(Part 2) Best nail polish & decoration products according to redditors

It's mostly stuff bought from Wal-Mart, Target, or Sally Beauty Supply. Brushes(and more brushes), dotting tools, and striping tape. I've also occasionally cut shapes into scotch tape (but I've found that I have to tape two layers together or it sometimes tears when peeling off).

As for brands, it started with a crapload of Sinful Colors, but I've also used Kleancolor (metallic and neon), Sally Hansen (which I'm really liking for ease of use), as well as Fingerpaints (Chromatic Creation is my favorite and introduced me to the holo effect) and a few bottles of China Glaze. At this point I now have about 118 different bottles (I tend to dive into stuff).

The two things that I find the most useful for at-home manis are a quick-dry topcoat and a cleanup brush. The topcoat helps your nails dry faster/makes the polish last, and the brush helps with making the manicure look clean. For the topcoat, I would recommend something like INM Out the Door or Orly Sec n' Dry, although I prefer Out the Door since it has a wider brush. For the cleanup brush I would just get a cheap concealer or eyeliner brush to use, like the e.l.f $1 concealer brush or wet n wild eyeliner brush. You would just dip this brush into nail polish remover or acetone and use it to wipe off any polish that gets on your skin. As for general tips, always paint the color on in thin layers (i.e wipe off one side of the brush before applying to the nail) and wrap the tips to help the color last. Hope this helps!

I think /u/mewfasa should be gifted some nail polish because she lost web dev job and her two supposedly best friends as well.

If I can nominate more than one person, I also think /u/MeghanAM should be gifted because she didn't get the job, so nail polish might cheer her up as well.

I use the cheap UV/LED light from Amazon. You can also find them on ebay. I purchased this one a year and a half ago and it's still working great. For polish, I'm a huge fan of Aimeili on Amazon. Base Coat/Top cost is a must and one of my favorite colors. It's just like painting with polish - thin base coat, color (x2 or 3 if needed), top coat. I dry in between each with 60 seconds under the light. For me, it's quicker and easier than polish. No need to worry if it's actually dry - once you're done you're good to go.

​

ETA: I purchase base coat/top coat July 2017 and I'm still working on it! I use it an average of once every 7-10 days. Some weeks I'll let my nails breathe.

Thank you so much!! Yes, I just bought this lamp on Amazon after reading about it on here. It works great and was way easier than expected!

I own both. In my opinion, there is a huge difference. Konad is just superior quality. The etchings are finer and more intricate, and as such you get a more impressive-looking result. Bundle Monster has a lot of great, fun designs but they do look less refined when compared to Konad. It just comes down to a difference in craftsmanship.

You linked to the old Bundle Monster 21-piece plates. They released a "new and improved" 25-piece set a few months ago, and it's a lot better than the 21-piece set. The designs are larger (old designs were too small for most people's nails), and there are a lot more full-nail designs. However it still doesn't compare to Konad, in my opinion. I actually regret buying it.

All you need is a stamper and scraper, yes. But I really recommend getting this stamper and scraper instead. The double ended stamper allows you to place full nail designs with the big end and accurately place smaller designs with the small end. Also, using that metal scraper will scratch and damage your plates, so use an old gift or credit card instead. :) Unfortunately it always comes in a bundle with the stamper so it's basically a waste.

A dotting tool looks like a pencil with metal balls on the ends. You can buy dotting tool sets with varying tip sizes for different sized dots. I've never heard of a bad quality dotting tool, so brand is not important here.

She might be interested in a stamping kit, or if she already has one, more plates. Konad is the brand of choice, but their plates are expensive. Bundle Monster plates are more affordable, although their edges tend to be sharp. Check out wowsocool for Konad plates. If you do get her a stamping set, get the Konad Special Polish in black and white, at least. Not all polishes work with stamping, so it's hit and miss, but the Konad polishes are designed to work with stamping.

Finally, she might appreciate some special effects nail polishes, like magnetic nail polish. That is all the rage right now. Essie also has a new glitter polish range out (called Luxeffects), she might like a couple of those. If you're in the US, you can check out the nail polish collections at Sephora, they do little gift sets with a variety of polishes that are quite nice.

Hope she likes what you get her!

*Edited to add: Oh oh oh, Sally Hansen Salon Effects! Haha, I just thought about what I would like to get and I really love those strips. They're real nail polish strips that you stick onto your nails. They come in really cool designs. Love them. There is a limited edition Holiday collection out now with some lovely designs.

Many of the bundle monster sets are available on Amazon, I'm a big fan of their polishes and plates. (The nature and horror sets are my favorites, the blogger collaborations are great as well)


For stampers, I'd recommend something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Transparent-Christmas-Template-Manicure-Accessories/dp/B01MDVI14A/

Or maybe a starter kit like this: https://www.amazon.com/BMC-Beginnings-Nail-Stamping-Starter/dp/B073XY7MFB/


I use a set like this for cleanup: https://www.amazon.com/Plaid-Learn-Natural-Bristle-10-Piece/dp/B00J8HCPC2/


For cheap polishes that stamp really well (that aren't technically stamping polishes) this set is one of my favorites. I don't recommend using them as a base polish, but they are great for nail art and stamping. https://www.amazon.com/Kleancolor-Nail-Polish-Metallic-Bodycare/dp/B00AVP37G8/


As already mentioned, Born Pretty sells a lot of their plate sets/stamping polishes on Amazon. I'm a big fan of those as well.


And this is not for stamping, but it might be something you want for a doticure! https://www.amazon.com/Dotting-Marbleizing-Manicure-Pedicure-Ounce/dp/B004OHQR1Q/


This is the latex I use, I just paint it on with a brush: https://www.amazon.com/Liquid-Latex-16-Fluid-Ounces/dp/B004WCMKA0/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1504549993&sr=8-3&keywords=liquid+latex

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Second, these star studs are super cheap, just $2.71 (free ship)!

Third, this song came up on my pandora station this morning, and I think I like it.

Hi, OP :)

*Disclaimer - I'm not a licensed nail tech. I'm a self taught hobbyist who learned how to do her own nails, and occasionally friends' nails.*

So, I've been doing this for about 5 years and my old reliable lamp from amazon (a random brand called youspicy - which is no longer available, sadly) just gave out. It was a beast. 48 watts, UV bulb in the top AND LEDs around the sides, mirrored bottom that was removable, etc. After it finally gave up and died I was using a strictly UV light lamp that a friend had gotten me last year, and I HATED it! Not only did it take 2-3 times as long (90-120 seconds vs. 30-60 seconds in my old lamp), but it got really hot inside - like a tanning bed does. I ended up setting that one aside in case of emergency and was hoping I could find something similar to my old lamp.

As one does, I hopped on amazon and found that in the 5 years since I'd bought my old lamp LITERALLY everything has changed. Now nobody really uses the combo lamps with UV bulbs AND LED - I mean they exist, but aren't particularly good/well priced - all I was seeing was lamps lined with only LED lights. After a day or 2 of research I realized that it really does come down to wattage. LEDs are much more energy efficient and get the job done just as well as anything. Basically, you find one that fits your needs (i.e. I knew I wanted a lamp that had a pad on top for your hand, at least 48 watts, and 10, 30, 60 sec timer), read the reviews, and go from there. Absolutely no need to spend hundreds on a branded lamp that is essentially the same thing.

Here's the one I got recently on amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0BCN9B/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_q4r4DbRXKW8Y2

​

The products you use will make a difference, though!! Definitely splash out on quality base/top coats if nothing else. Hope this helps :)

I'm not the original person you were talking to but I wanted to share my base and top coat because I love their longevity.

