heart...AMAZING COLOR.)

ETA my cuticles need help, but I am OUT of cuticle oil. Will get after I move, I guess.
Your nails look great! Have you seen OPI's Espana collection? *drool*

grrr, this photo was supposed to show up:
The yellow is cute on you!

That's one of the gels that my tech uses on my nails. When they're behaving fine, we use that and a white gel for the tip - all are cured under UV - if it's not cured under UV it's not really gel. When my nails are a bit more unruly (weather changes, super cold, etc... it can make things a bit wonky once in a while) she'll go to a "pink" gel which is just not as clear as the regular OPI we use... but it's a little bit more forgiving of tough conditions, so we we switch around a bit to accommodate my nails.


I love gels. I wouldn't use anything else - at all. The fact that I never ever have to cover them up with a polish or worry about them being shiny (they're perma shine)... love it. And if I ever want color, the gels come in about 1,000 colors, so all I have to do is get that as a top coat instead of the last layer of clear.

Love it!!

Yeah I like gels too. It took some getting used to at first. The whole shiny completely dry after sticking your hands under a light kinda freaked me out; I only knew waiting for at least 20 min. after a paint job. My tech showed me the error of my ways. :D Glad the gels are working for you, they look nice on your hands.

So the gel just goes right on top of your natural nail? None of the powder/weird purple liquid gunk, or the gluing on the little plastic things?

Oh goodness chile! What torture have you been putting yourself through?! There is no gluing or purple weird stuff to speak of. It's basically just an overlay on your natural nails. My tech applies it in thin layers for a natural look.

[Tooz]

Your nails look great! Have you seen OPI's Espana collection? *drool*

I adore the collection, but I have found dupes for most of them-- Zoya makes an astounding deep green creme. I was going to buy the OPI one, but it's literally identical :D

[Teleute]

Hmmm... how does the Axxium color last two weeks? I mean, I start to see the gap from nail growth at the bottom of my polish after a day or two... by two weeks it'd be halfway up my nail at least. Does it slow the nail growth or something, or is it just a lost cause for speedy nail growers?

[AnnMarie]

So the gel just goes right on top of your natural nail? None of the powder/weird purple liquid gunk, or the gluing on the little plastic things?

You got it, it just brushes on over my nail, it's already in gel form. It's thicker than nail polish, just a smidge goopy, but brushes right on my nail. I get a coat of clear, and then UV them, then the white tips, and those get UV'd, then two more coats of clear... that's it. It doesn't smell - nothing toxic or nasty (the reason my tech will only use gel, the acrylic process makes her sick/bothers her breathing).

If you need tips you could have them put on, but I had my first set done on pretty short nails, no tips, and my nails just grow up and out under the gel. It's just my nails, but harder, shinier and with pretty tips! :D

[Weeze]

You got it, it just brushes on over my nail, it's already in gel form. It's thicker than nail polish, just a smidge goopy, but brushes right on my nail. I get a coat of clear, and then UV them, then the white tips, and those get UV'd, then two more coats of clear... that's it. It doesn't smell - nothing toxic or nasty (the reason my tech will only use gel, the acrylic process makes her sick/bothers her breathing).

If you need tips you could have them put on, but I had my first set done on pretty short nails, no tips, and my nails just grow up and out under the gel. It's just my nails, but harder, shinier and with pretty tips! :D

ohhh... I really like the sound of that :)

[cherylharrell]

I bought some Revlon nail polish that had a bottle of clear top coat with it, on sale at Dollar General for $1.50. It claimed it lasts two weeks. Bull. I painted my nails teal type green with Wet & Wild polish and used the Revlon top coat & it came off 2 days later on 3 nails! Maybe the top coat doesn't work with Wet & Wild? I dunno...

[Tooz]

I bought some Revlon nail polish that had a bottle of clear top coat with it, on sale at Dollar General for $1.50. It claimed it lasts two weeks. Bull. I painted my nails teal type green with Wet & Wild polish and used the Revlon top coat & it came off 2 days later on 3 nails! Maybe the top coat doesn't work with Wet & Wild? I dunno...

You're supposed to use the two as a set.

