Sunday, November 25, 2012

Mani-Pedi Withdrawal


Warning:  This blog falls into the "Princess" category


From the ripe age of 15 or 16 I have always had my nails done.  Notice I said "had my nails done" NOT "did my nails".  I've always had tiny nail beds and loved the way that fiberglass and solar nails look.  My natural nails will grow, but they grow out at wonky angles and they start curving under on the edges.  Also, I'm pretty bad about breaking a nail and then letting the fact that they're uneven drive me CRAZY.  I've literally broken a nail at the beginning of the day, not had a pair of clippers, and it driven me so bonkers that I trimmed the other 9 nails with a pair of scissors just so they would match lengths.  You may make your jokes about OCD or anal retentiveness now, I have no shame.

Now, I realize that while cruising I am not going to be able to have my nails done and most likely my poor innocent little nails will become less than attractive.  (It's ok little nails, don't cry.)  So I am desperately trying to figure out what to do.  For the past few months I've stopped getting my nails done and been trying "at home" solutions.  "Acrylics" laughed in my face and made jokes about my sculpting skills to "Solars".  **sigh**  Regular Nail Polish, even the good stuff, would chip, crack, and peel within 24 hours IF I managed not to mess them up before they dried.  "Press Ons" - have these ever worked for anyone?  EVER?

So we're left with Gel Nails.  They paint on like polish - sounds easy, right?  You put them under a UV light that "cures" them - and yes, I'm wondering what the AMP draw on that little baby is.  But then it's hardened and stays that way for 2 wks.  No chips, no cracks.  If my nail breaks, it just breaks.  I don't have to worry about fake nails that would rather rip off your entire nail than break.  Sounds like a pretty good deal.  What could go wrong???

So it's question time again.  How do my cruising friends care for their nails?  Have you completely given up or do you have any secret tricks?

P.S.  I did just buy a Pedi Egg for my feet, I think my toenails are at least a battle I can win :)
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2 comments:

  1. AngelaDecember 31, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    Beauty and the boat. Here is what I did during my life on board down island. Hope this helps.
    Fingernails: the boat is no place for long nails. They get caught in lines, winches, anchors,etc and a ripped off nail bed is unattractive and painful. But hope is not entirely lost! Check this out: http://www.seacretspa.com/nail-care-collection?gclid=CNGOrJKMxbQCFSOnPAodKQQA3Q
    This is THE BEST buffing kit ever and your petite nails will be polished to a glass shine.
    Toenails: Did them myself and took a two year stash of my favorite color (OPI Cajun Shrimp) with me. A small kit with polish remover, orange stick,etc is easy to replenish but you need to take your own polish.
    Most all women down there did not do anything to either toes or fingers. I can understand fingers for above mentioned reasons, but is there really any excuse to have tacky toes???
    Makeup: Maybe we chatted before but if not, bareMinerals is a perfect boat solution. Stores well, doesn't spoil with heat, goes on well over sunscreen,etc.
    Good luck!
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  2. Princess AboardJanuary 26, 2013 at 3:15 PM

    Thanks for the info Angela! I agree with the tacky toenail thing. There should be a law against such things ;)

    ReplyDelete

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