How to play
Pick one or the other for each of the questions below, and copy/paste with your answers in the comments. Can’t wait to see your picks! Mine are listed below. ?
Copy and paste
- Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
- Short or long fingernails?
- Base coat or top coat?
- Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon?
- Glitter or cream finish?
- Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone?
- Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers?
- Nude nail polish or dark nail polish?
- Over the top nail art: Y or N?
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
Well, in the dream scenario, if I were really treating myself, I’d get both done, hahaha! And I’d be in a robe, and Keanu Reeves would be feeding me warm chocolate chip cookies…but if I had to pick just one, I’d go with pedicure, since it would last longer.
Short or long fingernails?
Short please! I cannot deal with the sound (or the feel) of my fingertips clack-clack-clacking on a keyboard. Also, I swear the second they get just a touch too long, I start obsessing over cutting my nails. I can’t think about anything else.
Keeping them short is also a practical thing. Nothing gets stuck underneath them when I cook, garden or play outside with Connor, and I don’t have to worry about them breaking.
Base coat or top coat?
Top coat, baby! Essie Gel Couture ALL. DAY. LONG.
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon?
At-home, even before pre-pandemic times, because I’m crazy picky about manicures, they’re easy for me to do at home, and woo-hoo! — I save a little money by doing ’em myself!
Glitter or cream finish?
I do love me some bling, but I’m going with cream since it’s easier to remove.
Cuticles: trim ’em or leave ’em alone?
Leave ’em alone!
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers?
Both have come a loooong way in the last few years, I gotta admit… I’ll go with the nail polish stickers.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish?
It’s fall; let’s do the dark!
Over-the-top nail art: Y or N?
I think it looks really cool and would love to try it at least once, but no for now. No patience for the process. Plus, my kids (plural because one girl child, one lady cat!) would TRASH all that fancy artwork in a hot second, and that would break my heart.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen ?
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure? Pedicure all the way
Short or long fingernails? I like something in between
Base coat or top coat? Top coat makes the biggest difference
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon? At home, I’m too picky to have someone else do them
Glitter or cream finish? Cream
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? Cut ’em
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? Press on nails if I really have to choose one
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? Nude
Over the top nail art: Y or N? N
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure? yes, both. I was going monthly, now it’s more like once a season.
Short or long fingernails? both. Sometimes my nails get brittle. Sometimes they just grow and grow and grow. And I adore it when my nails hit the keyboard!
Base coat or top coat? both
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon? both
Glitter or cream finish? both depending on mood
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? I push them back with a pumice stone.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? I have a nail sticker subscription from Nina Nailed It, who is based in Boston. So probably stickers but there is a place for good faux press-ons.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? Both–sometimes I put dark on the hooves and light on the front paws, sometimes I reverse it.
Over the top nail art: Y or N? Yes!
I’m unreasonably excited to comment on this!
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
– If I’m going big, I’ll go pedi. But alas, with COVID, there are no visits to a nail shop in my future. They are open where I’m at, but I’m too chicken.
Short or long fingernails?
– Short. Luckily, I have long nail beds, so they don’t look too short.
Base coat or top coat?
– Both!. You need both!
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon?
– For manis, I usually do them at home. Pre-COVID, I would get salon gel manicures if I had to travel for work.
Glitter or cream finish?
– Cream because glitter is a disaster to remove.
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone?
– Inbetween? I put a cuticle oil on both my hands and feet when I get out of the shower. If my cuticles are looking ragged, then I’ll push them back with an orange stick, but I almost never cut them. This has been my quarantine routine, and it’s helped my nails become a lot stronger and healthier.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers?
– I just tried some nail polish stickers that a friend sent me. I was actually impressed. I have a kiddo around Connor’s age, so the lack of dry time was a huge plus for me.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish?
– Any and all colors!
Over the top nail art: Y or N?
– Oy. I have to say “no” to this. I’m hard on my nails, so any nail art would probably get ruined within a couple of days, and I’d be depressed about it.
Copy and paste
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure? I try to get a monthly spa pedicure because my big toes are very prone to ingrown nails.
Short or long fingernails? Short, both for aesthetic and practical reasons.
Base coat or top coat? Top coat! I love that shine.
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon? At home.
Glitter or cream finish? I like jelly finishes the most.
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? I know you’re not supposed to cut them, but sometimes I can’t resist.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? Neither. It’s either nail polish or bare nails.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? Light pinks/nudes on my hands, dark or medium reds/berries on my toes.
Over the top nail art: Y or N It’s not for me, but I respect and appreciate the creativity surrounding it.
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
Pedi! Also because I can’t paint my toenails myself.
Short or long fingernails?
Short!
Base coat or top coat?
Both!
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon?
At home, it’s just easier
Glitter or cream finish? Both!!
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? Leave me alone
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? I guess stickers?
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? Dark!
Over the top nail art: Y or N? I’ll take it.
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure? Manicure because I hate having my feet touched. And they always go overboard sanding my callouses.
Short or long fingernails? Short. Mine break painfully if they get even the tiniest bit long.
Base coat or top coat? Top coat mostly. But always a base when wearing dark colors. I hate staining.
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon? At home. Don’t have the patience for a salon. Last time I went the girl over trimmed my cuticles and they were sore for a week. That scared me away for good.
Glitter or cream finish? A fine shimmer. Because I like a good shimmer but I hate removing glitter. Creams chip too quickly on my nails.
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? Leave ’em alone. See my above comment on my last salon visit.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? I must be living under a nail care rock. Did not know either of those existed. Can I find these at my local drugstore?
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? Both. Give me all the colors! Ironically, Dear Husband likes nudes and pinks and/or dark vampy colors. Anything in between (like bright red, coral or fuchsia) he has a hard time with.
Over the top nail art: Y or N? Nope
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
Pedicure for SURE. I can do a great mani on myself, but I have yet to master a pedi.
Short or long fingernails?
Short – I was blessed with long nail beds so they look long when they’re short.
Base coat or top coat?
Top coat all day. I need the shine and protection.
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon?
At-home. I’ve recently gotten into the at-home acrylic dip kits after doing dips at the salon and then going bare nailed for most of COVID. I get pretty good results at home!
Glitter or cream finish?
Cream! It’s a good classic.
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone?
Leave ’em usually. Push ’em and go.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers?
Faux press-ons. I find the stickers highlight my ridges.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish?
Nuuuuudes all day (but shhhhh I’m wearing a dark shimmery graphite grey right now!).
Over the top nail art: Y or N?
YES. I LOVE nail art. I can’t do it myself but I am so down for it. I follow several nail artists on IG purely to look at their work. I love it.
Is the dip hard to remove at home? I’ve only ever had it done once and removed at a salon and it came off way easier than gel. Wasn’t sure if that was a fluke or not.
It takes some patience! I use this method and it wasn’t terrible, but if you do it this way, do it in a well-ventilated area: https://www.dipwell.co/blogs/tutorials/how-to-take-off-dip-nails-at-home-hot-rice-method
If I do “robot fingers” (with foil on my nails LOL) I go one hand at a time. I think a lot of it is in how much you file off the top coat (more is better) but I do think it dissolves way better than gel does. I also tend to wait until my dip is lifting.
Hope that helps!
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure? Pedicure, bending over to paint my toenails isn’t my favorite thing. Lol!
Short or long fingernails? Fingertip length is my go to, I think it flatters my hands the most and it’s not so long that they break.
Base coat or top coat? Base! Makes the polish last longer, my nails are always painted and I always use a base coat. I always use a top coat too, but if I have to choose between the two, base.
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon? At home. Nobody does my nails better than I do my nails. Manicures last longer if I do them.
Glitter or cream finish? Cream, it’s so classy and I don’t like the texture of glitter polish. But holo is my absolute favorite.
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? Leave them alone! And rub Vaseline into them at night before bed.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? Those Color Street strips are nice.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? Dark. Always. Nude isn’t an option for me. Ever.
