I did my nails twice recently.

I did my nails twice recently.  One time, I had high hopes but hated the way it turned out.  The second time (pictured) I was just going to wear a polish but Shaun told me I should stamp purple on it, so this is the result.  I actually really like how it came out.  Sometimes less is more, I suppose.

Humbled by Tonic;
Harunouta plate L034;
Stamping technique

My claws are SHARP.

My claws are SHARP. While changing into my pajamas just now I literally sliced my nip-nop to the point that it's bleeding. I'm definitely repainting these bad boys tomorrow to dull them. Gotta cap those edges!

Ouch! 😬😬😬

I know nobody asked, but...

I know nobody asked, but I have seen a lot of my friends who wear gels / acrylics post about being unhappy with their nails since salons are closed.  I have tips (the advice kind), if anyone is interested in growing out / taking care of their natural nails.

1)  Take prenatal vitamins for growth.  I don't care that I haven't been pregnant in 20 years, I've been taking prenatals for as long as I can remember.  I have tried biotin / hair & nail / whatever supplements and vitamins over the years, and none of them give me the growth I get with prenatals, so that is what I take.

2)  If you have brittle / peeling nails, then there are two ways to attack that:  From the inside and from the outside.

2a)  From the inside:  Take coconut oil pills.  I don't know the science behind it, I just know that I have A LOT LESS peeling when I take it.

2b)  From the outside:  Cuticle oil / balm.  Any kind is better than nothing, but the best I've ever used has been from Bliss Kiss.  I can have a peeling nail and put that oil on, and it's almost like it seals it back together.  Just get in the habit of moisturizing your nails / cuticles a few times a day and that will help a lot.

2c)  If you file your nails, it's ok to take off length with a coarse file, but use something far less course afterwards for finishing to help prevent peeling.

Obviously, since I am not a doctor you should do your own research regarding what vitamins / supplements are ok for you to take, but this is what has worked for me.  I go through periods of being really on top of my nail care, and then times where I don't bother.  I can tell a huge difference when I'm doing all of the things I've listed above.

If anyone has anything to add or ask I'm up for chatting!  Be well, friends!  ❤

I just finished doing my toes.

I just finished doing my toes. They needed to be done months ago but I never felt like it. This is better. 😊 Maybe Shaun's are next. 😃

I would like to do some nail art but I'm not feeling creative. Anyone up for challenging me? Post pics of nail art in the comments and I'll pick something to recreate. (Not length or shape-wise - just the look.)

If you're interested in trying a new thing during quarantine...

Hey friends.  If you're interested in trying a new thing during quarantine nail stamping is fun.  This little kit has everything you need to get started.  I know the nerdy theme of these plates is not for everyone, but you only pay for shipping ($7.99) to get this kit.  The stamping polishes and stamper alone are worth more than that if you bought them separately.  If you decide you're into it I know tons of sources for quality, cheap plates.  If you try it and need tips I'm happy to help!  😊

https://www.facebook.com/hellomaniology/posts/4375431789178705

We're twinning. Tripleting? 😂😂😂

We're twinning. Tripleting? 😂😂😂

Me, Shaun, and Kira gots matching toes! 😊

Better shot of my nails.

Better shot of my nails. Still dry cuticles, and dirty creases because I'd been playing in my plants. (Sorry.)

Even though white polish doesn't look great on me I enjoyed these while they lasted, which was about 2 weeks and that's impressive to me since I'm rough on my hands and wash them about 391204 times every day.

I used a plain white gel as a base, then topped it with aurora powder, or one of two types of holographic powders. I was mostly just playing around and testing the powders out since I bought them ages ago and hadn't had time to use them. Also, I was procrastinating doing my enormous math final exam and this was a fun distraction.

The final touches were the holographic snowflakes. Those were decals. I'd also had 3 gemstones on my nails; a clear crystal at the corner of the snowflake on my index finger and two iridescent ones on my middle finger. They were pretty, but I hadn't really planned to share this mani and waited until I'd abused it a bit before changing my mind and photographing it. So you'll have to use your imagination on the stones. 😂

There was definitely a lot going on here, but I liked it while it lasted. I don't usually get this extravagant anymore, but like I said I was experimenting and it turned out ok.

Blurry nail pic.

Rooting this tiny piece of plant in water. I took this photo over a week ago, and little plant is currently doing well.

Shaun seems to think that baby / small succulents in teensy vials of water is a marketable idea. I admit that they are cute, but this is obviously not a long-term setup. 

I had just done my nails when this was taken. They didn't fare as well because I've been playing in my plants a lot lately. But doing them is half the fun, so that's ok. (Sorry about my dry cuticles. Blegh.)

Gel, Chrome, Stamping

I am feeling a bit better today.

I am feeling a bit better today.  I've got a list of things to do before school starts back.  One thing on the list was posting the nails I did over SPRING BREAK.  🤣🤣🤣  I have been behind on life.  I haven't done anything fancy since these, although I've wanted to.  It just takes effort.

These were inspired by my succulents, obviously.  The multichrome polishes are by Tonic Nail Polish and the stamping plates are from Maniology.

Research polish and plates;
Stamping and Stamping Decal techniques

This isn't nail art, but I'm proud of it anyway.

TRIGGER WARNING:  Minor (non-bloody) Nail Trauma
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This isn't nail art, but I'm proud of it anyway. One of these nails is a reconstruction. As most everyone knows I struggle with psoriatic disease. Sometimes it attacks my bones. Since I was 13 or so, it has attacked my skin. Over the last couple of years I've had 2 fingernails affected.

I think it's pretty obvious which nail is fake (the pointer finger), but I feel that at a glance it's not noticeable. I know it's not perfect, but I'm not upset. This was my first attempt at sculpting with hard gel. Also, more importantly - having this protection over my damaged nail is a lot more comfortable and is preventing additional damage from snags.

Wearing Light of Lyra by Tonic. Picture of the nail damage below the next paragraph (it's not gory, but just FYI in case you are bothered by that).

Light of Lyra by Tonic

This is the reconstructed nail without polish. As you can see, my actual nail is trimmed short and then cut away almost down to the cuticle where it had lifted away from the nail plate. Believe it or not, it was really sore before I cut away all of the un-attached nail. Since psoriasis makes cells reproduce too fast, there was pressure and buildup under the nail. Removing it didn't hurt at all and made it feel a lot better, but left it vulnerable to snags and I was constantly messing with it. Now it is protected.

Since the gel is clear I can remove the polish to check on how my nail is doing. If the pressure from the psoriasis returns I can easily remove the gel, clean my nail plate, and replace it. Added bonus is that I can make it look super similar to my other nails while I wait for it grow out. 😊