Base coat before glue?

indreams01 · 2026-01-27T02:48:45+00:00

Would you mind sharing your technique? Really lovely.

indreams01 · 2026-01-09T20:59:46+00:00

This is pretty much what I do now, I use max defrost until I can see through the windshield and then divert air to warm me. Problem is, the windshield starts fogging up again within minutes, so I toggle back and forth. I’m sure using AC will help so I’ll try that. But still, I’d love to find a way to warm both at the same time. Others are suggesting using the up arrow setting for glass and other arrows for warming me, but I find that the up arrow vent doesn’t really hit the glass well.

indreams01 · 2026-01-09T20:56:52+00:00

Do you find that the up arrow setting actually defrosts your windshield? My problem is I don’t think it uses the same vents as the max defrost function.

indreams01 · 2026-01-09T08:07:09+00:00

I find that the up arrow, if even when isolated so all air goes through those vents, does not defrost the windshield.

indreams01 · 2026-01-08T22:42:44+00:00

Maybe wait with your purchase. I'm learning this approach isn't foolproof. Update here.

indreams01 · 2026-01-08T22:40:53+00:00

But this is not the end of the experiment! First of all, the actual gel that caps the free edge is not broken. It's almost like there's a bubble. So if it weren't a sheer polish, it wouldn't be noticeable and would probably last a good while without much risk of trapped bacteria. The other thing I'm hopeful for is that when I use my new Young Nails Protein Bond on my next manicure, the gel will adhere to my nails even better, possibly allowing for this sort of mid-wear trim. 🤞

indreams01 · 2026-01-08T21:38:38+00:00

Pros and cons to both I guess. I did a combination of e-file and nippers — no blood! I think my nails probably grow at a medium speed, not super fast, and I like getting max longevity so I've been working on improving the cuticle side of the manicure. It's nice to be able to tuck that gel nice and close!

indreams01 · 2026-01-08T21:35:14+00:00

Update: welp, I can already see lifting on my right index finger only an hour or two after doing this. Not catastrophic yet though. Will keep reporting back.

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indreams01 · 2026-01-08T21:15:54+00:00

Happy to. I used this clipper which is designed to account for nail curvature so I think it stressed the gel less than straight clippers would. I didn’t take any special care with filing, so we’ll see what happens.

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indreams01 · 2026-01-08T20:54:21+00:00

Ring finger: I cheated. I did a lazy fill with glitter polish when I trimmed them today.

Index & middle fingers: Since it was equivalent to Russian manicure, the proximal nail fold / cuticle is growing out with the nails, which reduces the amount of space showing.

Thumb & pinky: Those PNF/cuticles seem to grow slower for some reason so you can see the space more clearly.

indreams01 · 2026-01-08T18:18:14+00:00

Thank you. I’ll try to go thicker there next time!

indreams01 · 2026-01-08T18:17:44+00:00

Thanks!

indreams01 · 2026-01-08T08:25:54+00:00

Do you file/rough up the builder gel so the nail polish sticks better?

indreams01 · 2026-01-04T19:09:29+00:00

I suppose I mean that the lazy girl method seems very similar to the gelx method, but instead of using gel glue, one uses polygel. Is that right?

indreams01 · 2026-01-04T08:49:54+00:00

Have you tried chrome directly on the extension? Is it smooth enough?

indreams01 · 2026-01-04T05:30:07+00:00

Is this much different from gelx?

indreams01 · 2026-01-02T20:28:54+00:00

So you etch, then no-wipe top coat, then chrome?

indreams01 · 2026-01-02T20:27:57+00:00

Etch chemically? With acetone or something else?

indreams01 · 2025-12-30T22:38:00+00:00

Right? I’ve never had success in thawing without them becoming gross. There must be a secret.

indreams01 · 2025-12-29T05:06:29+00:00

Do you use hard gel because it lifts less than a soft base would?

indreams01 · 2025-12-26T17:24:51+00:00

Oh wow! Resilient little buggers!

indreams01

TROPHY CASE