When it comes to vices I don’t rack ’em up too high. I don’t smoke, rarely drink and have a cappuccino about once a year when I think I’ll give coffee another chance, before I realise it’s just the foamy milk bit on the top that I like. I’m not too naughty with beauty vices either. I take off my makeup before bed 99% of the time, have managed to not over pluck my eyebrows for a few years now and even laid of the fake tan in recent times. There is one thing though. One thing that I know probably isn’t the best for my beds but right now I’ve got my chip-free rose tinted glasses on and I’ve fallen for the badass boyfriend that you know you shouldn’t like but really do that is gel nail polish.
At home versions take my particular fancy and ever since I first gave it a go it’s been quite the love affair. So it all started with the Red Carpet Manicure Professional LED Set, a handy beginners kit that has everything you need from removal tools, to the LED light, bases, top coats and even a colour. I’ve since expanded on the set with a few shades of my own and for the past year or so it’s all I’ve worn on my toenails. I did experiment using normal polish a few months back and after a whole toe chipped off after just one days worth of wear, back came the gels. When it comes to my fingernails it’s a bit of a different story and I do try to just reserve painting on the ridiculously long-lasting formula for special occassions/holidays/periods when I’m going to be far away from my nail polish stash.
So with my toes it’s a constant, whereas with my nails it makes a fleeting visit. If you’ve never given gels ago before then here’s the down-low. It’s basically like painting your nails – base, colour, top coat – but just popping your digits under an LED light after each step. At the end you’re left with rock-hard, already dry, smudge-proof, budge-proof polish that hangs around chip-free on my nails for about 10 days and on my toenails for longer than I dare to admit. Less nail painting then, which is fab for someone like me who finds it a drag. The downside though? It’s a complete beyatch to remove. You can’t just dip your finger and swill it around in some remover-soaked foam hole. Oh no. It’s a process. Then there’s the damage. I haven’t found it to be too bad bar the ol’ scrape here and there from me getting rough during removal, but I’ve got to admit I don’t rigorously inspect my toenails up close on the reg * shudders*. Just be prepared for a few disapproving looks next time you head for a mani/pedi.
Of course the more superficial problem with gel polish is the lack of colours. Especially in the Red Carpet Manicure range. What’s with all the shimmer, man? Sort it out. So where to you stand when it comes to gel polish? A no go? Or do you like to dip your toes in like me? And you know what? I think it might be time to give coffee another go. It’s been a year…
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