This week’s nails.
Yes, my nail art has been getting progressively more intense of late which surprises me as I’ve never been a fan of traditional nail art. You know the kind, airbrushed palm trees applied by a suburban nail salon – it just isn’t my thing. But my trip to Japan in late ’08 opened my eyes to the wonders of full deco style, Japanese nail art and a whole new level of craziness ensued.
At first I thought I’d be destined to forever look and not touch, or perhaps only get the chance to wear them on a special occasion. Lately, though, all my experimenting has paid off and I can now wear something this OTT without any dramas and they last up to three weeks! Of course, all this be-dazzled fun has lead to numerous stares, smiles and of course questions.
Who does your nails?
I do. I have had some great support and advice though from friends like Violet Le Beaux and her nail adventures ( she makes awesome sets of these for Etsy if you don’t feel up to it yourself), as well as brilliant inspiration from forums like this.
I can’t afford the time or the cost to have them done in a salon every week, so this is the best solution for my lifestyle.
Are they real?
No, they are stick on acrylics. This means that I can make several sets of different styles all at once, like a craft project to wear later.
How long do they stay on?
Generally, with a bit of care, they will last 2-3 weeks. Occasionally one will pop off but I carry glue in my makeup bag for emergency touch ups. The glue I use is “Fingrs” with the red top, they say it is professional strength.
Do they damage your natural nails?
To a degree. Just like applied acrylics or gels, they leave the natural nail softer underneath. It pays to remove them and give them time to breathe between sets to ensure that the nail beds stay healthy.
How do you get them off?
I don’t use any chemicals like acetone to remove them, simply warm water. I soak my hands in a bowl for 10-15 minutes and the water gets in and separates the glue, then I can just peel them straight off! This also means that washing dishes and activities like that should always be done with gloves to extend their life.
How do you do anything with nails like that? I couldn’t possibly do anything!
You’d be surprised just how much I can do. Washing, cleaning, washing dogs, typing, playing with kids, crafting, cooking, threading needles…. just about everything! The only tricky thing is stuff like trying to peel stickers and do up fiddly little buttons. The trick is all in the length you choose which is why for me, I generally choose the short sqaure length and only have long ovals for particular occasions. I do get a few more typos wearing these nails, but nothing too serious.
But what about all the bling, does it stay on?
Pretty much. I may loose a diamante or two in three weeks, but overall they are great. It is all in how well they are applied and how long you let them dry. I apply the decorations with superglue, give everything a finishing lacquer coat and let them dry for at least 24 hours.
Where do you get your ideas?
From that dangerous place called my brain! Seriously, sometimes I know exactly the result I want, other times I start with a colour or mood in mind and spend a few hours in front of the T.V painting one by one as ideas strike.
Are they expensive?
Not at all. A box of 200 nails is available at Priceline for $14.95. I tend to buy $3 polishes with the odd fancy $20 bottle thrown in. Diamantes, pearls etc I get from various craft supply stores, eBay, even the Reject shop. So each set comes out at only a few dollars if that. Pretty great for a three week manicure!
So, that should just about cover it, but if you have any more questions please feel free to ask away in the comments.
If this has inspired you to give it a go, check out these blogs for loads more information, polish reviews and great colour ideas.
I MUST know which glue you use, mine never last that long!
Amy a: I use Fancy Fingers from Priceline with the red lid. About $8 a bottle.
Thankyou from my fingers and I.
I have terrible fine motor skills, so I have been buying mine pre-made from asian import stores (Hot Dollar in Sydney and Canberra, no less – I wish there was one in Melbourne!).
After reading Violet’s and your blog, you have me seriously interested (and seriously inspired) in/about nail art. I think I will be starting off easy with red and white polkadots for my Mr’s 30th Bday this Friday.
Cheers!
~Paige
Even though I would probably never sport decorated nails, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing your creative escapades in nail art!
So, so cool! I’m really grateful for your overview of wearing fake nails. I can’t grow mine to the shape I want (I have stubborn nails! lol), so I’ve been toying with the idea of getting some at the beauty supply store and using those to get the perfect, red 40s nails I’ve always dream of! 
lol. That’s good to know if they’re taken care of, they can last a bit!
? Casey
blog | elegantmusings.com
Those are amazing! I will have to try this. I’ve wanted to try nail art for a while, but they look so fragile. I’m glad to hear they can put up with some wear and tear.
This post is so lovely, full of such great and helpful answers. I have admired your nails and thought about trying my self. Thank you for the links and tips if I ever decide to give it ago, I have all the answers right here!
I would love to paint something really small and detailed on mine and lots of GLITTER!
♥Darla
Your nails are a work of art, just like the rest of you!
Thank you for the link love. I send a million cyber smooches your way.
Great post SKM I want to have a go at these too.
I have naturally long strong nails so I haven’t bothered with false ones since my initial fascination in my late teens when I had a new set or tips every fortnight!
The nail salons loved me but my nails didn’t!
It took my nails almost a full year to recover. Normally they grow lightening fast but I swear they grew back SO slowly
Since these are stick on however it should be simple enough to take them off and re-use them?
