Monday Manicure Minute ♡ Fake Nails ft. Matte Top Coat

Let me start this post off by saying: I put on fake nails myself, at home because I genuinely enjoy the process and I like being able to take them off and change them at my leisure. Yes, getting my nails done is wonderful and luxurious, but applying fake nails in the comfort of my own home does not make me cheap. Nor does it make you cheap. I don't want anybody to be deterred from applying their own fake nails in fear of feeling or looking cheap. All it takes is a little time and a good nail file. Now, let's begin!!

Recently I have been in love , no, love is an understatement... I have been obsessed with applying these fake nails recently.

 They cost about $8 and you can find them at your local drug store. (I purchase mine from Target but have also seen them at Wal-Mart and Shoppers Drug Mart). This pack also comes with a nail glue! Bonus! Make sure you check or read the package! (Sometimes they don't have nail glue included and you'll have to buy it separate.) It took me a loooooong time to find a kit that had OVAL nails! Don't get me wrong.. I love me some square nails, but as of late I have been filing my nails oval shape and was THRILLED to find fake nails in the same shape! Plus, aren't oval nails all the craze right now? They're sexy and sophisticated!

 

One of the key things to making your fake nails look good is finding the right size for your nail. It can be a little overwhelming as this kit comes with 100 different nails to chose from; but with a little time, you can find the perfect fit. The problem with DIY fake nails is they can look "cheap", and that typically happens when the nail fits incorrectly. Whether that it be too large or too small. It looks weird and it feels wrong. Take the time to go through the nails and test out each one, for each finger, finding the best fit for your nail. In a kit like this one, it's easy to find the right fit (because there are so many to chose from). I find the easiest way to find the right nail is to simply clear a space, and dump out all of the nails in the container.

Once you have found the nails that fit the corresponding nail/finger, I like to line them up in the order in which they'll be applied. So I line them up pinky nail to thumb nail for my left hand and thumb nail to pinky nail for my right hand.

When I have all of my nails picked out, I then like to prep my fingernails for application. I like to keep my fingernails nice and short (and clean) prior to application (simply because I find it easier and if I keep the fake nails for an extended period of time, my nails underneath don't grow incredibly long). So clip or file your fingernails to the desired shape/length and then buff all of your nails creating a rough surface for the glue and fake nail to stick to (this will allow the glue to stick better and easier--its harder for the glue to stick to a shiny, flat, soft surface, like an un-buffed nail).

Rough, buffed nails

Now you're ready for application! Put the glue on to your actual fingernail, line up the fake nail as best you can (you'll get better with practice) and PRESS on! Hold the fake nail to your fingernail for at least 10 seconds allowing the glue to stick and dry to the fake nail.

It's hard to see, but I like to apply the glue in a "W" pattern (shown here).

Once you have done this to all of your nails on both hands, you're ready to file and shape! You can file them to whichever shape you desire and which ever length feels best to you. Totally personal preference. I like to keep them on the longer side so I typically just file off the little nub at the end and shape them into more of a point (less of a "soft oval")

See the pesky little nubs on the end of each nail? File those off!!

Once you have filed and shaped all of your nails, you're ready to paint! Paint your fake nails in the same way you would your regular nails. This week I am going to be using Nicole by OPI from the Carrie Underwood line in the colour "Carnival Cotton Candy" I am also going to be applying a matte top coat (if you do not want your nails matte, simply top them with a clear, shiny top coat!) This week I will be trying out (for the first time!!!!!!) Nicole by OPI "Matte Top Coat".

Carnival Cotton Candy 

Matte Top Coat

Carnival Cotton Candy has a great formula and is super pigmented! You could definitely achieve full, true colour with two coats! However, I like to do three. The polish dries shiny and streak-free! (Notice sometimes some polish dries and you can see brush strokes? Super annoying.) The matte top coat also was better than I expected! It went on super easy and even and dried quickly! The final product left you with soft, matte-looking nails. I can't wait to try this top coat on other polishes and colours! 

Finished polish WITHOUT matte top coat

Finished polish WITH matte top coat (please excuse that weird reflection/dot on my middle finger... I have no idea what happened???)

These next series of photos were taken the next day, after a full day of wear. I notice the matte is less intense and you're left with slight shine. Of course, you have to take in to consideration I had been washing my hands throughout the day and I'm sure it's hard for the polish to maintain it's matte-ness after being washed, soaped and scrubbed. However! Another coat of the matte polish and your nails are good as new. The slight shine doesn't bother me though so I will most likely leave them as is! 

Polish looks less matte with flash and after continued wear

 

Verdict: I still really love the matte top coat and am not bothered by it's lack of true longevity! I will have to try another brand to see how it holds up!

Have you used a matte top coat? Do you like it? Will you try it?! Until next time!

xo