My Nail Game is off :(

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Aug 2, 2015

T K.

After yesterday's failed design, I thought I would try something simpler today. I decided on a glitter gradient tip using Zoya Serenity as a base, and Zoya Isa as the glittery tip. Well it didn't turn out being a glittery tip, more like glittery half the nail :/

I still wanted to show yall though, and I would love some suggestions for my next design! I feel like nothing is turning out lately, so I would love to try switching it up design wise with your suggestions!

Also a side note, Essie's No chips ahead top coat works wonders for longevity, but it is too shiny to get a proper picture I have learned lol Please excuse the poor quality as I couldn't get my camera to focus on my nails without the reflections from my window lol

What do you guys think of my nails? I think I would like them more if they were just glitter tips, and I will try and fix that for next time :)

Aug 2, 2015

Nicole M.

This is so beautiful!! Seeing your post made my day!! Purple is my favorite color and this nail art looks flawless💖

Aug 2, 2015

T K.

Nicole thank you so much for saying that :) You are always so sweet and encouraging! I really recommend Serenity and Isa if you are looking for some purple polishes, they are so amazing :)

Aug 2, 2015

Raylene I.

I love purple polish with deep blue glitter. But your nails always look stellar! Wish I had the energy or desire to do my nails I always feel better with pretty tips!

Aug 2, 2015

T K.

Thank you Raylene!! I feel like they have been subpar lately, but I really appreciate it :) I completely understand, I always feel happier and more put together when my nails are done :)

Aug 2, 2015

Raylene I.

Do you do your nails daily?

Aug 2, 2015

T K.

Sometimes :) But usually I paint them 2-3 times a week :) 

Aug 2, 2015

Nicole M.

You are very welcome T K😄 do you have any tips to make nail polish not chip??

Aug 2, 2015

T K.

This is how I prevent chipping :)


Ok so before I begin, let me say that while my suggestions are based on experience and research, what works for me might not work for you necessarily.

First off, what polishes do you use? While cheap polishes like L.A. Colors are great for wanting a variety of colors without paying the price, they are of much lower quality than more expensive brands. You get what you pay for. But I find that with certain higher end polishes, you pay for the name not the formula. I personally find Essie and OPI to be overrated. I'd much rather buy a Zoya polish, which is the same price if not a bit cheaper.

Here is a ranking of brands based on longevity (In my opinion)

Zoya - I cannot express how much I love this polish. They are all super lasting, I own about 20 and each one seems to last longer than the one before.

Formula X- I own a few of these, and they last like nobody's business.

Nails Inc -I own 4 gel effect polishes, which yes last longer due to the fact it was created to mimic a gel manicure, but they are definitely worth looking into.

Loreal- I have a ton of loreal polishes, and they are pretty lasting. They can last for up to a week with a good top coat.

Sally Hansen - I love sally hansen's complete salon manicure line. These polishes are a complete manicure in just two coats, and that means they last.

I could add more, but I only own a few in those brands, and I don't feel like I can give a real understanding about the longevity based on just two polishes from the brand.


Secondly, do you use a base and top coat? I cannot stress how important these two steps are. With a good base and top coat, any polish will last, even ones from the dollar store. I recommend Essie all in one base coat and no chips ahead top coat. I know I said Essie was overrated, but I just meant their color polishes. I feel like Essie has a great treatment collection. If you want a matte finish, I recommend NYC Matte Me Crazy.
When applying a top coat, make sure to seal in the tip of your nail as well. This prevents shrinking as well as chipping.

Thirdly, are there oils or debris on your nails? One tip to make your mani last is to make sure your nails are thoroughly clean before beginning. Do you apply lotion or cuticle oil before you paint your nails? Continue applying those before hand, but use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover and wipe your nails clean. This gives you a clean slate to work with. Anything on the nail prevents the polish from fully sticking to your nail, resulting in chips and peeling.

Last and certainly not least, take care of your nails. If you are doing dishes, wear gloves. Be mindful of your nails when washing your hair. These small things could be ruining your mani, so just be mindful what you are doing with your hands and you will be good!

Hope this helps!

Aug 2, 2015

Julie F.

Essies no chip doesn't work for me :( chips in like 2 days. Glad it works for you!

Aug 2, 2015

T K.

That's too bad Julie! Have you found one that works for you? I am putting together a want list, and I would love to try some more top coats!

Aug 2, 2015

Raylene I.

Julie that's
When I'd look as to how you use your hands. I'm extremely rough with y hands. I never use gloves and my hands are always in water be it a sink with dishes or a bucket of water to wash my floors. And I'm always chewing the fingers and sucking on them. I pick at little cracks in things and overall I'm just really bad to my nails. So I always get chips no matter what I use.

Aug 2, 2015

Jamie D.

Your "off" nail game is still better than mine ever is! I think they look beautiful :)

Aug 2, 2015

T K.

Jamie thank you so much <3 and I am sure yours are better than you give them credit for!

Aug 2, 2015

Lala L.

Don't say that! Your nail art is awesome ❤️

Aug 2, 2015

Nicole M.

Thank you so much for your tips T K!! Can't wait for another nail post from you💖

Aug 2, 2015

Les N.

Omg this is beautiful 😩😍

Aug 2, 2015

T K.

Lala thank you so much :) and Nicole your welcome! I hope they work for you! And Les thank you girl <3

Aug 3, 2015

Joana P.

I think they look great T. K. Thank you for all the info. Question for you... When you say to seal the tip of your nail. What exactly do you mean?

Aug 3, 2015

T K.

Thanks Joana! And when I say seal the tip, I mean run the top coat along the tip as well as the rest of the nail :). It keeps your nail polish from chipping and shrinkage :)

Aug 3, 2015

T K.

Thank you Tami and Melissa! You are too sweet Melissa! I appreciate the kind words!

Aug 3, 2015

Alma M.

TK your great at it, it's just the over thinking that takes over then you just feel blah about everything that you do but it's normal to feel that way. I just let any of my surrounding be my inspiration put on some music and draw out idea's then when I'm more at ease just try transferring it onto the face but in your case the nails. No such thing as perfect but strive to always improve and try to accomplish. :) Keep at it doll.

Aug 3, 2015

T K.

Alma thank you so much! That is probably it. I never thought about drawing them out beforehand though! That is a great idea, I will definitely give it a try :) Honestly everyone on here is sooo encouraging, the support I get here keeps me painting :) Thank you :)

Aug 3, 2015

Kathy K.

Such great tips TK. thsnks. I love all the nail designs you do. I really love this  one.

Aug 3, 2015

Natalie A.

Pretty!