These are my nails after 4 days wear.
I have done dishes and laundry every day, and my job is practically typing for 8 hours.

The picture is of my dominant hand, and I have not reapplied my top coat at all.

I swear by Orly's Bonder as a base coat and Poshe for my top coat. They're amazing and last so long I feel bad removing my manicures because they're still decent.

Poshe dries suuuuper fast too.

Well, I'm quite new to this but I'll try :)

First off, are you sure your wife would like nail art? There may be a reason she doesn't use her nail polish?

Well, unfortunately there aren't many stores that sell stamping supplies. The best place for a lot of nail art stuff is Amazon.

If she's impatient/ always likes to be using her hands a fast dry top coat might be a good idea for her. Good ones are Seche Vite and Out the Door :)

Konad is the best brand to do with stamping about (as far as I know). Their stamper is the one to get. As for image plates- Konad ones are good but expensive. I would suggest getting a Cheeky or Bundle Monster pack. You can get so many different patterns I would suggest getting something like this or this, which has a variety of full nail images, individual stamps and french tip stamps. Also, if you do buy image plates etc. then I would suggest buying proper stamping polish, at least for black and white. Metallics work well for stamping too.

For nail art brushes, you can get them online but all of mine are actually acrylic art brushes. They tend to last well and you can buy them in store. Acrylic paints are really good for doing complex designs, over the top of a layer of normal nail polish. They're easier to mix, don't dry as fast and are cheaper than nail polish (if your wife would want to do art on her nails).

You can get dotting tools too, if you think those would be good?

I will say that some things are sold on Amazon from China, so the shipping times are quite large. They may not get to you in less than a month (depending on where you live).

Sorry if all of that was confusing or no help at all!

You can tell I've REALLY thought about this...

Name: Heirloom Cosmetics (Very vintage and Victorian looking packaging, lots of heirloom roses on the packaging as well, lots of beautiful looking things!)

Slogan: "Not your mamma's makeup."

Heirloom cosmetics has VERY bright colors and very pigmented cosmetics, all packaged in classy vintage holders!

Best Seller: The classic "Not Your Mamma's Palette". Half neutral shades (browns, tans, whites, blacks, etc) and half bright, beautiful neons and pastels.


Aaaand if I win... China Glaze's Sun of a Peach.

I have this one and it's awesome for a few reasons. It's a good size and you can do a full hand at once. It doesn't throw light everywhere so you don't accidentally cure an open bottle. It comes apart for easy cleaning or doing toes or holding upside down if you're doing building gel work or something that makes you need to hold your hand upside down...

It's plenty powerful. It's only LED, not CFL-UV, but most polishes and systems work fine and faster with LED. Depending on the brand and consistency, nearly all polishes will cure in 30 seconds to 1 minute. Even builder gel and such will cure that fast.

SUNUV SUN2C 48W LED UV nail Lamp with 4 Timer Setting,Senor For Gel Nails and Toe Nail Curing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0BCN9B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2lFWzbSYJS4RN

Seche is terrible for me! try Out The Door with Orly Bonder as a base. I work in a restaurant and it's the only way my nails last more than 24 hours. I'm not overly picky about polish brands but my base/top don't really ever change unless I run out.

Just start painting your nails and you will figure out what works best for you eventually. I've compiled a list of helpful links/videos that I've found helpful for me.

Dotting Tools:

• Cutepolish's video on how to make your own dotting tool.
  
• <$2 on amazon. It might take a while to get to you if it's being shipped from China though.
  
  Stripping tape:
  
  
• $1.08 on amazon.
  The trick when you use stripping tape is to make sure your polish isn't old and too goopy, otherwise it will not be so crisp.
  
• And use tweezers like this or this.
  
  Cleaning
  
  
• You will get the hang of cleaning once you start practicing. If you get better at application you will have to do less cleaning. This will come with practice. I suck at doing nails with little mess. So I use acetone and a slanted brush. This might be a good set to get.
  
• /u/ReneeJade 's post about cleaning up with toothpicks is very helpful too.
  
  Nail Polish Brands
  
  
• This depends on how much money you want to spend. I started with Sinful Colors because no mula. But the formula is kinda bad and takes forever to dry. And Sinful Colors stain your nails really bad in my experience. Sally Hansen is pretty good for the price. I only just acquired a couple of China Glazes and Essie's. They are pretty good but I only buy it when it's less than $3. I don't have experiences with Orly, O.P.I.
  
• Julep is okay in my opinion. Personally, I feel like they're not worth the price. One of my bottles just broke when I was turning the cap. And the other one (Julep Sasha) stained my nails really bad :/
  
• There are nail polish programs like Julep Maven (who do a free first box with code FREEBOX) and other ones that I don't know about but head onto /r/BeautyBoxes to find out more.
  
  Top Coat and Base Coat
  
  
• Orly bonder is a good base coat that I use. I don't have experiences with other ones, so I can't compare.
  
• Getting a fast drying top coat is probably a good idea. I use Seche Vite but it has a really strong smell and it shrinks your polish. I'm trying to find a new one but Sally Hansen Insta Dry didn't work for me. It smudged my nail art even though it dries pretty fast. Poshe is supposed to be good but I don't have experience with it.
  
  Nail Strengthening
  
  
• O.P.I. Nail envy is a lot of people's favorites but it didn't work for me personally. Just search this subreddit with "nail envy".
  
• Quimica Alemana. This stuff has good reviews and I want to try it.
  
  Nail file
  
  
• Use a crystal one. This one has good reviews or use an O.P.I. one. I use an O.P.I, pretty happy with it.
  
  Have fun painting!

Super Big Hugs

I see a ton of "I'm not entering", so I'm going to enter. :)

1.01

93 cents

1.20

1.38

I would love any of these, just wanted to give you options! :)

[Tiny bit of the view from my office] (http://i.imgur.com/egvI8qQ.jpg), I'd take a panorama if I could get away with not looking like a crazy person but this will have to do for now.

[This stamper would be fabulous] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJIOG0Q/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3MDP5H5YEEX33&coliid=IH2DHOJTGIUIU)

Thanks for hosting doll <3 <3

I recently got into gel too a few months ago. You'll need a base coat too. I don't normally bother with one with normal polish, but I've found that without one, gel just peels right off my nails. Natural oils interfering with it, maybe? I don't know. But I like this set. And this is a pretty good remover but strong. Make sure you have a silicone mat to work with because it ate right through the varnish on my desk when I dripped it.

Thanks for running this!!

reddit raffle phrase gifting is fun.

Crazy Japanese thingy on my Main. ($5.99)

Basil seeds on my Main. ($2.47)

Sunglasses on my Main. ($3.15)

Nail polish top coat on my Polish. ($4.44)

Tape measure on my Hobbies. ($3.39)

Totaling... $19.44!

Edit:

I'm curious to see what other combination I can do with just stuff for apartments. XD

Santoku knife on my Prep. ($7.04)

Baking spoons on my Prep. ($6.03)

Collapsible measuring cup on my Prep. ($7.81)

Totaling... $20.88

Blegh, it's a lot harder with apartment stuff. XD

Try INM Out The Door! I got some for my mom and it's quick drying, comparable to Seche Vite, but not as thick and without the toluene. Once I'm out of my Seche, I plan to switch to it myself. Taken from their Amazon listing:

>Ingredients
>
>Ethyl Acetate, Alcohol Denatured, Butyl Acetate, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Acrylates Crosspolymer, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Sucrose Benzoate, Triphenyl Phosphate, Nitrocellulose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Benzophenone 1, Dimethylpolysiloxane, Violet 2 (CI60725), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090) (CI42090

Fairy Dust by China Glaze. If I wasn't sads about losing it, I would use it SO MUCH. OMG it is the PERFECT one for me.


