In addition to my internship, I’ve started a part-time job at Tory Burch. Now, if you know me, you know that I am a nail polish junkie – changing up my colour every week, you will almost never see my nails plain. I also have a basket full of nail polish to last a couple lifetimes (last year I had to put myself on a ban from buying any new nail polish). So when I was told that Tory is all about the natural, clean look – meaning only natural colours on the nails, I died a little inside. No more are the days of bright, cheery red nails or pretty mint green pastels and so begins my search for the superior permanent manicure.
I was always against the permanent manicure because I don’t like to be stuck with one colour on my nails for too long. But now this is exactly what I need – the perfect french manicure all the time! So here we go:
CND Shellac – looks like a nail polish and goes on like a nail polish but sets with a UV lamp so it dries instantly and lasts up to 3 weeks.
Bio Sculpture Gel – goes on from a pot with a paint brush and sets with a UV lamp but has a thicker consistency so it can be used to “sculpture” and build up and add length to the nail and can last up to 2-4 weeks.
The Main Difference: Bio Gel is a nail treatment with vitamins to promote healthy nails and growth, while Shellac is strictly a permanent polish.
What I Want in a Permanent Manicure:
I’ve always loved the look of fake acrylic nails. So perfect, square and shiny. With Bio Gels I (think) I would be able to achieve this square, fake nails look but Shellac doesn’t have this “buildable” ability. But the most important thing for me is to have a perfect french manicure for an extended period of time, not having to worry about chipping.
What I’m Nervous About:
I think compared to others, my nails grow pretty quickly, so I’m not so much worried about chipping as I am with regrowth. Bio Gels are claimed to last as long as 6 weeks but this doesn’t benefit me because there is no way I could go 6 weeks without cutting my nails or going crazy looking at the regrowth so this difference doesn’t make the Bio Gels stand out for me. I also read that Shellac can be a bit damaging when you have it removed, while Bio Gels actually benefit the nail because it is indeed a conditioning treatment. I don’t typically have weak or brittle nails but I wouldn’t want to ruin them and have to go through a long rebounding period.
The Least Unfriendly Option for my Wallet?
So should I go with the more expensive upfront cost of around $60 for the Bio Gels and get them redone every 3 weeks or so for $30 or go with the $35 Shellac manicure every 2 weeks? Decisions, decisions.
The Flare Diaries 