Nail Polish Virgin

[LostGirl]

So, decided this year I would make more of an effort with my appearance and have been looking after my long neglected nails. I woul now like to paint them and was wondering whether there is a specific brand that is better than others. Is it worth paying out for Chanel for example or will it chip just as quickly as something cheap?

TIA

I find Chanel lasts ages on my toes. It is disgustingly expensive though. Love Rouge Noir as well - have't yet found any other brand that does that intense dark colour.

I am a slattern and only paint toenails every couple of months.

I do find that the cheaper ones are 'thinner' and flake a bit more, but I know people who swear by Rimmel.

Do you use base and top coat from Chanel as well?

Oh no lostgirl - I don't normally use base coat , bad I know, but when I do I use a cheaper clear polish or base coat. NYC from Superdrug I think? Also Sally Hansen do good clear polishes as they protect nails / strengthen / help grow etc. I don't see the point of paying more gfor a clear polish as (a) there is no colour intensity involved and (b) if and when it does chip it is easier to touch up and not so obvious!

Thanks for the advice

I love Barry M nail polish, they have some fantastic colours. They do a nail strengthener/base coat which I use underneath and a coat on the top and it lasts for ages. They sell it in Boots and Superdrug.

I don't think it makes a difference to the quality as such imo but the more expensive brands do up to date colours which are nicer.

I use nails inc and also a base and top coat which make the polish last without chips for about 5 days including washing up without gloves and general use of nails.

ok, stupid question coming up, but do the colours look the same on your nails as they do in the bottles?!

Nails Inc do - exactly.
Chanel do.

Haven't really used other brands in ages. I'd aviod Ruby and Millie.

Tricky. Not always. I know Chanel have testers but I am not sure about others.

On Nails Inc website they do deals sometimes as well - buy 3 for about the price of 2 type of thing.

Thanks for comments. Where stocks Nails Inc and what sort of price range is it?

Approx 10 per bottle although I got a set from QVC for a lot less.
Boots (sometimes), House of Fraser.

here

www.nailsinc.com/

wow, 10 for £28 is a bargain

On the subject of this - I am also a complete virgin re. nails. If you go to a minicurist for a French Polish, do you need long nails? I've always thought they look lovely but never had the nerve to have it done. Also, does it last long?

They don't last long in my experience. The length of nails - I would say if you have white tips of your own however small then you could have a french manicure.

£28 - I know! You probably have a top coat included in that as well.

Could be false economy for me though when one bottle is probably quite sufficient for now!

looking at my toenails last ngiht strangely enough and ponering giving them a coat - do you shape them like you do fingers or just larry it on after a trim?

Is it possible to do french manicure on your toe nails, i think I would end up covering the tip of my toe in the white polish! Mind you, my toe nails always look blue so something darker would probably be better.

Oh, and on the same subject, what are you meant to do with cuticles. I have a cuticle cutter but have no idea what cuticles should actually look like

I have had a french pedicure before, but don't think I would be competemt enough yo do it myself!

I tend to just cut toenails straight across, I think this is the 'recommended' way - meant to help prevent ingrown toenails...

competent I meant!

Don't cut your cuticles! Leave them as they are unless they are a problem then possibly wrap a nail stick in cotton wool and gently push them back.

I agree - maybe get a nice dark red colour and a lighter day colour.

Practice will make perfect as they say.