anyone do their own gel manicures?

[N0tfinished]

I've just started - got cheap UV lamp from Amazon & some bluesky polishes.

First attempt was yesterday, was far easier than I thought!

I only have 1 colour polish (clearly pink) which turned out to be totally transparent! (As the name would suggest)

I'd love some polish reccomendations. My local salon supply place charges €30 per polish!!

There's a Facebook group you might find useful called Bluesky Nails Hints, Tips n Advice

I get on ok with the blue sky although I recently bought a couple of shellac ones from amazon which were brilliant

I do my own shellac, and yes, far easier than I thought! I buy mine on ebay - some I haven't liked on me, some I love

I have this set and I love it

Artistic, Jessica Geleration or OPI are good, usually pay £10 - £15 on eBay. Second hand bottles that have only been used a couple of times are good so you can test colours. Pay more for good quality top and base coats but cheaper gels are ok for colour. Have fun! Do your toes too, it lasts ages!

Any particular colours that you liked? I'm especially looking for a nice sheer pink that applies well - like that 'bridal' look!!

I had a CND shellac mani once, it was gorgeous- sheer pink with the tiniest blue shimmer. I can't find it for the life of me.

I'd also love a dark red & a true scarlet red

I've got this one from eBay (a13) & I'm looking at Decadence & Tinted Love to go darker. I want a really dark red like red wine colour but I'm a bit nervous because I ordered one that turned out to be a bit purpley/ shimmering which I don't want(the front one I'm holding) It's hard to tell online sometimes it's hit & miss I think

Oh that's nice. Looks a bit pink- does it look more dark red in real life? Maybe those 2 you mentioned would be better...

Try Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing mail polish with separate topcoat. It's v cheap and you don't need a lamp. It's brilliant!

What UV lamps do people have?

I got the Blue Sky lamp from Amazon.

I use a mixture of Shellac, Jessica and Opi products.

I got one for Christmas and love it. Have you heard of Smartpolish? You use the uv lamp but there's no need for base and top coat. So 2 coats and you're done. It doesn't last quite as long but they do some great offers on their website. I just bought 4 colours for the price of 2, cost £30 so pretty reasonable. And the colours are gorgeous.

My lamp was from Amazon - brand name & seller is called Beautify

It's a UV lamp. Some people use LED lamps. You might want to read up on the difference? Some brands are LED cure, some UV, and some can use either.

The one I got is a little bulky- kind of shoe-box sized. I've only used it once, worked perfectly, but obviously I can't speak to it's longevity!

Forgossake, where did you get those polishes?

It doesn't seem to be for sale in many places, I think it's still fairly new. www.smartpolish.co.uk is where I ordered from. You have to register on the site to see prices and info for some reason. Be careful not to end up buying the car wax under the same name!!