DOING MY OWN NAILS w/ESSIE GEL COUTURE [LIVE] & Q&A

[@TheSalonLife]

Which shade do you like the most? Combo I used: amzn.to/2QEJ06T Dress is More bit.ly/3dEg1sA Sheer Fantasy bit.ly/32PLEJw amzn.to/3tXLEDf Gossamer Garments bit.ly/3gKwehU Inside Scoop bit.ly/2Qt1es5 amzn.to/3gKrhW4 Top Coat bit.ly/32PM0jk amzn.to/3viJCO6

[@Jisparks]

What sets your channel apart from all the rest is your knowledge and skill. And you!! You just have a lovely, peaceful vibe. Wish i could come to Oakville to get a mani, when Ontario opens up! Stay safe.

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you kindly! I’m so happy to hear that people are benefiting from my work :))

[@moaomn]

You’re so eloquent and well spoken I really appreciate the way you speak about nail aesthetics in a serious tone despite it being a rather vain matter, I feel like most nail technicians on yt belittle their work like oh silly me talking about nail polish it’s seriously awesome that you don’t

[@moaomn]

Maybe that sounded backhanded I just meant that, besides the technical and medical side of it which clearly requires knowledge and skill, I often find that nail aesthetics gets laughed at but it’s a completely valid art form and interest it’s nice to see someone taking pride in it

[@TheSalonLife]

Wow, thank you kindly! This means so much to me because English is my second language (well, third really 😉), I really appreciate it :) Maybe for many people this is a side job or a hobby but for me it’s my full time job and my life passion really. I’m glad it comes through my videos

[@birdlovespaint]

I love your vibe with the natural nails, learned so much here thank you. And yes would love to see anything you like or suggest ❤

[@TheSalonLife]

You are very welcome! Thank you for your comment :))

[@germainelo3369]

Hello Anna, thank you for your in-depth reviews and an authentic showcase of your nails. I believe nail painting should be therapeutic and a very personal experience. You are courageous in speaking out about the negativity you experienced. I believe people will understand and appreciate your efforts in the long run. Thank you for what you do :)

[@leahchase3699]

Anna, I just watched this one, and I absolutely adore hearing your thoughts like this! Please do some more where you’re just chatting with us and sharing your real thoughts. I like the ones you do with Mr. Salon Life, too, but these feel a bit more intimate and special. And, as always, thank you for all that you do for us! ❤

[@asboukcomfortable1670]

I bought a load of Essie basecoat, topcoats and polishes! Very good strong " Here Stay" basecoat, grippy adhesive and strengthened my long bendy nails! Only thing is my French manicure smudged too easily! The No Chips" topcoat and "Second Shine " Shine topcoat are good but dulled too quickly! The 5ml "Blanc" white Essie polish smudged immediately, it was all crumbly! The Matte Cashmere polish "Skip" easily the best matte Essie polish it was plump and a nice matte! Seche Vite Quick Dry topcoat is very shiny but shrinks! Best do your research! UK 🇬🇧

[@karincooks]

I can’t believe after all this time of following you and watching your Monday lives I’m just now finding this incredible video. This is soooo informative.

[@user-bv3gs4ln6e]

i love the sheer swatches since i'm looking for a perfect sheer for when bright colorful nails aren't as appropriate edit to say that i love how approachable your content is and that while you are clearly a professional and phenomenal in your work, you explain things in a way that make me better at doing my nails at home

[@lunamanee1236]

I can’t believe I missed this last night! Watching it now! Please do a nail treatment video! I have super dry hands and extremely thin nails 😭

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Luna! Currently testing different products so I can talk from experience :)

[@MrRogersTrolley]

I'm really enjoying your content. It's very real but also good quality. I think a lot of other content is focusing more so on styling the videos in a trendy way vs the actual content. I just picked up some Essie Couture polish and top coat last night and came here to learn how to apply this. Was so happy to see you covered this polish. Thanks!

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you so much for your awesome comment! This is exactly what I’m trying to achieve. Real life nails and situations and how to work with nails in a simple way. I think you will enjoy Essie Gel Couture! What color did you pick up? Make sure you shake up the top coat well. I think it settles a bit after not being used. If you ever post your nails on IG please tag me:) @thesalonlife.ca

[@MrRogersTrolley]

@@TheSalonLife I got the color,Last Nightie. Thank you for the tip on the top coat!

[@isapacheco1007]

I really enjoyed the format of this video and the honesty of your words, you create an awesome and educational content, I hope it continues in the future :) Let us know where are you going to give classes, I hope in Switzerland or near countrys, I would love to attend!

