I have lifting on the tips in a few days if I don't use the Sensationail bonder/primer whatever it's called. Just a quick swipe over my tips, air dry and it lasts much longer. I use it before all my base coats.
DIY Gel polish-Sensational by Nailene
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I have lifting on the tips in a few days if I don't use the Sensationail bonder/primer whatever it's called. Just a quick swipe over my tips, air dry and it lasts much longer. I use it before all my base coats.
Good to know. My lifting was along the sides, so I'm pretty sure I got some polish on my sidewalls.
Ok so yesterday was my third gel polish application BUT it was my first time on someone else! My besty let me do her nails for girls night out. She hasn't had her nails done in 10 YEARS. She had a lot of outgrown cuticle so I was a bit worried doing cuticle prep work as I'm not a pro but honestly I'm quite proud of the end result. But only time will tell how long it lasts. I'm desperate for more guinea pigs to practice on. This all kind of makes me want to take a manicure course. A cool trade to have in the back pocket to fall back on.
Oooooo also look what I snagged from the clearance bin at Shoppers Drug Mart yesterday. Little Gold Dress and Rock My Emerald! Eeeee! $4.99 each down from $16.99!
That sounds VERY blingy! I've never had rockstar nails so I can't be sure, but you might be able to replicate that look with rose gold glitter and silver glitter.
Yes, crystal avalanche is pretty sheer, but builds to a milky/jelly opacity. My bottle is a creme without shimmer. I've posted a swatch somewhere, either here or in the swatches only reference thread. I got the idea from a mani on sensationail's Facebook page.
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Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and sensational, and love them both!
I have a quick question about the base polish you're using. Some of you have mentioned that you use an OPI base for easier removal. Can you tell me which specific OPI base you're using? I've been finding removal to be difficult even without the primer.
Also, has anyone found black polish to take over 2 min to cure? I cured it for over 2 min and it still came right off. Any ideas?
Thanks!
I have a quick question about the base polish you're using. Some of you have mentioned that you use an OPI base for easier removal. Can you tell me which specific OPI base you're using? I've been finding removal to be difficult even without the primer.
Also, has anyone found black polish to take over 2 min to cure? I cured it for over 2 min and it still came right off. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Are you doing thin coats? I found the thinner the coat, the better it cures.
Mine are lasting longer with each try, but I still get lifting by the cuticle after 4 days.
Darker colors do take longer to cure in general, but the cure time also depends on the quality of the lamp you use. I usually do three extra thin coats of the darkest colors to make sure they cure perfectly, and are dark enough to please me.
Welcome!
I believe people are referring to OPI's gel polish. They have their professional line, gelcolor, and their Sephora line, gel shine. I've heard they're the same. Gel shine bottles are way smaller though, so if you can get your hands on gelcolor (go online if you aren't a nail tech) then go with gelcolor.
If you're having problems with dark colors, then it sounds like your coats are too thick. Light doesn't penetrate dark colors as well, so either do thinner coats or cure for an extra cycle. I almost always require 3 coats to reach an opacity that I'm happy with.
Jindie mentioned lifting at the cuticle at 4 days. Everyone's nail/body chemistry is a little different, but 4 days seems really short! That sucks. I used to get lifting after about day 7-9. However, I have not had one fingernail with cuticle lifting one even one manicure since I started scrubbing in my base coat (see Youtube videos for this).
Anyway, here is my most recent manicure, purple orchid
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Thanks everyone for your help with the OPI base coat info and the dark polish info. I thought that I was doing very thin coats for the black polish but maybe not thin enough. I cured the polish for over 2min with the sensationail led and it still wiped mostly off. I will try again and let you know the outcome. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up some OPI base soon as well!
I'm pretty sure the sensationail led is 6 watts. Does anyone know if the wattage makes a difference in curing time? I was looking at a light on Amazon that is 12 watts and was contemplating buying it if it would guarantee a quicker dry time.
I'm pretty sure the sensationail led is 6 watts. Does anyone know if the wattage makes a difference in curing time? I was looking at a light on Amazon that is 12 watts and was contemplating buying it if it would guarantee a quicker dry time.
There are two ways to do this. One is to use OPI GelColor or GelShine base. The OPI lines have a hybrid formula, using solvents and tend to be easier to remove. The other way is to use an rnp base coat under your gel polish, before the gel base. OPI Natural Nail, CND Stickey and Orly Bonder are among the favorites.
Dark colors do take longer to cure. The UV rays have a harder time penetrating dark colors, so it's important to do very thin coats. If you are using the right lamp for your system, you might check how your hand is positioned. Make sure you keep your hand open and flat and do not not "grab" at the base.