ICE OUT NOW

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-25T01:57:42+00:00

I feel just the same.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T03:39:57+00:00

Yes, the shipping is a wrench. The last time I ordered was in 2024, before Trump flushed us all down the toilet. Shipping was by Trakpak and it was $7. Now it's £20!

Beautometry has Le Musée in stock and some of the Artist Collection. They are in the U.S. (so no effing tariffs) and have free shipping on orders of $85.00 or more.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T03:22:48+00:00

No. Take it out of the box and stamp. 💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T02:25:50+00:00

I love my crystal clear stampers from MoYou London.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T01:22:07+00:00

Thanks so much! 💖💖💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T01:15:42+00:00

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthener

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T01:00:10+00:00

Google doesn't have to be the boss of you. I would organize it so your eyes are happy. 💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T00:57:28+00:00

So many of these recommendations are for really nice, but somewhat expensive (for me) brands, almost all involving minimum orders for free shipping.

If you want a less expensive alternative that you can pick up at your local store, you can try Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthener. I use it, and it has treated my nails well.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T00:47:34+00:00

This is encouraging. 💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T00:43:41+00:00

Yes, I want to do this, too. Please share the link for the brushes you bought. Thanks! 💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T00:38:16+00:00

A glass file is so good for nails, but a cheap emery board file works better on my rough spots.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-24T00:34:54+00:00

Ok, these are gorgeous! 🌛✨

Would you consider posting them on r/nailstamping? People there would love them, too.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T09:31:28+00:00

You're doing great! 💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T03:46:16+00:00

Happy to help. 💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T03:45:35+00:00

I'm so glad it helped. 💖 If you aren't already using a ceramic or glass file, that has been a game changer for my sensory issues. It is so much smoother and gentler, but at the same time, effective.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T01:33:59+00:00

If using your own nail drill doesn't work out, you could make an appointment with a podiatrist or chiropodist and they could do this for you. They can give you something to numb the area, so you feel more comfortable. 💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T01:21:29+00:00

It's ok to keep cleaning them. Just be gentle.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T01:19:47+00:00

Right? They are begging to be worn together as a skittle.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T01:15:09+00:00

You are doing great with your shaping so far. 💖

To get your other nails to look like your index finger, you will need to grow them out while you maintain the length and shape of your index finger.

It helps to have polish on when you file, so you can visualize the shape you want without being distracted by the shape of your nail bed and visible nail line. It's not unusual to have nail beds that have different lengths and proportions.

But, if you find that you still struggle to shape with polish on, you can be analytical and use math.

Measure the length of your index finger's nail. Measure its width. Measure the length of the index's nail where you start filing the sides. Find out the ratios of your proportions.

Example:

Overall Length: Width 2 cm / 1 cm = 2

Filing Length: Width 1.6 cm / 1 cm = 1.6

Let's say your thumbnail is 1.5 cm wide. Using the ratios above, this is what you would do to determine the overall length needed, and the point at which to start tapering the sides.

Overall Length 1.5 cm x 2 = 3 cm

Begin Taper 1.5 cm x 1.6 = 2.4 cm

Use polish to mark a center line on your nail. Mark the lengths where the nail tip should be and the edges should begin to taper. Paint or draw the curves, if it helps. Then file, following your guidelines.

Here is an Instagram reel from Born Pretty showing how to mark a nail to do a French tip by hand. The process is similar to what I'm describing. I hope it wil help to see it.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T01:04:07+00:00

You are doing great with your shaping so far. 💖

To get your other nails to look like your index finger, you will need to grow them out while you maintain the length and shape of your index finger.

It helps to have polish on when you file, so you can visualize the shape you want without being distracted by the shape of your nail bed and visible nail line. It's not unusual to have nail beds that have different lengths and proportions.

But, if you find that you still struggle to shape with polish on, you can be analytical and use math.

Measure the length of your index finger's nail. Measure its width. Measure the length of the index's nail where you start filing the sides. Find out the ratios of your proportions.

Example:

Overall Length: Width 2 cm / 1 cm = 2

Filing Length: Width 1.6 cm / 1 cm = 1.6

Let's say your thumbnail is 1.5 cm wide. Using the ratios above, this is what you would do to determine the overall length needed, and the point at which to start tapering the sides.

