How can I make my nails amazing at home

[ahipponamedbooboobutt]

I used to have acrylic extensions which looked beautiful but I just find it hard to find the time to get them done so had them off the last 18months. My natural nails are awful and grow funny (the middle finger nail flares out) and break and are just generally not very nice. I want groomed polished nails again, is there any miracle products I can get to make them lovely at home?

I had this problem, bad nails, don't have time to get to the salon plus I'm allergic to gels

I bought some full cover false nails, brush on glue, clippers etc off Amazon and now I do my own. Took me a couple of weeks to find the right false nails, I prefer the thinner slightly more flexible ones and I clip them off quite short once glued on. Paint as normal.

They look really good.

I see loads of people raving about primark nails. I last used glue on nails probably a decade ago and I'd be lucky to keep them on for 24hrs. I must be quite rough with my nails as one would usually fling off quite quickly. Have things improved since then?

OPI Nail envy! It's amazing stuff, my nails literally never used to grow, I then ruined them further with all sorts of DIY extension kits when I was younger.
Now I regularly have to file them as they get too long! They are strong too :) it's pricey but lasts ages so worth it imo as I've been without it and they do start to go back the other way after a few mo the without it. I've just treated myself to the coloured ones so I ha e the treatment and polish all in one :))
(I realise I sound like I work for them...I don't I just really love it!) x

Another vote for opi nail envy

Use a decent top coat like Leighton Denny crystal finish.

I've used opi nail envy before and agree it is amazing stuff but unfortunately doesn't make my nails grow in a nice shape. These are my nails, when they get long they just flare out and one of them grows wonky - more to one side then the other.

Seche Vite topcoat (you can get it on Amazon) is great and looks like gel with a couple of coats.

I second seche vite, its one of my Holy Grail products. It does seem to be a bit of a marmite product though, and it did take me a few goes to get the knack of using it but now I have it is amazing, my nails do look like gel nails.

Maybe I'm missing something here but could you not shape your nails with a file where they flare out, to taper off the corners iyswim? Always file from the outside in on each side of the nail, that was what I was told years ago.

Your nails look fine!

I wouldn't grow them longer than that anyway - shorter nails are classier.

Seche vite peels off my nails (in one satisfying layer). I prefer the Essie topcoat.

Your nails just need shaping properly or trimming shorter.

Your nails are fine, but they need to be shaped. Buy a decent file and google 'nail shape' and file every 10 days or so.
Keep your hands well moisturised and w perument with some polishes. Seche vite is a good top coat.

Yes, I'd say just trim shorter and file. Essie have a good product www.essie.com/essie-looks/for-the-perfect-manicure-nail-polish-nail-lacquer-nail-care-essie-looks/laven-dearly.aspx
It has a faint colour in it and just makes your nails look smarter overall. You can get it in Boots etc

Thank you all. Maybe I just nit pick on all my faults. Off to look at all these suggestions thank you

Rimmel gel polish in the french manicure colour with the gel topcoat makes nails look natural but with a healthy hint of pink. It doesn't need a lamp.
File nails straight and then just gently round the edges - don't file too far down the sides as it weakens nails. Keep them shorter if the shape is dodgy. Mine flair out too, so I keep them shorter.

I use coconut oil on my nails to moisturise and soften cuticles.