If you paint your own nails at home- not gels or acrylics

[ILoveMaxiBondi]

Just normal nail polish. What do you use and how long does it last? I do a lot of cleaning with hands constantly in and out of water/cleaning products etc but I have finally gotten my nails to a nice length and shape and have been wearing nail varnish over Christmas. My New Years resolution is to look after them and wear gloves everytime im cleaning.

So what do you use and include pictures if you like!

I use Revlon polish and top coat, it's good for a week

I rate Rimmell, surprisingly - cheap as chips but good coverage and consistency. Also Essie. I top both with Seche Vite top coat which makes them look as good as a professional mani/pedi IMO now that I've got lots of practice. I use Sally Hansen instant cuticle remover beforehand to give a good shape

Always Essie and I use both a base and a top coat and cap the tip.

I also use hand cream and cuticle oil, and don't always wear varnish every day.

I’ve never heard of Essie, is it available in the likes of boots etc or where can I get it?

OPI polish and Seche Vite topcoat.

Yes, I second Rimmel. And also Revlon, No 7, Dior and Clarins. But it depends which of the varieties of those brands - some aren't as good as others, and they change the formulations all the time. The tiny "mini" Max Factor ones were good when I last bought some, but that was a while ago. One thing I've learned about nail varnish is that it's the metallic ones that have the real staying power, so you can't usually go wrong with a silver or gold - they all last forever. For me to count a nail varnish as a good one, it has to last five days without chipping. Keep on with the rubber gloves, OP - rubber gloves are the secret to nail varnish that lasts. Also, my great tip is to paint your nails before you go in the bath - after a bath, the bits on your skin just rub off with a towel, without all that faffing about removing it.

I agree. 5 - 7 days with Rimmel or no7 including a top coat. I never get more than that with anything.

I have nail polish from kiko to Chanel and Dior. The cheaper ones last longer but the more expensive ones are more pigmented.

I don't use a base, 2 layers of polish and always use Sally Hansen Insta-dry top coat. It's fast drying and lasts for at least 3 days.

Is there a reason you don't want gel? I've got a lamp and gels and I do my own. They last 2 weeks. I never found a normal polish that didn't chip within hours, I'm too heavy handed!

Ridge filler then 2 coats of any colour I like then Seche Vite top coat or Nails Inc gel effect top coat. In an ideal world. Tonight's rushed manicure wasn't all the above but turned out ok enough to see me through tomorrow's NYE party. I will tidy the cuticles tomorrow with Q Tip and nail polish remover.

Warning, old hands!

Scene Vite top coat has been an absolute game changer for me. I use Essie a lot because I like the colours but even a cheap nail polish will look glossy under the Seche Vite and last well. I can easily get a full seven days out of a home done manicure with it. It's incredible.

Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Essie and Barry M if you do enough coats. Revlon for excellent colours. Butter London also very nice. I do a top coat but actually the polish lasts better if I don't, even though it takes longer to dry.

Another vote for Rimmel but I also use the Opi plump top coat with it and that makes it last really well.

I don’t personally rate Essie. It does give a nice gel like finish but I always find it chips very quickly on me.

Seche Vite, darn autocorrect! About £8 on Amazon and worth every penny. Dries rock solid in minutes over wet polish.

Is there a reason you don't want gel?

I’ve had them before and they always damaged my nail underneath and also the smell of them really hurts my head. My sister has a lamp and her whole house reeks when she has done them.

I like Essie the best, goes on well and lasts for a week.

Sally Hansen is second favourite followed by Nails Inc.

A top coat makes a massive difference. Think my top coat is an Essie one.

Channel & Essie

Sorry, my top coat is an Opi one. And yes I love Opi varnish as well. In fact I think I like them better than Essie!

OPI polish and the 3 in 1 OPI base and top coat. Lasts around a week.

Just ordered some seche vite on the back of this thread - no pressure ladies!

Rommel gel effect (easy to get off and doesn't damage nails). Boots no7 gel effect also good

Rimmell**

@Binglebong it took me a couple of times of using to get the hang of it. You need to put it on much thicker than feels natural! Also work quickly and spread it right to the edges or you'll get a line where it stops. Honestly, it's amazing!

Thanks for the tip - I appreciate 8t. Currently on sale at just over £5.

Ahhh, fair enough about the gel. The smell doesn't affect me. The gel has made my nails stronger if anything, as I look after them more now. OPI nail envy is a good treatment for when you are in between polishes too. Hope you find your holy grail nail polish!