[Isa]

You got it, it just brushes on over my nail, it's already in gel form. It's thicker than nail polish, just a smidge goopy, but brushes right on my nail. I get a coat of clear, and then UV them, then the white tips, and those get UV'd, then two more coats of clear... that's it. It doesn't smell - nothing toxic or nasty (the reason my tech will only use gel, the acrylic process makes her sick/bothers her breathing).

If you need tips you could have them put on, but I had my first set done on pretty short nails, no tips, and my nails just grow up and out under the gel. It's just my nails, but harder, shinier and with pretty tips! :D

That sounds way interesting....going to have to check with my nail shop.

[cherylharrell]

I wondered if that was why it had done that. Thanks for the info...

[Carrie]

Alright, you pretty-nailed divas, you've inspired me to make an appointment to get the gel treatment done next weekend. Eeep! I've never done the professional nail route before, but I'm very excited. It feels kind of deliciously girly, just thinking about it. :wubu:

[Isa]

Alright, you pretty-nailed divas, you've inspired me to make an appointment to get the gel treatment done next weekend. Eeep! I've never done the professional nail route before, but I'm very excited. It feels kind of deliciously girly, just thinking about it. :wubu:

Post pics after so we can see how pretty they are.

[Cors]

Ooh have fun Carrie and post pics! Hope they turn out well.

My red manicures (OPI polish plus the amazing Seche Vite topcoat) generally look good for at least ten days, but the French ones generally chips in five. Might give the gels a try sometime...

[Carrie]

Post pics after so we can see how pretty they are.
I will, but they're likely to be pretty underwhelming the first time. My nails are really short! Still, though, should be a vast improvement. :happy:

Ooh have fun Carrie and post pics! Hope they turn out well.

My red manicures (OPI polish plus the amazing Seche Vite topcoat) generally look good for at least ten days, but the French ones generally chips in five. Might give the gels a try sometime...
Don't you just love OPI? My favorite color of theirs, Cha-Ching Cherry, seems to not be available anymore, so I've gone all Gollum on my one remaining bottle, heh.

[MzDeeZyre]

Carrie,

I have had alot of luck shopping at www.discountbeautycenter.com

They sell OPI polishes for just under $7 a bottle. Shipping is $7.50 , but if you spend $55 or over it's free. I checked and they do have your color....;)

[Cors]

Carrie, I looove OPI! Cha-Ching Cherry looks so pretty.

Thank you so much for the link MzDeeZyre! I am so glad to find out that they ship internationally, OPI (and other awesome brands) is pretty pricey and not always that easy to get in the UK!

[Carrie]

Carrie,

I have had alot of luck shopping at www.discountbeautycenter.com

They sell OPI polishes for just under $7 a bottle. Shipping is $7.50 , but if you spend $55 or over it's free. I checked and they do have your color....;)
You deserve some kind of medal for awesomeness for this, MzD! My toesies and I thank you. :wubu:

[Tooz]

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs228.snc1/7520_682060148988_15700901_39387904_973977_n.jpg

[Fallenangel2904]

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs228.snc1/7520_682060148988_15700901_39387904_973977_n.jpg

I HEART THAT!! Is that your finger? Did you do that yourself? Questions, questions, questions!! LOL!

[ashmamma84]

Your nail reminds me of Minx nails. Cute!

[Tooz]

I HEART THAT!! Is that your finger? Did you do that yourself? Questions, questions, questions!! LOL!

Yes, my nail and yes, I did it :D

[Cors]

Impressive, Tooz! I love it!

[HottiMegan]

I love that nail tooz!! So cute! I'm a sucker for animal prints..

I did my toe nails earlier this week with some crystals on it. I don't have my finger nails done too often because the darn stuff just falls off within hours of painting it on. My toes, on the other hand are never naked :)

[AnnMarie]

Very cute tootsies, Megan! :)

[HottiMegan]

Thanks AnnMarie :D

[thatgirl08]

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs228.snc1/7520_682060148988_15700901_39387904_973977_n.jpg

ooh how did you do that?

ETA: Megan your toes look good too!

[thejuicyone]

These are fucking fabulous! :eat2:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm49/xrollthefilm/snacknails.jpg

[thatgirl08]

I'd totally do that.

