So I decided to test out what would happen if you used the Gelish base coat and top coat with regular polish in between. This is the look I decided to go with...it's a nice wintery manicure. =)
You might have noticed, I filed my nails a little differently...instead of the square edge, I've decided to go with a more rounded look. I'm just testing this out to see if I like it. So far, I'm not crazy about how it looks, but it actually feels more comfortable and easy to manage than the square manicure.
Anyhoo, back to the polish! First off, I used the PH bond, then put on a thin layer of the foundation gel. After curing, I put on one coat of Orly's Winter Wonderland over the entire nail. After letting this dry, I sponged on Orly's Royal Navy to the tips, adding an extra layer at the very tip to create a fade. It's kinda hard to see in the pic, but it's there! =) After, I used a clear top coat to adhere a light blue rhinestone to each nail (using just a drop where I wanted to place the rhinestone). I let this dry, then put a thin layer of the Gelish top coat over the whole nail and cured it. When it was done curing, I used alcohol to wipe off the tacky layer, and then added more of the top coat to just cover the rhinestone and cured it again. Then I wiped off the nails one last time.
I wanted to see if this manicure would stay the 2 weeks like a full Gelish manicure would. However, I already chipped 2 nails within 24 hours. It was worth a try, though! The chips are small, and I'm going to see how long this manicure lasts. Well, see if it lasts until I get bored, anyway, lol. I'll keep y'all posted!
In the meantime, I have a couple pics to update my Latisse use:
I also picked up a tube of Kat Von D's Painted Love Lipstick in Lovecraft. I haven't actually tried it yet...I was in a rush in the store and just knew I liked the color. Will post pics when I can!
Anyhoo, gotta run...hubby wants to sleep and is annoyed with my typing! Till next time!
5 comments:
So how did the regular polish hold up? I just got the whole Gelish system..with about 4 colors. Any advice you could give would be awesome. I didn't buy the remover..I figured I could use regular polish remover..is that right?
@Christa OMG,I'm so sorry it took me this long to respond. For some reason Blogger hasn't been emailing me when comments are posted. =(
Anyhoo, the regular polish only held up a week. I get better wear just putting on regular polish with a regular basecoat/topcoat. If you YouTube Gelish, you can get some videos on proper application (I'm not a professional, so I'd rather you watch them! LOL)
As for removing, you just need Acetone...any brand will do. Soak it for 10 minutes and it comes right off with an orange stick. =) Hope this helped, even if it's a month later!
If you use regular polish, you have to put the gelish foundation over the regular polish and then the top coat. It looks like you just put the top coat over the regular polish. That will not work.
Actually, you CAN use regular polish along with Gelish top coat only and it works beautifully! That is the only way I do my gel manicures because it is more economical and lasts just as long. Lately, I don't even use the Gelish base coat. I use a regular polish base coat (Nail Magic), then proceed with 2-3 coats of regular nail polish (OPI, Essie, Orly, ect.). The trick is to let this dry COMPLETELY before applying the Gelish top coat. If you try to combine gel polish with regular polish that is even remotely still wet, you will end up with a sloppy, wrinkled mess! I usually polish my nails at night, then apply and cure the Gelish top coat the following morning. I cure the top coat for about 3 minutes under a 36 watt UV light and it creates a beautiful, shiny finish that lasts just as long as doing a full-out Gelish manicure. After curing, wipe each nail with rubbing alcohol using a lint-free paper towel and you're good to go!!
Not only do you save money by using all the beautiful polish you already have, but it's also very easy to clean up smudges around the edges this way. The Gelish top coat is not affected by non-acetone polish remover, so you can easily clean up the edges without messing up the entire nail. I've experimented with many different combinations of gel and regular polish and I like this way the best. Try it!
Crystal,
How long does your manni last with the regular nail polish/ gelish uv top coat combo?
A lot of people say don't use the two together but it totally makes sense. Regular polish takes 24hrs to "cure" on its own. Once it does the gel applicaitn will work. You should do a You tube video. Thank you for the tip!
Post a Comment