I’m so ready for Thursday!!
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Edit: added link for jewels
Product list:
Apres Gel X stiletto long nails & top coat
“QIMYAR” Glitter from Amazon, I used 3 different ones from this set to try an ombré effect but it’s not super noticeable. My first time trying a full-nail encapsulation and I’m super happy with how it turned out!!
So I've never worked with flowers and I kept seeing people use flowers in Gel or Acrylic nails. I have neither so I just tried it with regular ol' nail polish!
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I used:
My mani: Gel polish done in salon (no product list).
Taro’s mani: Soft Claws for Cats - CLS (Cleat Lock System), Size Medium, Color Red
Extensions were done using the Markartt glitter extension gel nail starter kit on amazon, including the gel base, pink polygel, gel top coat, lamp, brush/ spatula, and file.
I bought a 70% isopropyl pump top bottle from cvs for my slip solution.
Here’s a link to the kit if anyone’s curious
This time I used forms instead of the popits. It definitely took more time to refine, but there was a lot more control of how to shape it as a whole, and of how much product ends up in the cuticle area.
So gorgeous! A nice thick and gel-like top coat would make this look professionally done and probably make it last a while. Like this one.
Jojoba oil is amazing for keeping your nails flexible and break resistant. Having the right tools around helps too.
Everyone says nails are "jewels not tools," but they don't say what tools to use instead! I rely on a sturdy metal tool meant for removing blackheads like this for sooo many tasks. I have two of those and several pairs of tweezers around the house to help. I also have some good scissors and a letter opener for dealing with packages and mail.
Long nails present some unique challenges, but with the right tools it's not a problem!
Please excuse my unsightly old looking hand (I am in fact old.)
I am playing around with holo glitters that aren't really meant for nails, though they are solvent resistant. On these nails I used:
Mardi Gras from artglitter.com
G & E gel base and top coat
No color coat used. I put on the base coat, cured for 1 minute, added a layer of glitter. Top coat, cure for 10 seconds, then another layer of glitter. Cure for a minute. Then two more coats of top coat, each cured for a minute.
This is a pretty bright pink, with more holo flashes of color than the picture shows. I was pretty happy with it. I just got several more colors from artglitter, will post what they look like when I get around to using them. I can say that they all look very lovely in the jars, though.
As a single dad several years ago I invested in these for my daughter. We loved doing her nails with different designs. Now at 20 she still has me doing her nails.
https://www.amazon.com/Winstonia-Stamp-Stamping-Manicure-Pedicure/dp/B00B868SK4
This was my first time using this particular sticker set. I'm beginning to notice what kinds of stickers work well on nails, and what I should stay away from. Stickers that are really small, like the stars and three-line accents, tend to work really well on nails as they can lay flat and "blend into" the nail. The stars were a bit "puffy", but because they were small, they were able to settle onto the nail very well.
Larger stickers, like the lines and moon, require a lot more care when applying, because they can lift if the nail itself has too drastic of a curve. I got the vertical line stickers to work, but the moons (black moon on ring finger, and white moon on left hand thumb) did lift, so I had to apply an extra layer of top coat.
Also, up close, all nail stickers I have tried so far have that distinctive "edge" around them, which gives away the fact that they're stickers. I think: the smaller the stickers are, and the less obvious the clear edge is around them, the better they look when applied. I'm continuing to optimize how to make them look as inconspicuous as possible.
I'd love some CC on nail sticker application, cleaning up the edges, nail shaping, etc. Thank you!
Thank you!! The color is OPI’s Frenchie Likes to Kiss and I did use a strengthened its the Mavala nail strengthener which I swear by! I use it once a week and omg it’s completely changed my life! I got it from amazon but you can find it much cheaper other places (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001618JY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5JbECbWVA7B1E)
It's a holographic powder similar to the chrome powders so many have posted about. The link is in a reply to another comment. I personally bought one from Amazon that included the no-tacky gel top coat necessary because I had never used powder before.
