Reddit mentions: The best nail polish base & top coat products

HAPPY CAKE DAY! =D

Hmm...I have many favorite songs, but this is definitely near or at the top of my list! It's called Ode We Will Bury Ourselves by Moving Mountains. They're a fantastic band, and I highly recommend them! This is one of their older things, and they've sort of altered their sound a bit, but I still think they're a really really great band that makes great music. =) I hope you like this song, too!

My favorite animal is honestly a tie between a sea otter and a bunny! I love sea otters and I think they're adorable. I love going to the aquarium or the beach and watching them be their cute furry selves! I also have a pet bunny, though. She's equally awesome. Smart, cute, soft and unbelievably furry. :3 Both animals are just too awesome to me, hehe.

As for my best joke, I wanted to tell you a good chemistry joke, but all the good ones argon. Eh? Eh? Hahaha, yeah...

Thank you so much for hosting this contest, and again, happy cake day! If I win I would very much like any of the nail polishes on my list, including this one, this one, or this one! Surprise me, please, if I win! I can't decide between those three! X)

Do you have a Pinterest Board/Spreadsheet of Polishes you own? Link? Alas I do not, but I do have a photo. Back row is Revlon/Sally Hansen, 2nd back are China Glaze, 2nd from front is Ulta3 (Aussie cheapie brand, not the same as Ulta) and Sinful Colors, and front row is OPI, Essie, and misc indies.

Can your SS include gently used polishes/items? For sure!!

What types of items would you enjoy receiving other than polish? I really have no serious preference. I love to be surprised :D I love cat stuff (love my cat, Claus), I'm currently obsessing over the SF Giants (baseballllllllllll!!!!), My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (GO PINKIE PIE)... and just stuff, honestly. I'm not a fussy person and will love and adore anything I'm sent.

Food Allergies: None, but I do not do well with spicy foods so please avoid anything even a lil bit burny.

Favorite Candy/Snacks: I adore sour stuff like warheads, umeboshi... etc... Roll'd Gold pretzels.

Favorite Type of Cookie: Choc chip. Can't go wrong with a classic!

Favorite Scent: So... Sinful. That stuff is amazing, it smells like cake!

Five Desired Polishes/Polish Related Items: Zoya - Zuza, Julep - Monica, Orly Bonder, Seche Vite, BlackSheep Lacquer - Farore.

Favorite Polish Brand: At the moment, China Glaze. I've never tried Butter, Zoya, or Julep >.<

Favorite Color: Pretty? I seem to have a lot of bluey greens so I guess they would be!

Do you have any Hobbies? Gaming :D Annoying my cat, working on my quilt... This is the centre block, all sewn by hand, no machine work... Listening to music... stuff........

Do you Collect Anything? I collect Pinkie Pies (but only the current gen because the older ones are creepy now), I collect the Vinyl Pop figures (I have Fionna and Marceline from Adventure Time and Pinkie Pie), and I collect teas (do NOT like russian caravan style teas)

Favorite animal: Wolf. And then, cat. This is mah tattoo.

What is your lemming (Most wanted polish) I don't think I have one currently to be honest. Probably a popular brand or indie that I haven't tried?

What person (dead/alive) you would like to meet? Richard Branson. Easy. I have his autobiographies and they are AMAZING.

Favorite Music Artist/Type: The Living End. I listen to anything except for a lot of screamy music, country, or rap. There are artists in all those genres that I enjoy but just not a massive fan as a whole.

Favorite Stores to shop at: Kikki K. Oh em gee I adore Kikki K. Also love places like JB HiFi (Aussie version of Best Buy).

Favorite Sports Team/Athlete: SF GIANTS!!!!

One Place You Would Like to Visit: Himeji Castle in Japan :)

Favorite Magazines You Do Not Subscribe To: I have no idea :S I'm not a magazine kinda gal really.

Favorite TV Show: This is a stupidly tough question. I lurrrrrve Detective Conan (Japanese version because the dub was HORRIBLE), Hannibal, Better Off Ted, Orphan Black, Tattoo Rescue, The Amazing World of Gumball, RuPaul's Drag Race (still watching the last season, DO NOT SPOILER)... other shows... I'm not a fan of too many American comedies tbh.

Anything else your SS should know about you: I'd be grateful for a fart in a box (please don't) :D I'm so excited to be a part of this event so I will love whatever you send!!!

Nail polish can be hard since everyone has different preferences, but you could always get a fun topcoat she could add to her collection (something with different colored flecks, glitter, holo, etc). Or you could get her a display for the nail polish she has?

You can also go to a drug store and just pick a color that reminds you of her! I personally like Sallie Hansen Insta Dri because I don’t have the patience for my nails to dry, but Essie, OPI, and China Glaze are all slightly nicer brands.

But I think no matter what you decide to get her, she’ll be excited about it! It’s very sweet that you’ve noticed something she enjoys and want to show your affection by supporting it 😊

I have this topcoat and think it’s pretty fun:

https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Lights-Silver-Hologram-Drying/dp/B000PZA1MC/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=38KPAJQPIMLBR&keywords=holo+topcoat+nail+polish&qid=1555300084&s=gateway&sprefix=holo+topcoat&sr=8-6

Not sure if this would work with your budget, but there’s this shelf:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01M0EM74V/ref=sspa_mw_detail_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Best of luck! It’ll be great!

I've started using the seche vite in the blue bottle(it's one that you don't have to apply while the polish is still wet so it's easier to deal with, imo) but I have noticed that it can't be so thick that it can cause these weird ridges at the tip of my nail sometimes. I put a few drops of the Orly nail polish thinner in the bottle and it seemed to help but some people say that can ruin the polish eventually.

And unfortunately I have had air bubbles with the seche vite - but literally only once or twice in like 30 or 40 uses (I redo my nails a lot to keep practicing 😊) so it's definitely not a common occurrence or problem for me with it.


BUT



The top coat I found that I actually really love is called Diamond Dry. I got it from sally's as part of a deal where I bought 2 bottles of China Glaze and got the top coat for free. It goes on thick, but not too thick, and makes my polish last just as well as seche vite. It just feels way easier to work with than the seche vite to me. That's just my opinion though, ymmv.

Here is the Amazon link for diamond dry - (but it's def cheaper at sally's and they often have sales where you can get it for free if you buy 2 polishes, just wanted you to be able to see what it looks like)


Good luck! Both top coats are great and really changed my nail painting life! Let me know how it goes!

Quick edit: I've tried the Essie top coat too. I like how it goes on, so that one isn't too bad (I don't remember if it bubbled too much) but I can say these 2 have definitely kept my nails from chipping wayyyyy longer than any other top coat I tried. Sorry for the wall of text!

Just start painting your nails and you will figure out what works best for you eventually. I've compiled a list of helpful links/videos that I've found helpful for me.

Dotting Tools:

• Cutepolish's video on how to make your own dotting tool.
  
• <$2 on amazon. It might take a while to get to you if it's being shipped from China though.
  
  Stripping tape:
  
  
• $1.08 on amazon.
  The trick when you use stripping tape is to make sure your polish isn't old and too goopy, otherwise it will not be so crisp.
  
• And use tweezers like this or this.
  
  Cleaning
  
  
• You will get the hang of cleaning once you start practicing. If you get better at application you will have to do less cleaning. This will come with practice. I suck at doing nails with little mess. So I use acetone and a slanted brush. This might be a good set to get.
  
• /u/ReneeJade 's post about cleaning up with toothpicks is very helpful too.
  
  Nail Polish Brands
  
  
• This depends on how much money you want to spend. I started with Sinful Colors because no mula. But the formula is kinda bad and takes forever to dry. And Sinful Colors stain your nails really bad in my experience. Sally Hansen is pretty good for the price. I only just acquired a couple of China Glazes and Essie's. They are pretty good but I only buy it when it's less than $3. I don't have experiences with Orly, O.P.I.
  
• Julep is okay in my opinion. Personally, I feel like they're not worth the price. One of my bottles just broke when I was turning the cap. And the other one (Julep Sasha) stained my nails really bad :/
  
• There are nail polish programs like Julep Maven (who do a free first box with code FREEBOX) and other ones that I don't know about but head onto /r/BeautyBoxes to find out more.
  
  Top Coat and Base Coat
  
  
• Orly bonder is a good base coat that I use. I don't have experiences with other ones, so I can't compare.
  
• Getting a fast drying top coat is probably a good idea. I use Seche Vite but it has a really strong smell and it shrinks your polish. I'm trying to find a new one but Sally Hansen Insta Dry didn't work for me. It smudged my nail art even though it dries pretty fast. Poshe is supposed to be good but I don't have experience with it.
  
