Beauty

[Shelbelle]

I have long natural nails, get a pro mani every 2 weeks but just regular polish, I use darks in cooler months and pastels in warmer months.  Nothing fancy. 

[wagirl]

Am a new convert to mani's--had 1 in the 90's is all-- but then got one last Sept in time for my son's wedding and I got hooked!! My nails are HORRIBLE after 5 months of chemo 13 years ago--never rebounded from that--and so I get wraps over top of them to make them stronger and holy cow--do they ever grow like crazy underneath. Just got a reg mani using a gel color called Candy Kisses--just slightly pink so the grow out won't be so prominent. but do love all the fancy artwork on nails--is fun but very pricey too. and there is very little cutting with mani's  at least for me--so am not worried about infections. Doing pedi's  is more risky and going to a reputable salon is important too. 

[newjerseygirl]

I do my nails myself now. I keep them short and only use a light color.

Prior to Covid I went to the salon for gels.  I always got French, no decorations. 

I like Londontown Kur Illuminating Nail Concealer.  

HSN recently had a set  as their Today's Special.  It is still available at the special price with free shipping. 

https://www.hsn.com/products/londontown-luminous-strength-4-piece-nail-set/23585603?query=23585603&i...

[smoochy]

what a timely post, I'm just about to run errands and was thinking about getting a full set of tips and gels. If I do I'll opt for a French manicure or a light pink. My nails are tiny. Too small for artwork or dark colors.  

[NYCLatinaMe]

Hi @AngelPuppy1  If you don't like manicures you don't need them.  But if one goes to a reputable place with sanitizing equipment, infections must be extremely rare.  I do get manicures as do lots of people I know and millions of people.  I have never known anyone getting an infection and am 63.

Manicurists are licensed in most states, so they have to maintain certain standards.  Are they licensed in your state?  I am thinking maybe you are in NY like me?

Doing nails with different colors has been popular for many years, at least 9.  I have done that.  I download images of nail designs I may want, so I can take them to the manicurist, so I included one below.  The one in the image has a design, but I see mostly solid colors.

I don't mind how other people choose to do their nails, and do like pretty styles.  For me, I like squarish nails, but mine tend to break and I like them even so I don't grow them long, and I don't do anything to grow them, though I did take Andrew Lessman Hair Skin and Nails for over 10 years and it made no difference so I stopped more than 10 years ago.  I don't put decorative things on them, but that looks cute!  I don't think decorations would last on me, and am afraid what they may do to my nails if they come off.  I have found gels, which I love for their durability and shine, are damaging to my nails, so I don't do them anymore.

I am currently using the Nail Buffer Block from Amazon below to keep my nails neat when I don't want to do them, and it actually works well.  It claims to strengthen nails, which I didn't believe for a second, but now am thinking maybe, my nails have grown longer than usual without breaking since I am using this, though they broke eventually.  I use my hands a lot, wash.

[mare54]

I just do a French tip. Not into anything else. They're cute just not my style. 

[NYCLatinaMe]

@Grade1Teach  What brand and color polish do you use for sparkle?  I am not happy with the ones I have tried.  Thanks.

[Iwantcoffee]

@NYCLatinaMe The manicure you posted is so pretty.

[We rescue cats]

I have a manicure every other Saturday morning, 8am, standing appointment, French manicure, gel polish. I've been goint to the same gal for 10+ years and as a result she has my equipment in a container, as she does some of her other regulars, we each have our own box with our name on it.So if you are concerned with sharing tools you can find a person that does this, or perhaps you can buy your own and bring it with you to each appointment. 

[San Antonio Gal]

@AngelPuppy1  -  I used to get acrylic nails and loved them.  However, the upkeep was a pain and eventually my nails were so weak and in bad condition until they grew out.  

I don't do anything now, but I really like the different colors and decorations everyone wears these days.