Gel Nail Kits

Sep 2, 2016

Terri D.

Hi Ladies,
Hope everyone is well!
This post might be all over the place so sorry in advance.
I live in Australia and I've been interested in purchasing a gel nail kit. I'm extremely confused on which one to buy so if any of you ladies have tried any out can you please write up a quick review letting me know how you like it :) also I know this is probably a stupid question but I've been reading online that of I was to use just regular nail polish instead, it would work but not last as long. That's fine with me, but when I spoke to one of the sales people on their online chat they said to me it wouldn't work. So I guess my question is would regular nail polish work if I were to use it?
Sorry to be confusing and thanks!

Sep 2, 2016

Terri D.

Like the ones with the lamp thing, Sally Hansen does them and a few other brands such as opallac and gelish

Sep 2, 2016

Susie D.

I found you save money if you buy everything separately, not only is it cheaper...the products tend to be of better quality then what is normally sold in starter kits. I have a 46w lamp that I only spent like 40 USD on and its amazing! Keep in mind, not everything you need to do a salon look gel manicure at home is included in most "starter kits". It is a bit of an investment and takes practice! Make sure its definitely something you'll stick with and its worth it to you. Something that you'll need with gel that is always forgotten in kits too is something that wipes off the excess gel and produces a great shine, it makes all the difference when you do it at home. You can find a cheap bottle on ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1Pcs-Cleanser-Plus-Remover-Nail-Art-Tips-Acrylic-UV-Gel-Polish-Removing-Cleaner-/121869630270?hash=item1c5ffefb3e:g:oeIAAOSw5dNWnixb

Sep 2, 2016

Terri D.

Thank you Susie for all of that info, do you know if I'm able to use regular nail polish and make it work?

Sep 3, 2016

Susie D.

Terri, sure! I've been doing my own nails at home from acrylics to UV gel and everything in between. God bless my fiance for practically living in a nail salon haha. I reread your post but I'm not sure if it mentions what you look you are trying to accomplish. Or are you looking for a long finish, length, strength, design etc. and I'll try to point you in the right direction or what has worked for me.

Sep 3, 2016

Terri D.

Lol hehe, like my nails are at a medium length right now so I guess my first question is will using the UV gel system prevent breakage and promote any growth, also with the UV gel system how long does it generally last for. Also, I have normal nail polish (ill probably insert a pic) but if I were to use that in replacement of the gel nail polish would it still work. Eg. If I used the gel base coat (cure) followed by normal nail polish (cure) gel top coat (cure) would it still work opposed to using the gel coloured nail polish? Thanks in advance Susie

Sep 3, 2016

Susie D.

Well, my sister uses gel to strengthen her real nails as they continue to get long...but she is a freak of nature. For most people, it doesn't really promote growth but it does add strength. I like using half tips with my gel manicures, just because I can get a really nice uniform look that the majority of people have a hard time achieving with growing their natural nails out. You can get a good set of nails for pretty cheap, along with glue and clippers. If you want to go that route, I can send you links and advice on how to apply. Also, with using fake nails, I find that my manicure will last anywhere from 2-3 weeks. My nails are currently at 3 weeks and still look very lovely if I may say so myself. You can absolutely still use your nail polish with a UV topcoat. I just did that on my toes because not only does it keep the polish for a long longer than a normal topcoat would, it also holds things in place like little rhinestones no matter how much wear and tear you put your toes or fingers through. I wouldnt use a UV basecoat though since you are not putting gel on top of it. The best piece of advice I can give you after doing this for 10 plus years is, make sure this is something you really like doing and don't mind doing before spending too much money. Personally, I love doing nails. But when you do your own nails, it takes longer than it would if you were to go to a salon to get them done (depending on what technique you're using) and practice really does make perfect. So you can't give up if your first few attempts aren't quite salon perfect. But I have lots of tips on how to save money on UV polishes and lamps, etc. So if you want to go ahead and move forward after considering everything, let me know! My pleasure to help another nail enthusiast.

Sep 3, 2016

Terri D.

Thanks so so so so so much for all that info, you truly are a lifesaver

Sep 3, 2016

Susie D.

Aw you're welcome! I love talking nails! if you have any questions, just let me know!

Sep 3, 2016

Terri D.

I sure will when I can think of any!  :)