  Nail Strengthening
  
  
• O.P.I. Nail envy is a lot of people's favorites but it didn't work for me personally. Just search this subreddit with "nail envy".
  
• Quimica Alemana. This stuff has good reviews and I want to try it.
  
  Nail file
  
  
• Use a crystal one. This one has good reviews or use an O.P.I. one. I use an O.P.I, pretty happy with it.
  
  Have fun painting!

Hello lovely! You seem to be doing awesome! I mean, they're already pink, you totally know what you're doing. ;)

Okay, so for the chipping so quickly, check out this super crappy video!. I never could find a close up of exactly how to do it on Youtube, so yeah. There's my face. This will help to extend the life of the top coat and thus mani! If it gets on your fingers, no biggie. It comes off in the shower or with acetone. :)

Here's what I use for a base coat, and generally for making my nails long and strong. Bats suggestion is another super common one! This one just happened to work well for me to help with chipping, so I figured kill two birds with one stone. I pair this with (I go through rotations and use what fits my needs...) either seche or this quick dry topper Poshe. Both seem to be nice, but I have noticed Poshe can be easier on the cuticle edges when it dries... Less pull of the coloring perhaps?

This is the set I use for clean up around the cuticle edges right now. The "ideal" is to paint a centimeter or something AWAY from the cuticle, then use the brushes (I dip in pure acetone) to perfectly clean up the line or round it out! The top coat generally should land/start in that blank space, so it's double effective to paint away from the edge initially. :D

Also, it will make a huge difference if you start pushing your cuticles back! I use this metal set because I'm irrationally terrified of getting splinters from the wooden ones. I use a cheap walmart cuticle softner before pushing back, but this is my dream formula since it's so highly recommended. BY pushing them back when you start to see them, it helps clear the nail and thus have less to let the polish stick to! Hurray! You're not supposed to use the scary looking scissor thingies too often, but I do use it on one very specific corner on my left thumb. I have one stupid stubborn cuticle skin flap that refuses to go away without being gently tweezed/cut off. I always make sure to wash with an anti bacterial soap immediately after and like to slather on some delicious cuticle oil LIKE PUMPKIN BANANA BREAD after to give them some softness again!


If you've got any more questions, I WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOUUUUU. <333

Here's some suggestions of the things you asked for.

First, a shelf to put her polish and supplies on. I have this one from Amazon which I like a lot.
Some of my favorite brands of polish: Zoya, OPI, Sinful Colors, Essie.
I know several people get on Etsy and buy Indie polishes (polishes from independent businesses and manufacturers). I don't have any experience with those, but there's some great ones from what I've seen here.
If she enjoys nail art, a set of Nail Art Brushes and dotting tools would be a nice addition. Make sure in that group is a small, angled brush to do clean ups around the nail and cuticle. VERY important for a clean look.
A base coat and top coat is also important. Look for a quick drying top coat. I recommend Seche Vite. Just be sure to tell her to read the instructions/tips for using it. It's a bit different in some ways. :)
Also, some cuticle cream with moisturizers, cotton balls or pads, Q-Tips, and Acetone polish remover are also some things she'll need.
That should be a nice beginners basket for her. I'm sure you'll get other suggestions as well.

i've been desperately wanting opi nail envy ever since you wonderful people introduced me to it. my nails break so easily and are very difficult to grow so this stuff is almost a necessity for me haha. it's only $6.40 and there's free shipping!


i totally stalked you so i can do some bribery action and your hair now is GORGEOUS. i can only WISH my hair would look like that. mine is pin straight and thin with no volume:( and also, you have an adorable little bundle of joy. i was a full time live in nanny last year and it was the greatest experience. enjoy her while she's this young!!!

one last thing, please please please please please oh pretty please with sugar on top and a cherry and sprinkles and caramel and whipped cream please pick me?!? :) hehe, thanks for doing the giveaway/contest!

It's kind of trial and error but I have had good luck with these!

• LED lamp
  
  
• Base coat and top coat
  
  
• Structure gel (if you have weak nails, it is like a strengthening clear coat you put in between base coat and color coats)
  
  
• Color polish: you can use any brand. I like Ukiyo, Gellen and Sexy Mix but these are all pretty much the same in terms of quality. You can also go to stores like Sally Beauty or Ulta and buy gel nail polishes in person but they're much more expensive, around $10-15 for a single bottle.
  
  The other accessories you will want are lint free pads and rubbing alcohol, and typical nail stuff (clippers, cuticle pushers, acetone, etc).
  
  There are also tons of accessories that are fun with gel nail polish like nail powders, striping tape, glitter, gemstones, etc. I'd highly recommend picking up a black polish and a white polish too for nail art and stuff.

I'm a really big fan of Mia Secrets products if we want an inexpensive expensive medium setting traditional system. I have their acrylics, gels, preps, and primers and I honestly haven't had a dud from them yet. They have this little intro kit if you want super small sizes of the bare essentials to try before committing, but I'll also show you everything I use to do a set of new nails with their system. If you go with the kit, the brush isn't the greatest...but it's better than most other kits in this price range.

• I dehydrate the nail using Mia Secrets Nail Prep.
  
• I apply my nail tip of choice and make sure it's straight.
  
• I brush Mia Secrets No Lines over the smile line of the tip and allow it to dry.
  
• I prime the nail using Mia Secrets [XTrabond]
  (https://www.amazon.com/Mia-Secret-Burn-Primer-Acrylic/dp/B00JVZGO3W/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1466043934&sr=1-5&keywords=Mia+Secret).
  
• I fill my dappen dish with Mia Secrets Liquid Monomer, ensuring there is enough liquid in the dish to submerge my brush from tip to ferrule.
  
• I drain my brush as needed to make the correct size bead then dip it into Mia Secrets Clear Acrylic Powder 3 times.
  
• I shape and buff the nail.
  
• I apply Mia Secrets Icegel top coat if my client does not want polish, alternatively I either polish the nails as normal, or use Mia Secrets UV Finish Gel if the client has paid extra for a UV top coat. (Sorry about the non Amazon link! It's not available on Amazon currently.)
  
  I PROMISE I AM NOT ENDORSED OR AFFILIATED WITH MIA SECRETS OR NAILITE WHATSOEVER. I just happen to use and love a lot of their products.
  
  
  I can also suggest Nailite's OMEGA system if you're a problem lifter. It's comparable to using CND's Retention+ liquid in my opinion.
  They sell a small kit and a large kit. I bought the large and it's an amazing value with a high quality brush to boot! I follow a similar system with it to Mia Secrets, but I'll outline the steps again.
  
  
• I dehydrate the nail with Nailite's Nail Prep.
  
• I apply my nail tip of choice and make sure it's straight.
  
• I blend the nail tip into the natural nail ensuring there are no ridges.
  
• I prime the nail with Nailite's Something Wonderful Protein Bonder.
  
• I fill my dappen dish with Nailite's Omega Liquid Monomer, ensuring there is enough liquid in the dish to submerge my brush from tip to ferrule.
  
• I drain my brush as needed to make the correct size bead then dip it into Nailite's Omega Powder 1 time and hold it there for 3 seconds.
  
• I shape and buff the nail.
  
• I apply Nailite's Wet Look Top Coat if my client does not want polish, alternatively I either polish the nails as normal or use Nailite's High Gloss Tackless Sealer if the client has paid extra for a UV top coat.
  
  If you have any questions at all about any products you may come across, tips on technique, or would like more product suggestions, etc.... I encourage you to PM me at anytime. :)

Uhm, obviously whatever colors you'd like. China Glaze colors are my fav, and they are generally pretty cheap. Get a nice base coat (so the polish doesn't stain you nails) and a shiny top coat (to help prevent chipping). Seche Vite is an awesome fast dry top coat you can try..... Ahhhh, I cant think of anything else right now, but Im sure you'll figure it out with time. Everyone here is GREAT at answering questions and helping and giving great mani ideas!!! :) Enjoy!! You'll become addicted!!!

I always feel really polished if my nails are done. I don't have the time or the money to go to a salon to have them done, or to constantly do touch ups, so this is my routine, that I will do Sunday night, and it lasts me with no chips through Friday for sure:

1. Remove polish and wipe down nails with rubbing alcohol (the alcohol can be skipped, but allegedly helps prime your nails).
   
