witchypoo
Posh
Better to be a smart ass than a dumb ass
Posts: 49
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Post by witchypoo on May 2, 2014 21:04:13 GMT
So I purchased a set of minis that came with the Gel Lab base and top coats, and so far they seem to be working really well for me... However I got the set on clearance, and I looked up how much the Gel Lab set was, and Holy Crapola, they want $45??? There is no way I am paying that much. I have this weird thing with nail polish, I just cannot bring myself to pay more that $5 a bottle.
What is comparable out there to the Gel Lab set with a less ridiculous price point, I can force myself to go over my aforementioned five bucks, but only a reasonable amount. I need a good base coat and a top coat that will keep my nail polish looking decent for 7 days, since I change polish once a week it doesn't need to last any longer than that.
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Post by sydbristow on May 3, 2014 1:35:52 GMT
I know nothing about nail polish...I just bought the base and top coats from Butter London. While the top coat truly does seem to help dry the polish way faster, and the base coat helps it all come off more cleanly, my polish doesn't seem to last that much longer with it on than not. Maybe an extra day or so.
I have extremely thin nails so I have a really hard time with them.
Looking forward to hearing replies on this post and getting some good input!
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Urbie
Beauty Lover
Posts: 54
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Post by Urbie on May 3, 2014 1:41:47 GMT
I really love Nails Inc Kensington Caviar for base coat and top coat. It costs ~$10 per bottle, but its really not that bad considering that you use both polishes every single time you polish, unlike colors. I can usually get about a week of wear with minimal chipping, and the top coat dried my polish in about 5 minutes without shrinking the polish. sydbristow - a good way to extend the life of your polish is to buff your nails (and then clean them well with soap and water) before you put on the base coat. Since you have thin nails, maybe not a good idea to do it every time, but it definitely helps me get a few additional days of chip free wear.
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Post by chels on May 3, 2014 1:54:44 GMT
I keep my polish on at least a week and I use Seche Vite top&base coat. You can find it around $6 at Sally's when on sale. I really like it, but beware it will get pretty thick and goopy, but if you get some thinner that will take care of it. I very rarely have chips.
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Post by sydbristow on May 3, 2014 2:32:09 GMT
sydbristow - a good way to extend the life of your polish is to buff your nails (and then clean them well with soap and water) before you put on the base coat. Since you have thin nails, maybe not a good idea to do it every time, but it definitely helps me get a few additional days of chip free wear. OMG I've been tagged! We can tag? WE CAN TAG!!!!! Woooooooohoooooooo! Thanks for the tip! I have a buffer thingie, guess I need to YouTube how to use it.
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Post by ladymeag on May 3, 2014 3:18:56 GMT
Here's the suggestion everyone knew was coming: I adore Zoya's top coat (Armor) and base coat (Anchor.) I have them and the Butter London regular top and base and the Zoya stuff lasts longer and holds my polish forever. I have the Butter London top and base because I wanted to compare them and the only benefit the BL has for me is that it dries faster than Zoya's. (Seriously, get the quick-dry drops. You'll wait for.ev.er without them.)
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Post by thesupergirl on May 3, 2014 4:37:35 GMT
I love julep's nail therapy base coat. It's the only base coat that I use and I can paint my nails everyday without them turning yellow!
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witchypoo
Posh
Better to be a smart ass than a dumb ass
Posts: 49
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Post by witchypoo on May 3, 2014 14:56:14 GMT
So far Orly and Zoya are at the top of my list to try. Yay suggestions.
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Post by hellocoffee on May 5, 2014 3:14:48 GMT
Awesome suggestions, ladies!!!! Maybe you all can help me with this: whenever I use a base coat, it makes my polish just slide off in clumps....it's weird, like it just never dries. I don't use thick layers either.....am I not prepping properly? I use Essie's base, but maybe I'll try the Zoya or the Seche.....
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Post by kalex on May 5, 2014 13:48:20 GMT
I love Essie's base coats - there's a couple different ones I've tried and I like them both.
When I placed an order at Ulta yesterday Seche was a doing a GWP size of their top coat with any nail color purchase, and 3 of their nail polish shades were on sale for $3.75.
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Post by hellocoffee on May 5, 2014 18:10:40 GMT
I love Essie's base coats - there's a couple different ones I've tried and I like them both. When I placed an order at Ulta yesterday Seche was a doing a GWP size of their top coat with any nail color purchase, and 3 of their nail polish shades were on sale for $3.75. Which Essie base are you using? I am currently using Million-nails because I am trying to strengthen them, too.
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Post by kalex on May 5, 2014 21:24:34 GMT
hellocoffee I'm using the Ridge Filling Base Coat right now. I have a tendency to pick off my nail polish once it starts chipping and that really helps smooth out the surface of my nails when I paint them again. I like First Base Base Coat as well but I can't speak to how well either of them strengthen. My nails have always grown like weeds and I like to keep them short.
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Post by hellocoffee on May 5, 2014 21:42:41 GMT
Thanks, Kalex. I was wondering about the Ridge Filling one, I just might try that next.
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Post by tehprincessjenn on May 7, 2014 7:17:45 GMT
I need a 3 free quick dry top coat. For some reason Zoya does not react well with chlorinated water and will peel off easily.
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