Anime/Manga + Nail Art = Total Awesomeness

[Promethium]

They are hella expensive thou, at about 70-250 for something
that lasts just a 1-2 weeks (for me, maybe a few days because
I'm so clumsy LOL!)

I'm curious, how much is it in the NJ area Promethium?
Do they do the layered up 3-d art?? *__*

One day... one day! I'll have to just try it..

Calgel lasts about 2-4 wks on fingernails 4~6 wks on toes. If it's falling off sooner than that there are a few possibilities.
A) The salon didn't clean your nails properly. They need to remove all the moisture on your nails before starting.
B) The salon didn't remove all your loose cuticles and filing dust. Loose cuticle/filing dust causes the gel to lift up off your nail.
C) The customer washed her hands within 30 min~1hr of doing the Calgel - the moisture absorbed by your nail causes it to lift.
D) The customer's nails are naturally moist/oily.
E) The nailist applied it wrong/sloppy job

It starts at about $40 (one color/no design) in NYC/NJ area and goes waaaay up. For about $60 you can get a 2 color gradation with swarovski crystals/glitter/holograms. They do 3-d art too but you have to dish out the $$$

Hence in the long run, it's cheaper to take a class and do it yourself.

[D123]

Edgewater, NJ and Manhattan are too far away like an hour and half+ but my birthday’s coming up in September maybe my mom and friends would like to treat me I’ll have to ask. Is there anything for home users/beginners? Definitely would like to give them a try!

Would be a fabulous b-day gift! But when it's time to take it off you need the soak-off liquid (don't rip them off your nails!) Maybe if you explain you live far away they'll give you some and show you how to take it off at home (bring a small airtight jar to put the liquid in).

Yes, there is a beginners kit! You have to take a 20 hour class to be able to buy it tho cuz you need to learn how to use it. You don't have to be a licensed nailist tho which is the good part. Maybe there's a salon in your area that does classes?

Here's the US distributor's website.
http://www.calgelamerica.com/

I used to get Calgel all the time at a salon but it gets expensive quick! $$$ Hence I took the class and bought the kit. Now I do it at home and it's way more economical! Plus it's fun to do it yourself too.

Ok will be looking into Thank you Promethium!

[Shampoo]

Calgel lasts about 2-4 wks on fingernails 4~6 wks on toes. If it's falling off sooner than that there are a few possibilities.
A) The salon didn't clean your nails properly. They need to remove all the moisture on your nails before starting.
B) The salon didn't remove all your loose cuticles and filing dust. Loose cuticle/filing dust causes the gel to lift up off your nail.
C) The customer washed her hands within 30 min~1hr of doing the Calgel - the moisture absorbed by your nail causes it to lift.
D) The customer's nails are naturally moist/oily.
E) The nailist applied it wrong/sloppy job

It starts at about $40 (one color/no design) in NYC/NJ area and goes waaaay up. For about $60 you can get a 2 color gradation with swarovski crystals/glitter/holograms. They do 3-d art too but you have to dish out the $$$

Hence in the long run, it's cheaper to take a class and do it yourself.

Good to know that calgel lasts longer than 1-2 weeks!
I guess my friends or the salons they go to are probably doing one
of the above, though a particular friend I'm willing to bet is washing
her hands sooner than they are suppose to considering she claims
to be a hand-sanitizer junkie lol!

Wow those are really good prices in NJ/NYC! *O*

California is a bit more expensive from what I've been told, and
depending on where in Japan, can be absolutely ludicrous. >_<;;
Ahhh yea I looove the 3-d art ones but when I tried to get them done I was quoted at
18000yen so I passed. I kinda regret not indulging myself for that one time
considering I don't get chances to go to any salon that does this type of nail art.

Your smart to take the course and do them at home!
Do you have any pictures of nail art you've done or had done in the past??
I'd love to see them!

[D123]

Do you have any pictures of nail art you've done or had done in the past??
I'd love to see them!

Me too!!!

[Promethium]

Shampoo: Ah, sorry! I meant 30min~1hr BEFORE After is okay to get wet. I forgot to mention this but if your friend has her hands wet constantly, like a hairdresser or like a synchronized swimmer (you get the idea ) then it'll fall off sooner, too.

If you go to the nail salon regularly, getting calgel nails ends up being cheaper because they last longer (and doesn't chip)
(i feel like I'm starting to sound like an infomercial )

Getting Calgel in japan is like wallet suicide (worth every yen tho!) well, cel collecting is too but we all have our vices, right?
I once got a Calgel mani/pedi with art in Nishi-shinjuku for 8000yen which wasn't so bad and my nails looked hella fierce!

D123 & Shampoo:

I'm embarrassed to show you mine after showing you those insane anime ones!

I don't have many pictures but here you go. Hope you guys like. (hides under desk)
http://s1176.photobucket.com/albums/x32 ... =slideshow

[D123]

They look good I really like the flowers

[Promethium]

They look good I really like the flowers

Thanks! That one turned out really elegant. I'm going to do a poinsettia version for Xmas!

[Shampoo]

Sweeeeet!! *O*

Thanks for showing us (and absolutely no need for embarrassment
your skills are badass!!) I love your gradients w/ the glitter!

How do you get it to gradate so smoothly from one color to the
next?? Is it all in the layering or brush tool?
Eeee the bunny is so cute! I love that you put little bow rhinestone
on its ears lol!!

[Promethium]

Thanks! Glad you like

That one is a 3 color gradation: Clear base/ light teal glitter mixed with clear Calgel / dark blue glitter mixed with clear Calgel

I use only Calgel so I don't know if this technique is going to work with nail polish but maybe worth a try?

1) Paint clear base
2) Dab, not paint, 2/3 of your nail with light glitter - cure it under UV light (by curing it in between, the clear calgel hardens and keeps the glitter in place - I guess with polish wait for it to get semi-dry/dry)
3) Dab 1/2 of your nail with light glitter - cure it
4) Dab 1/3 of your nail with light glitter - cure it

This way the glitter layer builds up at the top end of your nail which makes it darker than the bottom half - and avoids getting the the coat from getting thick.

5) Dab 1/2 ish of your nail with dark glitter - cure it
6) Dab 1/3 of your nail with dark glitter - cure it

I guess dab until your liking.

7) Once you finish dabbing (put holograms/rhinestones on now), the glitter layers are bumpy/rough so seal it with a layer of clear Calgel to smooth it out - cure it

Hope I made sense!

....and my cat just kicked me out of my Aeron chair.... and I'm now sitting on a step stool with with a pillow on it... ＿|￣|◯

[sugarcels]

I wish I was brave enough and creative enough to wear nails like that Lovely art!

[Promethium]

I wish I was brave enough and creative enough to wear nails like that Lovely art!

Sure you are!

It's also a wonderful distraction during boring company meetings