2. Apply a base coat of this Gelous gel base polish. (You might find this cheaper at Sally Beauty.)
   
3. Apply 1 coat of color - any brand.
   
4. Apply a second coat of Gelous.
   
5. Apply a second coat of color.
   
6. Apply a 3rd coat of Gelous.
   
7. Apply this fast drying top coat from Seche Vite.
   
   I occasionally skip the second coat of Gelous and it still seems to turn out fine. The seche vite top coat is honestly super fast drying and it leaves the most amazing shine on my nails, which just puts them over the top. People always comment on how great my nails look.
   
   One last tip for helping your manicure last: wear gloves when washing dishes or handling cleaners. This really helps my nails not chip!
   
   Other things that make me feel put together: a pair of stud earrings, a blazer, COFFEE.

Kurt Vonnegut. Everything he's written is so so good. I started with "Slaughterhouse Five" which is phenomenal, and read a lot of his other novels, but his short stories are my favorite. Namely the collection in "A Man Without A Country." I love his ability to criticize society and government through example rather than direct rant. I also like his use of sci-fi to make connections to the bigger picture of his ideas and arguments. His style is straightforward, but he's able to set the scene perfectly without you being like "come on, I don't care what color the curtains are, get on with it" which I find in so many other books. He gets to the point, but you enjoy the ride there. The way he pulls in humor and gets you to think critically about life is unmatched to this day, in my opinion. Whomever owns the rights to his stuff recently released (posthumously) a collection of letters he wrote and they are just brilliant.

So my favorite author is Kurt Vonnegut and my favorite book is "A Man Without A Country"

Other favorite authors are Sloane Crosley (hilarious!), Oscar Wilde (withstands the test of time beautifully), Veronica Roth (I'm reading the Divergent series right now and loving it), Jenny Lawson (also hilarious!), David Sedaris (so funny and charming), and Jim Derogatis (one of my favorite music journalists/writers).

Here's my item

Neil!

But the pampering part is the easiest and most important! Maybe the massage isn't, but the nail treatments are key!

Learn to file nails properly:
Always file in the same direction!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RrfWakB-lI

Learn good cuticle care:
Use cuticle remover once in a while for a good clean up, but don't use it daily. NEVER cut the cuticles. Use cuticle remover and a PLASTIC tool to scrape nails (depending on the nail strength, metal scrapers can damage the nail) I use a makeup sponge to rub backwards from my nail after cleaning up my cuticles. To maintain, push your cuticles back frequently. I do this in the shower after the water has softened my skin a bit.
http://www.amazon.com/essie-Nail-Care-disappearing-cuticle/dp/B004FKCHHU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Use a good nail treatment polish as a base coat:
Most lacqueristas will swear by OPI Nail Envy.
http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Nail-Envy-Original-Ounce/dp/B00178TVXG/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1415653359&sr=1-1&keywords=opi+nail+envy

Get some good hand and nail lotion:
This is where you can pamper her with a nice hand massage, if you're willing to go the extra mile.
http://www.sephora.com/h-nail-cream-P152203

Her nails will be looking so fabulous before you even hit them with the color!

I actually love giving manicures to friends and family. My mom once brought me to her patient's house to paint the nails of 3 little girls. Cutest thing ever!

As for tips, some of it is really product quality/chemistry. I recommend two specific products: Orly Bonder as a base coat and Seche Vite as a topcoat.

The base coat prevents your nails from staining, and this one is rubberized (it feels sticky if you touch it), so polish adheres really well. This top coat dries your nails in about 60 seconds. I am an idiot and always have to pee right after I finish my nails. I can actually do that with SV. This combo has been able to make almost every nail polish I use last as long as I want it to last (for me, up to 7 days, but usually closer to 4).

To prevent chipping, it's important to use as few thin layers as possible. Thicker polish chips easier. The best polishes are ones that are heavily pigmented, but thin. I could probably suggest several based on your favorite colors. But my favorite brand is probably China Glaze. Oh! Also to prevent chipping and peeling, don't flood the cuticles. I leave a small amount of space as a border on my nail. You can see it pretty well here, especially on the thumb. I do this either by being sparing with my application or taking a paintbrush dipped in acetone and cleaning up the edges when I'm finished. It thins out the sides, making the polish less able to peel up from the edges.

A few things!

• Most polishes need at least two coats to look good. This is especially true for white creme-finish polishes.
  
• A super common complaint in the nail polish world is how "chalky" or patchy white polishes are. This is due to the types of pigments that get used to make white/off-white polishes. So, it's not necessarily you! It very well might just be the issue with the white polishes you have in your collection.
  
• I second the recommendations to add a pearly sheer polish or a glitter topper to make the white creme look less intense. I like Great White by Sally Hansen Triple Shine.
  
• Check out your alternatives for a good white that doesn't have all the drawbacks of the typical white cremes! A lot of people love OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls and OPI Alpine Snow.
  
• The "drop of polish" method is good, but I have found that, like you, I wind up with too much polish in the end. The method you were recommended in your first post is great, but you don't have to only use one drop to make that happen -- you can simply use that route for applying the polish. Continue practicing to find out how much to wipe off the brush before you start the first coat.
  
• A quick-dry top coat like Sally Hansen Insta-dri will help you manage nails/manis that are maybe a little gooier and slower-drying than others.
  
• If you're prone to fucking up one nail like me, get yourself a nail polish remover dip-it like this. That way, you can just start over on the one fucked up nail and keep the rest of your mani in good shape.
  
• One other trick that can make white manis look nice and less chalky is cleaning up around the edges. I have a little (wooden, natural-hair) brush that I dip in my acetone dip-it and brush up any polish that has gotten onto my cuticles or that isn't in line. I find that having clean lines around the nail of a white mani can make it pop, even if the polish itself is difficult to work with.

My favorite movie is Clue! If you haven't seen it, definitely check it out! It's on instant streaming for Netflix.

If I am luckily enough to win, I would use it for myself and share with one of my friends. We tend to like different things so there's bound to be items that each of us likes and can split it accordingly!

This top coat is less than $5!

Thank you for this awesome contest! Ill have to check out your nail polish one as well! Sprout

Edit: apparently I already saw your nail polish contest and left a comment there! Thanks again for these super great contests you're holding! :)

Well, you can start by taking a Biotin supplement or prenatal vitamins. Those will help speed up the growth of your natural nails. You'll also want to get a strengthening polish of some sort. OPI Nail Envy is popular, but I'm not sure what's available where you live. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Hand cream as often as possible. Apply cuticle oil at least once or twice a day. There are tons out there. File your nails gently, and if they're not too sensitive, buff the surface to even it out. Don't over buff it. It shouldn't hurt. After your nail surfaces are stronger and less sensitive, you might want to get a cuticle remover gel and some orange wood sticks. Apply the cuticle remover, let it sit for a minute, and then use the orange wood to gently push back any of the stuff growing up your nails. Wash your hands after using the cuticle remover, if left on too long it could burn your skin. Moisturize.

I linked some products on amazon. Just because I linked specific products doesn't mean that's what you have to use. It might take a little while to figure out the routine that works best for you, but you can do it.

This is a good guide! I find that leaving a small gap between my polish and my cuticle area looks much better than accidentally getting polish all over my cuticles from trying to paint too closely.

Also, if you do get any polish on your skin, you can immediately take a nail brush dipped in acetone and clean up the polish. It's easier while it's still wet in my opinion. (Though, when you're completely done painting, you can also go back and touch up anything you've missed!)

A quick drying top coat is also a must! Seche Vite makes a good one, as well as Superchic Lacquer. EDIT: These particular top coats are formulated to go over nail polish that is still wet, so it's a big plus that you don't have to wait for your color to dry before adding your top coat. As soon as you finish painting color on your last nail, you can go back to your first nail and start applying top coat until you get to your last nail again (if that makes sense).

Lastly, practice practice practice! :)
Put on Netflix or Hulu and relax and have fun with it! Good luck!

Here's what I do:

Buff the nail completely with a 180 file removing the cuticle and the surface shine from the nail. I have a nail drill, so I just do it like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCbjiCXlOiQ&t=26s

Wipe with a mix of 5/6 90%+ alcohol + 1/6 100% acetone (alcohol to disinfect, acetone to remove the oils).

Allow to air dry. Do not introduce more oils to the nail (like touching with your other hand after!)

Buy some primer: https://www.amazon.com/Mia-Secret-Burn-Primer-Acrylic/dp/B00JVZGO3W

I wear hard gel extensions, but this works for soft gel as well.

After you buff and remove the oils + sanitize, apply some primer. Primer makes the nail accept and hold on to gel better. I can keep my extensions on for 3 weeks to a month with minimal to no lifting even using them as tools (opening soda cans, removing keys off of key rings -- how do you think I am typing this lmao).

