Post # 1

Member
308 posts
Helper bee
Hi ladies ๐ so I’m going on holiday/vacation in October and I’ve been growing my nails into stilettos but im tempted to get gelish or shellac overlay on them maybe this month or should I wait until September? The thing is I like to paint my nails about 3 times a week and if I have gelish or shellac could I paint over them if I get bored of the colour? And what nail varnish remover would I need to use if I decide to paint them again? Would I need an acetone free one? Please help. Show me pics of your gelish or shellac manicure please. And which do you think is better for staying on gelish or shellac? Thanks xx
Post # 2

Member
1146 posts
Bumble bee
BrideAddict92: had both, prefer gelish or OPI gels. Shellac feels too “thick” if that makes sense and it starts to sort of peel up on the edges on me for some reason. Plus I like the gelish colors better. I don’t even get non-gel manicures anymore or paint my own nails because it’s just so much nicer never having any chips, but if you redo yours every few days then it may not be for for you. I leave mine on for three to four weeks and get them redone once a month.
I don’t think painting over them with your own polish would work very well…I think it would look odd up near the cuticles because you’d be able to see the ridge where the gel ends and your real nail begins under the new polish. I’m not sure what home remover would do to them. I bet you could Google that question specifically and find out though ๐
Post # 3

Member
2092 posts
Buzzing bee
OPI gel polishes are nice, but you need to make sure to apply it neatly otherwise it peels up around the cuticals or side of nails. OPI gel color says it’s “soak off” but to be frank I just use a tool and scrape/peel it off and it comes off fine.
Post # 4

Member
334 posts
Helper bee
Well gel polish only lasts 2 weeks max, though I only get a good week out of them because my nails grow so fast. You can actually paint over gel polish and home polish remover will not damage, but may make them chip faster. If you want them nice for vacation, I would wait until a few days before you leave to get gel polish. Also, when I get gel I always have to get it removed at the salon when its done or else my nails just get torn to shreds if I attempt removing at home.
Post # 5

Member
766 posts
Busy bee
I do gel at home. I’ve used Gelish, Orly, Sally Hansen and Sensationail. My favourite for coverage is Sensationail. I get about 7-10 days out of them. You’ll need pure acetone to soak it off, but you can paint over it in the meantime.
Post # 6

Member
308 posts
Helper bee
Thanks ladies ๐ I think I’ve had gelish done a few years ago and I liked it only I never painted over them and I had them squared and I would get them done once a month but I’ve never tried shellac but maybe I’m better sticking to gelish x
Post # 7

Member
308 posts
Helper bee
Can you please posts pictures of your gel manicures so I can get ideas of colours and styles etc x
Post # 8

Member
375 posts
Helper bee
I personally love CND gel polishes. Great color, doesn’t look thick and lasts long.