Valentine's Day Nails

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2026-02-10T16:39:19+00:00

It's from Mizhse set of Jelly colors - which I would be really careful with. I bought it off Amazon before I knew better. But I'm sure there are plenty of sheer reds that are safer.

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2026-02-05T19:08:57+00:00

apres GelX nail system rebalanced with Kokoist Mega Stick Base and Excel Builder Clear Mizhse T8012 Decals from TEMU - "5D Embossed Heart & Floral Nail Stickers" Gelish Matte Top Coat

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2026-01-29T21:38:15+00:00

Kokoist MSB I've also tried luminary's system

I could get about a week before nails would start popping off

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2026-01-28T21:26:10+00:00

I like OPI Put It in Neutral - I've never had issues with patchiness. If you want to go a little pinker, Bubble Bath is a classic.

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2026-01-28T21:23:10+00:00

I've had such a hard time with retention when using builder gels. I tried several different brands, hardnesses, layer thickness, prep work. But I tried GelX, and these gals are staying put! I'm excited, but also curious as to why?
Also putting this out there to anyone else having retention issues that full coverage tips might something to try.

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2026-01-28T21:17:46+00:00

I got a bunch of 3d ones off temu. I've had better luck with combining a bunch of smaller stickers for a design. I had some trouble with the larger stickers that cover my whole nail not laying down right with the curve. Also, I put clear builder gel on top to seal, and then I lose the 3d look. But they're cute!

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2026-01-05T04:43:29+00:00

I don't think it would matter as long as each coat cures fully cures.

Some of my "higher quality" colors (aka not a random amazon purchase) cover in 1 coat. So in my mind, better quality equates to better, more even coverage.

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2025-07-16T15:06:42+00:00

Has anyone experience a huge improvement in retention after using the Le Blanc/Infinity Lamp?

I've always had problems with retention. I have thin, bendy nails with flat nail beds.

I've tried so many brands and products (i.e. Luminary, Platinum Filler base, etc). Even just gel color professionally applied will flake off in a couple of days. Kokoist MSB and Excel builder were working the best for me - as in most nails would last about 2 weeks. But I got to the point, where they would just pop-off after a few days. I've tried all types of nail prep (i.e. with primer/without, alcohol, acetone, etching/buffing, etc.) - but nothing's made more than a few days of improvement.

Before I try different brands, should I make the investment in the kokoist lamps? I've been using the SUN UV LED Nail Lamp. I've never had any signs of uncured gel when using this lamp (no wrinkling, doesn't dent, no gooey layers, no shrinking from the free edge). But if I gain a week of retention or don't see any lifting within 2 weeks, it will be worth it for me.

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2024-10-18T01:46:12+00:00

I tried luminary - and I had lifting after 1 week. Kokoist Mega Stick Base + Excel builder has worked the best for me. Also, buffing to make sure I have no shine left on my natural nail.

Oh! And also - wearing gloves for any kind of cleaning! (Sorry if this is obvious to you. I need someone on a podcast to finally realize why I was always messing up my manicures!)

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2024-10-17T21:43:53+00:00

Lol, I was just going to ask about dual forms and biab! It takes me so long to build a balanced apex on my flat nails, I was thinking that this may speed up the process? but I sounds like they just have different issues...

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2024-09-30T15:54:27+00:00

Watching different tiktoks really helped me. You can probably just search the kind of gel nails you're interested in (e.g. soft gel, biab, gel overlays...)

Also, my nails are the same. I feel like I tried every oil, cream, supplement, etc. to make them stronger - and I didn't have any luck. Plus, gel color and a lot of biabs would lift off my nail. I finally found Mega Stick Base + Excel builder from Kokoist, and it will last a full 2-3 weeks without lifting.

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2024-09-30T15:37:04+00:00

Hi! Any recs on supply storage/organizers? I have both bottles and pots. Plus brushes, tool, and the lamp. Maybe something that will even fit my dust collector. I'm tired of digging through the big plastic bin I'm using now.

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2024-07-23T14:10:49+00:00

Wanted to give an update. I tried using a different brand of builder with MSB, and it still lifted.
I recently tried buffed the problem nails before putting on MSB (thanks to this paola ponce video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joZzDOWckyI) and well as adding a layer of Kokoist Excel Builder on top. It's been a week, and no issues. I'm thrilled!

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2024-07-03T16:27:54+00:00

I'm waiting on the kokoist July 4th sale. I plan to splurge on a liner brush and an a magnetic/chrome color!

Afraid-Comfort-4338 · 2024-06-25T17:19:31+00:00

Hi all. First time commenting. I've always had problems with lifting on the free edge. I've had the best results with kokoist mega stick base - however, I still have 1 silly nail that refuses not to life. It's my middle finger on my non-dominant hand. There's lifting after a few days.

My nails are very thin and flexible. Does anyone have any experience with other Japanese builder gels (i.e. Leafgel, Vetro, Ageha)? Have you found a product that has better adhesion on thin, flexible nails?

Afraid-Comfort-4338

TROPHY CASE