OK, I have a ‘thing’ for nail polish, 50 plus bottles worth of ‘thing’!
In saying that, my nails are always painted, nude nails and I don’t get along.
Luckily my nails grow like weeds and are pretty strong, but my day job is cruel to them, so keeping them painted provides some protection from snags and tears.
I have always loved the look of gel nails, that thick shiny finish appeals to me, but the time required and cost of upkeep does not.
At one of my favourite sales – 50% off Sally Hansen etc at Chemist Warehouse, I decided to try the Miracle Gel Nail Polish and Top Coat (not sponsored).
You simply use this nail polish like you would any other and you are supposed to end up with a gel look finish that lasts for up to two weeks.
No base coat is required according to the website, you put on two layers of colour and then finish with the special Top Coat. No UV lamp or any other furniture for nail salons is necessary (I would like to get some though), daylight helps it to cure.
The first time I used it, I applied two coats of colour as suggested. The brush is different to any I have tried before, it is wide and flat, polish goes on really easily and a little ended up over the sides, but I just flick that off when it has dried.
I honestly was not that impressed, the colour was too transparent for me and I could see where the white of nail started.
A week later I took it off with normal nail polish remover quickly and easily.
I then did them again, but I used three coats of colour instead, and that made a huge difference.
The finished look was thick and glossy. 10 days later they were showing signs of wear across the tips, but not a single crack or chip. Now I am impressed. Very rarely can I get more than 2 or 3 days out of a bold coloured polish without chips or cracks.
My nails were left with a very slight hint of pink after I took the polish off, so I applied a clear gloss that has a hint of sparkle and it looked really pretty for the next week.
Better go and get some more colours as I will definitely be using this again.
What is your favourite brand of nail polish or do you always go and get yours done?
Good to know – I have really crappy nails so maybe they will help strengthen mine while I’m trying to grow them!