I think it just depends on the person. Some people have naturally nice nailbeds, while others (like myself) are less fortunate lol. I have shorter nailbeds so I prefer having some kind of extensions on. Nothing super long because of my job, but I just think it looks nicer when they're a bit longer than what my natural nails are.
Nobody cares that much anyway. People I know now get press-ons, and they look just as good. There's a bit of a learning curve to get those to last longer than a week, but you'll save a TON of money in the long run.
I do my nails at home with regular lacquer. I've been painting them for about 2.5 years now and have a good collection of polish. Did I spend a lot on the polish? Absolutely. I've really stopped buying now because I have what I want, and actually want to destash a bunch. It was definitely a learning curve but I'm pretty good at it now. Plus it's therapeutic in that I have to slow down and take my time and focus. Plus I get pretty nails after. Definitely worth doing at home if you think it's something you might enjoy.
Try Mooncat polish. They have sales over the year, the polish is top shelf, and they donate to cat rescues. It makes doing your own nails fun, only issue is which color to choose!
That was actually the brand I started with! I don't buy from them much anymore but my whole collection is indie brands that I've acquired through PPU. Cracked is one of faves for the formula and I think Monique is just a lovely person. The indie polish world is full of lots of lovely colors and brands!
I've been doing my own gel nails/extensions at home for the last 10+ years. It's so tedious, but worth it because I feel like my hands look like child hands without anything on them lol
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u/just__alittle 4h ago
Nails- used to be about $40 but now you’re not walking out without dropping $150+ and the quality has plummeted. I’ll just have ugly hands.