Totally foo-foo fashion question for the ladies...

[afaulkner]

I used to do gel nails. I liked the fact that that I never had to wear a color. In the summer I wear tropical colors but not loud colors. I usually get my nails and toes the same colors, then have a design ( like flowers painted on the ring fingers and the big toes to match. Looks very nice and never to busy.

enchantment 10/2
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;10;2;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[barbarajoy]

Woo! I never knew there were so many choices for decorating our nails! They all sound so fun and festive for cruising! I used to have a standing appointment for a manicure each week when I was working. Now, with toddler twins, I don't make it to the shop too often...

Question for you nail mavens: I have real fingernails, and get manicures for vacations and special occasions. Is sunscreen going to ruin my polish too? I have not noticed this before - is it just certain nail polish and/or sunscreen brands?

thanks for your advice!
Barbara

[winncove]

I would like info on this also. My daughter & I both have acryllic, done in diff. shops. She has square cut French & I have oval polished. Hers were messed up by sunscreen or tanning lotion [used both on herself & 2 kids] and mine were not hurt using off brand Wal-Mart sunscreen. What is it exactly that causes damage or is it the nail finish? Was thinking of American finish for cruise but seems to be mixed review on yellowing.???TIA

8/29 Mariner
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;8;29;12;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[famcruiser]

My french manicure (I have acrylic nails) yellowed. But, to be honest, I don't know if it was the sunscreen, sun, or saltwater. There may be a special topcoat (with UV protection) that will help with this problem. I'll ask my nail tech the next time I see her (next Friday), then I'll post what she says if anyone is still interested.
Carole

[njreindeer]

Thank you all sooo much for the ideas and advice, and for explaining what gel nails are. I definitely think I'm going with a color that's new and bright and cheery, with a coordinating color on my toes and maybe an airbrushed flower design on one big toe (mentioned that to my hubby who thought it would be absolutely adorable).

famcruiser, I'll be interested to hear what your nail tech says about a special topcoat for sunscreen and saltwater. Being in South Jersey, in the summer we're always down the shore.

Thanks again ladies! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Time 'til Mariner on 8/29/04 -- our first cruise!
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;8;29;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[garnetjanet]

joyceyw,
Just ask at your usual nail place. Mine does gel, but they are not pushy, so didn't tell me anything about them (since they cost more) until I inquired. I have been getting the gel ones now for about 6 months and LOVE them.

Also, they told me the acrylics for toes are usually used on a problem toe or two (not the whole foot) primarily because of poorly shaped/formed nails or one that may be much smaller than the other nails on the feet.

Janet
Monarch 11/01
Rhapsody 8/03
Golden Princess 12/03
[img]http://gifs.net/animate/plamtree.gif[/img] [img]http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Transportation/Sea_related/Yacht.gif[/img]
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&s=927093444&a=tpc&m=526109441&f=1683059817"]Mariner August 15th Roll Call-Click Here[/url]
Our "Win-A-Cruise Bingo" Cruise on the Mariner 8/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;8;15;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[m&m1]

Okay - I do get french or American on rounded nails. I love the look!

As for color choices - yes, oranges are hot this year, but I too would say stick with french on your fingers (or the french look but colored tips) and go wild on your toes. Just make sure that whatever you get matches all your outfits. You wouldn't want orange toes peeking out of your red formal or something.

Cruise addict in the making

MOS June 6, 2004

[Kimarie]

Does your nail color stay on the length of the cruise if you don't have acrylic or gel nails? Also, is OPI the best for staying on?

Kim

[Melissa_A]

Littlegoo75, you should try the "American Pedicure" for your toes. I usually get it but didn't think i could the last time because my toe nails were all cut down. she assured me it would look good....and it did. unlike manicures, you don't need any length on your toes for it to work.

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;9;18;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
...until Alaska, Radiance Of The Seas

[Littlegoo75]

Yeah, I'm going in tomorrow for a new set and an American Manicure, as well as a pedicure - maybe I will try it. Just don't count on me getting tips on my feet!
Yeah, I was thinking about that, maybe somebody would get the acrylic for shaping on the toes rather than length, but I did see that lady in Florida with the long toe-nails - it was so yucky. I don't see how you could ever wear any type of shoe with a closed toe! To each their own I guess!

??????????? November 2004
Carnival Pride 4/27/02
Sitmar Fairsea 4/ 1983 ( I was just a little kid!!)

[famcruiser]

Hey, njreindeer,
I saw my nail tech this morning and this is what she said: There's really nothing to protect a french manicure from sunscreen (except maybe using rubber gloves to apply it). And, with color, the sunscreen will dull the color and may even make it tacky (as in sticky). But, I've never had a problem with sunscreen on a color (but, I, also, don't rub it into my hands). She doesn't do gels, so she couldn't help there. That sounds like the way to go, though.
Hey, Kimarie,
I've never had any luck with nail color staying on for a week, until I got acrylics (13 years ago). And, as far as OPI being the best, I don't know, but it's what my nail tech has always used. With the acrylics, my nails look fresh and shiny for at least a week. And, if I want them to look like that the second week, I just put another clear topcoat on after filing the tips where , maybe, some of the color has worn off.
I hope everyone enjoys the summer!
Carole

[igloo42]

Hi Everyone - the info on this thread is great! Question though - has anyone who has had the "gel" manicure had to take them off (similar to taking off silk wraps) I missed my appt for a couple of weeks and the gel was just not working anymore and taking them off was not fun (manual not soak off like wraps)?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Essie Pink Diamond is a great shiny pink color new for this season for those into the bold color look.

Thanks!:o

[ROMPAR98]

I love having my nails done! Usually I am pretty sedate but there are some great ideas out there. I got these from nailsmag.com


[img]http://www.nailsmag.com/images/art/na_803_d.gif[/img] [img]http://www.nailsmag.com/images/art/na_502_d.gif[/img] [img]http://www.nailsmag.com/images/art/na_903_d.gif[/img] [img]http://www.nailsmag.com/images/art/na_503_d.gif[/img]

[ROMPAR98]

...and some of the new colors out...


[img]http://www.opi.com/images/Summer04/tangerine.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.opi.com/images/Summer04/pink.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.opi.com/images/Summer04/lilac.jpg[/img]

[njreindeer]

famcruiser, thanks for the info. I definitely think that I'll stay away from the French for the cruise, HAVE to have something more colorful! And I love the idea of something cute - like a flower - on one big toenail. But

Re: acrylic nails, the place where I get my nails done must have the strongest acrylic powder & glue in the world. A few months ago I waited too long for a refill and wound up taking the nails off at home myself. Mistake! I don't know what they use to take them off in the shop but it must be industrial-strength. I couldn't wait to get a new set after that because my own nails were beyond repair. Honestly -- their nails are so strong that I once caught my pinky-nail in a closet door and the acrylic nails didn't break off - my ENTIRE NAIL came off! Completely disgusting visual, I know, but that's how strong these things are. But I guess I'd rather have them strong than breaking every week.

ROMPAR98, thanks for posting the new OPI colors. I love that tangerine-y one. Very Caribbean! :)