The Nail Boutique (Temple City, CA) Review

Hi everyone!  Viola!  My February post!  Shocking, yes, I know. (Can you tell I've been watching Finding Nemo much?  I think it's around 50 times and counting....blame the kid, lol.)  And for all you normal people who don't get the silly reference - HIyeeee!  This month has totally flown by.  I have a review for y'all, but it mostly applies to those living in/near the SGV (aka San Gabriel Valley or the 626).  Picture on the left shows my manicure after 2 weeks.  Sorry I don't have a fresh one!

My best friend took me out on a girl's day for my bday.  I chose the place, The Nail Boutique (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-nail-boutique-temple-city-2#query:nail%20boutique), because I had never been there, and it was within 5 miles of my parents' house.  (Please don't stalk them, lol.)

Originally we had planned to just get a manicure or maybe a mani/pedi, but their employees talked us into getting a gel manicure.  It was $25, which I thought was very reasonable.  They had a bunch of colors from CND (Shellac) and Gelish, and possibly one that looks like Gelish, but is probably called Daisy or something.

I never got my manicurist's name, shame on me!  But she was quiet efficient.  She actually soaked my nails in soapy water, like a regular manicure.  I had never had a gel manicure with that, so I thought it was a little strange......but....the end result is undeniable.  My manicure lasted 3, yes THREE, weeks.  Of course there was a smidge of wear and tear the tips and that ugly nail growth, but I was lazy testing to see how long the manicure lasted.  So backing up, she soaked my hand in soapy water while she cut the other one down and removed polish.  Then she soaked the other hand while she filed and cut down the cuticles.  After that, she did a quick massage, and put on the cuticle oil.  She wiped each nail with alcohol, and then lightly buffed the tops.  I noticed she used the Gelish PH Bond, but the Shellac Base Coat.  Between each coat, she would have me cure my nails under a UV lamp.  She put 2 coats of the Shellac color, and one coat of Water Field (a Gelish glitter), before adding a top coat (Shellac again).  The whole process took about 45 minutes, and it was well worth it.

I've never had a gel manicure stay on my nails so long!  I think it is the soaking in soapy water, or possibly the Shellac Base Coat.  I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised that manicure was still going strong after 2 weeks.  It was still there after 3 weeks on my left hand, but a few nails had chipped on my right hand.  Finally, the growth was just killing me, so I removed the polish.

Soo...yes, I would recommend The Nail Boutique to those of you in the 626, or maybe even if you visit the 626.  I am considering checking out a place in Arcadia, for some Japanese nails.  I don't really want to go acrylic, but they look soooo good.  Especially smothered in little resin Hello Kitties and My Melodies. LOL  Maybe I'll get them done up for a friend's wedding in April.  =)

Anyhoo, I hope this review helped some of you out there!

Till Next Time!

Disclaimer:
My friend paid for my manicure, but is not affiliated with The Nail Boutique or its employees.  I am also not affiliated with them.  It was only after the manicure lasted so long that I decided to do a review.  The Nail Boutique did not pay me to write this review, and these are my honest opinions!!