[thatgirl08]

Blue this month! (The color is a lot brighter in person.)

http://i37.tinypic.com/dbrvgp.jpg

[Carrie]

Okay, I love my nails now. I got the gel nails done, with tips only, French manicure style, a few weeks ago at a local place, and it was kind of an unpleasant experience, between the nail tech's blase' roughness and completely unexpected and unsolicited anti-semitic lecture (for which I absolutely shredded him verbally... once he put the scary dremel down. I'm principled, not stupid). And I did not care much for the outcome; they looked and felt pretty artificial to me, when I wanted a more natural look. Today I had them filled and fixed by the nail tech at my hair salon, and wow, what a difference. She did a consultation with me first, inspected them very carefully and told me her plan for how to make them more to my liking, checked with me along the way to make sure I was happy with the progress, and they came out exactly as I'd originally wanted. And hey, bonus, she was nice and pleasant, and no ethnic slurs!

Anyway, here they are.

[thejuicyone]

Okay, I love my nails now. I got the gel nails done, with tips only, French manicure style, a few weeks ago at a local place, and it was kind of an unpleasant experience, between the nail tech's blase' roughness and completely unexpected and unsolicited anti-semitic lecture (for which I absolutely shredded him verbally... once he put the scary dremel down. I'm principled, not stupid). And I did not care much for the outcome; they looked and felt pretty artificial to me, when I wanted a more natural look. Today I had them filled and fixed by the nail tech at my hair salon, and wow, what a difference. She did a consultation with me first, inspected them very carefully and told me her plan for how to make them more to my liking, checked with me along the way to make sure I was happy with the progress, and they came out exactly as I'd originally wanted. And hey, bonus, she was nice and pleasant, and no ethnic slurs!

Anyway, here they are.

I lurve your freckles. :blush:

[Carrie]

I lurve your freckles. :blush:
Heehee! Thank you. :) It's kind of funny that you say that, because I don't honestly think about them much (I do love them; I'm just not conscious of them very often), until I see a picture like that one or someone comments on them, that kind of thing. I uploaded that photo today and my first thought was, "Damn, I really do have a lot of freckles." :D

[AnnMarie]

Okay, I love my nails now. I got the gel nails done, with tips only, French manicure style, a few weeks ago at a local place, and it was kind of an unpleasant experience, between the nail tech's blase' roughness and completely unexpected and unsolicited anti-semitic lecture (for which I absolutely shredded him verbally... once he put the scary dremel down. I'm principled, not stupid). And I did not care much for the outcome; they looked and felt pretty artificial to me, when I wanted a more natural look. Today I had them filled and fixed by the nail tech at my hair salon, and wow, what a difference. She did a consultation with me first, inspected them very carefully and told me her plan for how to make them more to my liking, checked with me along the way to make sure I was happy with the progress, and they came out exactly as I'd originally wanted. And hey, bonus, she was nice and pleasant, and no ethnic slurs!

Anyway, here they are.


Yup, yup, that's how I like mine as well - I just want them to look like MY nails, but shiny and tipped, that's all. My nails but better than my nails will grow/look.


I'm going tomorrow night for my regular appointment but I'm getting a colored gel put on for the first time. We have our Halloween party on Sat night, so I figured it was a good excuse to give it a shot. I'm leaning toward Lincoln Park After Dark - we'll see! :) I'll take a pic when they're done. (pic attached for color - clearly not my hands! lol)

[Weeze]

Lemme just say that I wear lincoln park after dark ALL the time! I love it! It is seriously one of those colors that you're not sure about, but it ends up seriously going with *anything*

[LillyBBBW]

*subscribing*

[supersoup]

http://www.wowsocool.com/OrderProduct.html

do want.

the konad system comes with a bunch of image plates, and a stamper to roll the image onto your nails. a bunch of my favorite youtubers have been doing videos on this system for several months now, and i've just recently decided to try and salvage my sad, dry nails.