Rebecca: In theory yes, but it depends on how much glue you use. If you use a good heavy duty glue for a 2-3 week wear, you can’t really re-use as it leaves to much glue under the nail to have to remove. If you don’t remove it the surface isn’t smooth enough for the adhesive. If you only want them short term (photoshoot, party etc..) you can get good adhesive strips that are very easy to remove and re-use.
I just have to say that I LOVE your blog! I was searching for some retro hairstyles for a worknight but non of the swedish blogs helped very much. But then I found your blog and more than plenty information and help, so thank you
You make it seem so easy that I’m determined to make it work!
They all look lovely. One of these days I’m going to buy some custom nails from the lovely Violet:)
Craft projects for the nails. Hmmm…I will see if I have the patience for this
Dearest SKM
but they’re very handy when time is short and a base colour is already on. Cheer’s B. ~ http://www.konadnail.com.au/index.php?p=1_21
now, i was doing my nails last night with a gorgeous flamenco by Cutex and decided to doll them up with a little cute monkey and kitty stamp from a kit i received for a birthday. Musing to myself about how very different they were your glorious beauties, I wondered if you’d come across these little stamping kits. Now they’re the equivalent of a fat-free diet for you
Belinda: Yes, I’ve seen them around and they have an entire store in George Street Sydney. If I do nail art though I tend to go in for the more 3D OTT style, (as you know), not so much just the picture kind. Basically everthing to excess- except minimalism. It is all about extremes with me at the moment!
and it sure is beautiful to watch
just like today’s outfit (23 Feb) just so femininely lovely.
Wow, this is amazing. I got my nails blinged up in Tokyo and have loved having fancy nails ever since. But as I have acrylic nails which obviously can’t be detached so I rely on fancy nail stickers. I am tempted to start doing my own designs like yours but will need to get the special gel and related equipment to set it which is a bit of a big commitment. But totally worth it, of course
Unfortunantly I’m a nurse – so I could never have nails like this
– but they are really lovely!!!
Hi, thanks for the faq! I have recently been intrested in japanese nail art and was unsure of what supplies in Australia could offer me.
About the box of 200 nails that you get a Priceline. What brand do you get? Do they come in a standard size or do you have to cut them accordingly? Do they come in oval shaps instead of squares? Thanks!
Bec:They apparently used to come in Ovals but I cannot find them anywhere. I’m trying to get onto the supplier and see what can be done about that as I’m tired of refilling the squares! The size I have been using for these deco nails is called “active square” which is a shortish length, but can still be filled to ovals if needed.
If you’re after custom made pairs check out Violet Le Beaux’s store for amazing work. http://violetlebeaux.com/store/
Thanks for the reply. It’s a shame because there a so many square nails around but don’t necessarily suit everyone. Ovals look nice too.
hi just wondering if anyone knows a nail tech place in melb that does this sort of stuff?? done mine once but it took me a good 4 hours in front of the tv…
Hi, I’m going to be going into Nail Deco very very soon. My question is this, What exactly kind of Tools, supplies, chemicals should I use for it? What kind of glue should I use to glue said 3D decorations onto the nail? What kind of glue should I use to apply to the fake nail to put on my natural real nail to keep it on for say 2 weeks? How do I apply the decorations without messing up the Polish base? What kind of fake nails should i buy? Would these do? http://cgi.ebay.com/500-Clear-French-Acrylic-Style-False-Nail-Art-Tips-/200518320470?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eafd2c156 ? What kind of Topcoat should i use as well???
You said up at the top that your nails are nail chips that you stick on, so just out of curiosity, how do you go about making them appear as though they’re coming naturally out of the cuticle. I’ve only got my first pair on (I usually do this to my real nails ‘__’ ) but they look like stick on nails because you can see that they sit higher than my natural nail and though it’s the style in Japan right now (at least where I’m living) to have them like that, it actually really bothers me.
Also, did you happen to buy supplies such as acrylic when you were in Japan? And if so, where did you get it as well as the monomer? I’ve been looking at my local mall and such but haven’t turned anything up yet, and I even went as far as asking the worker at the mall’s nail salon, but I think maybe she misunderstood my question…either way, it ended as a fruitless endeavor.
Thanks for your time in advance!
Meghan: Hmm I’m not sure I know the answer to that. I guess that the brand of stick on’s I buy have a low profile so that they don’t appear higher than the cuticle. Do you have a picture of the problem you can send? I always do a manicure first and make sure the cuticles are in good shape, then make sure I have sized all the nails well before I bother to paint them. It sounds to me like perhaps the type of nail you are using is not the right style for the job….
I didn’t buy any nail supplies while I was in Japan, but I do buy online from all sorts of places. The Nailene brand have been my favourite so far for fit, length and shape.
Hi:3
I was wondering what online shops you go to, to buy all your supplies. Im kind of looking for that Japanese-ish cute decoration, not “generic” looking nail decorations.. Do you know what I mean?
I have found some websites, but most of them do not offer too many options or are all in japanese:[
Jihae: Check out Etsy.com for all kinds of cute supplies and custom made deco.
Very pretty nails! I totally LOVE your pink ring!! Where did you get it?
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