Nail Talk!
One of the many thoughts racing through my head when our nationwide shutdown commenced was “OMG how will I get my nails & hair done! Waxing? Facials?” I pictured myself coming out of this quarantine looking like a nutria (If you don’t know what that is – google it. I was once attacked by one when I was fishing with my dad, lol they are NOT cute). I went on Amazon and ordered all the things. Anything self-care related that would help me attain that ‘quarantine glow up’. At first, I was hesitant to do my own gel manicure/pedicure but one of my BFFs, Lindsey had been doing her own gel for a few months & and inspired me to order my own gel machine and all the tools, colors, etc. Well – SO glad I did. I am a nail biter & the only way to keep me from destroying my hands is having my nails painted (anyone else?!). Practice makes perfect & let me tell you – I needed lots & lots of practice! Self-care is such an important task that EVERYONE needs & having the ability to do my own gel has been a game-changer! Honestly, post-quarantine I will stick to doing my own nails! I enjoy having the option of a manicure at 2:00 am while binging The Real Housewives of New York, lol.
Let’s Talk Products
#1. UV NAIL MACHINE- You can go many different avenues with this. At the end of the day, I really don’t think it matters what you spend – a UV light is a UV light! One of the machines I linked is very affordable (similar to the one I have – could not find mine online anymore) while the other machine is salon grade. I personally don’t think it matters how much you pay – they are basically all the same!
#2. GEL NAIL PREP- This prep set is the first I ordered & the only one I have tried. I love it & saw no reason to try any others. This set does contain ‘mini bottles’ of all the products & they have lasted me about six months and still are over half full. This set is salon grade with a not so salon-grade price!
#3. CUTICLES- The CND ‘cuticle away’ works well for me & trust me – my cuticles are a force to reckon with. In addition, CND has a product called ‘cuticle eraser’ which is more affordable – both products are great! Sally Hansen’s ‘Nail Rehab’ works exactly as it sounds! Does wonders on my cuticles while keeping my hand’s oil-free & smells like vanilla.
#4. TOOLS- I have the basic nail tools you would find at a salon – nothing fancy over here! In my opinion, for the most part, all of these ‘tools’ are one and the same but I love the Tweezerman line and have used their brow products for years. Remember when I said my cuticles are a force to reckon with? I wasn’t kidding! I keep cuticle clippers in my car, bag, & various rooms in my house so it was important to have quality clippers. I also use their nail clippers & love them! This set is great because you get full size & travel, so if you are crazy like me, you can keep a pair in your purse, lol. Don’t forget your file & buffer!
#5. COLORS: When it comes to my nail color, I’m a ‘Pedal Faster Suzi’ or ‘Bubblebath’ kind of girl! During a pandemic, finding my favorite colors was a challenge! Maybe everyone had the same idea and beat me to it! I have been using the colors ‘CND- Hot Pop Pink’, ‘Aurora’, & ‘Gelish- No Way Rosè’. I need to place an order for some new fall colors!
#6. GEL REMOVAL- There are two kinds of women in the world, the women that rip their gel off along with bits & pieces of their real nails and the women who take the time to patiently soak it off. Which one are you? For me, it depends on the day. When I choose to be a civilized person, I use the foam cap like pieces. I apply a small amount of the Gelish ‘Artificial Nail Remover’ and let it do its thing. I like the fact that the ‘caps’ are reusable & the ‘foam refills’ are a bang for your buck!
#7. GLOVES- Okay so hear me out. How many times have you thought about the UV machine like a personal tanning bed for your hands? That can’t be good right, lol! Completely unnecessary, but I use protective gloves – not cute but who wants sunspots, am I right?!
Right now I have Gelish ‘All About The Pout‘ on my nails in honor of the blog! The name is perfect & it happens to be such a great color! Personally, I feel like a new woman with a fresh mani/pedi! Doing my own nails has also been a fun quarantine activity! What self-care have y’all been doing during quarantine?!
Xoxo, Kayla