Quisan Magicforce 108 with Gateron blues: https://smile.amazon.com/Qisan-Mechanical-Keyboard-Backlight-Magicforce/dp/B01HGEZNAE/
I liked the one I got for work so much I bought a second for home. The blue switches are SUUUPER loud though, so consider that if you have neighbors you might bother. I have my own office, but my neighbors can still hear it a little bit.
You need one of these!
I use them all the time for stamping and it's so much better than just trying to not get remover on my other nails.
I would think it's this stuff. You can print on it using any printer for diy nail decals.
Blinggasm Waterslide Decal Paper 10 Sheets Pack, Clear or White, Inkjet or Laser Printer Choose From Menu (CLEAR FOR LASER PRINTER) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZLVF698/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZGdEBbT616FEN
Thank you! I used this set
I bought them from Amazon. The set comes with four plates, a scraper, and a stamper
The basic how-to is: You put polish on the design plate, use a stamper to pick it up and then press it onto your nail.
There are tutorials on YouTube where you can see the process in more detail. I don't have a link handy or I'd happily share one!
Product list:
Gel Nail Polish 36 Pcs Colors 7ML Fall Holiday Gel Polish Soak Off Gel Nail Kit Glitter Nail Art Starter Kit Beauty Gifts Set Box by Modelones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087M3QZDW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_u6icGbW8ZP39D
Modelones Glitter Gel: L001
Morovan: UV Builder gel
Beetles: Base Gel and Top Gel
GUUUURRRLLLL It's one of these, and SO worth it!
Universal Double Side Transparent Nail Polish Gel Organizer Holder for 48 Bottles Adjustable Space Divider with Two Toe Separator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4498BN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EGKiDbN795TAA
I had my polishes in a bag, then a medium cardboard box... I decided to pull the trigger on one of these, and I'm in heaven! Looking to get another, and repurpose an art box (like a kaboodle) for my tools :)
Thank you! I bought it on Amazon, here you go!
u/astonishingastrid
I replied to someone else with this info, but it might be too many comments deep for everyone to see. For those that prefer gel, there is a fantastic holo gel polish set that includes a rose gold that I think is comparable! Of the 12 colors I've already tried 6. A couple of them have a jelly base that hides the holo, but not the rose gold and not most of them. If I wasn't moble I'd post my swatches. I have had good luck with the quality.
Please pardon my link formatting if it's not good.
CLAVUZ Gel Nail Polish Kit Soak Off UV LED 12pcs Neon Bling Nail Varnish Fashion Shimmer Nail Art Manicure Pedicure Decor Gift Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0XPM4B/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_PC3cEbNARXXKQ
I have a recommendation that may be life changing for some of you:
It's fucking magical. I'm pretty adept with chopsticks, and I've definitely used clothespins and chip clips (like the kind for closing bags), but they've got nothing on pickle grabbers.
Ugh, this is ridiculous. I made a post on buzzfeed about this to spread the word further.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/lauram48/sinful-colors-steals-from-bloggers-6wjl
Try to contact Revlon and post on their facebook page - they're the ones who will respond to this.
If you're interested in some CC, I'd recommend getting a cheap amazon nail drill! I got this one (https://www.amazon.com/Fancii-Professional-Electric-Manicure-Pedicure/dp/B06XJ64173) and it's helped a lot getting the nails into a more natural shape overall. I'm just getting started with dip as well and fear the dreaded "bubble nail" shape, so it's done wonders. It's not too strong and makes the process go a lot easier/smoother.
Yay! :) I'm using a very stiff gel art brush (I don't use gel, just like the brushes) dipped in acetone for cleanup. The elf brush and a lot of others I've tried kinda mushed out when I tried to use them and didn't give me that same super crisp line. I'm also using pure acetone to really cut through the polish: dip brush, dab excess off side of jar, one or two clean swipes on nail, wipe off on paper towel and repeat.
