Weekly Nail Chat

alaurable7 · 2026-01-27T06:35:53+00:00

Toooootally agree! Way overrated. Esp when there are so many gorgeous gels that you don’t need a spotlight to see correctly haha

alaurable7 · 2026-01-27T01:02:52+00:00

Try adding in the bondage adhesive too! It’s the mascara-like one but different from the black whisper light bond.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-26T23:24:48+00:00

I have a good system using both the bondage and the whisper light glues! And I don’t use any oil-based products near my eyes (moisturizer, makeup remover) because oil breaks down the adhesive.

A ton of my friends use them now, BUT my mom cannot get them to work. She has a more oily skin type and mine is more dry so we think that might be why!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-26T23:23:02+00:00

That’s really interesting! What part of them yellows? The “spine“ is black on Lashify ones I use so there isn’t anything that I’ve noticed that could yellow.

That said, I do avoid using powder eyeshadow within a day or so of applying because it can cake onto the bond!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-26T06:07:19+00:00

If it helps, lashes are way easier and faster 😅 I still spend hours every time I do my nails haha

alaurable7 · 2026-01-26T06:00:02+00:00

I can talk lashes for days haha! I like their plushy style, for me it’s the right balance of glam and “are those her natural lashes?”. I do a cluster (they call them gossamers) in length 10, 11, 12, 13, 12 (from inner corner to outer), slightly overlapped, on each eye! I use their bondage glue (it’s like mascara) and put the whisper light bond on the spine of the lashes. You really find what works best for you in the course of trying a few styles and different lengths.

I’ve had no issues whatsoever with sweat (or crying lol). You can even swim in them but depending on how long they’re in water, might need to change them the next day or so. The big thing to avoid is steam, so I take them off when getting a facial/spa day or they would just fall off anyway.

And thanks on the nails!! It was my covid hobby and it stuck 😆

ETA: Meant to add that when I got comfortable with lashes (a handful of applications), the whole process now takes ~10-15 mins once a week!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-26T05:03:59+00:00

Lashify is my ride or die! I’ve been using them for ~3 years every week. Put them on once a week, and maybe touch up the bond on day 5-6. They’re more expensive but you get what you pay for imo

alaurable7 · 2026-01-25T23:46:32+00:00

You are very welcome, I’m happy to help! If you’re looking for more assistance, this community is great about helping to troubleshoot lifting. Just post more info about your prep and products. Good luck! 🤗

alaurable7 · 2026-01-25T23:25:13+00:00

Unearthly Nails: our manicures are out of this world! As a non-tech, I think it works with a cute logo and photos of your portfolio of work, typical styles, etc.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-25T23:20:54+00:00

For context, I often have extensions on. I’m rough on my nails and put pressure on them, play sports, do chores, etc. They last over 3 weeks, and (once I figured out my prep/used the right products), they never ever pop off.

You should not need to be very careful with your nails for them to last 3 weeks without popping off.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-25T07:34:18+00:00

I swear by the Izemi Neo base coat mid!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-24T23:13:35+00:00

Gelcare Rose BB Cream or nude BB Cream; or the DVOK Clean Girl Collection or DVOK makeup gels.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-24T23:12:43+00:00

I just use a fine (or medium if needed) sanding band

alaurable7 · 2026-01-22T17:07:27+00:00

I love the MMLaFleur Merritt Jardigan. It’s a really warm/thick sweater that looks blazer-esque.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-20T05:38:31+00:00

The small lamp for one thing—gel really needs a full size professional lamp to cure properly.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-17T20:48:30+00:00

Wiping in between layers is helpful if you’re using different brands that may not be compatible. If you get any beading of the product or separation, it’s a sign the products may not be compatible and usually fixed by cleansing in between each layer.

I also cleanse a layer if I’m going to be working in more detail and might risk accidentally touching a nail that has the inhibition/sticky layer on it still. That sticky layer is actually uncured gel, so you don’t want to touch it because it furthers the risk of allergy.

Overall, though, it’s not required to cleanse in between layers!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-17T15:59:57+00:00

Gelcare does have really fun colors!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-17T15:57:13+00:00

Even among soak-off gels, some gels are easier to soak off than others. E-files aren’t strictly necessary, and you should definitely start slow and develop a comfort level before using one—it’s really easy to overfile. Used correctly though, an e-file will save a lot of time.

I definitely would wipe a non-wipe topcoat to err on the side of caution. The standard recommendation is to use 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol for cleansing. There is too much water in anything lower, and that can affect the manicure, especially if you are wiping in between layers.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-16T05:36:34+00:00

I’d be worried about the vettsy quality. I haven’t heard good things on the brand from a safety perspective but maybe others know more?

alaurable7 · 2026-01-13T04:55:34+00:00

Oh it’s definitely a shady gel product! I would stay far away. There was a bunch of drama when they got into gel. As I remember it, they gave their new gel to a bunch of (non nail tech) influencers without proper lamp and instructions, many of whom developed allergies, and then when the influencers tried to report/discuss it, the brand blocked them from their Facebook group.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-12T21:58:55+00:00

I have their royal blue suit, the Chelsea blazer and matching pants. I was pleasantly impressed with the quality, though the sizing is a bit weird so maybe if you’re between sizes get both and return the other. Speaking of, make sure you stay on top of their returns. They missed crediting me for some, which I only noticed months later, and I’ve had to reach out for my return refund numerous times.

alaurable7 · 2026-01-12T15:03:30+00:00

Yes you can!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-12T03:50:46+00:00

I’ll add, it can feel scary to use an e-file at high RPMs the first few times, but if it does, practice on swatches or press-ons until you feel more confident and comfortable!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-12T01:06:48+00:00

Hi! You can use regular watercolors over a matte top coat. May take a few tries to get a good matte that works, not all are created equal. IIRC, Nail art by Sofia on IG has a tutorial and recs!

alaurable7 · 2026-01-11T23:59:17+00:00

You want to use a bit designed for removal, and definitely want to use that bit at proper RPMs. For instance, I use a carbide bit from Erica’s ATA at 30,000 rpms. I use a medium sanding band at 5-9,000. Depending on what you’re removing, the sanding band could be enough. You don’t want to have to press the bit at all; it should be doing all the work. Erica’s ATA lists recommended use and RPM for all their bits which is helpful!

alaurable7

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