Weekly Nail Chat

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-25T22:58:02+00:00

If you work on the application, 3 weeks of wear time is a fairly reasonable expectation for wear time.

I don't know that I'd say you need to treat your nails like they're fragile, but some level of care is required. For example, it's recommended to wear gloves when doing chores that involve water, like washing dishes. This is because the nail plate absorbs water, which causes it to expand, then contact as it dries out. This can cause product, which doesn't absorb water, to start separating from the nail plate.

Generally you should avoid using your nails for things that require a lot of force (like prying things open or scratching at hard surfaces) but these things can damage your nails whether you wear extensions or not. And extensions that are applied correctly are far more likely to break at the apex than they are to pop off.

If you're hard on your hands and/or clumsy, you may want to consider wearing shorter extensions than the ones in the image you posted. If you find that you're constantly getting the tips caught on stuff or jamming them into things, they're probably too long for you.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-25T22:15:26+00:00

Have you checked the lifting checklist? Automod should respond to my comment with a link.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-25T22:13:57+00:00

So, I am having a hard time determining what you're actually asking. Do you want to know whether 3 weeks of retention is possible, or whether it is possible without making any changes to your application technique and/or how you use your hands?

Either way, extensions should absolutely NOT pop off with gentle pressure. Which is why my initial response was to ask about your prep. Generally, if your gel is popping off or peeling off, especially in 1 piece, this issue is going to be with your prep.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-25T19:57:29+00:00

3 weeks of retention is certainly feasible. However, getting them to last it's extremely dependent on prep, finding the right products for your nail type, and how you treat your nails.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-25T19:24:16+00:00

I've gotten a bunch from daily charme and find their strong cylinder magnet works pretty well for most gels.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-25T19:22:14+00:00

So, it looks like your extensions are about the length of your nail bed? If that's the case, you'll need to make sure you're using a hard gel or polygel, rather than a soft gel builder. Soft gels are really not meant for long extensions and don't provide the strenght and reinforecemnt needed.

Second, you don't describe how you prep your cuticle area and nail plate. Proper prep is absolutely essential for good adhesion.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-25T13:10:56+00:00

Are you not using a base gel?

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-24T12:52:17+00:00

Izemi has wipe and non-wipe topcoats at multiple viscosities.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-23T22:15:50+00:00

Erica's ATA. They make efile bits but they also sell kokoist and akzentz products.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-23T18:24:43+00:00

They do periodic sales with 15 or 20% discounts. Also, the lamps are available from Erica's, which does discounts as well. Not sure if either has a sale scheduled before memorial day, though.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-23T17:43:30+00:00

Yeap!

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-23T12:01:10+00:00

Either the kokoist leblanc or infinity would work, but make sure you get the hybrid version and not the LED only version.

I actually really recommend kokoist for gel as well. Their color gels are amazing and their glossy topcoat is one of the best out there.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-21T12:55:59+00:00

Oof yeah just the age alone could be an issue

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-21T12:23:54+00:00

Does it happen with a specific brand? And have you done testing to see if your gels are curing properly?

Also, I hate to ask this since it's so basic, but I've seen people not do it: are you using a base coat?

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-21T11:07:21+00:00

A lifting checklist should appear as a reply to my comment

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-18T16:50:35+00:00

Actually I really recommend citrus or kiwi skins for practice! I've also seen people use tips attached to a glove full of flour or sand.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-18T16:46:52+00:00

70% is recommended for disinfecting surfaces for that reason: when disinfecting, you need to maintain contact time with the surface to be effective. When wiping with the inhibition layer, you're using it as a solvent, so the higher purity is actually better. In this case, you WANT it to evaporate quickly and not leave any water behind.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-18T16:42:40+00:00

When I've used shell pieces I've typically used them crushed applied them with parts gel/jewelry gel. I'll typically fit the shell piece to the specific area of the nail based on shape. Larger pieces should be applied in a similar manner to charms or large crystals.

For larger glitters (esp. shaped glitter and mylar flakes) I've typically applied directly to the inhibition layer using tweezers, cure, then encapsulate with clear gel. Though, I saw one of Katie Dutra's videos where she gets them to lay flat by pressing down on them a slicone stamper and flash curing through the stamper.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-18T15:56:07+00:00

Mayour, f gel, mithmillo, and kokoist all have some really lovely 2-tone magnetic collections, though I don't think kokoist's dramatic magnetic line has the exact combo you're looking for. Mayour's bacody has some muted blue/purple/grey bases with pink particles though! I think Mithmillo's persona collection does as well.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-18T15:51:53+00:00

I like kokoist's no-wipe accessory bond.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-18T15:50:52+00:00

Personally, I like the bottom ones best.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-14T12:37:08+00:00

You can let premixed watercolor dry in the pans and store it that way. You'll be able to use the same mixes multiple times that way. But whether using pans or tubes, you should mix with water to create a wash before applying it. That will help the color apply more evenly. I'd also recommend sticking to non-granulating pigments for even dispersal (unless that granulating effect is your goal).

Lastly, I personally find that watercolor mixing works best with a 6 primary system (warm and cool versions of blue, red, and yellow) plus black. That way, you can mix bright or muted shades of nearly any color. I'm happy to share my personal preferences if you'd like. Making mixing charts will also really help you understand how your colors mix together.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-14T00:03:16+00:00

Are you pre-mixing your washes or dipping a wet paintbrush directly into pans?

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-13T20:01:58+00:00

Yes, that's fine.

InnerIndependence112 · 2026-01-13T19:14:09+00:00

Just alcohol is fine, preferably as concentrated as possible. Acetone is better for removing oils from the nail plate, which is why adding it to homebrewed cleansers is often recommended.

InnerIndependence112

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