On the hunt for a manicure set/kit

[Mickeyflower]

I am looking for a manicure set/kit. I've been looking online and there is such a big variety, I thought I'd ask you guys what you do? I'm unemployed and looking to do my own manicures (my nails are lookin' really sad). I'd like something that maybe has a dryer and everything I need to do a good manicure at home. I don't mind spending for quality. Who knows, if I get really good at it, maybe I'll start my own mobile nail salon

 

[Plumeria9]

I do my own pedicures because I can't stand paying $35 or so for a just so-so job. I don't even bother w/ my fingernails, I wear them pretty short because I sort of play the guitar. Ha ha. Anyway my advice is to go to Sally Beauty Supply and just buy everything ala carte. I have quite a collection of tools, base coat, top coat, files, buffers, clippers, cuticle trimmers, toe separators, acetone, etc. They are usually pretty helpful there, so just ask the people who work there what you need. If you join their Sally Beauty Club it's only $5 for a year, and you get discounts on everything. And when you join or renew you get a $5 off coupon for your next purchase, so you can buy some stuff, then wait for your coupon and use it the next day on the rest of the stuff. I bought a little plastic bin w/ a handle in the middle to put all of my nail stuff in so I can get to work w/o having to hunt for everything. I found that at Target, but I'm sure they have them all over. Good luck!

 

[pixiewings71]

Like the pp I get my stuff at Sally Beauty. Love Sally Beauty, well worth it. I get files, buffers and polish remover too. I get my actual polish from Zoya.com, love Zoya!!! I do my own mani/pedi's, unless there's a special occasion (I got them done for DD23's wedding), and I think I do a much better job than a salon will do.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

I have been doing my own nails "forever." I get compliments on my nails and asked, "Are those your real nails?" or "Did you just get your nails done?" at least 4 times a month. All you need is: bottom coat, color, top coat, and some kind of a nail buffer. All the nail buffer is, is a 4 sided "thing" from any store that makes your nails smooth. NOTHING fancy. That is IT!

Take off the polish. Buff until smooth. Bottom coat, color, top coat. I buy formaldehyde free polish (only because of allergies). The thing that makes it look professional is the shiny top coat.

I re-do my nails every 7-10 days. The key is the buffing. Just like painting a house, sand first. "Doing" my nails is not a big thing. Pick your favorite t.v. night and you can do 4 coats in 1 1/2 hours. Do it right before bed so your nails can set.

Wear polish at all times. It gives your nails a fighting chance against just about everything. Every time you go without polish you are chancing wrecking your nails. Do not polish right before you go out. Nails need time to set.

Throughout the week, feel the sides of your nails. Are there little dents? If so, file them until smooth. Those little dents are what catch on things. Do your nails chips? Keep them shorter to see if they will grow out. Wear gloves to do dishes. Wear gloves to clean. Stop picking at things with your nails. "Nails are not tools. Tools are tools." Any type of gardening is killer for nails.

The morning after you do your nails just pick off the mistakes in the shower. Yep, peel them right off. There is no need to be perfect, just do your best.

Does this all sound like a big ol' pain in the butt? If so remember that clean, short, even nails look just wonderful!

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I do my own Shellac (UV nail polish). It is expensive to buy everything upfront, but to me it is worth it. I went to a salon and had them do the Shellac for me and watched every step. Then I bought the products on Amazon and have been doing it since. The polish stays on for 2 weeks without chips and stays shiny. I could probably go longer but after 2 weeks, I can see me nails have grown out. It has really helped my nails grow stronger. The trick is you have to put it on thin and dry in between layers. You can find lots of instructions and hints if you google it.