[@maryselstead7554]

I love the natural nail demonstrations!

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you so much Mary!! Glad it's helpful :)) ❤️

[@jamieb4904]

I find it so relaxing to watch your videos… Thank you for sharing! I do NOT understand why some people make such rude comments on anyone’s videos… it’s very unnecessary in my opinion.

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you kindly!

[@Karen-qr4bi]

Love these videos! Your knowledge is so appreciated!

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you so much Karen! 💕

[@abigailh7715]

Loved watching this! You're very informative plus ASMR soothing 🥰

[@TheSalonLife]

Oh thank you!

[@maryselstead7554]

As an ESL instructor, I have to say, your English is excellent! I always tell my students that communicating what you want to say is the goal - it doesn’t have to be perfect. We native English speakers use incorrect grammar and spelling all the time! ❤️

[@TheSalonLife]

Wow, thank you! That means a lot coming from a teacher :) ❤️

[@carlypalmer92]

Beautiful nails Anna! I love your channel and how much you enjoy working with natural nails. I’ve been using CND shellac for some time as I find the application so easy and forgiving but your videos have inspired me to try polish again! Even if I need to practice my application haha. Thank you! 😊 xx

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you Carly!! 💕

[@youngjuanderson1049]

I love Essie gel couture polishes but takes ages to dry. Tryng to find thin, opaque, fast drying polishes that aren't overpriced is hard. Based on your recommendation Anne I'd like to get Dazzle Dry. It is stocked in Australia but they're so expensive. Despite mixed reviews, Olive and June have been the best for everything but it is pricey. O&J polihses have been by far the most long lasting manis.

[@TheSalonLife]

Dazzle Dry is the fastest drying for sure. My clients are able to put their shoes on after 5-10 min. I have never used O&J but I've heard mixed reviews.

[@abigailh7715]

Haha "only a true nail polish addict will get excited over swatching basically clear polishes" #Fact! Your hands are so pretty and sheer polish are so elegant and short nails are so chic! I'm admiring your long nail bed' on your ring fingers! It's funny that is usual for most women but mine are tiny! Hence I have to grow that one longer to try to match the others because I have short fingers too! But love short nails! Help! I love your slight accent. Are you Latina? 😘

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you so much Abigail :)) I wish all my nails were like my ring finger... :) Actually when I wear opaque polish I file that one shorter (so I have zero free edge) so they match more

[@samsongozyan7537]

Great video. Thanks for sharing the @essie gel couture shades.

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you Samson!

[@germainelo3369]

Do you think having the same brand for topcoats and base coats affects the manicure result? If so, which brands in particular, from your experience, go well together as a set?

[@conniemckinley7428]

My kids actually got me a coffee mug that says, "It is what it is", cause I say that all the time! Like you said, ignore those negatives! Your videos are my fav!❤️ Keep it real, girl!😁

[@Lisanow85]

I love essie gel couture but I find that each layer of polish is noticeable, especially the day after I paint my nails. Meaning I can see the edge of the coat of polish, especially if my application wasn’t perfect with lighter colors. Or could this be from the top coat? Not sure if you have ever noticed this with these polishes...

[@TheSalonLife]

Yes, I think it's the top coat when it shrinks.... I have had that happen. It happens especially when the top coat is thicker/older

[@jennmit66]

Really enjoying your "real life" videos! Yes! Thank you for showing practical, useful techniques. I truly appreciate it! I look forward to the "watch me work" videos and the swatches! One question: I purchased the Mavala Scientific nail hardener after watching your video, am wondering if there's any benefit to applying it on top of polish, like mid week after a manicure?

[@TheSalonLife]

Thank you Jenn! You have to use Mavala on the naked nail. It has to make a contact with the natural nail. I have watch me work videos on Patreon www.patreon.com/thesalonlife

[@liyaolynxu7204]

Sheer fantasy is my fav❤️

[@carlypalmer92]

Hey Anna, how long do you usually wait between coats? I put a coat of sheer gel couture on my nails and it looks great (and feels dry) but the moment I put the second coat on, I get streaks (almost as if the 2nd coat has acetone in it and pulls the first coat away). I've also found the same with the top coat, perhaps I'm not waiting long enough between coats. My coats aren't thick! Could it be the formula or more likely an application issue? Thanks so much, love you both - your videos always make me smile! :-)

[@TheSalonLife]

Usually couple of minutes between the coats on clients. If you are doing it at home maybe 5 min? I think you are putting too much pressure on your brush. You have to glide the second coat and the top coat. Otherwise you will get streaks or bald spots.

