DIY gel nails

[N2986]

Am thinking of investing in a DIY gel nail set. Any recommendations?

Also is it really tough on your nails wearing gel polish all the time? My normal stuff just gets hideously chipped with washing pots and bathing kids and stuff

Thanks

I have the Sensationail set. It’s fine, it doesn’t last quite as long as when I have it done at the salon. It did damage my nails though, I have been taking a break for a few months.

I second sensationail. Think I got a kit half price in boots.

I've got sensationail - can get about 5 days out of it if I really take my time.

I use the Red Carpet Manicure system at home, it’s good. It lasts on my toenails for weeks and for about 2 weeks on fingernails - it doesn’t necessarily chip after 2 weeks but my fingernails grown so quickly I have to remove it because of the regrowth.

I also love the CND Vinylux. It’s not a gel but a polish, you don’t use a basecoat which feels odd and then use the matching topcoat. Lasts 2 weeks for me.

I got the Sensationail kit to start which came with the lamp. I didnt reallt rate the polishes though and found them very thick and a nightmare to take off. I now use Bluesky base coat, top coat and colours along with Mylee prep and prime and a Mylee remover. All this was from Amazon. Its super easy to apply and take off. I can easily get 2 weeks out of it. Instead of getting my nails done at £20 every 2 weeks im now buying a new colour of polish every pay day at £6.50 to get a little collection going.

Thanks everyone I've took the plunge and ordered the sensationail set. It was on offer and available to collect straight away (I'm very impatient). I'm hoping it makes my hands look more groomed than they currently do!

I love my gel nail set, although I ordered an unknown name kit from Groupon. It's not as good as a salon but the longer I take doing it the better it is - when I rush they're always a state! Try to make sure you soak the colour off and don't peel or pick and your nails will be healthier underneath.

I love being able to do it in the comfort of my own home and have them totally dry and ready for the rest of my day.

My nails are very soft which means they chip quite easily so I use a Blue Sky hard gel over the top.

I'm still searching for a good polish, I have mixed results with BlueSky. I recently bought a discounted OPI Gel polish on amazon and it was lovely so I'm trying to save up to buy more.

Thanks for the tips glogirl. I might try that bluesky polish too

Try halo gel polish. It's a professional brand and is very reasonable.
Are you preparing your nails properly before application? Pushing back cuticles, buffing the nail and dehydrating the nail plate? Super thin coats, 3 thin coats are better than 2 thick. And I can't stress this enough, cuticle oil! It's not a gimmick it really makes a difference!