Anyways, you want to find a nice tacky soak off base coat. I personally just use what Born Pretty has to offer. It is extremely sticky when it dries. Do not wipe the sticky layer.

So now we have buffed, cleaned nails with some primer (do not wipe), and a base coat (do not wipe!)

Then you want to put on your color. Start with a nice thin layer pointing the nail down while doing it. Cure this layer for a minute or whatever the gel says. Do not wipe!

If you wipe, you must buff this layer gently so the gel can stick. Wipe this layer with the cleaning solution you made above if you made this mistake D:

Put on a second coat. Do not wipe!

Put on as many coats as you need to do get the intensity you want. Just remember, it will look thicker the more you do.

Still, do not wipe.

Put on a no wipe top coat for shine if you want to do that.

I personally like matte, but I don't use a matte top coat: I just take a buffing block and make it matte.

So tldr:

1. Buff entire nail
   
2. Wipe with 5/6 90%+ alcohol + 1/6 acetone solution to remove dust and remove oils
   
3. Apply primer. Do not wipe.
   
4. Apply soak off base coat. Do not wipe.
   
5. Apply color in a thin layer. Cure. Do not wipe.
   
6. Apply second coat in a thin layer. Cure. Do not wipe.
   
7. Apply third coat if needed in a thin layer. Do not wipe.
   
8. Apply no wipe top coat
   
9. If the top coat is sticky or not shiny enough, buff the combination, wipe, and top coat again.

Hello! First of all, welcome. We have another wonderful trans girl, /u/Sweet_Baby_Ashley, hopefully you two can connect and become friends!
I have a few suggestions for you. First of all, practise makes perfect! So with things like brushing off the excess on the inside of the bottle, you just need to keep working in it. Some polishes are goopier or don't work well - make sure you aren't buying the cheapest stuff you can find, because formula might be a big part of your problem!

This might also be why you are having issues with it drying between coats. Although, I will say, there is a certain pressure - or lack of- that has to be used to apply polish back over pre-applied layers. I still have issues with it catching sometimes and I have a nail blog, so once again, practice!

Fast drying top coat. Without my seche vite, I would be lost! Out the door works well also, but there are a bunch on the market to choose from. If you do use something like seche, "wrapping the tips" will help with tip wear and shrinking. That just means applying the top coat to the tips of your nails as well as the top.

Here is a video I found on how to apply- but if you look on youtube there are hundreds of tutorials, so don't feel bad! People do need help learning. I got my cosmetology license a few years ago, so that's when I learned.

I hope this helped even a little. Looking forward to seeing you around!

I do! I have medium to long length nails and even though some people say gel weakens them, I actually find that they make my nails stronger. I have pretty healthy nails to begin with, though. I use my hands heavily for work (constantly brushing up against metal, cutting things and operating machinery) and gel is a godsend.

I am also super frugal though so I do them myself. It's very easy and it doesn't take that long after you get the hang of it. I usually put on a tv show or movie while I do it, it's very relaxing.

I've tried out a few different lamps but so far my favorite has been this one (I prefer LED):

https://www.amazon.com/MelodySusie-12W-LED-Nail-Dryer/dp/B00AXSQCGK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497569940&sr=8-1&keywords=melodysusie+gel+lamp

I have had great luck with this brand of polish (they make a glitter red that is ammmmaaazing – I had a trainer at the gym stop me when I was lifting to tell me my nails were the best he'd ever seen haha):

https://www.amazon.com/AIMEILI-Soak-Off-Nail-Polish/dp/B00PF9Q5EG/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1497569972&sr=1-4&keywords=gel+nail+polish

And I use these clippy things to remove the polish when I'm ready to change it. No tin foil for me!

https://www.amazon.com/HIGHROCK-Acrylic-Remover-Cleaner-Superior/dp/B00OWZ0TVE/ref=sr_1_28_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1497569972&sr=1-28&keywords=gel+nail+polish

(I just happened to be reordering some polish today so I had some of these links open already :p )

Ahhh! Stupid fingernails. One thing I’d recommend is biotin supplements and this awesome top coat nail strengthener polish

OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener, Original, 0.5 fl. oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00178TVXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qaZJAbE4Q03QX

They work well but still wasn’t enough for me. The sns was the only way to have nails again 😸

I’m glad to know I’m not alone. I’ve always sorta felt like the 1 year mark is when most people go from androgynous to feminine in all the timelines I’ve seen. So I’ll keep our fingers crossed that the next year treats us better than the first 💕

This is absolutely amazing, I love it. Very handy for carrying in your purse. You could also add some flakies as a nice surprise, such as Essie's Shine of The Times if she doesn't have it already. A very popular cuticle cream is Lush's Lemony Flutter, however if you don't want to spend that much Burt's Bee's also makes a popular cuticle cream as well. OPI's Nail Envy is also pretty popular. :)

Of course! This is a list of most the products I use:

Drill: (it is absolutely amazing!)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PNKV71Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bwCpDbV82MR8J

Acrylic monomer:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006CVXR10/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qxCpDbFDTH6A8

Acrylic polymer:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGTQEKE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Nail prep:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YKLFN2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Brushes:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UONBO5S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Hand files:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EHRGFKK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Top coat (UV light required):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B96JHV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1BCpDbV2T3D93

Smaller version of what’s pictured:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS1UWAF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JECpDbCTC26YH

I also use little things like: tips, glue, cuticle nippers/tools, cuticle oils, alcohol wipes, acetone, etc. I hope this helps! Please note, I have been doing my nails for a long time and I have built up my collection over the years. It is expensive from the start, but always remember, everything will last you longer then the salon because you’re only doing your nails once every few weeks. Good luck!!! 😁😁😁

Okay so there's lots of places you can get things, but with some of amazon you might not get things in time so keep your eyes peeled, I'm linking random ones for you. It'd be easier to build your own basket instead of trying to find one. What I would suggest is:

-dotting tools like this

-brushes for art/cleanup like this

-clear stamper/scraper like this

-some stamping plates like this

-liquid latex (so her fingers don't get messy when doing different nail art styles) like this

-makeup sponges (those triangles, for gradients) like this

-striping tape like this

-good base coat (people really like nail envy by OPI and ORLY bonder) OPI ORLY

-good top coat (Seche vite is great) like this


I didn't pay much attention to the prices but a lot of those tools can be purchased fairly cheap, the most expensive things are the polishes and some stamping plates (some are very cheap and can be not so good, some are more expensive but are more likely to work well)

If you need more help let me know!

Hello!

1. Zoya is my favorite brand, ever. They're pricier than OPI (at least most of the time), but they run really good deals a few times a year, and they're super high quality. My two runner ups are China Glaze and OPI.
   
2. I have somewhat crappy nails (recovering nail biter), but I suggest using Nail Envy for a while as a strengthener. Invest in a glass nail file; it prevents peeling and all that craziness that emery boards and the like bring. I personally take biotin tablets (but your mileage may vary with those, as with all supplements). Oh, and one last thing -- moisturizing your cuticles helps promote healthy and strong nails!

She could be named after Vasco Nunez de Balboa, but be called Balboa. :) I think it's fun to say. Balboa has other connections with lots of locations (esp. along the West Coast of the US, and I think a place in Panama too) and of course there's Rocky Balboa too!

Item: I've been meaning to try this

Raffle word: Kitty!

Thanks for sharing the kitten picture with us! :) I want to see Phileas too now! Thank you for hosting.

Probably my biggest "hobby" (more like addiction) is painting my nails. I haven't quite gotten into the nail art thing but I absolutely looooove painting my nails. That's probably why my wish list is actually my polish wish list - it's the only thing I want <3

However, one of my biggest problems with my nails is that they are WEAK. They break really easily and have a hard time growing long at all. Because of this, my nails are perpetually short, which makes painting my nails harder for two reasons: a) Nail polish all over my skin and b) A lot of the colors I would like to wear just don't look as good on short nails.

Anyways. What would help me to have more flexibility with what I paint my nails (as I always shy away from my darker colors or bright colors that make my nails/hands look bad) is if I could grow them longer, which I could do if I had Nail Envy, a product many people swear by in order to help their nails grow long and strong. I've been dying to try it for a while now because I feel like it would make life so much easier!

Happy Birthday! :) Hope it was great, and thanks for this gauntlet!

Seche Vite top coats were recently removed out of the CVS I live closest to :/ $4.84 :)

And for the song, if you like Kpop, Apink just released a new song: [Nonono.] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3XJQtJWKJM) It's super cute!

