Shellac, gel, powder, acrylic, dip, SNS – yikes. How in the world do you choose? I have the theory that my life is a little better when my manicure is fresh. However – it’s also better when I’m saving money and not needing a new manicure every week. I have tried out a few options in the past: regular nail polish, gel or shellac, SNS or dip powder, and also all sorts of in home manicures and faux stick on or glue on nails. I have yet to try true acrylics as I was #blessed with nails that grow like weeds and I don’t need the extra length typically. Also, acrylic seems incredibly harsh to me and always made me nervous.

Ultimately my favorite: SNS or dip nails.  I’ve only done the dip nails in a salon and have yet to try them at home but I feel like with some practice I could really get it done. I am no nail technician but I can typically paint my nails without a complete manicure massacre happening. Painting my toe nails though? Definitely paint my toes more than my actual toenails.

The dip nails for me are long lasting, less harsh, and don’t destroy my nails after my manicure needs retouching. Currently I have a manicure on that has lasted almost three weeks. As you can tell – it needs to be re-done and the growth is crazy. However, I think it’s truly a great test of how well this stuff lasts. I have minimal chipping on one thumb and that is it! Previously, gel or shellac nails would last maybe over a week and the longest two weeks for me – including quite a few chips. It was better than a typical regular nail polish manicure but not miraculous. Dip powder has changed the game for me though.

If you aren’t like me and love to change things up more often, or can’t stand the growth – I think gel or shellac is still a great option. It lets you get a long wear but doesn’t have you committed to the same color for a long time. The only disadvantage to the gel manicures for me though is that unless I removed the gel and got another gel manicure on top of it my nails would end up brittle, breaking, and thin. Usually my naked nails would take over a week to recover and didn’t feel healthy. Therefore, I would still try and take care of them with cuticle oil, a good solid top coat, and some good buffing.

I’ve linked some of my favorite nail products below for in-home care and those who have manicure paranoia. You can really get a good base for your nails with things like cuticle oil and a fantastic top coat without having to spend salon prices.

My favorite top coat:

My favorite cuticle oil:

My favorite nail buffer/file:

My favorite nail polish: