Well hello again lovelies,
I've always been a girl who's liked having my nails done. It's a small detail that makes a big statement. After the big move (buying our new house) I couldn't afford to have my nails professionally done anymore so I decided it was time to learn a new hobby - acrylics, gel, and press on nails!
The initial expense is getting the tools you need to start your craft. Don't worry, I found a lot of my stuff at the dollar store (surprisingly!), and Amazon. Here's what you'll need -
Nail File Alcohol Prep Pads Cuticle Remover
Steps:
1: Clean your nails with the alcohol pads to get rid of any excess dirt and dust
2: File your nails into the shape of nail you prefer to fit the acrylics you're going to be putting on, and to get rid of any residual glue that may be on still from a previous set.
3. Push up your cuticles using the cuticle pusher tool and remove the cuticle with the cuticle remover tool.
4. Apply a coat of the nail glue to your nail.
5. Apply the appropriate fitting nail to each nail pressing and holding down firmly for 20-30 seconds per nail.
6. After all nails have been applied add the cuticle oil to all cuticles of each nail.
That's it! Now you have a new set that will last 1-2 weeks. Some may pop off but can easily be fixed by filing the nail of the residual glue off, applying a new coat of glue, and reapplying the nail back on (I would only recommend doing this 1-2 times with the same nail before getting a new nail from the pack or moving on to a new set of nails).
If you're interested in gel nails I highly suggest the Beetles brand. I use them for my pedicures, but they are just as sufficient for manicures as well. Their brand can be purchased through Amazon. Some items I have used have been -
Steps for a gel manicure:
1. Apply the 6 in 1 nail glue gel and apply the acrylic nail on top, then place under the UV lamp for 1 minute to curate.
2. Select a color you like and apply the first coat to each nail.
3. Place nails under UV lamp for 1 minute to curate.
4. Apply another coat of polish to each nail.
5. Curate the nails under the UV lamp an additional minute.
6. (Optional) Apply another coat of polish to each nail if you'd like a deeper coat of color, then place nails under UV lamp for 1 minute to curate.
7. Choose between a matte or gel top coat for your nails and apply the top layering coat to each nail then place under the UV lamp to curate for the finished look.
Follow the above steps for both hands and you will have a beautiful gel set of nails, that will last you anywhere from 1-2 weeks! You can also skip the acrylic nail and apply directly to your real nail if preferred for longer lasting results.
Steps for gel pedicure:
1. Apply the base gel coat to each of your toes, then curate under the UV lamp for 1 minute.
2. Select a color you like and apply the first coat to each nail.
3. Apply another coat of polish to each nail.
4. Curate the nails under the UV lamp an additional minute.
5. (Optional) Apply another coat of polish to each nail if you'd like a deeper coat of color, then place nails under UV lamp for 1 minute to curate. - (I personally do another coat on my toes)
6. Choose between a matte or gel top coat for your nails and apply the top layering coat to each nail then place under the UV lamp to curate for the finished look. - (I usually choose the gel look for my toes, it looks more bright & cleaner to me)
As you can see the gel pedicure is very similar to the gel manicure steps. The gel pedicure lasts me about a month, sometimes a little longer.
Give yourself plenty of space, outlets, lay a towel down, grab a glass of your favorite drink, throw on your favorite show or music, and dive into a self-care craft. Whether you're already a pro or just beginning, there's always something to learn about this craft - what nail style you like best, designs you can come up with, what products suit you best, and so much more!
I hope this little tid-bit shared some helpful insight on a craft that can teach you a new skill, create a hobby, save you money, while also showing yourself some self-love in the process.
Thanks for stopping by to read! For more daily shares and simply more of me, head over to my Instagram & give me a follow @rian_or_shine
XOXO,
Rian
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