DIY Shellac Nails

As much as I wish I could go get my nails done professionally every couple of weeks I just don't have the time or the money to keep up with it!  I can't tell you how annoyed I use to get when I would paint my nails and the very next day they'd be chipped and I would end up picking off all the polish or just removing it all together. Fortunately I've found the holy grail of nail products to give myself an at-home manicure that lasts for days without chipping! They look similar to Shellac and they are very durable. I wouldn't say they last as long as Shellac, but I can usually go a week without them chipping. The process is a little longer, but totally worth it! All of these products can be found a Sally Beauty Supply for a very reasonable price.

1. Nail Magic Flawless Base Coat & Ridge Filler 2. Any nail polish will work, but I recommend O.P.I. or Essie 3. Gelous Nail Gel  4. Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat

1. Paint a base coat of the "Nail Magic Flawless Base Coat & Ridge Filler" and let it dry completely. *I've learned that it is important to let your base coat dry completely. It makes the polish last longer and it makes the color go on more smoothly.

2. Paint your color coat. If needed, apply 2 coats of color (I usually always do 2 coats). I will say that I have used cheap nail polish for this step such as ICE and more expensive polish such as O.P.I or Essie and I've found that the more expensive brands really do last longer. Invest in a few more expensive colors that you really like and that you know you'll use multiple times and I promise it is totally worth it. 

3. Gel coat. This gel polish does not require a light to cure it, which I really like! It's what gives your nails that really shiny thick look (like shellac). I also feel like it is what makes the nails more durable and hard.

4. Top coat. This stuff is seriously amazing. I can't tell you enough how much I love this top coat. Make sure you get the fast dry. You can paint this top coat on wet nails and it will still work great and it dries within seconds. However, I do recommend to let your gel coat dry first because I feel like it makes your nails more durable. 

Follow each of these steps and make sure you get the correct products and your nails should last anywhere between 4-7 days without chips!

*All items are linked above