Best Shellac starter kits

[LucyRipley]

Hi All,

So - feeling a bit frumpy. Trying to do something about it but that's a whole other story. One thing that makes me feel really good about myself is having nice nails but I really need to figure out how to do it myself. I love Shellac and it seems to be the one gel type thing that doesn't completely wreck my nails. (Seriously - I've had acrylics, other types of gel - all taken off professionally and they have all completely FUCKED UP my nails).

Can anyone recommend the best place to buy starter kits from and also any good YouTube tutorials? Please don't shout at me for not supporting my local nail shops - have 5 kids and a DP who's out of work. I'm working two jobs to pay the mortgage and bills. I know that spending money on myself sounds really selfish but am pretty sure the lamp and polish etc would pay for themselves after a few weeks / months. Also - my head is wrecked trying to keep the show on the road for everyone else - just want to do something that's just my thing IYCWIM - feel like I spend all my life being a mammy / partner / IT person and I just need some sparkle.

Ugh. Reading that back I do sound selfish. Thanks if you've made it this far x

[stepmumSW5]

I'm also considering doing my shellac myself so I'll watch this thread. Please don't feel that you're being selfish. Your mental health is important and little things like that help so much. Please keep taking care of yourself xx

[ElizabethMainwaring]

Sensationail gel.
Use it with the peel off base coat.
Amazing stuff! Can't recommend it enough!
The kit with three colours is about £40 -£50, and the peel off base coat is £15.
Gel lasts about ten days then you literally peel it off, no soaking involved!

[ElizabethMainwaring]

You don't sound selfish at all

[Fluffycloudland77]

You can’t buy shellac unless you have a manicure qualification in the UK. There is only one authorised supplier in the UK and they will require a copy of your qualification before you can order.

You can buy sensationail but it is a gel. Whatever you buy the lamp must match the polish & you must never get it on your skin surrounding the nail. There is a huge problem with acrylic allergy caused by uncured acrylic nail products which means you wouldn’t be able to wear any polish at all and impacts on future treatments with dental & orthopaedic because bone cement is also uncured acrylic.

[AHippoNamedBooBooButt]

The sensationail started kit is currently £30 in aldi at the moment

[LucyRipley]

Thanks all - I knew Mumsnet would have the answer :-)

@ElizabethMainwaring how does the peel off gel work? Do you still need the lamp?
@ElizabethMainwaring looks like I'm off to Aldi this morning!

[sitckmansladylove]

I started doing my own with the mylee kit form Amazon. The finish is lovely but it tends to feel off very quickly.

[KensalGreen]

Another one recommending the Sensationail kit! I've had mine for 6 years and it was about £100 but the exact same kit is available in Aldi for much cheaper now. I'm not sure if it's online only though? www.aldi.co.uk/sensationail-raspberry-starter-kit/p/704770393958802?gclid=Cj0KCQjwsuP5BRCoARIsAPtX_wFyd54AL2rM_kpLIQRuQLcIM44G-98U3HL17LDYxlWW0FNDUuUZMI4aAqEwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I always use it with a peel off gel polish (not the sensationail one, a cheaper one off amazon). You cure it the same as the other polishes. I do it for a minute and use it as a top coat too

[ElizabethMainwaring]

@LucyRipley
Yes, you still need the lamp, but you don't cure the base coat.
One layer of base coat.
One layer of colour and cure under lamp
Second layer and cure
Top coat and cure
Done! Takes less than twenty minutes.
You'll know when to take it off because the polish near the cuticle will sort of feel loose.
I always take mine off in the bath.
It usually comes off really easily , but sometimes I use the little tool to get it going.
Good luck, you won't be disappointed!

[IndiaPlace]

Loving the Aldi offer, thank you and I'm tempted.

However I am rubbish at painting my nails usually, with normal polish. Will I make a mess of doing this or is it easier to apply! ( or is that a really daft question!)