In this rough economy, I have had to cut back on my product junkie, shopaholic ways and bi-weekly visits to spas for up keep :(

Lately, I have decided to pocket the 40+ dollars I was giving to the semi-rude, limited English speaking, non-apologetic when cutting me, yet does fabulous nails asian lady at my favorite nail spa. I have now been doing my own nails for a couple months and people do not believe me when I tell them not only did I do them..but I did them in around 20 minutes.

Anybody can do it. Its completely fool proof, mess proof, cheap, fast and GORGEOUS.

All you need is:

• 1 pack of cheap Active length nails from Dollar General, Sallys or Walmart - $1-4
• Hard As Nails Hard As Wraps - Powerful Acrylic Gel - $4-7 dollars at Walmart/Sallys/Target
• Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips (Pattern or color of your choice) - $5-8
• Nail Glue
• Emery Board/Nail File

Once you have what you need, the rest is easy peezy :)

1.   Start with clean nails with no pre-ecisting polish or residue
2. Select nails that fit each finger as closely as possible. It may not be a perfect fit for each nail but no worries. The emery board can take care of that.
3. Apply glue to each nail and apply nail, covering the entire nail bed not as a tip. Hold each nail down for 40 seconds and be sure to press out air bubbles.
4. File each nail using your natural nail as a template and shape to the length and width you want. (I like mine semi short and sweet)
5. Buff each nail with fine side of emery board to make nails less thick at the nail bed as well as to make the nail less shiny.
6. Apply the Hard As Wraps Acrylic gel in a thin layer to each nail. Allow to dry and apply a second coat if needed. (Use a blowdryer on medium heat to speed up the drying process...especially if you decided to do two coats)
7. Make sure nails are dry by rubbing a nail or to lightly accross the back of your hand.
8. Find the nail strip that fits each nail.
9. Peel off backing and apply like a sticker to each nail.
10. Press firmly using finger or cuticle stick included in kit.
11. File off excess strip at the bottom with emery board

.....VOILA!!! Haute nails that should last two weeks or more.

Purchase your nails strips now directly from my blog by clicking the image of the pattern you want below.