Gel nails- where did I go wrong?

[DrSeuss]

Last year I got my toe nails done with the kind of polish that's uv light cured and they lasted three weeks, growing out without a chip. However, it's too expensive to do all summer so I bought a lamp, top coat, base coat and three polishes on line for the price of a couple of salon trips. Result- they lasted a couple of days on a beach holiday. What did I do wrong, please? Is my technique poor or should I invest in branded polishes?

Thanks.

What polish did you use? I stick with Calgel, best Ive found so far...

Lack of training/skill/product knowledge. You have discovered why professional Nail Technicians make it look easier than it is and achieve lon-lasting results. If you want gels go to a Pro.

Ive been doing my own gel nails for over 5 years now, with no training, and have never had any problems.

Thanks, will keep trying and look into the Calgel.

My neighbour bought a cheapy UV light, but proper Shellac colours and top and base coat. We did our nails and i found that it lasted as well as when i've had them done in the salon.

I think sometimes the lamps in salons are more powerful than the ones available non-proffessionally. Maybe try longer under the lamp?

I think I may have used the same offer as you...was it a groupon one?

Anyway, I was having similar problems but turned a bit of a corner when I realised that the top coat needs to completely cover the edge of the colour. You also need to coat the free edge of your nail (the 'cut' edge if that makes sense?).

Mine now last a good 10 days by which time they are starting to look a bit grown out anyway.

You won't get Calgel anywhere but Calgel and they won't sell it to you unless you trained with them, it's my preferred brand of gel over all others even this new 'gel polish' fad it really is lovely stuff, as far as I'm concerned great lasting nails (toes or fingers) is all in the prep work, and whilst many people choose to do their own gels etc at home they don't realise what damage and dangers there is involved in doing so, there really is quite alot more than meets the eye when it comes to 'just doing nails'
At the moment I have pillar box red on the out side 4 of my toes on each foot and on my two big toes I have Minx, queens guard pattern it's very patriotic hehe! I put it on for Olympics and its still going strong :)