A few little experiments I conducted…

These are kind of random pictures but very important for the scientific advancement of nail art! 🙂

The first is my own gel nails I’ve had on for a few weeks now. I’ve been wondering for a long time if acrylic nail art would adhere to gel polish. I LOVE 3D bows and flowers but don’t want to glue them on because that would be fruitless so I finally figured out I am my best guinea pig and tested my theory…and I am happy to report that acrylic holds VERY well to gel polish. I mean these suckers are not budging. I did file the top layer of my gel polish lightly to rough it up and cleansed it really well with alcohol before I applied the acrylic. On a regular client I would have added a gel top coat over the entire nail after the acrylic had dried completely but on myself I just put a coat of Seche Vite.

These were partly the inspo for my desire to add acrylic 3D art...Queen of Nails is Amazing!

These were partly the inspo for my desire to add acrylic 3D art…Queen of Nails is Amazing!

Here is my little experiment. I used EZ Flow Voodoo Black Acrylic powder. The diamond on the bow did fall off right away...I think I needed to put it on the acrylic right away and I waited too long.

Here is my little experiment. I used EZ Flow Voodoo Black Acrylic powder. The diamond on the bow did fall off right away…I think I needed to put it on the acrylic right away and I waited too long.

Here's a little side by side comparison...ok it's not really a comparison at all..I've got a long ways to go. But not too bad for my first attempt right?!? I ordered some acrylic brushes from Amazon because I am using my size 8 CND brush which is WAY too big...as soon as I get my new brushes I'll make some videos.

Here’s a little side by side comparison…ok it’s not really a comparison at all..I’ve got a long ways to go. But not too bad for my first attempt right?!? I ordered some acrylic brushes from Amazon because I am using my size 8 CND brush which is WAY too big…as soon as I get my new brushes I’ll make some videos.

The next experiment is just my first time using Essie Gel Polish. I loved the application but I’m nervous because someone on Instagram said it didn’t hold up at all. That would be terrible because they have so many gorgeous colors. One complaint I have is the expense of Essie Gel vs. other brands. It’s significantly more expensive but I would not be surprised if the price comes down a little bit over the next few months. OPI dropped their price on GelColor from $17.50 to $14.95 after about a year so I think Essie will realize they are going to need to do a price adjustment to compete, especially if they get the reputation of not being durable.

The color I chose was Pole Dancing because Nicole wanted a purple pink magenta color and the next closest I could find was OPI Miami Beet, which is a great color, but not quite what we wanted. I LOVE the color–it would be so pretty with a pretty magenta glitter over it. And some gold or silver accents. I love it by itself as well though. It’s a great year round color!

This photo is not filtered or retouched at all :) Her nails really are that perfect :)

This photo is not filtered or retouched at all 🙂 Her nails really are that perfect 🙂

I love experimenting with nails. I definitely will break the rules as long as I feel like it’s safe for myself and my clients. One tip I have to new nail techs starting out is don’t be afraid to try new things. If you have an idea, run with it. Be creative. Always. 🙂

I’ve got some fun nails coming up this week so stay tuned!

Tootles–Anna

by Anna