And


I am DYING to get Harley and Ivy omg. Two reasons.

1. Batman Sirens ftw
   
2. They are so pretty
   
3. Harley is such a pretty grey base... It would be a main stay. I love greys almost as much as I love blues. The Ivy looks like it would be a perfect red. Almost like a dream of perfect lippies... on nails. Like... perfect heart designs, and that poisonous flair... MMM!
   
   
   I am weird.

I found you :)

For mee and something for /u/skilllet - here

1. This is by far my favorite polish I've gotten from Amazon. It's sooooo sparkly! I liked it so much I uploaded a user picture to Amazon, haha.
   
   
2. Infinitly Improbable Pink please! It's sooo pretty!
   
   
3. My goal for this year is to be able to wear all of my clothes, so need to lose 2 pants-sizes. :D I'm doing keto.
   
   
4. poppin bottles
   
   Thanks to you and /u/Zoobles88 for the contest!! Congrats on your YEAR!!!

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Link: favorite polish

• UK: amazon.co.uk
  
  
  This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting).

I got all of mine on Amazon. Below are the first things I bought. I'm pretty new too, but I'm building a nice collection. Not many of the nail items on Amazon are Prime eligible, but if you can find them, I would compare the non-Prime+shipping vs. the Prime one.

http://www.amazon.com/Bundle-Monster-Stamping-Manicure-Accessories/dp/B004XJNQXW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319410273&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Nail-Art-Double-Stamper-Scraper/dp/B002MZ8BK2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1319410273&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Debra-Professional-French-Manicure-Clean-Up/dp/B001MP0T2Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319410423&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Marbleizing-Dotting-Nail-Manicure-Pedicure/dp/B004OHQR1Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1319410439&sr=1-1

Awww your babies are gorgeous. My old boss had two baby Rainbow Boas that were just the cutest little things, I used to love feeding time. I really want a snake but my boyfriend hates reptiles.

I used BundleMonster plate 215 from the 25 pack.

I would recommend this plate set and a konad brand stamper. You can also get a scraper, but I would recommend a plastic blade one, not a steel blade which can scratch the plates. Otherwise an old plastic id card or the like works fine.

OPI ~ It's My Year It's my #1 favorite OPI polish. The name of it kinda goes with a birthday theme too.

OPI - ~ Can't let go It's a texture polish, pretty cool.

China Glaze ~ It's a Trap-eze Reminds me of birthday cake, it's nice!

China Glaze ~ Rendezvous With You Gorgeous purple with silver undertones, it applies really nice too.

I am a makeup lover, I only own about three shades of polish but would love to have more! Check out my wl I have both makeup & nail polish items. I have been wanting this polish so I can do riddler inspired nails.


You're amazing thank you for this contest & welcome to the sub.

these would be my first studs

Thanks for the contest :)

15

I believe this is the cheapest on my list.

What are your thoughts on giraffes?

Here's a link to it! :D

I use an LED lamp with gel polish too! Easily lasts 2 weeks without chipping. My favorite brand of polish right now is Aimeili. Their top coat is awesome, because you don't have to wipe it with alcohol when it's done drying. They have tons of colors and although it's not technically peel-off, I still do it and I don't have any lasting damage to my nails. And for a lamp, get one like this with multiple bulbs (in case one goes out) and a mirrored interior (helps bounce the light around all angles). I've been using gel polish for over 6 years now and I'll never go back to regular polish!

I do! The low heat is really helpful since the high heat can be a little too hot for me. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0BCN9B/ref=as_at?creativeASIN=B01N0BCN9B&linkCode=w61&imprToken=wwbNFMXgsqrqDPEK5aYI9A&slotNum=7&tag=lighttherapydev-20

Hi and welcome! I suck at makeup... mostly just powder my nose and maybe wear some eyeshadow/mascara. I'm good at nail polish though!

First, get yourself a good base coat and a good top coat. I recommend Orly Bonder and Out the Door. Most people here will recommend Seche Vite which is awesome, but may be hard to use until you learn how to wrap your nail tips.

We definitely reuse, donate, and help others out a lot with things so they don't get thrown away. We also recycle time from time too. I think it is important because so many things in the nature is always getting destroyed and it needs to stay beautiful!

Item under $5

Jani likes it au naturel

I also really like the Miracle Gel polish. But if I want to use regular nail polish, I've found that the "Out the Door" topcoat works really, really well. I think a lot of salons use it (but I'm not sure...). But anyway, my at home manicures will last about a week or so using regular polish if I finish with this topcoat and it dries - like ACTUALLY DRIES - within a few minutes. Here is a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/INM-Out-Door-Coat-Ounce/dp/B000EVGQ8U/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1414120146&sr=1-1&keywords=out+the+door+top+coat

I think most rapid dry top coats are intended to be used while the polish is tacky, while I know some other no-chip/shine type top coats are meant to be used when the polish is completely dry.

Seche Vite and Out the Door are good rapid dry options. If you can't find these, then the Sally Hansen Insta Dri is pretty good too.

I like Out the Door. Minimal shrinkage, but you do have to wait until EVERYTHING is dry or it will smear stuff. ;.;

I've been using Orly Bonder base coat for months. MONTHS now. It's pretty fantastic and my manis last a while. Plus I've had no issues with staining.

For top coat I use Seche Vite. It honestly seems like most people like it but there's also a majority out there who prefer other coats. I tried going the cheap route for quick drying top coats and they all disappointed me. (Never have tried Out The Door though.)

I'm grateful for kind strangers. Whether they flash a smile, hold a door open, or gift people on the internet, the world needs more of them.

stitchinbitchinlovesme!

I actually love giving manicures to friends and family. My mom once brought me to her patient's house to paint the nails of 3 little girls. Cutest thing ever!

As for tips, some of it is really product quality/chemistry. I recommend two specific products: Orly Bonder as a base coat and Seche Vite as a topcoat.

The base coat prevents your nails from staining, and this one is rubberized (it feels sticky if you touch it), so polish adheres really well. This top coat dries your nails in about 60 seconds. I am an idiot and always have to pee right after I finish my nails. I can actually do that with SV. This combo has been able to make almost every nail polish I use last as long as I want it to last (for me, up to 7 days, but usually closer to 4).

To prevent chipping, it's important to use as few thin layers as possible. Thicker polish chips easier. The best polishes are ones that are heavily pigmented, but thin. I could probably suggest several based on your favorite colors. But my favorite brand is probably China Glaze. Oh! Also to prevent chipping and peeling, don't flood the cuticles. I leave a small amount of space as a border on my nail. You can see it pretty well here, especially on the thumb. I do this either by being sparing with my application or taking a paintbrush dipped in acetone and cleaning up the edges when I'm finished. It thins out the sides, making the polish less able to peel up from the edges.

Try Orly Bonder as your base coat. I could never get my nail polish to not chip after a day or two before this stuff. I once had a normal, non-gel mani last 13 days with this stuff.

I could definitely use this base coat, I'm totally out and my manis are chipping so quickly! I haven't used this one yet but Orly has great products so I figure it's gotta be at least ok :-D I'd prefer Orly Bonder but it's a bit over budget so it'll have to wait.

