Holiday nails!

[TheMouseInMyPocket]

I am clueless about nails! Never normally bother with varnish, as can't wear it at work, so it isn't worth it, but I'm about to have three weeks off work, will be away on holiday for 2 of them so would like to have pretty nails for once. I want something that won't need much attention and can be easily taken off before I go back to work. Do I do them myself or go and have them done? What do I actually need? Gel? Shellac? Somehing else? Help!

I have no advice, but will be watching your thread as I would like my nails done for going on holiday too. I hate the false nails and I’m not sure what shellac or gel nails are? Xx

shellac is gel nail polish that is cured under a uv light. it's quite a think coating so if you're not used to getting your nails done I'd go for that one.

I get gel nails every two weeks, they are really strong and tend to only chip if I break a nail. If you want something totally bomb proof get a sparkle on the top.

How do I go about taking gel off when it's time to go back to work?

The only thing I'd say against gel/shellac is that you can't apply yourself without special equipment and will need a second appointment to get it removed, because it won't come off easily like normal polish will.

I think it depends really on what you find easier. I prefer to use a regular (ie not gel/shellac) polish, do them at home in front of the TV, have the polish handy so that I can touch them up if I get any little chips a few days later and take them off with nail varnish remover wipes at home when they start to chip badly. I got gels done for my wedding but would find going somewhere to get them done too much of a faff to do regularly.

My favourite brand is OPI. They do a range called Inifinite Shine which are hard wearing like gels but don't need special equipment for application or removal (although you do need to use their special primer and top coat). You can get the necessary primer, colour and topcoat slightly cheaper in a pack than by buying separately like this:
www.opiuk.com/shop/iceland-infinite-shine-trio-1.html
(They have a few different packs if you don't like that colour).

If you want something cheaper to use at home just pop down Superdrug or Boots and try and find a colour that you like and, if you want the polish to last a bit longer and not stain your nails, look for primer (aka basecoat) and topcoat, or a 2 in 1 product which does both. You'll also need either a bottle of nail varnish remover and cotton wool pads, or pre-soaked removal wipes so that you can take the varnish off later.

I got shellac done for a recent holiday and was really pleased - it lasted perfectly and was really shiny. I just can't get it to look immaculate when I do it myself. Just be careful with strong insect repellent with DEET in as that can soften it!

Or you could just get a manicure but with normal nail polish so you can take it off yourself at home when you get back (normal remover and cotton wool). I like to do my own nails as I enjoy it, and am quite good at it.