My Nail Polish Collection

My nail polish collection is not as impressive as other people’s, but it’s getting bigger and bigger by the week. I ditched the fake nails about two years ago and have’t look back. Not only do acrylic nails damage my natural nails, but it took months for my natural nails to return to its normal look and feel. I cared more about my nail health then rocking some acrylics and I haven’t looked back ever since.

I was someone who hated my natural nails and because I have chubby-looking hands, I felt like acrylics made my fingers appear slimmer and longer than they actually were. I went to my favorite nail spot one day and decided to opt for a manicure instead of my usual set. My nails had grown out quite a bit and I thought a manicure would look pretty cute.

The lady who did my nails transformed my nails and gave me an amazing manicure. She even filed my natural nails to a really nice length. I realized that my nail shape wasn’t the issue, but how I was filing and shaping my nails. Ever since then, I learned how to do my own manicures the right way. I got all the tools for an at home manicure and now I love my natural nails.

MY COLLECTION

After I decided to start doing at-home manicures, I decided I wanted to buy nail polish that actually lasts. I wanted polishes that were gel-based, but didn’t cause damage to my nails. After much trial and error, my top choices were the Essie Gel polishes and the Sally Hansen gel polishes.

Both of these gel polishes dry fast and last for 7 days. They last 6 days without any chipping at all. On the seventh day you might get a little chip on one finger or two, but nothing drastic or noticeable by others. I do feel like the Essie collection is kind of limited in the color selection. The Sally Hanson collection has a variety of colors, so there are many colors to pick from for any season.

The Pastels

These are usually the colors you’ll catch me rocking most of the time, no matter the time of year. They are bright and look so pretty against my melanated skin. My favorite out of three would have to be the light blue (639-Sugar Fix).

The Neutrals

The neutrals are when I am looking for a more sophisticated clean look. I don’t wear these colors as often as I like to stay pretty bold in my nail color choices, but they do make an appearance a couple of times during the year.

The Darks

These are the darkest colors I have. One is a metallic that turns blue and purple. The other is a very dark purple. I love to wear these colors in the winter months.

The Pop-of-Colors

When I am feeling extra bold, then I pull out these gems. The royal blue nail polish happens to be my favorite since it is in fact my favorite color. I was so excited when I came upon that color at Target and I would say this is one of my most worn polishes.

By this time next year, my collection will probably be double or triple what it is now as Sally Hansen keeps bringing out more and more colors.

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO COLLECTIONS

Sally Hansen gel polishes actually chip off, while Essie polishes fade off. I prefer the way Essie’s polishes fade over the week. I do think that both polishes look pretty great on, but I feel like Essie’s polishes look closer to a professional manicure.

HOW DO THEY LAST SO LONG

Every time I re-do my nails, I actually do a full manicure. I let my nails soak in warm water for about 5-10 minutes and then I go about cutting my cuticles. I then file and buff my nails. I finish them by washing my hands with an actual brush to get off any extra dirt and debris. Once I dry my nails thoroughly, I wait a few minutes and then apply one layer of polish. I wait about 3-5 minutes and apply the second coat. I wait another 3-5 minutes and apply the clear top coat. I will then sit for about 15 minutes to make sure they have fully dried and I am ready to go about my day. I have found that this helps my nails to last a lot longer.