Another weekend is practically over. I really enjoyed that extra hour of precious weekend time and I chose to spend it hanging out with friends last night and playing Qwelf. I'm not much of a game player I hate competitive games but Qwelf was was lots of fun and there was no competitiveness or speed involved. Anyone could lose basically, giving me a fair chance at winning! The less skill involved, the better.
That has absolutely nothing to do with what I want to tell you about today but it seems necessary as I sat down to type. Sometimes you can't control these things. But I do have something I think is exciting to share with you.
The world of Gel Nails.
I'm kind of odd in that I only like clear or natural looking colors for my fingers and I reserve brighter colors for my toes. I do however have very weak flexible nails when they grow out and as a result they break whenever they get longer than my finger tip. Adding further to my nail problem, any nailpolish or firming/strengthening/growing product I put on them peels off in a matter of hours to days. My toe nails are the complete opposite so I have no problem getting a pedicure and knowing the money is well spent.
Well, for my 30th birthday I bought myself everything necessary for gel manicures. I bought this UV Light Nail Dryer, the Gelish Starter Pack, and two natural-ish gel nail polishes to start learning the skills and technique. Note: all the opinions below are soley based on my use of Gelish Nail Products only.
The manicure itself is very easy and what I like about gel manicures is that it doesn't feel heavy or thick like acryllic nails but rather light and natural. The gel, if done correctly, is a thin layer on top of your nail that is hard, dent resistant, and strong. Strong enough to let my flimsy nails to grow long and beautiful.
| These are the colors I bought. The two large bottles are a pink natural and a sparkly natural color. The dark bottle is actually a deep plum--for my toes. |
Did I mention that it doesn't peel off? I actually tried to peel them off once (and subsequently took a layer of my nail with it. ouch!) and it was difficult to do so. To remove the gel layer, you actually soak your fingers in a cotton ball soaked with 100% acetone wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. Easy to do while you watch TV, if you ask me.
They also they chip FAARR less. And let me tell you..I am hard on my hands and nails. I pry open cans, open tupperware, pick (my) teeth, wash dishes, and generally use my nails as a sharp tool that extends from my hand. Even with all that abuse my nails stay chip free for at least 2 weeks and if I don't mind the natural growth, I bet I could extend it to three weeks. Who can say that for regular nail polish?
Finally, purchasing all the tools necessary wasn't that big of an investment when you consider how much money you can drop at a nail salon getting a gel manicure. At my favorite and very economical salon, they charge $30 for a gel manicure. And if you're just trying out the technique to see if you like it, I suggest going to the salon a few times to make sure you really like them and doing so will give you a chance to observe a professional at work. Once you have fallen in love (and I believe you will!), the investment is worth 4-5 manicures tops. And that depends on what supplies you already have in your cabinet. Since making the investment I've given myself a manicure every other week and in just two months, the materials have paid for themselves and the supplies last a really long time.
I'm not a representative of the product (although that would be really cool!). I just wanted to share with you a product I really enjoy and a way to save money and the health of your nails. If you're interested and you live locally, give me a call and I'll invite you over for a manicure.
How did you spend your extra hour this weekend?
Do you like to paint your nails?