(On this wishlist <3)

Sparkles Orly bonder is my last hope for making my nail polish last more than a day.

I really hope you feel better

Thank you for the contest ; )
Sick as a dog

I present you with the cats wearing bow ties tumblr!

Edit: item!

My item and an item for silenceforsilence! I found you!

High five me with YO FACE

I would prefer a gift card, but if you'd rather :)

EOS Lip balm

dancing flower

scarf

nail polish

I think this deep red would go well with the red lipstick I saw you had for your costume - you should pair them together for a feel good look.

CROCHET THIS FOR ME!: a dark green hat.

I would love some ruby pumps!

[awesome polish] (http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Polish-Pumps-Ounce/dp/B0026NR37W/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2IOZXPXI3KZKW&coliid=I31M46QIMBHUWT)

I've been dying for this! And feel better :)

One lemming I really want to try is Poshe Fast Dry Top Coat to see how it compares with Seche Vite.

As for a color I'd really like to try a Nubar like Treasure or a BL but those are pretty expensive so I'm not going to link one.

Yay for having a contest!

Hello! What are some of your favorite things to bake? Any awesome recipes?

In Random order!

Dollish Polish - Care Bear Stare

Nubar Prism - Treasure

Nabi Nabi Purple Jumbo Glitter

Ruby Wing - Strawberry Shortcake

This is my view from my desk out my back door/window.

This caught my eye Color club polish is always so pretty!! So much sparkle!!!

CG I'm Not Lion, CG Some Like it Haute, CG Turned Up Turquoise, Color Club Magic Attraction, and CG Glitz 'n Pieces are all $5 or under!

Sparkles

And this polish sparkles, indeed! $4.50 and free shipping!
=) Thank you for the gauntlet!

OMGCATS. No really, omg cats. :D
When is your birthday? Mine is on the 17th. As for something on my list, I'd like this awesome-looking nail polish. Happy almost birthday!

I have a TON of stamping plates, and I've never bought one in a store. They're almost all exclusively online. Over 90% of the plates I own are from Amazon:

Bundle Monster Set 1

Bundle Monster Set 2

Red Angel

My favorite of these is Red Angel. You can see which plates I've used at my blog's Red Angel page. Below each plate image is a link to the posts I've used the plates for. If there's no link, I haven't used them yet.

Hope that helps!

This isn't the exact same kit as I have, some patterns are the same....less than $1/plate.

your stamps came out really nice! It's a bit trickier with full nail stamps though. I recommend getting the pattern right on the edge of the stamp tool so it's easier to transfer it flush with your cuticle if you know what I mean. If you don't know...you will.

http://www.amazon.com/Bundle-Monster-Stamping-Manicure-Accessories/dp/B004XJNQXW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343503652&sr=8-2&keywords=bundle+monster+plate

I used plate BM-201

red angel and
bundle monster
Got these on Amazon cheap for the amount and I love them.

I have plenty of things under $5. Pretty nail gems or pretty peacock hair clip or pretty masks... whatever strikes your fancy, really.

I can watch this for hours. I fucking love that cat!

This please :D Somebody gifted me the tools so now I can really use gems!

there's always nail tape, dotting tools, brushes (13 cents over your budget with shipping) and gemstones!

This is totally green!

Sparkles!

Green is my favorite color, too!

Hai i hope monday is treating you well :) you have awesome book taste!

Animal is Leopards

Your list christopher pike Cause I used to go to the store EVERY week looking for new books i had a huge collection <3. Seriously that is where my allowance went, his books XD

my listnail polish

[Model City Polish Strawberry Jam](
http://www.etsy.com/listing/104964256/strawberry-jam-full-size-nail-polish?ref=correlated_featured)

China Glaze It's a Trap-eze

Orly Miss Conduct

OPI Gone Gonzo

OPI On Her Majesty's Secret Service

It's a Trap-eze!
Glam
[Sorry I'm Not Made of Sugar]
Tears of Dionysus

And welcome! I'm glad to have you here :)

My daughter wanting to take summer classes for extra school credits made me happy. Polish

HOME SWEET HOME

I'm glad you're back!

Pretty purple polish! Now try to say that 5 times fast!

I love this nail polish!
http://amzn.com/B00A2Y6PG2
Have a safe trip to your home sweet home!

Kleancolor Nail Polish. I've found that the metallics are especially opaque and cover in just one coat. And they're very inexpensive. Here's a link for a 12 bottle set of full sized bottles for $13.44 at Amazon. Free shipping for Prime members. Here is the link.

Yaaay I am so glad you are done! It's summertime!
I hope we get to play much Animal Crossing together!

I am not going to be doing much of anything this summer :( a concert here or there, but my new job has me working lots.
THIS would be SO AMAZING. For both of us :D

This one!

I love that they're so cheap, but SOOOOO pigmented


This is the black under it, it's a little expensive, but it's completely black in one coat

The silver is from sinful colors

You're so silly! Holy crap, you're old! Welcome to the crazy teenage years.

Gift card or these items (item 1, item 2, item 3) would be great :D

$.42 (Sometimes fluctuates, and usually has free shipping)

Under 60$ wants would be this! <3 AoT! Orrr this! I have an expensive hobby. :C

Thanks for the contest!!

please and thank you

18:21!

$1.91! Thanks so much for hosting this contest
http://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Silver-Square-Metal-Cellphones/dp/B00AZBSPQA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=ZPIZ2QVZTNPG&coliid=I2W104T3HTO1E2

I would LOVE to win these nail studs, but if it has to be a polish, CG Something Sweet has been on my list for a long time! :)

Thanks!!

I got the stars off amazon, I'm pretty sure they were even a glam from someone here! Very cheap and totally worth it!

these studs are 1.95 and free shipping.

This awesome nail polish!

Or these super cute nail dotting tools.

Or this little sponge I was gifted a while back that I use daily to blend my concealer.

Here you go: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2CEHAO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My seller was fixon.

Is it possible that you've only seen the red and gold because you haven't angled it enough? I can see all the colors easily just looking at my bottle, but on my nails I have to twist and turn them more to get the colors to change. I'm not sure what else it could be, because you're right, it really would be weird for them to make a fake of a cheap polish.

Does your polish smell worse than most polishes? Mine has a pretty strong, unpleasant scent. Maybe another clue.

Here I found cosmic dust, you buy it on Amazon maggle.

http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Hologlam-Holographic-Cosmic/dp/B00B8U6F6E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407203581&sr=8-2&keywords=cosmic+dust

I've been wanting to try China Glaze's Hologlam line, but there aren't any ULTAs near me at all :( You'd think NYC would have at LEAST one ULTA somewhere in there.

My favorite TV show has GOT to be Game of Thrones. The drama! The suspense! The swordplay! The sex! ahemmmm The politics! Everything about it is just so perfect :)

And one of my all time favorites, Fifty Shades of Grey, as read by Gilbert Gottfried.

broadway ! Thank you so much for the contest <3

My cheapest polish

Me...sort of AND in something green

I used one of my new Marianne plates: number 4 (they're French) that I bought via a facebook group buy. And my Mundo de Unas stamping polish in yellow. Oh, and my Winstonia Squishy Stamper.

Dotting tools and stripers are going to be basically the same from most sellers on Amazon. Find one with good reviews and just go with it. Same for striping tape. As far as stampers available on Amazon, I always recommend this one. In fact, I just taught my mom to stamp with that one the other night! As far as stamping plates, a couple of good ones on Amazon are Winstonia and Pueen, though there are definitely others.