This is the brush I currently use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RWMZ4WP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00
Base is Essie Go Overboard, stamped with Essie Naughty Nautical waves and iridescent bubbles (an OPI opal whose name I can't recall). Mr. Octopus is Essie Mod Square, Bahama Mama, and Fiji. Inspired by: https://www.instagram.com/p/VUU4mJBoDh/
I have recently started using a milky white gel polish that I bought off Amazon that goes on amazingly well without that "streaky" appearance.
This is what I used to get started and has the thin lines I used for the look. It has the stamper and scraper included.
I found this stamper very forgiving when I was starting and def recommend it at first. It’s extra sticky so it does well at pick up.
I’m using MoYou Clear Crystal Stamper now because it’s easier to see through. It even magnifies my nail a bit! So super helpful for this kind of design. It was a learning curve though in terms oh how much pressure I should be applying. Seriously roll over your design as light as you possibly can, and when that doesn’t pick up go back and do it even lighter.
All of these polishes aren’t stamping polishes, I haven’t used any yet so I can’t say how much better they are, but I will say you don’t need them.
Also have a lint brush or tape handy.
I hope you try it out! Till I tried it I had barely any interest in nail art cuz I cannot do freehand.
Great advice! My only quibble is that polish price has nothing to do with chipping or quality.
In Consumer Reports testing Sinful Colors lasted the longest and it's less than $2 per bottle. https://lifehacker.com/the-longest-lasting-nail-polish-you-can-buy-is-also-the-1584668718
Cheap polish and expensive polish are made in the same factories of the same ingredients. Companies want you to buy the hype that expensive polish is better because it makes them more money. Gel polish can be a different story, but for regular lacquer? Don't let them take you for a ride.
Coty = Chanel = Sally Hansen = FingerPaints Revlon = Sinful Colors = Pure Ice
Wash your nails with soap that has no moisturizing ingredients, swipe them down with rubbing alcohol, and any polish should adhere well. Add a good top coat, and you're golden.
I love Seche Vite, but you do have to buy a bottle of Seche Restore thinner and use it regularly to keep your top coat thin. I have used it for years and only experienced lifting in two circumstances. For some reason it didn't play well with a Bizty polish one time and peeled up. Other than that I only avoid using Seche Vite to "refresh" a mani after a few days because that can cause lifting.
Polishes:
Here's the dress on Amazon if you love the pattern too! (Cheers to u/DepressedAlchemist for posting it in the Discord server)
Ahh! How wonderful! I just did mine recently too over the course of a weekend! It was very satisfying, but I think all the fumes may have killed off a few brain cells (one open window wasn't enough to clear it out).
If anyone here is planning on doing this, I second the recommendation for a cheap (or unused, I had an old, free OPI one that I've never touched) top coat. I also recommend that you let them dry for a while before applying the top coat. I got impatient and painted some sparklies while they were still tacky, and some of the glitter stuck on the brush, so some of my solid colors look like they have a little bit of sparkle.
Oh, I've also noticed that a lot of people have been waiting for ebay/long shipping times from Amazon, but I was able to get a nice set of 200 that came with two-day Prime shipping. If anyone is in a hurry, I liked the ones that I got. They are $10 for 200, which I thought was reasonable, but honestly, I didn't research that much.
ORLY has a ridge filler base, not sure how well it works. Amazon link below. Might save a step?
Also, how is that bonder base?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F978ZS8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_heffAbNP8N9Q0
As long as you're using pure acetone, you shouldn't have a problem.
I find that with glitters like this (I also own this polish, one of my few drug store ones), you just have to hold the cotton pad on your nail for a few minutes. Then using even pressure, swipe down the nail to remove the polish. That way you're not scrubbing your nails trying to get the glitter off.
I seriously recommend purchasing a set of manicure clips as they are amazing for removing glitters so you don't have to hold it there the whole time.
Those are so tacky. After that article, though, I clicked to another one at the bottom about nail polish. I mean, really: http://www.buzzfeed.com/hillaryreinsberg/8-nail-polish-colors-youll-always-regret
That's the worst nail polish article I've ever read.
Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I believe Etsy is only to be used for handmade items, vintage items, and craft supplies. Selling polishes, brushes, dotting tools, etc. doesn't fall into any of those categories. What you're doing violates Etsy's Guidelines.
Get yourself one of these, I can't believe I ever went without one!
Press on nails: Natural Coffin Fake Nails by ECBasket (Amazon)
Glue: Kiss Powerflex Max Speed Nail Glue
Polish: two coats of a no name polish from a Deborah Lippmann multi pack, a peachy jelly with Holo glitter in it.
Top Coat: Essie Good-to-Go
Feels bad that the set of press ons I like the most are the ones I did the least amount of work on, but oh well.
Not OP but - I use Simply Bliss. It's liquid latex and really amazing. There's also similar kinds on amazon if you're allergic to latex. It works exactly as the one shown in OP's!
Got mine here : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=pt_BR&formkey=dDZ0djlrUnJsTnhQcVRTNFJoME1zYkE6MQ#gid=0 You can also get it here: http://www.ninjapolish.com/home.php?cat=282
Its a great plate!
No, these are painted directly on to the nail by the nail artist (https://instagram.com/ciaomanhattan2012/), not on to fakes that are then applied. This nail artist is just amazingly talented, definitely one of the most skilled and creative I've seen.
I used this model ones kit for the base, top, and grey color: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X178VXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_i4hsfWQ46OV9a (The colors that came are pretty and work well but very different from the pics on Amazon)
Purple: Sally Hansen good. Kind. Pure. Color in 360 Laven-dear
Smiley face: an expo wet erase marker!
I am absolutely obsessed with this because of how amazing it smells: https://www.amazon.com/Cuccio-Revitalize-Cuticle-Honey-Ounce/dp/B00F644LTQ/
You're welcome in advance.
Here is a link to it on Amazon. It's gel which makes it even better!
I was worried when I was first putting it on, because out of the bottle it's the purpley color but once it hit my nails it turned green (the green reminds me of OPI Gargantuan Green Grape, a color my aunt said makes my nails look like they have a fungus -_-) and once it went under the light, it stayed bright green. But once I was done I stuck my hand in the freezer and it started to turn purple at the tips and I freaked out. This may be as distracting as my chrome powder
I just got into gel nails, I bought this lamp and these no wipe polishes. If you search "Gel polish" on amazon you'll see a TON.
You need a label maker! I swatched all my polishes last year, and I started with a sharpie but found it had a tendency to fade. I got an inexpensive little label maker off Amazon, and it made a big difference.
I agree that you need to use stamping polishes before branching out and using regular polishes. I do pretty well with stamping polishes but still have a hard time with regular ones, even ones that everyone swears works for them. Also, you should not start with a clear stamper. They are notoriously difficult to work with. I suggest finding an opaque, squishy stamper. I bought this one and it works very well. Later on I bought a clear stamper from BMC and it works pretty well, too. But it isn't perfect. I also have a silicone mat that I practice on. There are a bunch of different types on Amazon. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I love stamping!
I've only ever tried the Sensationail starter kit. It worked amazingly well for me. It's around $20 at Walmart. Here is an link to it on Amazon
Acrylic only ruins your nails if you use improper removal methods.
I'm a hard gel user. Builder gel is a form of hard gel it just doesn't move that much when placed on the nail. Different companies have different names for them. On YouTube, the nail hub goes step by step on how to apply hard gel.
I personally do not use acrylic or polygel because you have to get the ratio of product to liquid correct so it stays on your nail. I like gel because it self levels out.
You'll need a bonder, this goes on your nail after you have pushed your cuticles back, and buffed your nail. I use young nails protein bond.. Got it on Amazon.
