I researched countless videos on YT, product websites and other blogs to try to find a clear cut explanation of what you need to do acrylic nails at home. Alas, I never came across something so simple.
So here's my explanation! :) I'm not a professional by any means, so this is just what my research has taught me. Also, the brands I've purchased from are ones that I've discovered are good quality brands. I don't want to waste my money buying crap - I'm sure you don't either!
All prices are from the time I bought them (probably the middle of February 2011). I have a Beauty Club Card which gives me a discount. The prices listed (USD) are the discounted ones.
This will strip the natural oils and moisture off your nails to help the artificial nails apply and stick on better.
Also helps prepare the nail for the adhesion of artificial nails.
These two products are similar, but I'll explain how I used them later.
You need to wet your brush with this liquid (the smelly stuff that stinks like a nail salon) and put it in the powder in order to turn the powder to the hard set acrylic. Make sense? I hope so!
This is the actual acrylic powder. I got "clear" colored powder for a cost effective way of showing y'all how to do french tips, but this can come in MANY colors.
Again, you can get clear colored tips, or different smile lines, etc. But I got these to do cost effective french tips. :) These tips come with ASP nail glue. Sweet!
Acrylic liquid and powder requires a brush. My old one was getting crusty so I opted for a new one! :)
The 100 side is kind of useless for acrylics, so I would recommend getting a courser file. You definitely need at least a 180 grit.
This kit isn't necessary, but I got a great deal on it! I think it's closer to $30 regularly! So I snatched it up. I figured I'd show yall anyway as I will be posting different nail looks done with this! :)
From Wal-Mart, I bought:
Anyway, that's my haul! Expect a post about the nails soon!
SIDE NOTE: I have a professional nail drill to help me do my acrylics at home. I got it for Christmas one year, so that made this less costly for me. The drill is also sold at Sally's. More on that when I actually show you the french tip nails! :)