[LillyBBBW]

I've been meaning to post my nail pictures in here but hadn't had a chance to get around to it. This nail art is a few days old and ready to be removed. I thought I'd snap a photo and post before I take it off. These are my skull and cross bones nail art.

http://xc1.xanga.com/4b38534336509260061133/b207128334.jpg
http://xf0.xanga.com/021f2730d3031260061049/b207128262.jpg
http://x69.xanga.com/9fc8554135c28260061053/b207128266.jpg
http://x92.xanga.com/d04f210267531260061084/b207128294.jpg
http://x2f.xanga.com/ef285177722a8260061124/b207128326.jpg

[Fyreflyintheskye]

I've been meaning to post my nail pictures in here but hadn't had a chance to get around to it. This nail art is a few days old and ready to be removed. I thought I'd snap a photo and post before I take it off. These are my skull and cross bones nail art.


ooooh, la la! Spookyyyy!! :p These are cute

[LillyBBBW]

ooooh, la la! Spookyyyy!! :p These are cute

Thanks Flygirl! :D And now for my replacement polish. This was my attempt at a polished metal illusion. :-/ It looks better from further away. I feel like I'm getting close though. Maybe I'll use a silver glitter next time? We'll see.

http://xdb.xanga.com/5a38557b15138260113651/b207172913.jpg
http://x6c.xanga.com/fe0f201361231260113623/b207172886.jpg
http://x89.xanga.com/c8af251360031260113582/b207172857.jpg
http://x8e.xanga.com/253f2602d8131260113614/b207172878.jpg
http://x86.xanga.com/5faf511361230260113628/b207172891.jpg

[Tooz]

Thanks Flygirl! :D And now for my replacement polish. This was my attempt at a polished metal illusion. :-/ It looks better from further away. I feel like I'm getting close though. Maybe I'll use a silver glitter next time? We'll see.

http://xdb.xanga.com/5a38557b15138260113651/b207172913.jpg
http://x6c.xanga.com/fe0f201361231260113623/b207172886.jpg
http://x89.xanga.com/c8af251360031260113582/b207172857.jpg
http://x8e.xanga.com/253f2602d8131260113614/b207172878.jpg
http://x86.xanga.com/5faf511361230260113628/b207172891.jpg

I like this.

[Tracii]

The chrome nails are very cool.!!!!

[LillyBBBW]

Thanks for the compliments everyone. :) I must say though that the silver nail polish has a different consistency than any of the other polishes I use. It is exceptionally soft and pliable when it dries. It was chipping and peeling off in less than 24 hours from minimal activity. The silver may be good only for vanity purposes like an evening party or for photos.

[Frankie]

Lilly, this might sound weird, but you have terrific (and well-shaped) nailbeds. They make your nails look long and elegant even though the amount of nail that extends beyond your fingertips is modest and very "user friendly" and perfect, really. My nailbeds are so tiny, even when I have a little nail going, they would look like m&ms if I painted them.

[pinuptami]

Lilly, this might sound weird, but you have terrific (and well-shaped) nailbeds. They make your nails look long and elegant even though the amount of nail that extends beyond your fingertips is modest and very "user friendly" and perfect, really. My nailbeds are so tiny, even when I have a little nail going, they would look like m&ms if I painted them.


I hear this completely, my nail beds suck. I have to grow my nails out way past the tip to get them to look nice at all, which never lasts long because I am on the computer all the time, or using my hands for other things, and I break them.

[cherylharrell]

I can never keep mine long. They always end up breaking off after I get them nice and long... :(

[LillyBBBW]

Thanks so much ladies. :) My nails won't grow any longer than that anyway no matter what I do. It is a very comfortable lenght though. Thanks again.

[Carrie]

For anyone tired of dealing with breaking nails, I highly recommend gel nails. I've been doing it for two months now, and haven't had a single nail break since starting, plus my polish lasts the entire two weeks between treatments with my nail specialist person. Seriously, not a single chip! And I used to break my nails constantly, and my nail polish would start chipping within a few hours of application. It's wonderful stuff, the gel nails. :wubu:

[Frankie]

Were gel nails discussed on this board somewhere? I should revisit that topic - my nails are horrendous. I used to be able to grow long nails (that I preferred to paint a beautiful iridescent electric blue), but that was 15 years ago. I can't grow much of anything now. What's worse is that I have a horrible habit of picking at my hangnails and cuticles and any old little bit of skin on my fingertips until I have a nice collection of little bloody scabs. (I keep telling myself to stop because not only is it unsightly, but I'm sure one day I'll contract a nasty infection.) Anyone else love to indulge in this when they're stressed? It's actually on the self-injury spectrum.

I just realized that I was mindlessly picking at my forefinger as I proofread this!