For a led uv lamp, you need one that is at least 36 watts. Many companies recommend that you use their specific lamp because their products need to be cured at a specific wattage. I use a 60 watt, so any product will cure. I got it at Amazon ( Lumcrissy Led UV nail dryer,Professional 60w Led Nail Lamp For Fingernail&Toenail with Automatic Sensor for For Gel Nails and Toe Nail Curing lights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G4B8MF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fdg2CbG3AXT8Z
There are ones you can get for around $20, so just do a little bit more research, or experiment with these 3 options to see which one works best for you 😊
Chain rings like this are my absolute favorite! Big unfortunately I haven’t found a good quality one. This one is from amamazon azon and is pretty cheap but didn’t last very long.
Amazon. :) It's double sided!
Universal Double Side Transparent Nail Polish Gel Organizer Holder for 48 Bottles Adjustable Space Divider with Two Toe Separator https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J4498BN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_huMkDbPJYG4Z5
They're from AliExpress. Here's the link.
I had it up on Etsy but since it still needs a couple days to marinate I took it down. I'm doing a pre-order for the whole Zelda collection and Pride would be ok to order as well :-)
I've been thinking about this a lot since I saw two internet arguments about it recently and LaurenLou explained it really well.
You can see here that The Beauty Department uses the terms interchangeably and technically incorrect. See post.
In any other context, gradient and ombre pretty much mean the same thing but when talking about nails they're different techniques.
Not sure if you can see this link or not, but it isn't confirmed if it will work or not (but sounds like it would)...it says to mix 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide with 2 to 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda, mix into a paste and spread on nails. Doesn't say how long to soak for, but then wash off and you ALLEGEDLY have white nails. Again, this is not the most credible source, but it's all I could find this early LOL!
Product List-
Base: Light Elegance JimmyGel
Makartt QikGel Nail Building Gel... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088FT176D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Shade Numbers: 2-6 and 8-12
Presto Matte Top Coat
Was looking for something to store polish and ended up stumbling across murphy desks. I searched a TON to try and find something that was exactly what I wanted and finally found this: https://www.ryobitools.com/nation/projects/2905. Boyfriend built it with a few modifications over a couple of weekends. Total cost ended up around $70.
There are similar desks on Amazon for around $150, but you would have to modify the shelving for it to work well for polish: http://www.amazon.com/SEI-Walnut-Fold-Out-Convertible-Desk/dp/B003AKZG3I
Full coverage acrylics are press on fake nails but they're acrylic instead of plastic. Therefore they're MUCH easier to file down. I bought mine from Amazon.
They're plain when you buy them so you can practice and decorate on them anyway you want, I used gel polish, put on a silk wrap or just nail glue and then stick them on. They're not too thin where they feel fake but they're thin enough to not feel like someone just ploped on tonnes of acrylic.
So the thing with Petrol (one of my absolute favorite polishes) is that it looks different depending on what color it is layered over the top of. However, going through my swatch stash, it looks like ILNP Hush is a pretty near dupe.
Hush itself also has a couple of near twins, namely ILNP Birefingence and ILNP Sirene. I would recommend taking a look at swatches from all three and see which one is closest to the color profile you want. This Amazon page actually has a pretty good comparison of all three, although I would recommend ordering directly from ILNP's site as you can usually save on shipping there.
Amazon! But you can also find them on Ali Express (but the cost savings is minimal, like $2US
here's the link to the exact ones im wearing and you can get them in clear, opaque, or white.
I feel your friends pain. I can fit both of my pinky tips on a penny for example (I don't have a ruler on me so this was the best reference I could think of, lol) without either of them going over the edge. The size 9 fit perfectly!
I just use the two thinnest brushes from a really inexpensive set off amazon to fill in larger areas and the small areas like the flowers I used the smallest dotting tool
Yimart 20PCS Nail Art Design Dotting Painting Drawing Polish Brush Pen Tools https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X6BCY7K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oas0CbA0RWJ8V
Ok, I'm SO sorry this is in French, but I usually use google translate for Chrome. But, it includes a video that is actually pretty easy to understand, and pictures. With a translator and without if that's your thing. I really hope this helps; she tends to be a great nail role model.
my office manager makes me show her my funky nail designs every day and gets disappointed at the plain ones.
while I ♥ /r/RedditLaqueristas, pinterist may be a good way to gather a bucket list. I use mine to quickly find things i planned on doing when I'm having a uninspired day.
