Gel Color Manicure

Being an avid crafter is not always easy on my hands.  My nails seem to suffer quite a bit.  I use to pay for manicures but got frustrated when they would scratch or chip a few days in.  Then I started painting my nails on my own... same problem.  While acrylic or silk tips lasted a little longer I don't like the damage they do to your natural nail. I know total girl problem right?!? Honestly while I am not super girly I do like to have my nails done.

I had pretty much given up on pretty nails until my mom suggested I try the color gel manicures.  She also works with her hands as a professional decorator.  If her manicure could stand up to the wear and tear of the wire in artificial trees and wreaths then this just might be the solution I was looking for.  I got my first gel color manicure three weeks ago.  The manicure consists of a clear gel layer, and then 2-3 layers of the colored gel polish, followed by a final top coat.  Between each layer you place your hand in a dryer.  While this may take a little more time than a regular manicure but when you leave it is dried and ready to go.

It is three weeks since I got the manicure and it still looks amazing (minus where my nail has grown out).  While the recommended time is a new polish every two weeks, I wanted to really put this manicure to the test before blogging about it.  It has withstood crochet needles, sandpaper and paint from the lawn ornament project, and even dishes.