This is the very first time I have ever voted && I am so proud of myself! Thank you to everyone else in the US that truly cares about the people && all of our rights. I love you too 💙

If you haven't yet, be sure to cast your vote!

Products used: Five Angeles- Tipex in Long Coffin. Holo Taco- Peely Base, Royal Tea Blue, Playing With Sapphire. Twinkled T- Star Nail Art Stickers. Seche Vite- Quick Dry Top Coat.

I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to this sub, for saving me from potential health risks in the future (and from wasting money lol).

I’ve been a “nail lacquer enthusiast” for maybe seven years or something at this point. I’ve only ever used regular nail polish, but this last weekend I discovered that the only reseller that’s been selling my favorite brand of polish (and the only brand I have used for the past few years) seems to have discontinued it, which made me really sad…

So I started to look into trying gel polish, and do my own gel nails at home, instead of going to a salon, because it would be cheaper and because I throughly enjoy doing my nails and it seemed like a fun thing to try. So after some searching, I found a company that sell starter kits and all these beautiful polishes and everything, it seemed perfect, so hyped as I was I placed an order and was ecstatic!

So last night, in wait for my new products to arrive, I decided to do some deeper research on gel polish to gather as much information as possible, (admittedly I didn’t think there were THAT much of a difference between gel and regular polish, like I knew about the UV risks and that they could weaken your nails, but that was about it) and god, am I glad that I did. Because it led me to several posts in this in sub, and I was quite horrified to find out about what allergies and long lasting health issues the ingredients (acrylates) can cause if you’re not careful…

Like how even a small amount of gel getting into your skin (which I have never thought much about when using regular lacquer) is enough to potentially start this domino effect of allergies to other allergies, which can lead to you not being able to get dental work or surgeries (like hip replacements because it contains the same acrylates) or use certain other products like hair treatments, glues etc.

To say I was quite shocked to read all this is an understatement, I had absolutely no idea about any of the risks I mentioned previously, and I don’t think most people do. But I’m so thankful that I decided to do my research, and I’m so thankful that this sub provided me with the information.

I’m not willing to risk my health, for the sake of pretty nails (especially since I can achieve that with regular polish just as well with way less risk). It’s just not worth it to me and I’ll be returning my package ASAP when it arrives.

I used polygel and polygel nail forms to build the bulk, then carved the shape, I used thin plastic cut into small triangles as fins, and attached them with builder gel. Everything else is painted with gel polish

Hard to take pictures, but loved how they looked today in Oakland waiting to get into AEW Collision 😚

Really thinking I should start making Tik Toks or something because I don’t even know exactly how I achieved this 😅

I normally just do my own nails with regular polish, but I was going on vacation so I went to get a gel manicure. I told the tech that my nails are flimsy and break easily, so she was like, “Do you want me to put something on to make them stronger?” Not knowing the consequences, I said yes.

So I guess she started with hard gel? The upside was that the manicure never lifted, even after a month. Normally even gel or dip powder starts lifting off my nails after only 1-2 weeks.

I have a Christmas party tonight and I wanted to do a red/green/gold skittle. I filed off the top layer, soaked cotton in 100% acetone, and popped on nail clips. Y’all, I must have soaked, filed, soaked, filed, etc. for two hours before finally giving up and slapping on a ridge filling basecoat and a chunky opaque glitter to try to disguise the transition into the gel that I cannot get off my nails… I think there’s literally no grit left on my nail file and I shudder to think about what damage I’ve done to my natural nails.

What the heck am I supposed to do?? I guess I have to go pay more money to get the rest removed (defeating the purpose of getting the manicure done in Greece instead of where I live in Switzerland)

Never again! Another reason to stick to regular nail polish!!

ALL THE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM WELCOME! 😊💅🏻

Using a kit off Amazon I started doing my own gel nails. Still a beginner at the painting part, but the last mani I did held well for 2 weeks with no chips and it looked better than my last trip to the salon.

The kit I used was the Modelones gel polish kit. I also used MEFA gel polish for the blue polish, Vishine no wipe top coat, and Artdone chrome nail powder. All products from Amazon. Very inexpensive. Didn’t want to spend a ton of money not knowing if I will stick with it. I have been most impressed with the chrome powder!

It did take me twice as long to get the old gel off as it did to paint these. I soaked in acetone in a bowl of hot water with nails rubbing against cotton balls. I think the paper towels I used last time worked a little better. I poured the acetone in a plastic baggy and dipped the bag in the warm water and let my nails sit in it. I did remember to buff off the top layer of the polish.

In my experience the chrome powder on the edges washes/wears off after about a day leaving the nail looking much cleaner. I did worry about using such a dark blue, but once you apply the chrome it completely changes the nail color.

The last photo shows the blue with only one nail having chrome on it. I used an eyeshadow brush to gentle rub the chrome on making sure I get all the edges and the tips of the nail.

I prepped and painted as normal but when I got to my top coat I cured for 30 seconds, applied the chrome and went over with another top coat that I cured for 60 seconds.

I trimmed my nails down a bit and I really regret it but I’m just not used to having them grown out so long yet. I’m doing a lot of gardening and getting dirty so wanted dexterity with my fingers. On the bright side the last ones did so well that I think this hobby could easily become my new 2024 obsession. So far I’m $40 in and have gotten 2 gel manis so I think I’m already in the green compared to what I’m paying at the nail salon.

Products - DND gel liners (used shades classic white, classic baby pink, classic dark green, classic red) & Markartt chrome gold gel polish, along with rhinestone/sculpted polish to give the middle finger nail art that raised look. The sticker on my middle finger is from Amazon.

(This content is my own & is shared on my Instagram @ finewinenails)

Hey all! I’m super pleased with my latest mani and wanted to share! The end result wasn’t by design, but I wound up with some amazing sort of Velveteen Grunge nails. They look so soft and plush in person and I hope I captured it!

Products used: Beautpal Base Gel, Carmu Gel in 3, Vicovi Top Coat, Siusio Chrome Powder, Pueen Stamping Polish in Black. Tips are from Jofay (Short almond?) Plates used: EDK Blended, BP L006, BM XL359, Maniology M017, EDK Jurassic Age

Sorry the products are just a hodgepodge, but I was mostly messing around with technique more than anything. I wound up rubbing an aurora green chrome powder over black gel, stamping leathery or fur patterns on top in black, and then made a light black jelly to go over the design for depth. Wound up buffing it down for shape and fell in love with the matte. Kind of a happy accident!! I think it looks a lot like magnetic velvet nails but used a very different process.

I’ve been going through a bit of a tough time and wanted to try to push myself today to do something I usually enjoy (nail art) to see if it sparked anything for me. I’m definitely pleased with my results and the nails are making me smile. Thanks for checking this out!

Added some gold glitter ✨

My second attempt at a gel crackle shatter manicure💚

Drawing on your nails is so hard😅