I bit my nails for the better part of 20 years before I finally stopped about 2 years ago.

1. Carry a file. If one chips/breaks or it has a rough spot, just file it away. One of my main biting triggers was if I could feel my nail catching on something.
   
   
2. Take biotin. I got a huge bottle of it for about $10.
   
   
3. A clear coat, or some kind of nail strengthener. I use OPI Nail Envy. It's 2 coats, then 1 coat every other day, take it off on day 6, repeat. It took about 2 weeks before I really noticed a difference.
   
   
4. Chew gum. It was easier not to bite when I was already chewing on something.
   
   Best of luck! It's a rough habit to break, but it feels so good once you do :)
   
   EDIT: I forgot to mention: Moisturize! Be it hand cream, cuticle cream, cuticle oil, whatever. It keeps them neat so there's no hangnails, which makes them look healthier, which helps curb the temptation to bite!

This is a great idea--thanks for hosting!

• I'm addicted to lip balm. Haven't tried Baby Lips yet.
  
  
• This is my favorite top coat. It's super shiny and strong.
  
  
• These makeup remover wipes are nice. I bought them for a trip, and I'm enjoying them on my lazy days.
  
  
• Lipstick organizer!
  
  
• Essie nail polish in a fun purple color
  
  
• Blotting papers
  
  
• Color tattoo! I recently discovered the color Creamy Beige is a perfect dupe for ABH dipbrow in Soft Brown.

Having sparkles and rainbows on my nails makes me smile, and we should never underestimate how important things that make us smile are! I've got a stamping plate now that includes "It's OK to not be OK" which I have on at the moment. It's so simple but it's a reminder that I see multiple times a day.

Ah, you have clearly not embraced quick drying top coat. This stuff is great (though it does shrink a little as it dries so you can't put it on really wet polish as it will wrinkle) https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007U90J7S/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A3P662NIARCJQU&psc=1
Will be dry to gentle touch in minutes (I can usually start typing again within about 10 minutes of finishing my nails) and totally dry within a couple of hours. Absolute game changer :-)

The two things that I find the most useful for at-home manis are a quick-dry topcoat and a cleanup brush. The topcoat helps your nails dry faster/makes the polish last, and the brush helps with making the manicure look clean. For the topcoat, I would recommend something like INM Out the Door or Orly Sec n' Dry, although I prefer Out the Door since it has a wider brush. For the cleanup brush I would just get a cheap concealer or eyeliner brush to use, like the e.l.f $1 concealer brush or wet n wild eyeliner brush. You would just dip this brush into nail polish remover or acetone and use it to wipe off any polish that gets on your skin. As for general tips, always paint the color on in thin layers (i.e wipe off one side of the brush before applying to the nail) and wrap the tips to help the color last. Hope this helps!

Thanks for running this!!

reddit raffle phrase gifting is fun.

Crazy Japanese thingy on my Main. ($5.99)

Basil seeds on my Main. ($2.47)

Sunglasses on my Main. ($3.15)

Nail polish top coat on my Polish. ($4.44)

Tape measure on my Hobbies. ($3.39)

Totaling... $19.44!

Edit:

I'm curious to see what other combination I can do with just stuff for apartments. XD

Santoku knife on my Prep. ($7.04)

Baking spoons on my Prep. ($6.03)

Collapsible measuring cup on my Prep. ($7.81)

Totaling... $20.88

Blegh, it's a lot harder with apartment stuff. XD

I have not used the Essie, so I can't give you a direct comparison. The Sally Hansen one is pretty good, it's not my personal favorite, but if it's all you can find then I think it will still be tons better than the OPI that you are currently using. It will give your manicure a nice hard, glass-like finish. It's looks like this and is pretty easy to identify because of it's red bottle.

I use a cuticle oil I got from julep on my nails but Essie makes one that Ive used before that I like.

Are you using a base coat when you paint your nails? I found that when I didnt use a base coat my nails seemed to be weaker and more flimsy. OPI makes a good nail strengthener called Nail Envy. A lot if the folk at /r/RandomActsOfPolish consider it their Holy Grail. Though I opted for Essie's Strengthener. It works really well for me.

I would also try to avoid using acetone unless its necessary, I only use it to remove glitters and harder to remove stuff since my nails seem to be sensitive to it. Then I follow with my cuticle oil.

Ive read somewhere that cutting your nails causes damage to them. Im not sure I believe that but I stick to using a glass nail file to keep them in shape and the length I like. Its easier for me to shape with the file.

There is more than one shape you can make your nails (disclaimer: I dont know how well the chart works on what nail shape works for your nails, I just thought it was a good starting point and neat :) ).

This is a story from when I was 7 or 8 when I caught my brother's poop in my bare hands. He was being potty trained and liked to be completely naked when on the potty chair. He decided to run out and jump on the couch naked, then stopped and squatted. Me being 7 or 8, I think like oh no the couch will be ruined! So I dove as the poop was coming out, hands cupped perfectly, to catch this molten pile of brown soft serve. Nobody saw. Dad starts yelling at me to do something. I turn around slowly, emotionless, revealing this pile of steaming poo. Dad gags, mom is laughing hysterically, brother pooping again(this time on the couch), sister barfing, and me staring into oblivion. Eventually my mom leads me to the bathroom to dump it into the toilet and yea. It's a story my family likes to tell every so often.

I'd love this and this if I win please!

Cool story bro.

1. It's going well! :)
   
   
2. My summer chemistry lab/lecture finals are this week, so I hope to get A's on those!
   
   
3. Oooh.. I'm starting on some crafts for my new apartment, I'm going to be sort of "de-stressing" by hanging out with my boyfriend, and I believe I will be working out a lot this week as well!
   
   
4. I would loveee this top coat please!
   
   Thanks so much for the contest! You be good to yourself as well! :)

I haven’t found anything that works 💯 of the time, but I really like wildflower nails nail glue https://wildflowersnails.com/ Also if you have a Led lamp you could use the gummy jelly and shine e top coat. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MPFLY3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_eczPAb5PBRWRH
Here is a great YouTube on how to use it! https://youtu.be/qgpPfSiLjr0 hope that helps!

The best thing I did for my birthday was go to Dicks Last Resort in downtown Dallas! It is just a crazy fun restaurant where they give you outrageous hats. Not for the faint of heart. And it goes perfectly well with my sense of humour =) laser

Oh goodness, and I forgot to mention you need to get a top coat and base coat. OPI is a good choice for a base coat, but I'd recommend a quick dry top coat (I like Seche Vite.) Again, if you're feeling fancy, a matte top coat is always fun to have, but not necessary.

22 candles ! happy birthday hope it is a great one :)

http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Polish-HOPES-Lacquer/dp/B0085YK5U8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2HDHF9JD1UKRV&coliid=I34NEAN6KBWQNC $0.01 plus $4.99 shipping

also seche vite is on sale for 4.84 with free shipping just fyi http://www.amazon.com/Seche-Vite-Fast-Nail-Ounce/dp/B00150LT40/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2HDHF9JD1UKRV&coliid=I1GA3CVQ666HGD

I recently got into gel too a few months ago. You'll need a base coat too. I don't normally bother with one with normal polish, but I've found that without one, gel just peels right off my nails. Natural oils interfering with it, maybe? I don't know. But I like this set. And this is a pretty good remover but strong. Make sure you have a silicone mat to work with because it ate right through the varnish on my desk when I dripped it.

What an awesome giveaway! Been wanting to try that liner.

Here are some wants for me.

ELF HD under eye concealer setting powder

^This one is 5.30, if that doesn't count I'll add another for good measure.

One of these Loreal eyeshadows because they look gorgeous!


The most talked about Top Coat because I don't own any, haha

This nail polish because fall is coming and this color looks beautiful!

Thanks for being awesome! <3

TGIF!

I am going to a big Magic: The Gathering tournament for the weekend because I am a huge nerd and I love it!!!

This Nail Envy would be super awesomely amazing!

this is a good guide to go by. Also use a nail brush, like this dipped in acetone to clean up around your fingers.

A really good base coat is Orly Bonder, it's highly recommended. As for top coats, a nice fast dry is seche. the key to this one is to apply while the polish is still tacky (slightly wet) and to wrap your tips, this kind of shows how. if your nails are short, heres a trick to help wrap the tips

I'm going to cheat here if that's ok. Being a guy and all, I'm using my wife /u/jennatellya86

this nail polish on her WL is very pretty and love it!

this one is my favorite from the etsy site. /u/GemCityTiffany is very talented to make these!!!