I do! I have medium to long length nails and even though some people say gel weakens them, I actually find that they make my nails stronger. I have pretty healthy nails to begin with, though. I use my hands heavily for work (constantly brushing up against metal, cutting things and operating machinery) and gel is a godsend.

I am also super frugal though so I do them myself. It's very easy and it doesn't take that long after you get the hang of it. I usually put on a tv show or movie while I do it, it's very relaxing.

I've tried out a few different lamps but so far my favorite has been this one (I prefer LED):

https://www.amazon.com/MelodySusie-12W-LED-Nail-Dryer/dp/B00AXSQCGK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497569940&sr=8-1&keywords=melodysusie+gel+lamp

I have had great luck with this brand of polish (they make a glitter red that is ammmmaaazing – I had a trainer at the gym stop me when I was lifting to tell me my nails were the best he'd ever seen haha):

https://www.amazon.com/AIMEILI-Soak-Off-Nail-Polish/dp/B00PF9Q5EG/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1497569972&sr=1-4&keywords=gel+nail+polish

And I use these clippy things to remove the polish when I'm ready to change it. No tin foil for me!

https://www.amazon.com/HIGHROCK-Acrylic-Remover-Cleaner-Superior/dp/B00OWZ0TVE/ref=sr_1_28_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1497569972&sr=1-28&keywords=gel+nail+polish

(I just happened to be reordering some polish today so I had some of these links open already :p )

Base and top coat
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PF9Q5EG/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1559046903&sr=1-2

Nail polish:

CLAVUZ Gel Polish Soak Off UV Led Gel Nail Polish Set New Starter Kits Nail Art Manicure Nail Lacquers 6pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRSH406/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HVs7CbMM50ENC

I will note the nail polish set has low and some bad reviews. I haven’t bought it in like two years but I’m really happy with the formula I purchased then. This could be a new formula.

I think the info links on this su Reddit has a great info about base and top coats.

I do gel tips at home and use Ameili.

https://www.amazon.com/AIMEILI-Soak-Off-Nail-Polish/dp/B00PF9Q5EG

You can get started with gel polish manicures for less than $40!

2 years ago or so I bought these polishes off from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PC7YG88/ and https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PF9Q5EG/ and got a cheap $15 LED lamp which I see is no longer listed on Amazon but this one has good reviews: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01JGG5CH4/

After I did my first gel manicure I never looked back. My gel manicures survive heavy lifting with metal weights in the gym, washing dishes on a daily basis, heavy labor outside such as moving rocks, yard work, etc. It used to take me at least an hour to do my nails with non gel polish and then I'd sometimes ruin them with sheet marks or other marks or smudges 😥 but with gel polish that isn't an issue anymore.

I only use regular polish now for stamping or for applying foil. I've since amassed quite a gel polish collection spanning across many brands. I mostly buy online from Amazon or eBay since that is cheaper (polish price per oz) than buying Gelish, ASP, Red Carpet Manicure, etc. in stores locally. My favorite online brands are Aimeili (which I linked to) and Lechat. I think price per oz Lechat might be the cheapest. I think it also has the best formula out of all brands I own.

The only downside is removing the gel polish takes me at least 45 minutes. And you must remove gel polish by first lightly filing the polish and then soaking it off in acetone, NEVER peel gel polish off. You may think you can get away with it but I can tell you from experience, as someone who has thick ass strong nails who thought others just had inferior nails, you cannot get away with it.

Edit: I was going to type out instructions for how to do a gel manicure but it's probably better if you just watch some YouTube videos on it. One tip that I didn't see in any videos I watched was that you want thin coats when you do gel polish. I notice when I get coats that are too thick my nail beds felt really hot when I was curing them under the light. (The heat went away after it was done curing) When you do thin layers that doesn't happen.

SUNUV SUN2C 48W LED UV nail Lamp... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0BCN9B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the LED lamp I use to cure my nail polish and it works well so far! I just buy beetles brand gel nail polish off amazon as well it’s very inexpensive.

This is the lamp that I got. I highly recommend it, not only because it works really well, but because the shape of it makes it so you can paint your nails on top of it. Which makes a much bigger difference than I would have thought. It has motion sensor, so you can just stick your hand in to turn it on. Being able to stick your hand in makes it easy to flash cure (not as big of a deal for polish, but I use hard gel).

SUNUV SUN2C 48W LED UV nail Lamp with 4 Timer Setting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0BCN9B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LtLQBbS1H6PNS

Gelish is a great brand.

The other set you got, I've not tried the brand but it's a great price. Just be prepared for the colors you see on your screen to be different in real life. The quality probably won't be as good as gelish, either.

My personal advice is to skip the cluvaz gels and just get the gelish sets for now. Gel Manis last so long, you've got months worth of Manis just with the gelish sets. My experience is that the lower quality products end up being a waste of money because I never use them when I have better options available. Especially because these will be on your nails for 2-3 weeks. But you do you. Some people love having a huge collection.

WOW this needs to be made into a sidebar link or something! Thank you so much for the incredibly informative response, I was hoping you would stop by with another science break :) I'll definitely look into Doug Schoon.

A few follow-up questions:

1. I'm assuming there's no way to know for sure if a random lamp will fully cure a gel? This is the one that I have; I chose it because (1) it has a higher wattage and (2) it claims to cure UV and LED polishes (which I see now is probably an erroneous claim).
   
   
2. If you have a lamp that is mismatched with the brand of polish you're using, will a longer cure time result in a more cured gel? Say the polish brand recommends 30s; if I cure for 60s with an off-brand lamp, is that safer?
   
   
3. Is there anything known about the contact time required for an exposure to contribute to allergy development? As in, if I accidentally get a small amount of gel on my finger, do I need to rush to immediately remove it, or is the risk with longer-duration contact?
   
   
4. Say a gel is improperly cured with the wrong brand of lamp. Will you be constantly exposed to the allergens until the gel is removed? Should I be avoiding touching my nails, since I currently can't be certain that my gels are fully cured (they're hard, but the lamp is not matched to the brand)?
   
   
5. I have a few polishes by Fingerpaints which claim to be "1-step," where a top coat is not needed and there's no tacky inhibition layer to remove. I apply a top coat anyway to make the nails shiny and glassy-looking, but are these polishes safer because they don't
   
   
6. I had no idea that there are lamps associated with different brands of gels. When I looked on Amazon for lamps, they're generally all random names like "MelodySusie" or whatever. Unfortunately, I've amassed a collection of random brands of gel polishes including Fingerpaints, Gelish, Sally Hansen, and Red Carpet Manicure. If I want to avoid developing an allergy, are there any courses of action I can take besides choosing one brand and buying their lamp? I know it varies from person to person, but if I cure for extra time, be careful not to get any on my skin, and use a new wipe for each finger when removing the inhibition layer, can I be reasonably confident in using mismatched gels and lamp? Or will there still always be a danger?
   
   (As a sidenote, I was just perusing the sidebar to see if there's a mod I can tag or something and suggest this to be saved as an informative writeup, and I see you're a mod! That explains a lot, lol. I would definitely nominate this post to be saved for future reference!)

I have to go with OPI Alpine Snow like a few others.

SANTA IS COMING!

link item

THANKS FOR THE CONTEST!

I use Out The Door as a topcoat. Dries a lot faster than Seche, too!

