topic Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish in Beauty

Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

bluejeansluvr — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 23:51:14 GMT

I love getting a gel mani at a nail salon, but, I don't like the light that is used to cure the polish, I'm concerned about the UV exposure/ skin damage and nail damage from the application and removal process for the polish. Of course they are also pricey and time consuming, and so I've been recently looking for an alternative. A gel polish I can use at home, that is great quality and will give me chip-free nail salon results for 2 weeks.

Have you had experiences with any at-home gel polishes, either those used with a light or polishes that can be cured without the light? Any recommendations or experiences you can share? TIA.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

gunnersmom — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 23:55:00 GMT

After many years of acrylics and still have awful nails, I have been using Avon gel polish which is ok, and also the cnd vinylux and at least stays on a little longer than regular, I can not get 2 weeks out of either as my nails peel, so others may have better luck with these and you just use regular polish remover to get off.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

cassiem — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:02:40 GMT

In my experience, there aren't any polishes that have the lasting power of the light cured gel polishes. Sorry.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

lisadpa — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:07:08 GMT

I used Mally's at home LED kit many times, so it paid for itself. But since we can't prime our nails as well as at the salon (especially cuticle work), it never lasts as long. I'm lucky if I can get a good week out of it. So I'm back at the salon these days.

The Avon gel poishes are the bomb, I get about four days out of a mani which for me is a record for a home mani.

I try to remember to wear sunscreen on my hands for the salon gel mani nowadays.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

Katluvr58 — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:07:53 GMT

On 7/12/2014 gunnersmom said: After many years of acrylics and still have awful nails, I have been using Avon gel polish which is ok, and also the cnd vinylux and at least stays on a little longer than regular, I can not get 2 weeks out of either as my nails peel, so others may have better luck with these and you just use regular polish remover to get off.

Have you tried Nailtiques Formula 2 or Hard as Hoof's hand cream? I had acrylics for many years and in February I decided to not have them redone. I asked the ladies here about suggestions for soft nails and they suggested those two items. My nails are polish free and hard now. The tips are about 1/8 of an inch over my finger tips. They were really bad when the acrylics came off. I had to cut them all the way down and they were like tissue paper. I can't remember the last time I had polish free nails.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

Katluvr58 — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:12:48 GMT

I saw an infomercial last night Houte Polish System. It was a cool set system vs the warm light system. It said you only need one coat of polish and they are having a BOGO sale. I looked it up before opening my mouth and it is at houtepolishdotcom. If you google it there are articles, video's and where to buy the polishes. Hope this helps.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

wvumountiefan — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:18:40 GMT

I did the acrylic nails for a few years and finally stopped 2 years ago when my son went to college. I had a lot of trouble with my nails at first because of the abuse of the acrylics. I went to Amazon and bought a light and I have ordered a couple different gel polish brands from Amazon. There are expensive ones and not so expensive ones so I went in between. The one I have the most of is a brand called IBD. I have within the last 6 mths been using the PF pink gel coat as my base and my nails are so much healthier these days. I enjoy doing them. I will tell you that most brands sell the liquid you use to wipe the tacky/sticky stuff off after you have cured them but I buy a box of alcohol wipes and they are much cheaper. Just some FYI. Hope that helps!

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

Funloving — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:20:28 GMT

I've been using gel-formula polishes that you don't cure. They really don't work all that well. I've tried Nails, Inc. and Avon. Right now I'm just doing clear coat on my very short nails and polish my toenails which last much longer. We're much harder on our hands than feet. Plus I can use all kinds of fun colors on toenails that I wouldn't necessarily like on my fingernails.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

gretacooper — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:21:10 GMT

I get all of my shellac products from Amazon. I find nothing is better than shellac. It is a little more time consuming than regular polish but the fact it is rock hard right away is worth it. You can buy gloves to protect your hands from the uv rays or put sunscreen on first.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

Funloving — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:22:50 GMT

On 7/12/2014 cassiem said:
In my experience, there aren't any polishes that have the lasting power of the light cured gel polishes. Sorry.

To date, I believe you'd be spot on. I have some experience with both.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

TheKateMeister — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 02:28:48 GMT

I have used Mally's LED light system for almost 2 years now and I love it. I use an instant cuticle remover and push them back and my manicure will last 2 weeks. Love the gel polish because it really gives some strength to my nails, which I need as a chronic nail-breaker lol :-) My set has also paid for itself, and I like the fact that it's LED rather than UV. I used to get Shellac at the salon which is UV, and I find Mally's lasts just as long.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

soonersis — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 03:11:29 GMT

I've had great luck with the new Revlon gel polish (think it's called Gel Envy). I use my Nailtiques Formula 2 as my base coat then also as a top coat. No light is used.

I've also been using the Hard as Hoof nail strengthening cream and think that along with the Nailtiques has really been helping my nails.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

BellaCarro — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 03:48:08 GMT

On 7/12/2014 soonersis said:
I've had great luck with the new Revlon gel polish (think it's called Gel Envy). I use my Nailtiques Formula 2 as my base coat then also as a top coat. No light is used.

I've also been using the Hard as Hoof nail strengthening cream and think that along with the Nailtiques has really been helping my nails.

Nail tuque Formula 2 really is amazing stuff. This past winter did a serious number on my nails but Nailtique Formula 2 has them looking better that never.

I've been using the Revlon Gel Envy topcoat and getting manicures that are lasting a lot longer. It along with a Formula X polish from Sephora lasted about 11 days.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

gunnersmom — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 12:33:43 GMT

On 7/12/2014 Katluvr58 said:
On 7/12/2014 gunnersmom said: After many years of acrylics and still have awful nails, I have been using Avon gel polish which is ok, and also the cnd vinylux and at least stays on a little longer than regular, I can not get 2 weeks out of either as my nails peel, so others may have better luck with these and you just use regular polish remover to get off.

Have you tried Nailtiques Formula 2 or Hard as Hoof's hand cream? I had acrylics for many years and in February I decided to not have them redone. I asked the ladies here about suggestions for soft nails and they suggested those two items. My nails are polish free and hard now. The tips are about 1/8 of an inch over my finger tips. They were really bad when the acrylics came off. I had to cut them all the way down and they were like tissue paper. I can't remember the last time I had polish free nails.

I have tried Nailtiques but not the Hoof Cream, also used biotin, solar oil, barielle, dura cote, on and on. I am just glad to get a few days of wear and not go through expense of manicure or doing the lights.

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

silverwear — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 13:23:57 GMT

On 7/12/2014 TheKateMeister said: I have used Mally's LED light system for almost 2 years now and I love it. I use an instant cuticle remover and push them back and my manicure will last 2 weeks. Love the gel polish because it really gives some strength to my nails, which I need as a chronic nail-breaker lol :-) My set has also paid for itself, and I like the fact that it's LED rather than UV. I used to get Shellac at the salon which is UV, and I find Mally's lasts just as long.

ITA with TheKateMeister. I recommend Mally's kit from the Q which uses LED light, not UV.

Follow the directions & do all the steps, & should last 2 weeks+

Re: Let's talk about at-home DIY GEL manicure nail polish

2cockers1cat — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 14:23:28 GMT

Sensationail is readily available at drug stores, Walmart, eBay, Amazon. It's like Mally's LED system, for $50. Many colors. I've had good success with it.

Vinylux, from Shellac, is a non-light cured, color and top coat system, that lasts a week, removes easily with a swipe of acetone (no soaking). I like it, too.