I don't wear rings because I don't want to call attention to my hideous fingertips. :(

[CrankySpice]

I thought some of you nail buffs (ha!) might get a kick out of these photos from the Tokyo Nail Expo 2009. Some of them are absolutely amazing!! I love the ice cream cones on this one:

74370

Here's a link to a more complete gallery:

http://923now.com/2009-tokyo-nail-expo/

[Crystal]

I thought some of you nail buffs (ha!) might get a kick out of these photos from the Tokyo Nail Expo 2009. Some of them are absolutely amazing!! I love the ice cream cones on this one:

74370

Here's a link to a more complete gallery:

http://923now.com/2009-tokyo-nail-expo/

Those are so unconventional and absolutely precious. :happy: Definitely not for everyday wear, but how cute would those be for a fun party or something?

[HottiMegan]

Wow thos Japanese nails were way cool!

I'm tempted to go "not really a waitress" in honor of xmas. But nail polish chips off so quickly on me. i have a sheer pearl polish on now. I may have to try those gels you talk of Carrie. I can grow my nails just fine but can't keep polish on for the life of me. But not sure the gels will stick. Acrylic peels off after a week.

Lilly, those chrome nails are awesome!!

[mszwebs]

I was really bored so I gave myself a pink french manicure last night.

It was done rather quickly AND freehand, so nowhere near perfect, but I think its cute.

74444

[ashmamma84]

Really diggin' the nails, Lilly and Zwebs! :) You are talented for sure. I, on the other hand, lack those skills...so my tech hooks me up.

'Tis the season :D

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z179/raeandme_84/SU1HMDA0NDkuanBn.jpg


http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z179/raeandme_84/SU1HMDA0NTEuanBn.jpg

[Tooz]

Thanks so much ladies. :) My nails won't grow any longer than that anyway no matter what I do. It is a very comfortable lenght though. Thanks again.

This. People tell me my nail beds are great, but my nails really don't grow very long at all. I guess I'm lucky that the beds are long considering the nails don't really make it that far past the fingertip.

[cherylharrell]

Nice nails. And the pink and red colors are so cute...

[LillyBBBW]

Been wanting to post a pic of my pink glitter nails for the longest. The pics don't do them justice. I simply love this look!

http://x67.xanga.com/f22f71fb44733264927942/b211252380.jpg
http://x47.xanga.com/e6df776744733264927940/b211252378.jpg
http://xef.xanga.com/3aff9af461534264927939/b211252377.jpg

[toni]

Very pretty, Lilly! You did a great job. Did you do them yourself? If so, they look very professional.

[LillyBBBW]

Very pretty, Lilly! You did a great job. Did you do them yourself? If so, they look very professional.

Thanks toni. I painted them myself. :)

[toni]

Pencil me in for a manicure next time you are in town. :wubu:

[cherylharrell]

That is so pretty how you did those. I need to paint mine like that again..

[Aust99]

77407
Rimmel - 60 seconds
Sunrise. 420

[cherylharrell]

I like that nail color. It looks good on you...

[littlefairywren]

I went shopping yesterday and passed a booth that was doing little nail stickers...and got myself one. And then ended up buying some too, they are so cute. A little blurry, but you get the idea.

[MzDeeZyre]

Got a couple of new China Glaze colors today while @ Sally's.

First one is Re-Fresh Mint and is a Mint Green. I have already painted my nails this color, and I really like it.
The second is Heli-Yum and is a really pretty pink color.

[prettyssbbw]

Got a couple of new China Glaze colors today while @ Sally's.

First one is Re-Fresh Mint and is a Mint Green. I have already painted my nails this color, and I really like it.
The second is Heli-Yum and is a really pretty pink color.

That green is a really pretty color:)

[Tracii]

I love the mint green it looks great.
Sally's huh? I need a few things from there anyway so thanks for the heads up on the cool colors.

[Tracii]

Lilly I love sparkle colors too I have one just about like that by Sinful Colors.
Its called Pearl Harbor.

[Carrie]

Got a couple of new China Glaze colors today while @ Sally's.

