Nail Polish Gurus?!

ChilliBob

Hey everyone, 

My wife loves painting her nails, I think it's some kind of relaxation thing for her as much as anything else. She uses and swears by Essie, having jumped ship from OPI. 

All she does is prep her nails somehow, and put it on, but I can see there is a whole host of stuff she could get, but, I don't know of any of it is much good!

So I guess...

1. Those uv lamp things, what's the deal? Only for use in special circumstances?
2. Brands - any new kids on the block which are whipping Essie that are worth trying?
3. Storage - I looked on amazon but most looks a bit naff, any decent designs?

Anything else I'm missing or should be thinking about? It's her birthday soon and I'm desperate fof ideas!... This is one avenue of many! 

Thanks! 

donnac2558

The UV light is only for gel nails.

Quite a few brands out there.  Ciate, China Glaze, not sure about the name? Zoya, Leighton Denny and Nails Inc.

ChilliBob

I did some research last night, it seems Essie is a very good all rounder. I think I'll get some Barry M Gelly to try, perhaps some Butter London and then some other one from Chelsea who's name escapes me. 

I think I'll swerve the light then if it's just for gel, I don't think she'd be into tjsy sort of faff! 

Misslayed

The UV light is just for gel, bit more faffing than 'normal' polish, but then mine lasts three weeks! If she enjoys the process it's probably not for her.

ChilliBob

Cheers, yeah she won't be info that sort of faff I guess, I thought it might just be something you do at the end on normal nail polish or something to bake it on!

I swear there's a market in some decent storage, it either seems quite simple and cheapy or plastic. In my head I have some wooden box that opens and expands a bit like a needlework box or something! 

SadieO

What about something like this? 

Double-Layer Nail Varnish Storage Case, Essential Oil Bag for for Nail Varnishes and Manicure, Nail Varnish Holder, Holds 30 Bottles (15ml - 0.5 fl.oz) (Grey) https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JTRGHZF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_FZS8AVTXMT7TQE2K3WTP

maddiemay

Amazon.co.uk : nail polish storage box

I have something called an OPI train case which holds a huge number of bottles, nice size spaces for bottles so not restricted to just OPI, not sure they are available now though.

Also a couple of these which are surprisingly robust and live on a worktop in my (fortunately) rather spacious bathroom.
4 Tier Acrylic Nail Varnish Polish Display Stand (Clear) : Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

VALM

Morgan Taylor is a good brand. Definitely on a par with Essie. 

ChilliBob

VALM said:

Morgan Taylor is a good brand. Definitely on a par with Essie. 

Thanks, I'll look into that. Not come across it when looking at Cosmo/Indi best buys etc! 

ChilliBob

maddiemay said:

Amazon.co.uk : nail polish storage box

I have something called an OPI train case which holds a huge number of bottles, nice size spaces for bottles so not restricted to just OPI, not sure they are available now though.

Also a couple of these which are surprisingly robust and live on a worktop in my (fortunately) rather spacious bathroom.
4 Tier Acrylic Nail Varnish Polish Display Stand (Clear) : Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

Sadly doesn't seem to exist but yeah, that's ll have to choose something from Amazon I guess. Etsy wasn't too useful. 

emchoc

If you think she might like something a bit more unusual, have a look at https://rainbow-connection.co.uk/ (particularly the ILNP brand) and https://www.a-england.co.uk/.

In terms of storage, https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/helmer-drawer-unit-on-castors-white-10251045/ used to be really popular among the nail polish addicts that used to frequent this board, but you do need a LOT to make it worth while Alternatively something like https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/moppe-mini-chest-of-drawers-birch-plywood-40216357/ or https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/klaemmemacka-desk-organiser-natural-plywood-50428815/ might work - especially if you're arty enough to customise (paint, stain, decoupage etc). Probably plenty of other options in the ikea "small storage" section too