Nail Polish Addicts Anonymous

amyb_2

starrystarry wrote: »

It does look horrid, but you could use it for marbling or stamping. I have several bleurgh colours in my collection that I wouldn't dream of painting a whole nail with but they're great for marbling. I have a Nails Inc one that can only be described as kermit green, revolting on its own but perfect for marbling with a darker green.

I've never tried either stamping or marbling. :eek:

I'm not convinced my nail are long enough to marble as i would get polish everywhere and i'm rubbish are neatening them up

I keep wanting to try stamping; as i think my nails are just long enough. Need to find a cheapy basic kit in case i don't get on with it.

ScarlettOHara_2

Willow92 wrote: »

Can't afford any new nail varnish 'til I get paid at the end of the month

Time to rediscover some vintage classics then!

Willow92

Just lined 'em all up to count.... I have 25 :eek: waaaaay too many for me, must get using some up!

elisebutt65

My OPI nails from last night with Sally Hanson Hidden Treasure flakie on. Looks much better on the grey than the pink.

Nicepeach

Hi All,

I've been following this thread since it first started (I think it's called "lurking"!) and have really enjoyed reading your tips & seeing all of your pictures. Thanks everyone.

So, I thought I'd share some of my meagre, cheap & cheerful but tried & tested & effective (for me anyway) tips with you all & maybe they'll be useful to others, especially anyone who's on a tight budget.

I can't say I'm a NPA (Nail Polish Addict) to be honest but seem to go in fits & starts of my nails being really lovely for a few weeks & I lavish them with love & polish then I break one being clumsy or cleaning, quickly followed by another & I lose heart, take the lot off, file down carefully & start from scratch again!

In the "bad old days" when funds were not as scarce as they are now, I used expensive polishes etc. but as circumstances have changed I have had to adapt & have tried cheaper brands with pleasing results. My current favourite polishes are A*ldi @ £1.99 each. They seem to stock your run-of-the-mill pale pinks & glam reds but they also always seem to have really current "trendy" seasonal colours too, usually only one or two but worth a look if you are adventurous. I occasionally try something new but always gravitate back to my favourite - just love glam red! I can't help it, I just do! Anyway, popped in tonight for groceries & they had a really nice turquoise colour in there for the more creative of you.

I've had a few of their colours now & I really like them, I have also used the clear as a base & top coat & I can honestly say they are just as good as some very expensive colours I've had in the past (had a very expensive Chanel habit at one time :eek:). I really do think it has a lot to do with preparation & application.

I can't afford to spend lots on files (would LOVE a LD crystal file!), buffers, etc & just buy basic emery boards, hoof sticks & buffers but have found going back to basics with my hand & nail care always pays dividends. Just buffing them once a week makes mine grow much more quickly although some of my friends tend to overdo it when I recommend buffing which leads to thinning.

Also, really boring & obvious but wearing rubber gloves for dish-washing, cleaning, gardening etc. as much as you possibly can works wonders. If you are tackling anything major (like a disgusting shower cubicle ) pop a pair of cotton gloves inside the rubber gloves. This stops your nails getting soft if your hands get a bit hot inside the gloves.

When I'm being really good I apply a good dollop of hand cream, E45 or almond oil before bed & then put cotton gloves on overnight, this works wonders for hands & nails. Also follow similar routine for feet with cotton socks when trying to cure hobbit feet too.

The best advice I ever received regarding nail care was when I first started work in an office. I was only 16 & the Secretary in the office was VERY glamorous, lovely lady, late fifties, never a hair out of place, beautiful nails, always polished & immaculate despite 8 hours a day on an Olympia manual typewriter!!! One of the first things she did was show me how to use the VERY basic phone system. She picked up a pencil & told me NEVER, EVER to dial the telephone using my fingers & that I should ALWAYS use the end of a pencil to do it... I thought there was some technical reason for this... but when I asked her why she just said "grooming is very important dear, NEVER use your nails as a tool..." I always remember her saying this & I still try to stick to it now especially with ring pull cans etc., that always ends in tears!

The same lady also recommended applying Vaseline to nails & massaging in as good for nails & I have to say I do this too & find it works. Just dab a tiny amount onto each cuticle & massage into cuticle & nail. I do this whilst watching TV on a night. Really seems to have an effect on making mine stronger & grow quicker, maybe just the massage increasing blood flow?

Oops, sorry for rambling long post, been on a late shift & pop on here to see what you've all been up to wind down a bit after work!

Thanks again to all contributors, especially those who post pics. I must learn how to do that! x

Lady_S

Well. I have been a bad lady and purchased a dior nail varnish today in Peacock. I think it is a lovely colour.

We had a make up lady come to work and it was only £6.00, so that is my excuse and I am sticking to it!

amyb_2

Lady_S wrote: »

Well. I have been a bad lady and purchased a dior nail varnish today in Peacock. I think it is a lovely colour.

We had a make up lady come to work and it was only £6.00, so that is my excuse and I am sticking to it!

Ooooh that sounds nice- can't find a swatch anywhere but i assume its a teal-y green colour?

After my LD spluge yesterday; have now just ordered a set of Bow by Nails Inc Glitters (half price).

I seriously need to stop buying polishes - i must have a back log of about 40 unused colours.

Naked nails for me today - having an intensive treatment day before i paint them this evening.

starrystarry

Nicepeach...I didn't know Aldi did nail varnish, will be calling in next time I pass our local store. One can never have too many reds. Thanks for all the tips.

luna16888

Really enjoying reading all the nail posts.

I have picks of my nails on flickr but can't link it. you can search LunaAurora on flickr to see them. My husband said it reminds him of Cadbury. Too bad the camera I used wasn't able to capture the true color. Just in case you're wondering, I used the latest bundle monster stamps. i want the cheeky nail stamps someone mentioned earlier but its sold out. which is actually good cause I shouldnt be spending money, really need to save

vasseur

polesalot wrote: »

I just can't justify it this month

Turns out I can justify it........Supermodel and Lilac combi on their way to me..........:whistle:

Can't wait. Thanks for all the tips too!