I have never had my nails done..

[WildThongsHeartString]

Hands or feet. I would really like to but I dont know shellac from gel or best colours to go for. What would you recommend for going on holiday that hopefully won't chip?

Bumping

I'd recommend shellac or geleration for your hols. They're both different brands of the same paint on nail polish which is then cured by a light making it virtually bomb proof. Mine withstood sandy beaches, suncream and general wear and tear. It keeps your nails looking prefect all holiday and you'll be suprised how much your finger nails have grown when the gel comes off. Take some nail oil with you as your cuticles will look dry. I chose a neutral colour for fingers so that growth wouldn't be obvious and chose a bright coral for toes. Have a great holiday.

Things have moved on a lot! Do you want extensions?

You have two types really, those that are thicker and usually filed and buffed to finish (bit like acrylics used to be). Or the new hybrids which are like thick nail varnish. Both can be cured with uv laps for a few secs to set.

If you're looking at natural nail but best for duration then look up bio sculpture. It's done with a pot/brush and cured via uv. Will last a month before requiring top up for growth. Imo This is the best of the hybrids but there are many brands. Just gives you something to google for explanation.

Gels gosh again there's loads but cnd shellac are good and gives you something to google.

Speak to your therapist. Also the best recommendation is friends and specifically their nails. Avoid drills if at all possible.

IMO again, go for colours you want to wear. These are going to cost you 35 quid. Therefore only get nude/French/red if you really like it as a month is a long time..... Bubblegum pink always looks sunny and can be fresher than scarlet.

Geleration is fab and will still be shiny three weeks later. Agree with coral for toes; I would do fingers same colour if it suits you (looks good with a bit of a tan!)

If you have gel worth applying an extra layer of top coat yourself if you're spending lots of time on the beach. Plus take a matching polish just in case for touch-ups.

Do budget to get them taken off again afterwards, and be warned, they do look great for ages and can become a bit addictive...

I had Gelish nails done for the first time on Saturday and I bloody love them! It is a trial run for my hols in August. I am applying cuticle oil all the time but obv it's only been a few days so I can't vouch for the longevity yet.

My initial plan was to go for neutral on fingers and bright pink on toes for hols, but my trial run has been bright pink on fingers (gossip girl, for reference) and I love it so much, I'm considering having both fingers and toes in this for hols. I don't even normally like pink that much!!

I have Shellac on my nails and love it getting them done tomorrow for my Jollies. Having Coral Shellac on my finger nails and bubblegum pink gels on my toes :)