Lately i have been using "out the door" and I love it! doesn't dry as quick as seche vite but no shrinkage.

http://www.amazon.com/INM-Out-Door-Coat-Ounce/dp/B000EVGQ8U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419991931&sr=8-1&keywords=out+the+door+top+coat

Hello! First of all, welcome. We have another wonderful trans girl, /u/Sweet_Baby_Ashley, hopefully you two can connect and become friends!
I have a few suggestions for you. First of all, practise makes perfect! So with things like brushing off the excess on the inside of the bottle, you just need to keep working in it. Some polishes are goopier or don't work well - make sure you aren't buying the cheapest stuff you can find, because formula might be a big part of your problem!

This might also be why you are having issues with it drying between coats. Although, I will say, there is a certain pressure - or lack of- that has to be used to apply polish back over pre-applied layers. I still have issues with it catching sometimes and I have a nail blog, so once again, practice!

Fast drying top coat. Without my seche vite, I would be lost! Out the door works well also, but there are a bunch on the market to choose from. If you do use something like seche, "wrapping the tips" will help with tip wear and shrinking. That just means applying the top coat to the tips of your nails as well as the top.

Here is a video I found on how to apply- but if you look on youtube there are hundreds of tutorials, so don't feel bad! People do need help learning. I got my cosmetology license a few years ago, so that's when I learned.

I hope this helped even a little. Looking forward to seeing you around!

Welcome! And yes, you belong here <3

I love the two manis you did, they are really pretty.

As for good times to have... Bonder is a great base coat. Seche Vite is a great fast drying top coat. Looks like you have brushes, dotting tools and tape already on your list. Other than that just add a few polishes from every color of the rainbow to get an idea of what you like and go from there!

I'm in school to be a vet tech and am also a shelter volunteer, so I know this problem too. My best advice is to keep everything moisturized, including the nails. Use a good cuticle cream (I like LUSH's lemony flutter or Burts Bees lemon cuticle balm). I've noticed that my nail polish lasts longer when I take care of that. I've also had good luck with a sticky base coat like ORLY Bonder. It's hard to find a combination that will stand up to this kind of wear, though. I usually have to redo my nails if I've been doing a lot of cleaning/sanitizing or wearing gloves for long periods, like in lab.

They have it at Sallys! I bought mine from amazon! Not a bad price either :)

We can look like a Rockstar with essie Cute as a Button (It's 90c over D: ) or this Awesome stainless steel.

CG Fairy Dust has been a love of mine forever! It's just gorgeous(:

China Glaze Fairy Dust!

This CG Fairy Dust for $4.50 because it says it's discontinued, and I'll die if I don't get it before it's gone. Lol. And I clearly feeling very dramatic today.

some of my faves include:

China Glaze: Lorelei's Tiara

China Glaze: Ruby Pumps

OPI: I Have a Herring Problem

OPI: Blue My Mind

Essie: Stylenomics

Essie: Sugar Daddy

OPI: Hotter Than You Pink

thats what comes to mind at first. I'm also really into glitter toppers and stuff, Sinful Colors makes some awesome ones that are holiday themed (Halloween, Christmas etc) but amazon has slim pickings of those. if you have a Walgreen's or target near you, check there for those!

Thanks Santa for hosting this!

1. Definitely Christmas!
   
   
2. Buddy the Elf (what's your favorite color?)
   
   
3. Once annually and only once, my mom makes this to-die-for toffee. Seriously the stuff of legends. You know that Christmas episode of Friends where Monica makes all this candy and the neighbors crowd around her house asking for more? That's probably based on my mom and this toffee because it's happened.
   
   
4. Here's my dog in a Santa hat last year!
   
   
5. China Glaze Ruby Pumps per favor! If the link is screwy it's because I'm on mobile, but you can find this on my Amazon list if I win :)

AAAHHHHH!!!! NEEEED!!!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0026NR37W/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_1?colid=3PMQD8UH1GJDW&coliid=I1D3NY4CJIH2S0&vs=1

We both have Essie For The Twill Of It, Nubar Star Sparkles, Nubar Brilliant, China Glaze Peri-Wink-Le, China Glaze It's a Trap-eze, and Nubar Treasure on our lists. We really are Twins.

We both apparently have Nubar Treasure!

Twins

this nubar has caught my eye for a while. SO SHINY!!!!

Had you asked for blue I would have the longest list ever, but here is what I like in the red/pink area!

REDS

Orly-Moonlit maddness

China Glaze Adventure Red-y

OPI Animal-isitic

OPI Getting Miss Piggy with it

PINKS

China Glaze Something Sweet

OPI Divine Swine

Nubar treasure


OPI Kiss me on My Tulips

This lovely nail polish is something I really want. It's my favorite color. <3

this is my steampunk pony. Hope you like it, I'll edit this to post the rest of my creations when I get a chance. They're so fluffy
If I win then this please


EDIT: my hippie pony

I REALLY want this pink holo Nubar. It would be my first nubar and holo. I think its really pretty and sparklie :3


Pleeeeeeeeease pick me. Pwease :3 Ill love you forever and ever and ever and bake you cookies and show you funny youtube videos and cute animal pictures and adorable kitty gifs and and ill give you a bug hug too... Pwease? :3

Polish 1

Polish 2

Polish 3

Polish 4

Polish 5

1. 2 cats, turning 24, blue
   
2. 3 cats, turning 26, red
   
3. 2 cats, turning 25, pink
   
   this

Happy Birthday Diaju! I hope you have fun:)

This Nail Polish is 4.50 free shipping!

Woo Five Dollar Friday!

Thanks for hosting :)

The first part is from the show Once Upon a Time. The character Ruby is also known as Red riding hood from fairytale land. She is a badass character! I smooshed it together and then added my pirate obsession on the end :) thanks!

Magic Attraction nail polish!

No, the 25-piece.

It's Bundle Monster's BM-201. I got it on amazon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XJNQXW)

this is only 1.57 and free shipping

I would love this! Thank you so much for the contest!

There are a lot of cool nail art thingies on Amazon for under $5!!

These little nail art gems are a great deal, plus you can even get the tweezer thing to put them on with, all under $5!

Amazon rocks and so do you for hosting!

this is and i wouldnt mind getting it :)

ancient...

thanks for the contest

These nail gems look awesome!
[http://www.amazon.com/SODIAL-3000-Mixed-Colours-Shapes/dp/B008U1Q4DI/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1369420229&sr=1-1&keywords=nail+gems]

But it's only May 1st D:! [these pretties!] (http://www.amazon.com/SODIAL-3000-Mixed-Colours-Shapes/dp/B008U1Q4DI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3B40O49VRCSVW&coliid=IG9G10QXOJ54N) are 1.72 with free shipping! woohoo!

These babies or maybe these babies But it's only May 1st :)

Haha I have the same problem.

I tend to switch out "awesome" with "awesomeness" or "awesome-sauce"

1. Sweet
   
2. Fantastic
   
3. Badass
   
   cheap item- cuz that color green is AWESOME

We both have China Glaze: Spontaneous and China Glaze: Running In Circles in common!!
twins

We both have Running in Circles, and It's a Trap-eze.

Twins

Happy birthday! I hope you had a fun day today!

China Glaze Running In Circles ($5.00 with free shipping)

22 candles

Worse allergies - hoo-freakin-ray!!!

I have been dying to attempt a matte metallic rainbow gradient with these Kleancolors. However, if that's too much Mr. Golden Sun makes everything beautiful and green like China Glaze Running in Circles!

Good luck to everyone!

