So here's the lowdown, back at uni I hardly cared about my nails as I was just getting into makeup. Fast track to 2013/4, I have a collection of about 30 nail polishes ( I recently did a clear out of over 60 nail polishes :S) I enjoy painting my nails although I tend to go through phases where for a few weeks at a time I'll routinely paint them or go to the salon and get them done. So before my trips to the salon I had experimented with the normal high street and high end nail polishes, nail wraps and falsies. I wore falsies during the end of my uni years when I suddenly got into the habit of biting my nails ( gross I know).
Anyways, it was actually my sister's friend who tempted me with getting my nails done. She was staying with us in London and decided to get her nails done at our local nail salon. When she came back I was like WOW! Her nails looked immaculate, clean and so chic. So I think it was actually a few weeks after, I decided to go in and get a french manicure but the nail technician coaxed me into going for shellac. So I did! I was SO amazed with the results. I could not believe my nails were instantly dry and were SO glossy. I was sold! From then on for the next 2 months, I had shellac manicures.
The Review:
First the nail technician, cut, filed and shaped my nails. Then she prepped them with a base coat and allowed them to cure for a few seconds. After she applied a baby pink and allowed that to cure as well. Next she applied another coat and let it cure and then applied the french white tips. She let those cure before doing them same procedure on my thumbs. The whole application took about 30 minutes and to leave with them looking beautiful was definitely a plus!
At the start of this year, with all of this miserable weather I decided to opt for a coloured Shellac manicure. I was looking forward to choosing a bright colour, however my salon compared with the CND Shellac website was disappointing as they only had a minimum range. I did choose a beautiful coral with slight shimmer which definitely refreshed my look. The second time I had it done, I chose a nude-almost baby pink which went with everything.
The Rating:
I would definitely give the Shellac French Manicure an A* for it's , rapid drying speed, high glossy finish and longitivity. The longest period it has stayed on for me is 18 days. Then it is in need of a reapplication.
However, unfortunately I can't say the same for the coloured Shellac Manicures. I have only had 2 and they have lasted me 12 - 14 days before the gel started to peel. So I would have to give a B- for the coloured manicures.
*Please bear in mind application on your nails be give you a very different lasting power.
Lately, I have been tempted by the acrylic look of nails ( don't worry I am not going for it! ) I had acrylic done on one of my nails last year. All I am saying is never again! It completely wrecked my nail and took about 3 months for it look and feel healthy again.
Year ago I remember going to this beauty salon in North London and the beautician telling me about 'Biosculpture' nails. I wasn't really interested at the time but it has been something I have been reading about lately. As I found that with the coloured Shellac didn't last as long, I want to try something that does but does not ruin my natural nail. So I will keep you posted if I decide to get this done :)
Look out for my next post focusing on NARS.
Love and Blessings,
Sara xx
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