(let me know if you need an invite.)
Try a ton of different lighting! Some of my best pictures are taken when the morning sun comes in to my bathroom, and I literally pose my hand in front of the wall next to my toilet, lol. The optimal lighting for one nail polish finish may be different for another, so experimenting should help you figure that out over time.
If you don't want to invest into different cameras or lights, one cheap thing that you could get it a macro lens for you smart phone. I use this one. It allows you to take much closer shots of you nails without being out of focus. If you don't have that, you could always take a picture further away from your nails (but still in focus), then zoom in/crop the shot.
I have red carpet manicure gels (usually regular price $12.99 Canadian at London drugs, a lot are marked down to $6.99). I also have the now-discontinued Quo by Orly gels (shoppers drug mark, initially ask $12.99 or something but snagged for $0.99; great if you find them at that price but I noticed they don't last as long and aren't quite as shiny as the red carpet manicure ones).
Lamp is from Amazon. Mirapure lamp uv/led. Has auto on/ off as well as timers.
https://www.amazon.com/MiroPure-Nail-Timer-Setting-Files/dp/B01KZQ90S6
With rcm gels my nails lasted 2 weeks until the grow out bugged me and I took it off. With quo, 1 week and it started to peel.
This bright gradient is another blacklight mani if I could just get my phone to photograph it correctly!
Base:
American Classics – Gelous
OPI – Alpine Snow
Gradient dark to light:
Indigo Bananas – Phlogiston Paradise
China Glaze – Purple Panic
Indigo Bananas – Neon the 10th Element
Orly Epix – Casting Couch
Indigo Bananas – The Uranium Evil
Top coats:
Born Pretty Water Based Top Coat
F.U.N. Lacquer – Gold Diamond Dust
Seche Vite
Floral Vinyl from a set I bought on Amazon or maybe from AliExpress I'm not sure which.
Lol.
It isn't so bad.
When it comes to gel/acrylic, stick to name brands. The tools and what not can be bought from gel. Glitter, mylar, lamps -- can all be no-name cheap stuff. Even the gel polish. But not the builder gel.
For gel, don't buy that cheap URSUGAR crap and DEF not Sina (causes many people allergic reactions) -- buy quality. IBD.
For acrylic, Mia Secret and IBD. (Don't take my word on this. I don't like the smell of monomer w/ acrylic hence why I stick to gel.)
The gel extension you lay down on the nail must be quality to prevent an allergic reaction.
If you want to use polygel (I use this just to stick on my nail bling...), quality polygel only. No cheap crap.
I bought two types in clear:
and
https://www.amazon.com/Makartt-Enhancement-Extension-Professional-Technician/dp/B076B9CBVZ
The product from Amazon was quality. The ebay product was some runny garbage that wasn't remotely polygel. It was cheap builder gel that someone stuffed into a bottle.
Twinkle T and Amazon sell some latex free cuticle barriers I don’t know how well they work but these may work to help you. I left the link below. Love the ombré though, looks great!
Biutee 5pcs Nail Stamping Plates + 1 Stamper + 1 Scraper Lace Flower Animal Pattern Nail Art Stamp Stamping Template Image Plate Nail Art Stamper Scraper Nails Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0VW9BX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1MVTBbPZ1HV1X
It's just a cheap kit from amazon but it has some really nice plates!
They are all over the place honestly. They range from indies, salon quality to drugstore. Here's a link to my Google Docs, it's pretty much up to date minus the ones that I just got.
Holy awesomesauce! If you decide to further pursue your awesomeness and do another set of Portal nails, might I suggest the test chamber warning signs?
I had to go hunting for her shop also! These colors look amazing!