I thought so, too, as soon as I saw it on Amazon. ;)

I didn't discover Polish Gauntlet until the indie box was already under way. I am bummed to miss out on it :( Hopefully the next one!

I love pastel colors, so spring polishes are some of my favorites. I never took pictures of any manis I did until recently, so I don't have any manis that I've done, but I [saw so many cute ones on instagram] ( http://imgur.com/a/qUN0V) and I'm totally copying them.

[China Glaze Tart-t to the Party] ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B3URSB0/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_2?colid=3IOW2XII259ED&coliid=I16KY8W6TF03VR)

And [China Glaze Running in Circles] ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A2Y2RQ4/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_7?colid=3IOW2XII259ED&coliid=IKTXWBJSZVSNF) are two on my WL I've been eyeing up.

And [this polish from Superchic Lacquer] ( https://www.etsy.com/listing/214566731/cold-hands-warm-hugs-nail-polish-frozen?ref=hp_mod_rf) has captured my heart. I've never tried this brand, but this is so pretty!

Thanks for this gauntlet :)

GREEN IS AWESOME!!!!
This nail polish is amazing!!

http://amzn.com/B00A2Y2RQ4

I love green, makeup, trees, grass, you name it!
Thanks for the contest!!!

It's a trap!

27!

1. [It's a trap-eze!] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2Y4OS8/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3SBJB5RE7GN4X&coliid=I1O2RG67T2IV8Q)
   
   
2. I love anything chocolate/caramel. I'm also a huge fan of gummy candies.
   
   
3. I'm set on supplies! I've got tape, glitter stars, dotting tools! This community has really helped me expand my nail-art collection and I've learned so much. I'd like to try some of those nail art pens though, since I'm not very swift with a tiny brush.
   
   
4. [This yellow is pretty!] (http://nailbox.co/nail-color/midori.html)
   
   ooh pretties!
   
   Thanks for the contest. I had never heard of that site. =)

1. Amazon Link: It's a Trap-Eze. I love sporadic colors on a white background.
   
   
2. Treats: I love cheese! I'm originally from Wisconsin, so I think it's in my blood. I try to avoid ice cream and cookies because I could probably eat a whole pint of ice cream or box of cookies.
   
   
3. Nail Art Stuff: I guess I need some more stamping plates. I have quite a few already, but I like having a variety.
   
   
4. Nailbox Link: This one.
   
   ooh pretties

Pacman nails

It's a Trap-eze

Eskimo

THESE ARE MY FAVORITE DESIGNS. They are fucking AMAZING.

My nail related item!

One time at a club a guy asked me if I wanted an Eskimo kiss and then proceeded to try to make out with me. It was terrifying.

Thank you for the contest!

ooooo I love nail polish!
The [3rd] (http://glamradar.com/cute-pink-nail-designs/) one down is a style I like. I only wish I was good at doing my nails like this.
I found [this] (http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Lacquer-Creative-Fantasy/dp/B00A2Y6PG2/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=J9D0Y4Q0F8GG&coliid=I3U9EZL0OK438P) naill polish the other day and i cant get it out of my mind. Also I give the best Eskimo kisses!

purple monkey dishwasher! I have the perfect purple nail varnish! my favourite colour, so good choice of shirt! ;)

My BF is out of state for a WEEK!!! :( sads. I've been waiting to hear about a job I interviewed for on JUNE 25th!!!! I want to know already! I'm watching minecraft videos on youtube. I should probably go to bed soon.

I don't have any jellies, and I read this one was a jelly. and it's PURPLE! which I LOVVVE

I think this color is so pretty! I would LOVE to have it!!

Oh, and tomorrow (5/19) is my CAKE DAY!!! This would make such a great cake day present! And it would only come to about $4.88 so someone else could be polished as well :D

• Color Polish: FairyGlo Gel Polish, Color 1594
  
  • Amazon in a set of 6 7ml bottles
    
• Stamping Polish: Kleancolor Metallic Aqua 164
  
  • Amazon in a set of 12 15ml bottles
    
• Stamping Plates: Biutee
  
  • This set came with a stamper, scraper and set of 10 plates from Amazon as well
    
• Top Coat: Modelones Matte and No Wipe top coats
  
  • Ring finger matte top coat, other fingers no wipe top coat from Amazon came with both top coats and some other colors
    
    I have been getting into doing my own nails and nail art. Been doing gel regularly for about 8 months at home. Got my first stamping plate set and some new gel to try it out. Since this was my second time stamping i had the hang of it a bit better than the first time but still need practice. Any tips are welcome :). If anyone has any tips on how to shape my nails i would love to hear them. My nail beds are wide and sometimes fan out. I have been just trying to file the edges to make them skinny because I'm not sure what else to do.

Because 'shiny' . And yes, it's on my raoa wishlist too.

Brass players, cats, ravens, packrats, we all love random shiny things.



9... But why though?

Red and Gold are from this set: https://www.amazon.com/Kleancolor-Nail-Polish-Metallic-Bodycare/dp/B00AVP37G8/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1482549035&sr=1-3&keywords=metallic+nail+polish

Haha I actually did my nails over the weekend at a place in Colorado (I live in California) for a friend's wedding, and I used their nail polish so I have no idea what it was. I like it though!

However, I recently purchased these and I like them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AVP37G8/ref=mp_s_a_1_9_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1526092853&sr=1-9

These and These = 3.19

Thank you for hosting

I'm sorry to see everyone go =/ I'm excited that there will be a new community soon, though! These are sweet. Here are some cute kittens!

$127

Nail studs for $1.86!

My wonderfully purple hair is being shaved off in two days because I'm doing a kid's cancer research fundraiser. I'm going to miss my hair but that's what my weekend is all about right now. Lol


This is one of my cheapest items I think..

Here's a somewhat recent photo of me with my purple hair. :)

Happy Birthday!

I fought hard, but I couldn't make it! I would like these because they are super cute and I love doing my nails. :3

Love these metal nail addons. Or the nail stripes that someone else already linked. SO CUTE! And sooo cheap. <:

My favorite creepypasta, the one that gives me chills and keeps me up at night every time, is Ted's Caving Page. Some spoiler-ish background on Ted can be found here.

The scariest incident I ever had, personally, was when I was telling my kids a spooky story before bed, and I had the sudden absolute certainty that someone was staring at me. I looked across the bedroom and saw a face, as if an elderly woman was laying on a bed directly across from ours, staring straight at me with wide, startled eyes. I looked away and tried to ignore the feeling of being watched, figuring it was a trick of the light or my mind. When I told my husband about it, he said "Oh yeah, my grandma died in that room. Her bed was right up against the wall opposite where ours is."

WELL GREAT THANKS FOR THAT INFORMATION

my under-ten: studs, dolls, or lashes if you please!

edit: Booooo

I'm Ron Burgandy?

.52 cents, free shipping

I'll give a few.

Pompeii by Bastille :)

Burn by Ellie Goulding

Team by Lorde

Royals by Lorde

Anna Sun by Walk the moon

$3.25 item!

thanks for the contest!

I'm totally lusting for this polish. It's a little over $3 USD so someone else can be gifted, too. Oh, free shipping.

This seems like an awesome nail polish color

KLEANCOLOR Nail Lacquer - Chunky Holo Black 236 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2CEHAO/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_bHvaub1GQW2P5

On my nail polish WL ;)

Edit. Didn't see shipping cost. N/m

• What's your favorite holiday? Christmas of course!

• Who is your favorite holiday character? Buddy the Elf

• What is this food you look forward to having the most during the Christmas season? Better than sex cake ;)

• Show me a picture of an animal celebrating the holidays! Merry Christmas ya Filthy Animals!