[@susisommerkind]

Hi Anna, thank you for your informative video 😃 I really like the colour variety of Essie. I often have difficulties with the application... either the nail polish is rather thick and doesn't apply well. Or the top coat leaves bubbles or doesn't dry. Thanks to your videos, I've already been able to improve a lot of things 🥰 Somehow it doesn't work out so well with Essie and me 😉 Are there perhaps also different manufactures (based on the destination of the country)?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Susi! I’m not away of different batches made in different countries. My bottles of Essie Gel Couture say that they are made in Spain. Where are you located?

[@tammyjohnston6545]

I put gloves on when I do the dishes and house cleaning...when i take them off do I put cuticle oil on them after I take them off .

[@TheSalonLife]

Yes, I also sometimes put oil on my nails before I put the gloves on and then I do dishes in hot water. Hot oil treatment :)))

[@tammyjohnston6545]

Thank u so much ..😍

[@lisamccullum7584]

I sat down for my weekly mani and was looking for something about an hour... how did I miss this 3 weeks ago?!

[@karinefrommontreal]

Great tutorial Im buying some items to have better manucures. Question: Which solar spray are you using: the CDN? Because its the only one I see on Amazon and its not mentionned in your description with products. Regards😘

[@TheSalonLife]

So sorry, yes, it's CND Solar Speed Spray :)

[@conniemcleod8279]

Where do you find the makeup remover pads/gauze pads? Looked below but didn’t stand out...

[@TheSalonLife]

Here is the make up remover pads. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYi2h5uGebVqp9k The round ones work too. I just cut them into 4 quarters. The gauze I get from my pro supplier in Canada. I will look for the website etc on the package later on today.

[@conniemcleod8279]

@@TheSalonLife Thank You

[@ELIZABETHTORRES-em3kx]

Can you do nail treatments videos ?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Elizabeth! Yes, trying them out and testing right now :) What kind of nails do you have? Hard and brittle or soft, bendy and peeling?

[@ELIZABETHTORRES-em3kx]

@@TheSalonLife hi. I have peeling, soft

[@ELIZABETHTORRES-em3kx]

@@TheSalonLife also the bases coats. Bc some of them can even peel your nail more.

[@jillvigil4484]

How do you figure out the best shape of nail for your hand?

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Jill! With clients it's personal preference. I do what they ask me. With me I try slightly different shapes and see what I like the most. I like to follow the shape of the nail bed usually. The most natural, and the strongest shape :)

[@jillvigil4484]

@@TheSalonLife Thank for responding! I will experiment and see what I can do with different shapes. I have been watching your videos on cuticle care and following your tips (oil soak, Kersal, CeraVe, oil after washing) and have seen a dramatic improvement in just one week! I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge. :-)

[@lolitamorris2943]

Love ❤️ love this channel, new here !!!

[@TheSalonLife]

Hi Lolita! Welcome!! 💕 🤗

[@theresaevans9278]

I love Essie couture but it makes my nails peel so bad for months after I take it off. Actually all polish does this to me. Why? Has this happened to anyone else? Please do a video on nail treatments.

[@TheSalonLife]

Yes, I believe that polish can cause this. It just bonds too tightly to the nail and it pulls the layers of the nail off. Do you ever buff the nails? Do you use oil? Are your nails flexible/bendy or hard/brittle? I find that Dazzle Dry causes the least amount of damage. I only have 2 clients who's nails are affected by DD. The rest now all have smooth perfect nails, even toenails after 2 years of wearing DD non stop on toes.

[@theresaevans9278]

@@TheSalonLife I’ve used dazzle dry also same thing happened. I have hard brittle nails that peel. I have nice healthy nails until I wear polish. I think I just need to go natural but I love color.

[@TheSalonLife]

That's unfortunate! I know that it can happen for some people. I would recommend lots and lots of oil if you have hard and brittle nails. That is the best thing you can do according to chemist and cosmetic formulator Doug Schoon. I would stay away from products containing formalin or dimethyl urea because they can cause the nails become even more brittle. Oil, oil and more oil. And stay away from water exposure (excessive, proper hand was is OK but soaking is not good) and sanitizers.

[@theresaevans9278]

@@TheSalonLife Thank you!

[@acidGREEN2882]

Why use anything other than dazzle dry? 😄

[@TheSalonLife]

It's always good to try new things :) - MSL

[@tenashearer4119]

Good video although very long.

[@TheSalonLife]

That was an old video. I tend to make shorter videos now :)