Over the top nail art: Y or N? It’s fabulous on other people, it is not for me. I’d end up rubbing it off.
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure? Mani because my toes are hiding in boots.
Short or long fingernails? Shorties
Base coat or top coat? Mmmmtop?
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon? A mi casa.
Glitter or cream finish? Eco friendly glitter!
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? Leave em.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? Press on.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? Nooooods. With said glitter.
Over the top nail art: Y or N? Nein
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure? None of both – if I have to: mani.
Short or long fingernails? Long Fingernails, until one splits. 😉 Then I have to shorten all and let them grow again..
Base coat or top coat? Base Coat.
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon? Always at-home.
Glitter or cream finish? Cream!
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? Leave them alone – I use almond oil to care for them after removing the polish.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? None
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? Nude, corally orange or clear red
Over the top nail art: Y or N? Nope
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
Pedicure, so relaxing.
Short or long fingernails?
Short.
Base coat or top coat?
Top coat. I second the Essie Gel Couture, I love that system!
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon?
At-home.
Glitter or cream finish?
Cream.
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone?
Push them back with and orange stick.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers?
Nail polish stickers.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish?
Dark for fall and winter.
Over the top nail art: Y or N?
Yes! I love looking at how creative the techs can be but I’m sure that kind of thing wouldn’t last too long on me!
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
Definitely a pedicure. Manicures last maybe 5 days for me, pedicures last much longer and are harder to do myself.
Short or long fingernails?
Short for my lifestyle, but I love the look of the talon-type nails on other people.
Base coat or top coat?
Both!!! I absolutely never skip either one, and refresh my top coat every few days.
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon?
At home.
Glitter or cream finish?
I really enjoy both. Glitter if I know I’ll be outdoors so I can marvel at the sparkle in the sun, cream if I have the time and patience to do it well.
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone?
I just push them back and keep them oiled, snip only if it’s ragged.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers?
Stickers. Easier to apply and last surprising long. I tried the ones from Scratch and thought they were great.
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish?
I don’t normally wear either, but I guess if pressed to choose I would go with dark. I’ve been eyeing the matte black from the Boy de Chanel collection.
Over the top nail art: Y or N?
Sure, I can’t wear it myself but enjoy it on others.
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
Pedicure all the way! It’s that foot massage, baby!
Short or long fingernails?
Short to medium. I love long nails, but my natural nails are very thin & soft, and break easily. I can only have long-ish nails if I have acrylics.
Base coat or top coat?
I literally can’t choose. I always use both. Always. Don’t make me choose!
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon?
So a million years ago I did a basic nail tech course, so unless I have acrylics I do my own nails. These days I use a builder gel in a bottle to strengthen my nails.
Glitter or cream finish?
Cream. I only rarely use glitters, removing them is a pain.
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone?
I do trim mine (carefully) but I am trained in doing it properly. Only trim the non-living tissue.
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers?
I don’t use either, but if I did it would probably be stickers
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish?
Nudes all day.
Over the top nail art: Y or N?
It’s a no from me dawg. I like pretty classic looks, nail art doesn’t thrill me.
Treat yo’ self! Do you get a fancy-schmancy spa manicure or a pedicure?
pedicure all the way! they last longer and foot spas/massages are the best
Short or long fingernails? short, with a teeny bit of excess since I have teeny, Asian nails to begin with
Base coat or top coat? base coat – given my polish is overly shiny
Regularly scheduled manicure maintenance: at-home or salon? at home! salon maintenance can get pretty costly plus doing it myself is a stress reliever
Glitter or cream finish? cream! I love glitter but removal is a pain
Cuticles: cut ‘em or leave ‘em alone? leave them alone! my mother always had this mindset and it stuck with me
Faux press-on nails or nail polish stickers? polish stickers! press-on nails are too big for my nails 🙁
Nude nail polish or dark nail polish? DARK, even if nude is less messy, no brainer. I still prefer dark nudes / dark jeweled tones
Over the top nail art: Y or N? they’re nice to look at but not for me, so no!