Rainbow Sparkles

Sneaking into a peacock pen to pet the pretty peacocks at a zoo. I refuse to ever do that again because they are as vicious as they are beautiful and I ended up having to get stitches. I'm lucky I didn't get my eye put out.

If I win, I would love to get a top coat for nail polish. Thanks for throwing a contest!

No. Higher price does not mean less chipping. The base coat and top coat that work for you, means less chipping. Over the past year, I have gone through at least 10 base & top coats, of varying costs. I'm pretty sure I just (as in 3 days ago) found my perfect match. I swipe my nails with rubbing alcohol, use a Sally base, polish, then a Sally quick dry top coat. I am currently sporting a manicure that is FLAWLESS. $1.99 NYC polish, and it looks like gel.

I DO do it myself! :)

So far so good with doing a "gelly sandwich" -- base coat gel, cure, regular polish left to dry completely (takes some testing, best to dry overnight), top coat cured!

I got this:

AIMEILI Gel Nail Polish No Wipe Top and Base Coat Set Soak Off UV LED Gel Nail Lacquer - 2 x 10ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PF9Q5EG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3VmxDb5J1P9GV

Only complaint is that the top coat looks purple/blue and weird, like blacklight or something, in direct sunlight. Otherwise the one nail looks great!! :)

I use the cheap UV/LED light from Amazon. You can also find them on ebay. I purchased this one a year and a half ago and it's still working great. For polish, I'm a huge fan of Aimeili on Amazon. Base Coat/Top cost is a must and one of my favorite colors. It's just like painting with polish - thin base coat, color (x2 or 3 if needed), top coat. I dry in between each with 60 seconds under the light. For me, it's quicker and easier than polish. No need to worry if it's actually dry - once you're done you're good to go.

​

ETA: I purchase base coat/top coat July 2017 and I'm still working on it! I use it an average of once every 7-10 days. Some weeks I'll let my nails breathe.

I'm not the original person you were talking to but I wanted to share my base and top coat because I love their longevity.

These are my nails after 4 days wear.
I have done dishes and laundry every day, and my job is practically typing for 8 hours.

The picture is of my dominant hand, and I have not reapplied my top coat at all.

I swear by Orly's Bonder as a base coat and Poshe for my top coat. They're amazing and last so long I feel bad removing my manicures because they're still decent.

Poshe dries suuuuper fast too.

One lemming I really want to try is Poshe Fast Dry Top Coat to see how it compares with Seche Vite.

As for a color I'd really like to try a Nubar like Treasure or a BL but those are pretty expensive so I'm not going to link one.

Yay for having a contest!

Okay, I'm gonna go a different direction than most comments already. I started with Out the Door but it smears any artwork for me. I switched to Seche Vite and haven't looked back. Seche Vite is 4 dollars right now on Amazon. (Cheap! CHEAP!) I have a mani on right now that has lasted 5 days and counting. It's magic. It dries within minutes. If you get her that one, make sure she does a little research on how to best apply it; there's a trick to getting it to set right.

Second, You don't have to leave Walmart or the drugstore to get decent polish. Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy is rocking my socks right now, and it's 5$ a bottle at Target here in California. Its a thick polish, and the color is incredibly deep after 2 thinly painted coats. I would also suggest going to a Kohl's/Marshalls/TJ Maxx and looking in the beauty section; they always have a few buckets of high quality nail polish for a few bucks a pop. (OPI, saw some Butter's in there a few weeks ago, etc.)

Sure thing!

• LED light. You can get cheaper florescent style lights. I went with the LED version because it's quicker. I'm a red head and try and avoid excessive UV. I even put sunscreen on my hands before doing my nails.
  
  
• I like the Aimeile Top/Base costs and colors. They're super cheap and last. I especially like their color changing polishes.
  
  
• You might also want to gets some nail clamps for removal so you're not wrapping your fingers in aluminum foil.
  
  
• And maybe invest in some ph Bond. This helps dry out the nail bed and helps the nails last longer.

1. oh hey errmagerd how are you today?!
   
   
2. such nail art is this one. I love Hello Kitty!
   
   
3. My miracle product for nail care would be OPI Nail Envy. It keeps my nails incredibly strong. I would also suggest keeping your cuticles moisturized, I'm obsessed with E&A oils. My fave is Pumpkin Apple Butter. Finally, I don't know what kind of remover you use, but I swear ever since I switched to Zoya Remove it feels like my nails peel less. I'm not sure if it's because there is no acetone in it, but it's incredibly gentle yet still tough enough to remove glitters and such. I know it's pricey, but it's worth it 'cause this is how we do it!

This top coat has a very fine/tiny scattered holo glitter, but I’ve always loved: INM Northern Lights Silver Hologram Top Coat

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PZA1MC/

(Also available at Sally Beauty Supply, if you want a b&m store)

Awesome score. Seche vite really is amazing.

Lol, I'm always baffled why people buy it at "regular price" in store (as it's often $8+ in stores) when you can buy Seche Vite on Amazon for $5, free shipping included.

Nice work! They look pretty and healthy! This is how I stopped biting mine as well.


If you haven't done so already get yourself a bottle of Seche Vite top coat and some vitamin D.


I used to bite my nails because they were ragged and peeling. I found using nail strengthener to work wonders.

Thanks for the answer. Now I know I need to get some, so I have weapons coming from y fingers. XD

Oh, and it's on Amazon for like $8.50 and free shipping! (Woop!)

I don't know if this is helpful, but here is where I got my Seche. I don't remember it being quite that cheap when I ordered, haha. But even with the shipping now, it's less than $5.

EDIT: Now it's $4.74 with free shipping...get on it! :)

I also really like the Miracle Gel polish. But if I want to use regular nail polish, I've found that the "Out the Door" topcoat works really, really well. I think a lot of salons use it (but I'm not sure...). But anyway, my at home manicures will last about a week or so using regular polish if I finish with this topcoat and it dries - like ACTUALLY DRIES - within a few minutes. Here is a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/INM-Out-Door-Coat-Ounce/dp/B000EVGQ8U/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1414120146&sr=1-1&keywords=out+the+door+top+coat

Seche Vite, you can get it cheaper online, otherwise it is $10/bottle at Walmart/drugstore.

BUT, it is SO SO SO worth it. Whereas without top coat, your nails take like an hour to fully dry, Seche Vite has them completely rock hard in like 15 minutes. It's a game changer, and people ask me if I'm wearing gels because it keeps them really shiny.

This is very cool! ;)

My main lemming is actually OPI Nail Envy, but I'm saving up for it. :)

The elusive lemming I've been crushing on hard is essie Shine of the Times.

Enjoy your tax return! :)

1. My favorite movie is The Crow; it's sad, happy, well-detailed, cinematically amazing, and has some terrific characters. I would want this gift for me, but I'm always sharing and I have ladyfriends I share with. Me + community.
   
   
2. Seche Vite Topcoat!
   
   
3. Sprout~

I just recently received a lovely dark purple lipstick from u/dm2r! It's Wet n Wild's Vamp it Up! It looks very similar to Mac's Cyber lipstick, as seen by swatches here. It applies really nicely, too! :)

Link to my under $5!

Yeah they dry decently fast but it sounds like you need some of this. You can slather it on when your nails are still wet and it'll dry pretty quickly and look like glass.

American Classics Gelous! Available at Sally Beauty Supply if you're in the states, too. You can use it as a base and top coat. Bonus tip: if you want a rock solid mani, use it as a base, top, AND in-between layer. I've extended regular non-gel polish to 2 weeks with minimal tip-wear and chips with this method.

I would love this top coat. I hope you feel better, and not sick as a dog!

Lord of the Rings, all of them. Why? BECAUSE I WANT TO GO ON AN ADVENTURE

$5 for 4! More joy!

Top coat! $5

Organizer! $20

First and foremost, congratulations on 200+ days of sobriety. It is not easy, though some days are easier than others, some days are also more difficult than others. I'm very proud of you.

Step 1: As for your shop... I've eyed Nebula- I Just Met Ya, and Cosmosis for a while now. But then you made Infinintly Improbable Pink, and Finally Ginger. So a surprise works well.

Step 2: This please!

I ain't scared of no ghost!

I would love this top coat

Thank you for the contest and happy early Canada Day!

I had the same problem, and the issue was the top coat. I was using sally hansen double duty, and it just refused to dry, leaving me with the same fabric texture from my pillow.

Switching to sally hansen insta dri really helped my polish dry much faster, like within 15-20 minutes I can do whatever I want without worrying about my polish smudging.

