How long should you leave between applying polish and removing the last set? (My shiny pink fingernails were chipping too much and i did too many dodgy patch jobs so it had to be removed)
I found the tightness very claustrophobic. 
I’m not actually sure I like it on my fingernails. I have too much drudge work to do, and I keep thinking about not wanting to ruin my nails.
I am a very firm fan of my harlequined feet though. But I may need to implement a limbering up routine, as I seem to have lost the ability to reach down that far…
Maybe oil your cuticles so they’re hydrated after the harsh chemicals for like 20 mins or so? Then wash them so the oil doesn’t interfere with the polish.
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I don’t have oil but google suggests aloe vera works for cuticles and nails so I’m going to try using that
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My next door neighbour is a make-up artist for film/TV shoots. I was asking her about skincare around the nail area - what products to use to avoid drying out etc. - and she said “Don’t buy anything special. Just use a few drops of Olive Oil”.
I find that my nails stand up pretty well to housework, gardening etc., and if they do get abraded, it’s easy enough to do a little top-up application now and again. Having said that, there is nothing quite so dispiriting as that moment you glance at the nails you laboured to get perfect a couple of hours ago and seeing that one tiny chip… 
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I have bright mostly primary colours (all different) on my toes and got chatted up… the chat up line was…Wait for it…
“I just adore your smartie toe nails”
Don’t know where he was imagining them going!!!
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I was having a similar conversation with Mrs Chimp about that last night. I’m a big advocate of olive oil. 
My hands always feel amazing after I’ve been making focaccias.
I got a Cuticle Oil from Poundland if anyone is interested in the ingredients?
Isopropyl Myristate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Propylparaben, CI 26100, CI 47000
No idea what any of that is, but there you go. I’d read that some of them contain nail strengtheners too, though that could just be marketing? And I’m not sure if any on that list fit that description?
To be honest i don’t even have that 
since i don’t use much oil at uni and it’s a bit annoying to transport (in case it leaks) i just have 1 of those 1 cal spray bottles. The only reason i have aloe vera is because I’ve got dry sensitive skin that seems to react and itch about everything
I’m wearing a nail strengthener stuff right now - “Nail Envy” from OPI. just a clear glossy thing it is. Am about to order some Mavala ridge filler, too. Would like to try that before I put any more colour on.
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I could do with a practise. I think my ridge filler went on a bit patchy. I gave it an ‘upside roll’, but I think it needed a proper ‘shake & settle’.
I’m quite impressed with the Poundland stuff overall though.
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Ever tried E45? A friend of mine had a skin sensitivity so bad that even Aloe Vera set it off. E45 was pretty much the only stuff she could use.
@PleasureDrone That polish is a beauty! 
Thanks, @Lovehoney_Brenna
Any idea why the post has been locked? I went to make a tiny edit to the text, but it won’t let me. 
I lock all photo uploads, I’ll unlock it now so you can edit it then lock it again after 
Righto - didn’t know that. Thanks!
OK - edit done.
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Yeah i use E45 and stuff like during flare ups (i tend to try to use aloe vera for general moisturising when my skins ok as it absorbs quickly)
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I need a good purple. 'Tis my favourite colour. 
Though this poem was not really written for me, I still like it an awful lot.
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@Ian_Chimp briefly off topic but had to share…
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When they’re approved, I’ve uploaded some photos of my newest attempt. I did my best though they’re messy especially since i didn’t realise how little remover I’d brought with me so ran out (i also kept smudging and smeering bits, i probably would have started over if i could)
I love nail envy, has really helped my nails get stronger. Might paint them later now after reading this thread!
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