First one is Re-Fresh Mint and is a Mint Green. I have already painted my nails this color, and I really like it.
The second is Heli-Yum and is a really pretty pink color.
I love China Glaze! I just discovered them at that Discount Beauty supply site you referred me to for the OPI cha-cha-ching cherry, Mz. :happy:

In other news, I've given up my gel nails for now. I really liked the way they looked, but the twice a month trips to the salon was just too much maintenance for me (it's a half hour away and I could only ever get crappy time slots, during the day), so no more for now. However, I started taking a biotin supplement twice a day a few months ago to strengthen my hair, and an unexpected side benefit is that it's REALLY strengthened my nails, too. I have this one nail, my right thumbnail, that I closed in a car door almost 20 years ago, and ever since then it has broken at exactly the same spot, about 1/3 down my nail bed, whenever my nail reached that point. Now, though, the nail has grown quite a bit past that point, to the edge of my finger, and not even a hint of breaking. All of my nails are good now, really strong and resilient. Yay, biotin!

[MzDeeZyre]

Ok... so I had to come back and update on that polish. The color itself was great, but the formula... ehh not so much. After I woke up this morning I noticed that there were cracks in the polish. I wore it most of the day, as I did'nt have major plans. And by the end of the day it was already cracked on every nail very visibly. While I loved the color, I would'nt recommend it. :(

[Tooz]

Ok... so I had to come back and update on that polish. The color itself was great, but the formula... ehh not so much. After I woke up this morning I noticed that there were cracks in the polish. I wore it most of the day, as I did'nt have major plans. And by the end of the day it was already cracked on every nail very visibly. While I loved the color, I would'nt recommend it. :(

I find China Glaze cracks from day 3-4 on. It depends, though. I have the lavender from that collection and it wears like a dream.

[cherylharrell]

Thanks for the info. Shame it cracked tho...

[CastingPearls]

I love this color. It's by OPI but the sticker was off the bottle at the salon so I don't know the name of it.

[DitzyBrunette]

I love this color. It's by OPI but the sticker was off the bottle at the salon so I don't know the name of it.

Now those are some fierce Jersey nails! Love the color, I'd say 99% of the time my nails are some shade of pink.

[CastingPearls]

Now those are some fierce Jersey nails! Love the color, I'd say 99% of the time my nails are some shade of pink.
Yup--you can take the girl out of Jersey but you can't take Jersey out of the girl. You know I'm living in PA 8 years and I STILL won't pump my own gas!! LOL

I was just reading some of the older posts. I'm a big fan of Lincoln Park in the Dark too. I love OPI and Essie. I wear dark colors in fall and winter and lighter colors in spring and summer. I always paint my toenails different colors like peas and carrots. Right now my feets are sporting carrot and tangerine. Next pedicure will be M&M's.

[cherylharrell]

You did a nice job on your nails. They look so nice...

[LunaLove]

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri - dries quick, great brush but makes my nails weak as fuck. oh well, i loooove the colors it comes in!


http://i39.tinypic.com/20kym84.jpg

[CastingPearls]

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri - dries quick, great brush but makes my nails weak as fuck. oh well, i loooove the colors it comes in!


http://i39.tinypic.com/20kym84.jpg
I'm glad you mentioned that. The colors are great but all Sally Hanson polish wreaks havoc on my nails. Can't use it. Love the color on you though.

[cherylharrell]

Same here. It makes my nails all brittle and break off. Pretty color tho...

[Weeze]

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri - dries quick, great brush but makes my nails weak as fuck. oh well, i loooove the colors it comes in!


[IMG]http://i39.tinypic.com/20kym84.jpg[IMG]

I think they have a similar color in their Hard as Nails line, or whatever it's called. check that out fo' sho'

[sarie]

eee! i love polish. i've been into a polychromatic-is-the-new-monochromatic mindset lately (see below - not very summery i realise, but i'm not one to follow the seasonal colours rule!). i clearly have a nail lacquer purchasing problem (see below); suppose i could have a more detrimental addiction, so i'll take it!

@lunalove: i love those insta-dri brushes! and that colour is fantastic.
@mzdeezyre: re-fresh mint is one of my very favourite cg lacquers (and second favourite minty green!)! great choice!

[cherylharrell]

Nice job on the nails. Boy you have some really pretty colors in those bottles...

[smiley55]

while I was home in Tokyo not too long ago. I hardly ever get my nails done..but was hanging out in Harajuku one day and thought why not!?? man i miss home

[CastingPearls]

while I was home in Tokyo not too long ago. I hardly ever get my nails done..but was hanging out in Harajuku one day and thought why not!?? man i miss home
They're GORGEOUS! Is it me or do I see Hello Kitty in there?

