For whatever reason my pinky and ring finger nails have a very distinct C shape to them, and as they grow, slightly flare out a bit. But my other 3 nails are rather flat surfaced. The weirdest one that I find the most annoying when I want to grow my natural nails out, is my middle finger. It's the only one that grows like this, and it's the same on both hands. One side of the cuticle stays pretty straight and has I guess a stronger skin wall(????) like you see on C shaped nails, but then the other side of the same nail, looks like the cuticle is shorter, and the "wall" is not really there, kind of flat like how flat nail beds look, leading to the nail wanting to flare out like a fan when it grows out. It's very frustrating when I want to try and shape my nails to all be one uniform style, specifically square shaped nails. I try to straighten out the side of the nail that flares out, so it's straight like the other side, but it never looks right because the way it grows is so wide. I tried to show what I'm talking about in the pictures, tho I will say I did file and shape my nails so the way they look in these pics is not how it naturally looks grown out.

I want to start doing my own nails at home, but I have no idea which products are actually worth buying.

For those of you who do your own gel nails, what brands do you use for your gel polish, base coat, top coat and UV/LED lamp? Do you have any favourite beginner-friendly brands that actually last and don’t chip after a few days?

Also, where do you usually buy your products in Europe? I’d love some specific product recommendations rather than just the usual Amazon starter kits 💅🏼

I’m wanting to learn how to apply beetles gel X Tips both because I like picking up new hobbies but also for my mom since she’s a minimalist and definitely shouldn’t have to pay what she does for the little she gets done because I pay the same for what I get done and she gets nubs for nails.

I’m mostly looking for advice on nail prep to ensure they actually last and I’m trying out solid glue instead of diva glue since I hear the strength and bond is a bit better, also if I do want to try a soft gel over top I’d love advice because I definitely hated polygel:(

A glitter gradient using Starrily "Zyler the Cat" (pretty sure that one was discontinued several years ago, and that Holo Taco has a new version of it), over OPI "Lincoln Park After Dark".

In this case, I painted some plain white press-ons (Depend Fashion Size medium square) with it, as I don't currently have much length to my natural nails.

I am not used to press-ons, so they're not perfectly applied, unfortunately, but I tried. I have wide nail beds, so I've struggled finding press-ons that actually fit on my thumbs. They're not looking that natural, but they're ok.

Would it be better to apply first, then paint with them already on? Does that make a difference? It's easier to do nail art (especially the detailed kind) with them not applied. 🤔

Been painting my nails for fun for a while now, wanted to show off my progress:)

I tried something new and I think it washed out my skin tone and draws attention to the nails instead of blending into me. I want to know what professionals/others think.

I’m brand new to getting my nails done after picking/destroying mine for years.

The first set (brown with extensions) was way too long for me after two weeks of grow out. I just had them filled and shortened by a different nail tech and I REALLY love them because they feel more natural.

But are they well done?🤣. I’m so new to these I still don’t know what to look for. Hoping to get 3 weeks between fills at this length.

I think this all the times I ever got my nails done

best set of press ons i’ve ever worn omllllll 😩 im only ever buying from this shop ever again !!! i have 2 other pairs and i am so excited to keep wearing these eek!

So yesterday I sliced the tip of my almond off while chopping an onion 🥹
Should I make the others this same squoval shape OR just file them all into a shorter almonds.

UPDATE: Was able to save the almond and shortened the others a bit. Thank you all for your input! (Photo in comments)

obsessed with this lil photo shoot we did for my new fall nails

Nail tech absolutely ate down on this set for my lobster themed birthday party 🦞🦞🦞

Added the other two, which is your fave spooky set of 2026? 🤩

The colour is Elixir Garnet Glow from Luxorise.

My favorite time of year! 🎃👻🕸

It’s called “Christmas Cherry” funnily enough, but it’s the perfect vampy color! Felt like kismet 🧛🏻‍♀️☺️

I had to share my Halloween nails with you guys because they are not getting enough appreciation in real life and my friend/nail tech but her whole soul into this set 👌🏼💋