It's something that you're going to use for every manicure, so it's worth it to get a top coat that you like and that works well. Also, sometimes drugstores have sales or coupons that can get you a better price, so check the weekly circulars for deals.

Hope this helps!

Manglaze isn't specifically marketed towards men. Their company and nail polish names are naughty, to be sure. Their main thing is their polish has a matte finish. Using a matte top coat will give anything a finish like that.

As for the nail splitting, try a nail strengthener and make sure the nails are moisturized frequently with hand cream and/or cuticle cream.

I've used [Seche Vite fast dry Top Coat] (http://www.amazon.com/Seche-Vite-Fast-Nail-Ounce/dp/B00150LT40)
It's worked great on top of all my stamp designs!

Hope this helps!

The Seche Vite top coat is amazing! Best I have ever used. Seconding using the "floating" technique.

1. I'm so grateful for my husband. I just got back from vacation with him, and it was a blast! He drove the entire trip, 6+ hours each way, and I felt safe the entire time.
   
   
2. Linky
   
   
3. stitchinbitchin loves me
   
   Thanks for the contest!

Linky !

Thanks for the contest and Happy you're alive, Tara! Even though I didn't know you from before. SO HI ! c:

We definitely reuse, donate, and help others out a lot with things so they don't get thrown away. We also recycle time from time too. I think it is important because so many things in the nature is always getting destroyed and it needs to stay beautiful!

Item under $5

Jani likes it au naturel

Hi and welcome! I suck at makeup... mostly just powder my nose and maybe wear some eyeshadow/mascara. I'm good at nail polish though!

First, get yourself a good base coat and a good top coat. I recommend Orly Bonder and Out the Door. Most people here will recommend Seche Vite which is awesome, but may be hard to use until you learn how to wrap your nail tips.

i heard of this base coat for glitter polishes that seems awesome and i'm dying to try! because how awesome is that?

Not Essie/OPI but I have both Seche Vite top and base coats that I'm hoping to get rid of:

https://www.amazon.com/Seche-Vite-Fast-Nail-Clear/dp/B00150LT40/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524178951&sr=8-2&keywords=seche%2Bvite&th=1


https://www.amazon.com/Seche-Clear-Base-Formaldehyde-Toluene/dp/B00150SVRI/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524178951&sr=8-8&keywords=seche+vite
Let me know if you're interested.

So satisfying! And totally safe for your nails if you use a peel-off basecoat, whether DIY or from OPI :)

I’ve had good luck with Gelous. No UV lamp needed to get a gel-like, durable manicure. I know that everyone swears by base coats underneath, but I haven’t found them to be necessary with Gelous as a second step. It doesn’t have the glossiest finish, so I top it with Seche Vite. My routine is 2-3 coats of polish, one coat Gelous, one coat Seche Vite.

And make sure that you’re wrapping the tip of your nail - that is taking the polish over the edge and slightly underneath the free edge.

Ilovethedaisypup ! I just revamped my routine thanks to r/skincareaddiction so now I...

AM: Splash with water, use clean and clear dual action moisturizer, spot treatment.
PM: CeraVe foaming cleanser, St Ives No Scrub Pads, spot treatment, sometimes Proactive lotion and then CeraVe in the tub cream.

thanks for doing this!

Products used:

Basecoat: [AIMEILI] (https://www.amazon.com/AIMEILI-Soak-Off-Nail-Polish/dp/B00PF9Q5EG)

Gel Polish: [Lechat Rosemantic] (https://www.amazon.com/Lechat-Perfect-Changing-Rosemantic-Valentines/dp/B00S4AGKBQ), [Red Carpet Manicure Timeless Beauty] (https://www.amazon.com/Red-Carpet-Manicure-Polish-Timeless/dp/B017O9MNQI/) (on accent nail)

Accent Nail: [Born Pretty 73] (https://www.amazon.com/Born-Pretty-Stamping-Template-Flower/dp/B018JXG01C/?th=1), Lechat Rosemantic (non gel) Polish, some green color from Sally's, some black Sinful Colors polish, clear coat(s) were Seche Vite topcoat

Topcoat: [AIMEILI] (https://www.amazon.com/AIMEILI-Soak-Off-Nail-Polish/dp/B00PF9Q5EG)


Lechat Rosemantic is amaaaazing. Thermal polish. When warm/hot it is pink, and when cold it turns red! It also smells like roses. I painted my nails on the two days ago and my nails still faintly smell like roses! Also I cured with a LED lamp; if you use a non LED lamp the pink actually cures as more of a peach color, just FYI; see [here] (http://www.manictalons.com/2015/01/lechat-perfect-match-rosemantic-review.html) for more info.

Get on Amazon and get yourself some OPI Nail Envy. It has worked wonders for my nail!! They're significantly stronger and keeps them the proper white color. My nails used to stain very easily and it's definitely helped with that as well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00178TVXG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1405489488&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

I use Seche Vite top coat and it works really well. It also has a ton of positive reviews on Amazon, so I guess it works for others too.

Seche Vite on Amazon

It's nice to have an alternative to super expensive lamps for sure! I have this base coat and top coat which come together, and this red polish by the same brand. So far so good, they look really good! I also ordered this colour shift one which I haven't got yet, so can't vouch for but it was cheap so why not!

1. Item hopefully this works...
   
   
2. I was unsure what you meant by your instructions here; I am covering all my bases just in case. My guess is Pocket. Balance: $8.92. Up to $10 item Up to $7 item
   
   Thanks for hosting this contest and welcome to the sub!

Mix of this: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Nail Coat, Clear - .5 oz. oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00150LT40/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SkY8Ab00RNCKY
And this:
XICHEN 24 Colors Nail Art Make Up Glitter Shimmer Dust Powder Decoration https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9NV6EJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BlY8Ab2N3E1M8
That's the combo from the looks of it at least. Natural nail color with a gloss shine and nail glitter 😉. Hope to see a post down the road with the results if you and your gf were open to it

Drops are iffy at best. If you are looking for quick dry Seche Vite is king. Rock hard super shiny nails in 10 minutes or less.

[Gelous](American Classic Gelous Nail Gel Base Coat Nail Polish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8KWFJU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_8vbxybA31VCXA) Nail Care Base Coat + Seche Vite top coat. Will look perfect for at least a week as long as you let polish dry after each coat. I use Essie polish almost exclusively.

I LOVE YOU AND THE FLASH CONTEST AND CAP LOCKS!

In my life currently.... I just finally got season two of GoT, now I just need the time to watch it! This weekend I think I am taking a trip to Pa but maybe I can find time there to get some good tv watching time in! :p

It's different for everyone cos we all have slightly different chemistry/oiliness/lengths/shapes.... For me, I use a ridge filling base coat, any colour polish (I don't think buying the more expensive ones is worth it unless they are unique colours) but I SWEAR by the Seche Vite topcoat because it dries so quickly and lasts better than most others I've tried. (I recommend the topcoat restorer too cos the top coat gets thick and clumpy in the bottle really quickly.)

Also: many thin coats is annoying, but works better than one thick coat

use THIS

-fixes dull/fingerprint/uneven areas
-dries to touch in 2 min
-it literally looks like a flow of liquid glass that instantly makes your manicure look professional.
-make my nails last for 5+ days without any chipping/flaking/dulling

Also, try Essie brand nail polish...the stuff is a bit pricey ($8) but it's so nice and I swear even my non-dominant hand can paint like a professional due to the smooth polish consistency.

PROOF <--This is day 3 (and my job requires me to open and close prescription pill bottles all day so I would say this is pretty impressive)

edit: for pic

Ooh, would love my favorite Top Coat!

SFW XXX

Found something under $5! My favorite top coat :]

Opi Nail Envy. I used it after biting and my nails were strong and long soon after.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00178TVXG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505230321&sr=8-1&keywords=opi+nail+envy+strengthener&dpPl=1&dpID=41Jwwxp%2BDQL&ref=plSrch

Good luck

1. Item
   
2. My facial lotion with sunscreen, lip balm (trying to decide if I like EOS or Baby Lips), and eyeliner. Vacation is a time to relax and enjoy life. I can't enjoy life if my lips are chapped and my skin is burnt.
   
3. Tea Cup
   

This OPI Nail Envy or this bigsexyhair spray and my absolute favorite in-the-car-jam-out song is Feel the Love by Rudimental Unfortunately, when you listen to it on a computer, you can't hear the awesome bass that you hear when you play it in a car.

I have to go with OPI Alpine Snow like a few others.

SANTA IS COMING!

link item

THANKS FOR THE CONTEST!

this is the only gel-like not uv top/base I know of. I haven't used it yet but it has great reviews.

