I’m incredibly excited to be partnering up with my fashion and beauty loving friends — Vera Sweeney, Nicole Feliciano, Whitney Wingerd and Melissa Angert to bring you every Tuesday, Best of Beauty!
Each Tuesday we’re going to dish about our faves in the beauty category and personally share what’s working for us in fabulous ways!
Today… I’m all about the Gel Manicure.
I usually work about 12-14 hours a day, no joke. To take time for myself, well… that’s a luxury that doesn’t happen too often. I really have to carve out the time to do it, and it’s been my mission to do so lately. So yesterday, I made the time to get a manicure. But not just any manicure, a GEL MANICURE.
I’m in love with the gel because it stays on my nails for up to 10-12 days, without fail. I’ve had such success with the gel because a regular manicure just doesn’t work for my “regular life.” I’m cleaning. I’m washing my hands. I’m doing bath time. I’m cooking. I’m baking (OK, sometimes). Whenever I have a regular manicure, my nails don’t hold up. There’s chipping on day 2 or 3 and it drives me CRAZY! My manicurist suggested the Gel about 3 months ago and I’ve never gone back.
The Gel is about a 30 minute procedure and it’s super easy. There’s a layer of clear gel, 2 layers of the gel polish and a clear layer to set everything. In between each layer, you harden the gel under a light. I can’t get over how simple and easy it is.
Here are my 5 Reasons Why I Love the Gel Manicure:
1) There’s NO drying time (this is the biggest draw for me!)
2) It leaves my nails feeling and looking shiny and extra smooth, no bumps.
3) It stays put for 10-12 days.
4) There’s no restrictions when it’s on. With a normal manicure, you get worried about cleaning or being in the water too much… nothing like that with the Gel!
5) There are over 30 colors now to choose from for it, so you can find a color you love… and I have found my OPI #12!
Here are my nails from yesterday!
I always go for the darker colors!
Love the color, Aud!!! I’ve never done the gel manicure! Is it hard to get it off?
I did my first gel at Strut. I did love how long it lasted but it was tough to remove. I would try again especially for a week where the mani has to last (like blogher)
Gel manis are AMAZING!! I love them!
Whit, they are really hard to get off if you try to get it off like a regular mani. Soak them in acetone np remover, then scrape the polish off. It comes right off with no damage. If you try to peel it off or use the wrong remover, it won’t work.
I love the gel nail polish. I have found I like the OPI system better than the Shellac system. I have used both and the OPI gel polish lasts longer. I get my nails done every three weeks. For easy removal it’s best to soak a cotton ball with acetone, put it on you nail and wrap with tinfoil. This technique helps the polish come off without damaging your nails. You can even add additional heat to your nails to help the process.
Love the color! I’ve never had the gel done but have always been interested. I’ll have to give it a try soon.