• Link me to something in your wishlist that is $5 (plus shipping)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B2CEHAO/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_14?colid=3AHE3Z1HWHEBE&coliid=I1FI5Y97Y61Y6U

Thanks for hosting!

The dog ate my homework!

I recently took an interest in giving myself manicures and would love to have this polish.

i collect mlp toys right now! iv been working on my set for a few years, i have most of the past 3 sets! the last time i counted was a few months ago, at that time i was at 70 ish ponys. My ponys

for a prize is love this or this

This polish would make me have magic fingers! And reminds me of a unicorm hoof

^This ^is ^bad... ^it ^also ^made ^me ^find ^this ^and ^this

mo manis mo problems

I don't have a single China Glaze OR holo, and seeing as I'm going to be outside quite a bit this summer, I've been lemming HARD for one. So I'm lemming for both Infra Red and Cosmic Dust! Both so pretty, so awwwwesome haha

no manis no problem


This would be the nail polish female astronauts would wear because this color is out of this world!

this is 4.96 - CG Cosmic Dust pretttyfulz.

I wish for this I don't have any holo polishes and I would love to use this to make galaxy nails :D

Giftzilla aaaaaaaaaaaaah ! This is a thing that may or may not be worthy of you.

Fun side note, I'm dying my hair purple tomorrow c: I'm nervous-excited.

I am totally drooling over CG's Sun of a Peach :) thanks for having this gauntlet!

http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Lacquer-Peach-Fluid/dp/B00BKUHH50/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=QY8EDFPKRQNV&coliid=I3BPSXHIRF847D

That. So Cute.

Hm, what's going on with me. I'm covered in water because the sprinkler needed to be turned on and the grass looks so bad! Haha

Traveling for work has its ups and downs. I teach veterinary practice management software, so I spend every week in a different animal hospital. It's hard being away from my family so much, but it works out because I get weeks off at a time whenever there are holidays mid-week. It's also nice to get to see so much of the US and meet new people every week.

I would totally recommend the Winstonia plates. Also their big squishy XL silicon stamper is pretty nice, and it has a hard pink end for smaller designs that I read is like the Konad one. It did take me several sessions of trying before I had any success, but I think that's probably just the normal learning curve.

This is my personal recommendation. The white end needs a little prepping, but its wonderful! Its so squishy you can very easily stretch or shrink the image before you stamp, or use the marshmallowy of it to stretch as you're applying. Not my fav or making decals, but brilliant otherwise!

http://www.amazon.com/Winstonia-Double-Ended-Plastic-Scraper/dp/B00CJIOG0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396986665&sr=8-1&keywords=winstonia+stamper

Happy cakeday!

My husband's 30th Birthday cake, made by a friend

Sad attempt at a birthday Mani. My thumb is supposed to have a cake on it.

I'd like to get into stamping, though I'm not sure if this is the best stamper

If you don't mind waiting awhile for some plates to come in I've had really good luck with bornpretty store. I've even bought their clear jelly stamper and I've not had any issues. This is a crowd favorite stamper


For plates bornpretty, bundle monster, pueen, and winstonia all stamp very easily. Depending on how much you want to spend it can get a little pricey for plates...that's mostly because I have an addiction.




Check out their websites for bornpretty and bundle monster. Most of the time its cheaper to buy directly from them than to purchase it on amazon. Shipping from bundle monster is normally less than a week.

Of course !!
First you will a stamper !!

Some stampers are sticky or non sticky. They both work, just depends on your preference.
Like this

Stamper

Or like this

Squishyone.

I use old gift cards to scrap the nail polish off my plates. Watch a YouTube video to see how they do it. The trick is not to do it too hard !

Many plates work great but these are my favorite and easiest to work with
Pueen encore set

I also like moyou London plates, and born pretty ! They work great

As far as nail polish goes you can't stamp glitter!

I use sinful colors to stamp on top of my mani. Black/white stand out the most !
Just have fun stamping and don't give up. It's all trial and error !

I got this one.. The white part is kind of sticky though.

Stamping does seem to be the thing lately. I have this stamper set from bundlemonster. The white one works okay for me, but I did order the Winstonia stamper the other day to try. I have mostly bundlemonster plates (the 2013 & 2014 CYO collections) and 3 MoYou which I've used with good results.

I keep this post from Copycat Claws bookmarked. She compares a bunch of drug store and stamping polishes by color so it's easy to see the differences. I've purchased several colors based on this post alone.

My current favorite for stamping is Cult Cosmetics. They are super opaque and I love the colors. DTLA, Melrose Place, and Paradise Cove see the most action. I've ordered a handful of MDU's but it will be April before I see them, most likely.

I DO do it myself! :)

So far so good with doing a "gelly sandwich" -- base coat gel, cure, regular polish left to dry completely (takes some testing, best to dry overnight), top coat cured!

I got this:

AIMEILI Gel Nail Polish No Wipe Top and Base Coat Set Soak Off UV LED Gel Nail Lacquer - 2 x 10ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PF9Q5EG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3VmxDb5J1P9GV

Only complaint is that the top coat looks purple/blue and weird, like blacklight or something, in direct sunlight. Otherwise the one nail looks great!! :)

It's nice to have an alternative to super expensive lamps for sure! I have this base coat and top coat which come together, and this red polish by the same brand. So far so good, they look really good! I also ordered this colour shift one which I haven't got yet, so can't vouch for but it was cheap so why not!

Sure thing!

• LED light. You can get cheaper florescent style lights. I went with the LED version because it's quicker. I'm a red head and try and avoid excessive UV. I even put sunscreen on my hands before doing my nails.
  
  
• I like the Aimeile Top/Base costs and colors. They're super cheap and last. I especially like their color changing polishes.
  
  
• You might also want to gets some nail clamps for removal so you're not wrapping your fingers in aluminum foil.
  
  
• And maybe invest in some ph Bond. This helps dry out the nail bed and helps the nails last longer.

I use this one and really like it!

I got this lamp.

As far as colors and top/base coat, I just bought stuff from nail suppliers and on ebay. I went with the nail supplier for some colors because I couldn't find them on ebay. I think Sally's sells Gelish minis. My preference is OPI polish, with Gelish top/base coats. Gelish colors are a close second for me.

All said and done, I got the lamp, 3 colors, top/base coats, and a "nail prep" for $115. So a little more expensive than going out and buying like the Gelish Harmony kit, but not a bad deal.

The one downside I can see to doing full size polishes is that since it would take you so long to go through a bottle, I'm betting they're going to thicken.

I've been using this lamp (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0BCN9B) for almost a year now and absolutely love it.

For the polygel, I went with this one (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076B9CBVZ) because it had excellent reviews and it was great to have everything I needed to do my nails, except slip solution and dehydrator. I used alcohol (100%) as slip and I had my own dehydrator.

I just bought this kit (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RY99LXY/) to try next as it was a bit cheaper and I wanted to see if it's easier to work with the slip solution or not (kit comes with everything).

Happy to answer any questions you may have if it helps you save some time and not make the mistakes I made as a first timer. I'm still happy as heck with the results and can't stop staring at my nails. Lol

I recommend this lamp and this post is a really great step-by-step. At home gel is a complete game-changer.

A little.

my developmental psychology teacher is hilarious. He always does impressions of his kids and some people he talks to....and every impression sounds like a hippie! lol I find it amusing....so yeah :P

prettttyyyyyy


Thanks!