Nails...talk to me please!

[Decafflatteplease]

So I'm very proud to say I've managed to stop biting my nails (grim I know!) And I now have nails I want to show off but where do I start?

I thought about going to a salon but there so many terms I don't know what to ask for. I think I just want to paint them at home but how do you know what colours suit you? Do you have different colours for each season etc?.

I know it's a bit daft but I'm so bloody proud of myself and an not embarrassed at my chewed horrible nails anymore and want to show them off and I thought painting then could be a little (cheap!) treat.
What varnishes are good and do I need base coat top coat etc I feel like a whole new world has opened up 🤣

Base coat, 2 coats, top coat. I find Maybelline Super Stay lasts a week this way.
Have the odd week off as removing dries your nails.
Colours- just hold next to your skin. Do you know if you are warm or cool toned?

You do need a base coat and a top coat in my opinion, the brand depends on budget to some extent, what are you looking to spend?

Well done
i use Sally Hansen double duty which works as both a base and top coat
you will get lots of ‘ brand ‘ recommendations so it really is trial and error what you like , and what your budget is
colours , up to you
you could always go to salon and ask fro a file and polish , which means they will do the shape for you and a professional finish polish , might be good if you are not used to doing your own nails
watch carefully and then replicate at home for future manicures
have fun

Cut yourself some slack & stop worrying. You’ve done well so now the gin begins.

Go to a local salon and ask for a basic manicure including polish. This should involve filing into shape, soak, cuticle push back treatment and polishing.

I wouldn’t recommend a nail bar where acrylic nails are applied on top of your own etc. Just find somewhere local with a girl who does nails, a common or garden manicure with a base cost, layers of colour & a top coat.

I’ve got a hairdressers near me with an in house manicurist. It’s fun choosing colours & she is full of good advice. It’s relaxing & good for your esteem.

If I do my own nails I use a Rimmel clear base coat, two coats of colour & clear top coat. Let each layer dry thoroughly in between. Job done. Practice makes perfect,
You’ll be proud to show your hands off.

gin?? Hahaha! Fun begins! Well gin too if you like. 🤣

@Montague22 I think I would say warm toned, I tend to wear quite darker colours of clothes basically think autumn leaves and that's basically my wardrobe 🤣 brown hair with lots of grey olive skintone.

@Mercedesbenz2022 that double thing sounds good

Budget maybe £5-6 a month I'm thinking one colour a month maybe? Apart from Jan as I'm doing no spend Jan!

Nail polish direct is a good site for buying from. I like China glaze as a brand

@Idontdoyoga gin sounds good as does the kind of manicure youve described I don't think false nails are very "me".

I think it will be good for my self esteem, currently on the cancer pathway and recovering from surgery fingers crossed I get the all clear so an most definitely in need of a little pamper and some gin

Good for you! I was a nail biter for 35 years and it’s great not to be ashamed of my nails anymore.

Essie is a great brand. Lots of colours and really good finish.

I think the double duty is about £6
then get a polish , price up to you

m and s have little set £20 by Leighton Denny containing base / top coat , an oil for pushing back cuticles and a crystal nail file ( best type ) and a tool to push back cuticles , I bought one and one as a present . It is really good imo

maybe it could go on your Xmas list ?

Best bit of advice I got is to wear rubber gloves for washing up, cleaning etc to preserve your nails. If I don't wear them, mine chip really quickly.

Ex nail biter here!
My nails are now my pride & joy.
I don’t let manicurist buff them as I find that weakens them.
Im not in the least precious but rubber gloves for wet work & I also wear cotton gloves for some rough but dry household tasks & always leather well fitting gloves in the garden. Gloves help protect my arthritic knuckles too! 🙄