Nails again- Basic Red

[kitewithfish]

Comments

[frenchroast]

I agree with you about the nail filing/cutting thing. I've done both, and my nails are the same regardless. My nails like to flake off when they get to a certain length, and filing tends to make that worse, which is the opposite of thicker, stronger nails. But different people have different nails, so what's true for one person might not be true for others.

Base/Top coats make a huge difference. I often use a couple of top coats, just to be sure that my nails last longer. As for polishes, I love OPI and China Glaze. 90% of my collection is made up of those two brands. I also have a smattering of Ulta and Essie, but Essie chips on me a lot.

Have you ever tried gel nails? They keep for over two weeks without chipping (I even did gardening/putting plants into pots and still had perfect nails). The only downside is you pretty much have to get it done at a nail salon, and you have to soak your nails in acetone for 20 min. to get the stuff off. But if you're ever looking for a mani to last, that's the way to go.

[kitewithfish]

I did try gel nails, during that week of professional primping. They did last a good week without major damage, but I had peeled most of them off by the end of the second week. If I were a professional with less time, I would go for them more- they really work and look great for a long time! But they don't lend themselves to experimentation.

[frenchroast]

Yeah, they suck for experimentation.