Fabulous Gel Nails!

Hi everyone!

I recently went on a trip to Taiwan and got my nails done. The last time I visited Taiwan (5 years ago), I saw these little nail shops around Taiwan doing these over the top, bejeweled nails, but I didn't have a chance to actually get my nails done. This trip, getting them done was a top priority! They are very popular amongst the adolescent population. I got them done twice at the same place with the same lady because I just loved the look of these nails so much.

The process is pretty much just the same as getting gel nails done in America except the lady added so many rhinestones and packed on the glitter. I was really worried that it would be extremely expensive, but it was actually around the same price as getting regular gel nails where I live, so about $45 for the first and then $30 for the second. In the area I get my nails done, just a plain single color coat is usually around $30 and for each additional color or design, it is $5.


The first set:

This was everything I wanted when I walked in for my appointment. I wanted lots and lots of rhinestones and glitter. These are my real nails.

The rhinestones were placed on with some nail glue and then encapsulated in clear gel topcoat. Everything was methodically baked under a UV lamp.

This picture was taken with the lady's iPhone and the background is some perfume ad in a magazine. Really pretty, huh? Each rhinestone protrudes, especially the large 3 rhinestone clusters, so it took a little getting used to, but it was well worth it! My mom and aunt jokingly nicknamed the 3 rhinestone clusters as a "tumor", but I thought they looked amazing. I had these on for about 2 weeks and none of the rhinestones came close to falling off.

The removal process was a little startling. The lady took a pair of large nail clippers and started hacking and clipping away at the rhinestones before soaking my nails in acetone. 


The second set:

Before I left Taiwan, I wanted to get my nails done once more. This time, I wanted something flat and more convenient but still very flashy and intricate. I gave the nail lady complete artistic liberty and I think she did a really great job! The picture may not be super clear but there are little pink sparkles, silver hexagonal sparkles and she drew roses on the other nails. No rhinestones this time, but with all these designs and colors, I am still very impressed. It has been 2 weeks since I had these done and they still look great. The picture was still taken on the same magazine page.

This was such a great experience and I wanted to share one of the highlights of my trip!
Let me know what you think!