[smiley55]

they are flowers but come to think it..does look like hello kitty LOL!!

[MzDeeZyre]

Just got my nails redone today. Tried something new....a different hand-painted design on each one. I kinda like it.

[Carrie]

Just got my nails redone today. Tried something new....a different hand-painted design on each one. I kinda like it.
A way belated comment, but holy cow, Mz, those are fancy! :D


A while back I bought some Seche Vite base coat and fast drying top coat, and finally got around to trying them this week. I am a terribly lazy self-manicurist, really only in it for the immediate gratification of pretty flashes of color on my nails, so the drudgery of base and top coats have never really held much allure for me. This combined with how hard I am on my hands on an everyday basis resulted in dings and chips within a mere few hours of applying polish. So I decided to try to be a bit less short-sighted about the process and try out the base coat and top coat, and I'm so glad I did! I couldn't believe how quickly the polish dried with the top coat - not just that soft dry, but the true hard shell dry - and it was a solid four days before I got my first chip. That's seriously a record for me. Good stuff! (Though I have to add the disclaimer that apparently in CA the bottles have a warning not to use when you're pregnant, though there seems to be a collective belief that it is because CA has such strict EPA regulations and is likely just being proactively protective).

[Jack Secret]

Having described with such detail and no snapshot? You are a tease, Carrie!

I totally agree with you on Mz's post - those look really cool :)

[thirtiesgirl]

I just thought this thread needed a Youtube clip, if it doesn't have one already. Click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CONKd323piY).

[ValentineBBW]

At my last appointment, my nail tech wanted to try something "different'. Anyone who knows me, knows this is not my typical look but I was in the mood to step outside the box that day.

[Fallenangel2904]

At my last appointment, my nail tech wanted to try something "different'. Anyone who knows me, knows this is not my typical look but I was in the mood to step outside the box that day.

OMG these are awesome!! I've been thinking about getting the zebra print done on mine with a french tip, but instead of the classic white tip doin it in the zebra design! I LOVE yours!! :)

[sarie]

yay nails!

valentinebbw: your nails look awesomeeeee!
__

here are a couple of my recent favourites

one. flip flop fantasy (china glaze) i love what this lacquer looks like at dusk (pictured)!

two. luxe (orly) <3 the other two foil fx colours are brilliant as well. loveee 'rage'

three. cheesetastic rays game nails! l to r: blue my mind (opi), whats with the cattitude (opi), happy go lucky (china glaze)

im also currently obsessed with the majority of opi's swiss collection, namely 'ski teal we drop' and 'glitzerland' (very similar to orly's luxe, but a slightly better viscosity) aaaaand the entire nfu-oh line. sucks that they're pretty hard to find =/ oh! and i can't wait to purchase china glaze's vintage vixen collection almost entirely! some bloody brill colours! ok i'm too excited :>

[blazon]

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri - dries quick, great brush but makes my nails weak as fuck. oh well, i loooove the colors it comes in!


http://i39.tinypic.com/20kym84.jpg

Luna, I LOVE this photo of you!! Very gorgeous! Oh, and like the nail color too!

[ValentineBBW]

OMG these are awesome!! I've been thinking about getting the zebra print done on mine with a french tip, but instead of the classic white tip doin it in the zebra design! I LOVE yours!! :)

yay nails!

valentinebbw: your nails look awesomeeeee!
__

here are a couple of my recent favourites




Thank you both :) I am glad I did something different but I am ready for a change. My next appt if Friday, maybe I'll come home with another fun design :)

[cherylharrell]

I'm lovin ya'lls nails! :)

[thirtiesgirl]

I must confess, I'm not a big fan of nails with stuff or designs on them, but I love to see nails painted in interesting colors. I'm currently wearing a disco gold shade, and have a silver shade similar to Sarie's. I love the green that Luna's wearing and now must try to find something similar. I can't afford to pay my student loans, but I'll spend $4 on a bottle of nail polish. :rolleyes:

[CastingPearls]

Had half an inch cut off.....I couldn't type anymore! LOL

[Shosh]

I love all your nails ladies! So cute!

I am hoping to go to beauty school and do a nail tech course.

For now I have them done at a salon, but I do my own fills to save money. You can buy all the fill materials on Ebay.