My Holiday Costume: A Unitard!

I can't wait to see/read about others' costumes! Thanks for hosting: spooky scary :)

My $10 Wishlist: Seche Vite , Dotting Tools .

Seche Vite is on sale right now for 3.99 a bottle with free shipping :)

Here is a link to it.

Seche Vite top coat works wonders and drys insanely fast. I think it’s cheaper on amazon than at beauty supply stores. seche vite

Happy birthday! You are only 2 months younger than my middle daughter :)

I like Dog Potty Training Doorbell or Homemade Soda Book!

On the much less expensive side there is IBD Reconstrux Nail Growth or OPI Nail Envy because school has killed my nails.

don't worry be happy :)

In case your luggage gets lost You'll like this!

I'd love this!

I polished /u/unlodgical a few days ago. Here's the link.

This is under $7. Thanks for hosting! :)

laser
this
My favorite birthday was when my friends and I took a limo to NYC to see Hairspray on Broadway.

Seche Vite is a pretty good topcoat. (You can also buy it at Target.)

I think the info links on this su Reddit has a great info about base and top coats.

I do gel tips at home and use Ameili.

https://www.amazon.com/AIMEILI-Soak-Off-Nail-Polish/dp/B00PF9Q5EG

Oh yes, ma'am! It is a gift from the gods. This one is my favorite. I also like the Sally Hansen one, but as I got towards the bottom of the bottle it started to get slightly goopy.

I agree with Flamyngo! OPI Original Nail Envy changed my world! In the stores its like $20 a bottle but on amazon I get it for $8!!!! Check it out http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Nail-Natural-Strengthener-0-5-Ounce/dp/B00178TVXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344516901&sr=8-1&keywords=opi+nail+envy

I recommend investing in a bottle of Seche Vite (as do a lot of people) and buy a bottle of nail polish thinner while you're at it because it gets thick.

I usually wash dishes and shower daily and it's chip free for days, even with really cheap polish.

Base and top coat
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PF9Q5EG/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1559046903&sr=1-2

Nail polish:

CLAVUZ Gel Polish Soak Off UV Led Gel Nail Polish Set New Starter Kits Nail Art Manicure Nail Lacquers 6pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRSH406/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HVs7CbMM50ENC

I will note the nail polish set has low and some bad reviews. I haven’t bought it in like two years but I’m really happy with the formula I purchased then. This could be a new formula.

If you do choose to buy it I recommend buying it off of Amazon it is much cheaper than buying it at Ulta. I got mine off of amazon and it took like 3 days to ship.

Sorry about the puppy. I know that was a frustrating time for me trying to find the perfect pup. Don't worry! You'll find yours. =)

Under five dolla

ICE COLD WATER FOR ONLY ONE DOLLAR

I would love to try this!

It isn't Prime, but has free shipping.

But since I don't like breaking the rules, this here is Cheap and Prime!

Ummm, I mean I dunno. I fangirl on OPI.

Try this:

Base

My current goto red

Top

1 base, 2 color, 1 top, then in the mornings reapply top - make sure to round tips and backsides.

I agree with the Seche Vite hate, it sucks. I love this topcoat. I'm on my 3rd bottle, it is amazing and doesn't have the peeling, shrinkage or tip wear issues.

A lot of bloggers use Gelous between the glitter and the quick dry top coat to help keep things glassy smooth without a million coats. Here is a link to it on Amazon but it's way cheaper at Sally's. Don't get thrown by the label - it's technically a base coat but works well for smoothing out gritty polishes.

Four nails?! Oh no :( Have you ever tried OPI Nail Envy? Stuff works pretty well.

And 30 minutes a week on nails are definitely realistic! I take out a time every Saturday or Sunday to work on my nails ranging from 30 minutes to longer depending on the design I want to do.

I use an LED lamp with gel polish too! Easily lasts 2 weeks without chipping. My favorite brand of polish right now is Aimeili. Their top coat is awesome, because you don't have to wipe it with alcohol when it's done drying. They have tons of colors and although it's not technically peel-off, I still do it and I don't have any lasting damage to my nails. And for a lamp, get one like this with multiple bulbs (in case one goes out) and a mirrored interior (helps bounce the light around all angles). I've been using gel polish for over 6 years now and I'll never go back to regular polish!

Fingerstyle guitar player here. My nails are important and they can split. This will take care of you.. https://smile.amazon.com/OPI-Nail-Envy-Strengthener-Original/dp/B00178TVXG/ref=lp_15284207011_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1520527801&sr=1-1&th=1

1: prepare nails using nail drill, cuticle cutters, and nail file.
2: use professional bonder: Mia Secret No Burn Acid Free... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JVZGO3W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This coats the nail and helps the polish stick better.
3: apply base coat
4: dry under lamp.
5: apply coat of base color 044, dry under lamp. Repeat x3.
6: apply matte top coat and dry under lamp.
7: use small ball point tip of toolset and draw desired designs on accent nails with golden polish. I utilized striping tape in various directions for the middle fingers. Dry under lamp.
8: disinfect tools. Put cutical oil on cuticles.. utilize cuticle oil frequently....

Pretty reasonable on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00150LT40/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2RGW401VKH294

I've been using Orly Bonder base coat for months. MONTHS now. It's pretty fantastic and my manis last a while. Plus I've had no issues with staining.

For top coat I use Seche Vite. It honestly seems like most people like it but there's also a majority out there who prefer other coats. I tried going the cheap route for quick drying top coats and they all disappointed me. (Never have tried Out The Door though.)

I have gotten it at Sally's Beauty Supply and Ulta before. You can also get it on Amazon.

/u/purebredginger Because it's her birthdaaaaay! Gifting them this because it's a higher priority item and once you paint your nails you want them shiny and protected!

the last thing I licked was a spoon that had ben and jerrys half baked on it. It was delicious.

I know nothing about nail polish but thats probably a holographic glitter flake like https://www.amazon.com/INM-Northern-Lights-Silver-Hologram/dp/B000PZA1MC/ref=pd_cp_194_4/138-3389342-1547021?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000PZA1MC&pd_rd_r=613c96c5-681c-495b-a78f-f06c9e875d0a&pd_rd_w=t5l9Y&pd_rd_wg=S6VBw&pf_rd_p=0e5324e1-c848-4872-bbd5-5be6baedf80e&pf_rd_r=JEGJZ23EEXGRDWRWB2DH&psc=1&refRID=JEGJZ23EEXGRDWRWB2DH painted on a black nail?

Seche Vite is fantastic.

We both have nail envy! My nails are definitely not at their strongest right now, and nail envy would definitely help. Thank you so much for the contest!

EDIT: hay, look, we both have knackered too. But I'm not sure if that one counts because it's TOO DAMN HIGH. I hate BL for that. You can't just make beautiful polishes and then make them EXPENSIVE. :P

What helped me to not bite also has been painting my nails. I bought a strengthening polish and took a few minutes every day to paint them with it.

I used these two:

OPI Nail Envy Original, 0.5 Ounce


Nailtiques Formula 2 Protein, .5 Ounce

[for nails] (http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Nail-Envy-Original-Ounce/dp/B00178TVXG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=XQV9S2OBJ47W&coliid=IZLXYP1K902BO). Congrats on the JOB wohoo

I don't see a picture, but what really helped me was to get some nail-strengthening polish like nail envy.

I haven't tried it myself, but a lot of people over at /r/RedditLaqueristas like OPI Nail Envy.

First things first: Buy this shit!

Your cuticles are wayyyy more important than you might realize. Do not cut them, don't bite them, don't pick at them. Push them back and trim off the dead bits that are stuck to your nail with one of these things. KEEP THEM HYDRATED. Use lotion, cuticle oil, whatever, just don't let them dry out. I use Lemony Flutter by Lush. It's pricey - worth it for me because I paint my nails twice a week and use a lot of acetone... Buff with one of those blocks. Invest in a decent crystal nail file. Whatever nail file you use, always file repeatedly in one direction. Never saw back and forth! I never use nail clippers because I find they encourage splitting, I only file. Apply the Nail Envy. I promise you'll see MAJOR improvement in a couple of weeks. Also, take a Biotin supplement!

Edit: My links disappeared. Merp. Hang on. I'm getting them for you again!

I recently discovered Seche Vite thanks to this subreddit its about $5 from amazon and is the most incredible fast drying top coat that doesn't really shrink, dries instantly and lasts days even on my lower quality nail polishes. Here's a link

$4.85 - thanks for the contest!

I could really use some Chocolate right now...