Beauty 101: What's Up With O.P.I. Infinite Shine?

 Recently, I (thankfully!) found a replacement for gel nails. Gel nails were nice and long withstanding, however, made my natural nails thinner and took up a lot of space and time. The latest replacement is O.P.I.'s Infinite Shine! Infinite Shine is a three-bottle process and doesn't need any lights or excess nail prep. The purpose of Infinite Shine is to create a shiny, lustrous polish that lasts up to 10 days! And, although it does not advertise to be chip free for 2 weeks, the shine and polish does last for at least 7 days.

Now, the process consists of about 3-4 steps. It begins with applying the Infinite Shine 1 Primer, practically the equivalent of a clear base coat. Then, of course, the Infinite Shine 2 Nail Lacquer in any color choice. I purchased a bright pink for the summer and a nude polish for a simple and clean manicure. The Infinite Shine 2 Nail Lacquer does require a good amount of shaking before use as well as about 2 coats of color. After applying step 2, the process finishes out with Infinite Shine 3 Gloss which is similar to top coat. After these three steps, let the nails dry and settle. 

Above are pictures of my Infinite Shine manicure in nude. The nail polish is extremely true to color after being applied to my nails, even after just one coat! My only "big" tips for the Infinite Shine process is to make sure the polishes are properly shaken before applying. If not, the manicure could turn into a clumpy, streaky, mess. However, unlike gel nails, Infinite Shine does not seem to thin or discolor the nails, takes a lot less time, and comes off with acetone-based nail polish remover, like any other nail polish! It's a complete manicure win in my beauty book!

Have you tried O.P.I.'s Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer? Why or Why Not? 

Beauty 101: The Secrets of Gel Nails

Kate Spade Fashion Week Manicure 

Nail art is the fun trend that we all love! Like any other form of art, nail art is full of infinite designs, prints, and colors. Perfect for any fashion/beauty look, mood, or self-expression for the day. However, we all know the feeling of utter disappointment when a perfectly polished nail chips. So, to combat chipped manicures, gel nails were created. Gel nails give a perfectly polished, glossy manicure that can last up to 2 weeks! What more could a nail polish maven ask for?! However, there are some pros and cons to gel nails. 

Pros

• As gel nail popularity continues to rise, more and more colors and nail art techniques continue to rise. So, don't even think you have to give up your favorite nail designs! 
• Gel nails can withstand just about anything, from digging around in your purse to washing the dishes! No chips...AT. ALL. 
• The glossy film of gel nails keeps your hands and nails looking fresh and well groomed.  
• Gel nails are super easy to apply at home! Purchase a gel nail kit, carefully follow the instruction, and you will always have top notch nails. 

Cons 

• Although gel nails don't chip, I have experienced peeling. However, for me, the peeling usually occurs after cleaning with chemicals or subduing the polish in liquid for extended periods of time. 
• Nails can weaken after excessive gel nail use. When taking gel nails off, you must be very careful not to peel off the actually layer of nail because it will cause the nail to weaken. 
• Because gel nails are so secure on the nail, the real nails do not receive a lot of oxygen causing bacteria to build up. 

Now, I am sure there are many more pros and cons of gel nails, but it is entirely up to you whether or not to try a gel manicure. My personal advice is to go for it, but be sure to care for your real nails and wait 2 weeks in between gel nail application. 

Be sure to send me your gel nail photos and let me know your gel nail experience! 

DIY Nails: Gel Nails Review

Gel nails have become a favorite of mine when I want my nails to look nice, shiny, and colorful! Gel nails stay on your nails for at least 2 weeks on your nails with no chips or nicks and lots of shine. Of course you can get gel nails done at the nail salon or buy the strips in a package, but it's much easier and less expensive when you buy your own at home kit.

What do you use? The kit I use is by Gelish and it includes nail surface cleanser, foundation, pH bond, and Top It Off. I also use the Gelish LED light.
How much does it cost? The kit cost about $50 while the LED light is around $60, however you can use regular lights. Although an at home Gel Nail kit may seem pricey, it is worth it if you want to stop spending money at the nail salon or using up regular nail polish every time your nail chips.
How long does it take? It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete my toenails because you are able to keep going even when one side is underneath the light. It takes about 30 minutes to complete my fingernails since  have to stop between hands when one is underneath the light.
How long does it last? At least 2  weeks!
How many nail lacquers are available? Gelish has a wide variety of nail polish colors from nude to neon to sparkly. You can even mix colors and create french tips!
Can you make nail designs? I have never tried to make designs with Gelish nail polish, but I do create designs with regular polish on top of the Gelish.
How do it come off? You soak the nail in Acetone based nail polish. However, after so many weeks the polish will start to peel off on its own. 

Leave any other questions in the comments below! Have you tried Gel Nails yet?