[fatgirlflyin]

A way belated comment, but holy cow, Mz, those are fancy! :D


A while back I bought some Seche Vite base coat and fast drying top coat, and finally got around to trying them this week. I am a terribly lazy self-manicurist, really only in it for the immediate gratification of pretty flashes of color on my nails, so the drudgery of base and top coats have never really held much allure for me. This combined with how hard I am on my hands on an everyday basis resulted in dings and chips within a mere few hours of applying polish. So I decided to try to be a bit less short-sighted about the process and try out the base coat and top coat, and I'm so glad I did! I couldn't believe how quickly the polish dried with the top coat - not just that soft dry, but the true hard shell dry - and it was a solid four days before I got my first chip. That's seriously a record for me. Good stuff! (Though I have to add the disclaimer that apparently in CA the bottles have a warning not to use when you're pregnant, though there seems to be a collective belief that it is because CA has such strict EPA regulations and is likely just being proactively protective).

I will have to keep my eye out for the base coat next time I go into Sally's, but I too am a big fan of the top coat. I am incredibly hard on my hands too with my job and my computer time, so I was also pleasantly surprised the first time I tried the top coat. It dries super fast and stays shiny. I still paint my nails about twice a week but that's just because I get bored having the same color on my fingers, and I have to keep changing it up every time the supervisor notices I'm wearing a color that isn't "acceptable".

[littlefairywren]

Has anyone ever tried to remove their acrylics? I read that the best way is to soak them in polish remover with acetone, and I'm wondering how long the process takes.

I have cut mine back and they are growing out at a rapid rate, but the acrylics are still attached firmly. I just want to give my own nails a breather for a while and looking for the best method.

[BeaBea]

In the UK you can buy Acrylic Nail Remover at most chemists etc. Have a look for a specialist remover like this (http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Artifical-Nail-Remover_1037361/) - and then dont rush it. Take it really really slow and dont be tempted to pick!

Tracey xx

[littlefairywren]

In the UK you can buy Acrylic Nail Remover at most chemists etc. Have a look for a specialist remover like this (http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Artifical-Nail-Remover_1037361/) - and then dont rush it. Take it really really slow and dont be tempted to pick!

Tracey xx

Tracey, you're a gem. I didn't know there was solution available for it specifically, and after a wee search I managed to locate some product here in Sydney. Thank you :)

[fat9276]

I painted mine this weekend with an OPI color called "Birthday Babe" (it's a silver color). Since it was my birthday :D

Next I want to do them in a Sally Hansen's-Diamond Strength I have, called "Honeymoon Red" oo lala;) (I love how they have the little fake diamond on the bottle) :)

[Aust99]

I painted mine this weekend with an OPI color called "Birthday Babe" (it's a silver color). Since it was my birthday :D

Next I want to do them in a Sally Hansen's-Diamond Strength I have, called "Honeymoon Red" oo lala;) (I love how they have the little fake diamond on the bottle) :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!:kiss2:

[sarie]

@ fat9276, i hope you had a great birthday weekend!
__

my version of american apparel nailssss :>

[Aust99]

84584

Rimmel London - Pop! (I love lasting finish):kiss2:

84585


(I haven't cleaned the edges up yet.....:p)

[Weeze]

I'm wearing Swing Baby by China Glaze. I tried taking a picture, but my camera phone didn't do it justice. I'm obsessing, it's SUCH a great color. It feels like *me*

[fat9276]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!:kiss2:

@ fat9276, i hope you had a great birthday weekend!
__

my version of american apparel nailssss :>

84584

Rimmel London - Pop! (I love lasting finish):kiss2:

84585


(I haven't cleaned the edges up yet.....:p)


thanks girls! and both of you dear girl's nails are darling :happy:

[AnnMarie]

I'm wearing Swing Baby by China Glaze. I tried taking a picture, but my camera phone didn't do it justice. I'm obsessing, it's SUCH a great color. It feels like *me*

You can pretty much always find nail colors online - here's the image search for that one. :)

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&expIds=17259,17311,17315,23628,23670,25752,25834,2 5854,25901,25980,26209,26218,26328,26340,26425,264 58,26512,26568&sugexp=ldymls&tok=Y3OiFkhR6ME-4yUWHAtwAA&xhr=t&q=swing+baby+china+glaze&cp=13&safe=off&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1377&bih=845