Thanks! They're actually water decals. I got them from Tentacle Studios on Etsy a couple weeks ago, but they don't seem to be available right now.
I think it is these
I made this tutorial thingy that might be helpful (it includes the nail shape template you can print out). It's probably obvious, but step 6 should be to paint your decals. ;) As for tutorials I used... I just searched youtube. This was the first and most useful.
I don't recommend peeling the decal off like she does, though. Just let it dry thoroughly and gently poke the back of the plastic with your finger. The edges should come loose and you don't risk bending them. Then you can pick it with fingers or tweezers. That's what I do anyway.
Edited to add a step I forgot on the pdf. Doh.
I just found this ebay listing. I'm not sure if it's a good deal or not, and I'm kind of put off by the idea of it being in a plastic bag. It would likely be all over the place before I even make my first bottle.
EDIT: I also found this blog with a detailed description of how she made her frankens with spectraflair. She used pure pigment, but I'm sure it's about the same as using other polish. Oh, also the post is down the page a bit. (June 11, 2011)
dotting tools make it extremely easy. they probably have them at sally's but i got mine really cheap off of ebay http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=nail+art+dotting+tools&_sacat=See-All-Categories
Solid lotion bars for those cuticles! Seriously, mine were awful until I discovered them. This etsy shop has them for $5 with free shipping, and the one I got from there was great.
Inspired by /u/missus_b from a month ago. My orange and pink ended up being too transparent so I had to try to work in an extra coat, but for a first go, I'm pretty happy. And really happy with how the green and blue came out.
It's liquid latex - I got the same thing in a 4oz tub for the same price from Amazon. The stuff I bought is meant for halloween costume makeup, so any store that has facepaint and stuff like that will probably carry it. You don't get the handy little tube, but I just use a regular brush and it's fine.
e: Also Piggieluv does some pretty cool stuff with liquid latex. I keep meaning to try this. DIY nail vinyls!
They have an Aliexpress shop too. Its working :) Here!
I've been shopping too :/ Debating if I want to buy it or to just close the tab lol.
I had the same problem until I ordered some Seche Vite.. You must buy this topcoat! I can do a two coat mani and have it solid dry in like 8 minutes flat :)
:D:D:D:D:D:D thanks!
As for my glitter, I've collected it from around the place but Etsy and eBay are your best bets. Try searching for "solvent resistant glitter" - that's the stuff that goes into indie polishes and is a good quality for nail art. Doesn't colour bleed either.
If you want more specifics, LoveNailz has a nail art kit that might look familiar, and Borough Babe Supply is good too. Both on etsy. [Glitties.com](Glitties.com) is good too :)
Here are the original nails I was recreating.
Here's a video showing off the holo since it was hard to capture in a picture!
Products used:
▫️ Nail-Aid Steel Instant Hardener
▫️ Sinful Colors "Candy Hearts"
▫️ KB Shimmer "Prism Break"
▫️ ILNP "My Private Rainbow (S)"
▫️ Out the Door Northern Lights Top Coat
▫️ Seche Vite Dry-Fast Top Coat
▫️ Dotting tools
▫️ Apple Barrel acrylic paints: "White", "Pink Parfait", "Magenta Brilliant", "Bimini Blue", "Palm Leaf", "New Shamrock" and "Golden Sunset"
▫️ Color Club "Miss Bliss"
▫️ Color Club "Kismet"
▫️ Beau Gel "7003"
▫️ Aimeili No-Wipe Gel Top Coat
Hi there, Katy here. I used a tiny striping brush like this red one for my details. They key for me was using a very small amount of polish on the tip of the brush. That meant I was going over the same tear drop over and over until the proper opacity is reached.
It also helps to have a picture next to you. I used this one as reference.
Take your time on the design, and use the curves from your last tear drop as a starting place for your next one.