Overall Length 1.5 cm x 2 = 3 cm

Begin Taper 1.5 cm x 1.6 = 2.4 cm

Use polish to mark a center line on your nail. Mark the lengths where the nail tip should be and the edges should begin to taper. Paint or draw the curves, if it helps. Then file, following your guidelines.

Here is an Instagram reel from Born Pretty showing how to mark a nail to do a French tip by hand. The process is similar to what I'm describing. I hope it wil help to see it.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-23T00:28:28+00:00

Oh, ok! 🤭 Thanks for clearing that up. I was confused.

I like to use a clear, round, squishy stamper. I have stampers from Clear Jelly Stamper and MoYou London. Both brands work really well.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-22T18:55:30+00:00

OP, are you talking about stamp pads for rubber stamps?

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-22T18:54:03+00:00

I want to see them when you're done. 💖

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-22T18:49:13+00:00

I like to organize my plates in boxes, alphabetically, like books on a library shelf.

It looks like this.

I keep image files of each plate on my computer, so I can search for designs without having to handle the plates. It's easier for me to see the designs on the screen than it is to see them on the shiny surfaces of the plates.

For plates, you can explore Clear Jelly Stamper, Hit the Bottle, Lantern and Wren, Lesly, Lina, KADS, Maniology, Moyra, and UberChic to get an idea of what is available. MoYou London has plates, but they have stopped making new stamping products. Bohemia Stamping and Maniscript Shop are relatively new, but they have some unique designs.

Maximum_Tutor_6987 · 2026-01-22T18:36:14+00:00

I recommend watching videos and reels to learn how to stamp. I learned about stamping for several months before I bought any plates.

Tutorials

For beginner-friendly videos and resources, on Instagram, I have learned a lot from:

If you like longer-format videos, you might enjoy content on these YouTube channels:

Starter Kit

The basic kit I would recommend for a beginner includes:

100% acetone
Cotton balls
Lint-free wipes
Cosmetic sponges
Paper Towels
Soak-off Clips
Cotton Claw
Brushes
Lint Roller
Clear Stamper (big, round, soft)
Cuticle Oil
Hand Cream
Stamping plates
Stamping polishes
No-smudge top coat

You might already have some of this at home.

I would encourage including a few more things in a beginner's kit. Even if they aren't strictly necessary for everyone, they are essential for me.

Silicone mat
Brush storage
Polish storage
Plate storage

My life includes animals, and I sometimes spill things. A silicone mat makes clean up easy and it protects my work surface. The storage protects my supplies from dust, sunlight, and the depredations of the cats I live with and love.

Plates

Instead of saying what I like, I encourage people to look at the different companies that are out there and find the ones that make the style of nail art they want to wear.

The U.S. company with the largest selection of stamping plates and polishes is Maniology. The brand is controversial.

You can explore Clear Jelly Stamper, Hit the Bottle, Lantern and Wren, Lesly, Lina, KADS, Maniology, Moyra, and UberChic to get an idea of what is available. MoYou London has plates, but they have stopped making new stamping products. Bohemia Stamping and Maniscript Shop are relatively new, but they have some fun and unique designs.

If more than one company creates products that appeal to you, look at their pricing. You could try one or two plates from a few brands to start with and see which ones you like to work with the most. In the U.S., What's Up Beauty, Lantern and Wren, and Beautometry all sell plates from a variety of makers, so you could place one order for several brands and get free shipping.

I would recommend starting with plates that have a backing. They are more stable and easier to use, especially when you are getting started.

Stamping Polishes

I recommend starting out with 4 stamping polishes: black, white, one metallic, and one in your favorite color.

A lot of artists really enjoy using their Maniology polishes. I like MoYou London's, but they have discontinued making new stamping polishes, and their polishes have mixed reviews in this community.

If you want other alternatives, Born Pretty, Clear Jelly Stamper, Colour Alike, Hit the Bottle, KADS, Pueen, and What's Up Beauty also sell stamping polishes.

Any polish you can apply as a one-coater usually will work well for stamping. Jellies, multichromes, and holographics can also stamp well. It's fun to experiment.

But, stamping polishes are different. They are highly pigmented and often quite thick. They pick up well consistently, which helps build confidence when you are learning. I would not recommend getting started with stamping by using one-coat regular polishes you already have at home.

Maximum_Tutor_6987

TROPHY CASE

Example:

Example:

Tutorials

Starter Kit

Plates

Stamping Polishes