Are your nails looking like they’ve seen better days? I know that mine have been looking the worst that I’ve seen them in many years. I’ve had the same standing appointment with my manicurist since 2005. I’ve had to find a solution for an easy home manicure now that salons have been closed for weeks with no projected opening date thanks to Covid-19 and the mandatory quarantine orders.
I tried one of the dipping powder nails starter sets that I found online. I was pretty impressed with the results that those give. However, the removal process is like torture to me. I have zero patience. I decided to go back to one of my favorite tried, trusted and true nail polish brands instead. Despite having zero coordination, I was able to pull off a pretty manicure with CND Vinylux (Creative Nail Design).
This polish system was created to look similar to gel polish without the hassle. Why do I say no hassle? Because gel polish manicures require curing under a lamp of some sort (either UV or LED). In addition, the gel polish must be removed by a lengthy soaking session to basically dissolve and lift the gel polish off the nails. The excess time soaking really dries my nails out and made them feel extremely sensitive. No thanks! Plus, I haze zero patience.
This new CND polish requires none of the above. You simply use 2 coats of the polish followed by one coat of the top coat. No base coat. No lamps needed. They have a new gel like top coat that gives a plumped up and super shiny looking topcoat. I feel like this final step makes my less than perfect polishing job look amazing. In literally 5 minutes time you are ready to go. The polish cures and hardens on its own.
Best yet… my Vinylux manicures last on me for the entire 10 days that the label suggests (even with washing my hands 20 times a day). To remove the polish you use regular polish remover and remove like all other polish brands. No special process needed. Please note that this polish and topcoat are designed for natural nails only. However, I have used it on artificial nails in the past and it was fine.
This manicure is 5 days old. I think it’s wearing well. My cuticles are another story.
I’ve actually been enjoying doing my manicure at home for the past few weeks. You can shop my product recommendations by clicking on the product pictures below.
What are you doing to keep your nails looking good while the salons are closed?
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Which topcoat do you recommend between the 2 vinylux top oats?
I personally love this new gel-like top coat. Let me know if you try it. Stacie xo