I still have somewhat messy nails but I found this helpful. I don't mean it condescendingly, I think your nails are beautiful and I love that color. But in case you find it useful... http://pinterest.com/pin/9851692904537116/
That's awesome! I have a Pinterest account too if you're ever interested in what I come up with daily. I only post some of my favorites to Reddit, but I post everything to Pinterest. Here's my board, Nailed It Originals. It's all derived from my main Blogger blog though, Nailed It.
They do bleed if you move them around a lot. I have bought from other brands that don't, but I wanted these for the bright red and blues.
my boyfriend just picked green for me too! the color looks great on you. i know it was a salon polish so you don’t have the name, but in case anyone wants a dupe, it kinda reminds me of the green in this set i’ve been storing in my amazon saved for later. i love that brand of gel polishes and it is currently on sale!
I've gotten a couple of art brushes I've been happy with from Bqan (sometimes written as Boqan) from AliExpress/eBay. They're a couple of dollars each, but I like the quality.
These from Amazon aren't bad: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HP9JKL5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I feel like the hyper-cheap brush sets on Amazon (like 20 brushes for $10) might be too badly made for me to be happy with, but I haven't tried them.
I get my cleanup brushes from ShopMissA: https://www.shopmissa.com/collections/nail-tools/products/dual-end-nail-acrylic-brush-and-dotter
I also sometimes use the covered lipstick brushes from ShopMissA for gel polish.
I have 4 of these that I keep on my wall. They're best for square shape bottles like Essie, Holo Taco, Loud, Cirque Colors, etc. Twenty will fit perfectly on each section (in double rows, so half will be hidden.)
Other size bottles are fine. Maniology stamping polishes also fit 20 to a shelf. Orly and Sinful Colors fit 16 to a shelf. Mismatched hodgepodge sections fit 8 or 9. OPI are the worst fit because of that chunky top heavy design.
I have my polish in these cases that I keep on a bookcase. I love that they don't take up a lot of room and I can still store my bottles upright. They are also easy to carry to wherever I feel like doing my nails.The rest of my stuff is just a jumbled mess in a couple of baskets on the same shelf. I will be watching this thread for suggestions!
A couple of years ago I started painting my nails for the first time ever and went a little nuts with stamping polish and picking up a polish or two every couple of weeks (and then I neglected it all for over a year). I just starting giving my nails some love again and I think I am going to be a little silly and buy these swatch sticks with number stickers to make it easier to see what all I have and pick color combos.
The only thing I’ve consistently had good luck with on my stained nails is the Eveline whitening base coat (it’s $6.99 on Amazon).
I can’t say that it actually removes the stain as it claims, but it does a really great job at camouflaging it, and it actually seems to make my puny nails feel a little stronger.
The only caveat is that although it’s functional as a base coat, the finish is a little too “slippery” for some polishes to adhere to. I haven’t tried it with Essie, though.
Anyway, here’s the link (and I’ll keep following this thread for other/better suggestions):
Eveline Cosmetics 3 In 1 Instantly Whiter Nail Whitener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F6BW1IC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1JKP8A5T50NA5WR9A4DP
I love these!! Also, I always used to spill my acetone everywhere too! I actually found a dispenser bottle that is a life saver for that though. This if you're interested. But either way, aaaahhhh these colors go so well together!!!
Does anyone else file their nails with a crystal file? I got this one from Amazon, and it frequently feels like nails on a chalkboard! I like the results too much to stop using the file, but my god, it's really testing me. Is there anything I can do to prevent it from happening?
Products:
Makartt Short Oval Press On Nails
KISS Maximum Speed Nail Glue
Revlon Nail Enamel 'Elegant'
OPI Nail Lacquer 'Suzi Needs a Lock-Smith"
OPI Nail Lacquer 'Suzi - The First Lady of Nails'
Sally Hansen Mega Strength Top Coat
Yeah. I can tell I'm already going to need another, but the way my room is designed won't let me. Once my boyfriend and I get a place, he will have to make room for my nail polish wall. Only fair if he gets a pokemon wall. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GYE1QDG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share