Swarovski Crystals and Shellac-my tuppence worth!

[Arty*Rox]

Hi there,
I use Shellac all the way to the final colour coat. I cure the 2nd colour layer, then use resin and activator to apply the crystals. I then used a layer of shellac top coat and cure as normal. I didn't find that it caused the crystals to lose their bling at all, when the light hits them they sparkle like mad!

ok maybe its the difference in the gelish top-coat or maybe I need to apply it more thinly, I'll also try the resin method. Ive also ordered the ECO UNIVERSAL SOAK OFF UV GEL TOP COAT that Baggybear suggested Good job I have plenty of fingers to try this all out lol, thx for the help

 

[Baggybear]

It is very thin so I tend to do 2 coats (and I too got it everywhere the first time I used it lol) the first coat I apply from the centre of the nail to the edges and then I cure it and dab on a little around the edges and drag it inwards on the second coat lol. I also make sure I seal the free edge with my Cuccio pronto before applying top coat to stop the crystal on the free edge from pinging off.

What is your assesment on the sparkle - do you see any loss in shine or sparkle at all with that topcoat?

 

[PixieBeauty]

I picked up some Eco at the beauty uk show but now thinking about it don't know if I'll be insured to use it?? I want to play around with crystal pedi's and picked up Eco sog in clear too but I won't be insured as I'm only trained in l&p and shellac gutted that shellac won't hold it. I think I'll have to try shellac and adhering with gelbond?

 

[SharryG]

Just finished mine (had to stop for tea!). They are fab, have done big toes with crystals set in resin and other toes with mother of pearl and silver irregular glitter from s2, yum, yum!

Fantastic. I'm glad it's went well. I'm sure you'll get weeks out them xxx

 

[LyndseyD]

Any idea what the situation is with training and insurance using these products? Can I just pick some up and start using it or is it a specialised brand like Shellac that you need to train in do you know? Also what do you think would be the situation with using your Eco top coat over normal polish? How do you find it for loss of sparkle? I must admit I still feel the crystals were really sparkly after the shellac top coat. Will see if I can add a wee picture below and see what you think (was my first attempt at a full nail so don't judge too harshly!:Scared This girl had these done 12 days ago now and hasn't lost one yet and she messaged me to say she had caught them on her bag, zip and pocket so far lol xx

 

[Baggybear]

Well I put pics of my toes on just after I did them (on 26th April):

And here are pics of them tonight - so they are 4 weeks old tomorrow (sorry about the pic quality they are really hard to photograph because they are so bling):

I've been away to Spain, walked along the beach, worn trainers and they are still as they were when applied, none missing and still super blingy.

 

[LyndseyD]

Well I put pics of my toes on just after I did them (on 26th April):

And here are pics of them tonight - so they are 4 weeks old tomorrow (sorry about the pic quality they are really hard to photograph because they are so bling):

I've been away to Spain, walked along the beach, worn trainers and they are still as they were when applied, none missing and still super blingy.

Wow! They're fab baggybear! How did you not break your back/fall off the chair etc placing all those crystals? lol If you can give me any info on the sytem you use I'd really appreciate it. Not sure I'm in a position to do another similar style course just now but if it doesn't require specific training i'd love to have a go, even on myself for now. x

 

[shahildar]

I always use resin and activator directly onto natural nail (no Shellac or Gel) and as well as the sparkle being amazing, they last on toes for at least 4 weeks.

What resin & activator is it you use xx

 

[Baggybear]

Wow! They're fab baggybear! How did you not break your back/fall off the chair etc placing all those crystals? lol If you can give me any info on the sytem you use I'd really appreciate it. Not sure I'm in a position to do another similar style course just now but if it doesn't require specific training i'd love to have a go, even on myself for now. x

It is no minor thing to do my own toes (as I'm a larger lady lol), I make sure to stretch my legs and sit up straight as often as I can (when curing the nails etc..) and I don't rush myself. I set all my stuff up around me and make sure everythig is within reach and that I've not forgotten anything.

It takes me about 3 hours none stop to do full prep, apply the wraps/Minx and then the 2 big toes of crystals set in soak off gel.

If you will need training or not will depend on what qualifications you already have and what your insurance company says - my insurance company said I am covered to do them by my C&G nail course (that taught me gel, l&p and fibreglass) so no further training is required.

 

[Aydie]

Hi,
I bought some of the fancy ab 3 mm crystals, and my own toe last night. The crystals looked tiny in the shop but seem huge on my toes. What diameter have you used on your toes there please baggybear ?
Thanks

 

[Baggybear]

I use ss5 which is 1.8mm. Even these crystals seem teeny tiny in the pacand then when you put them onto the toenail they look huge lol.

I buy mie from here:
Factory Pack Flatback Crystals, Non-Hotfix, Style 2028, SS5 (1.8mm)

I tried out larger size crystals in the beginning but feel the ss5 is the right size for the toes. They are big enough to be able to do arty things with them but small enough that they don't have too many gaps between them and the results are always fabulous.

 

[Nails<3]

Just my input. I did shellac rockstar on my toes and wanted crystal flowers.

This was 3 months ago (obviously have cut my nails lol) but they are still on there and won't bloody budge. I just put them in on the final layer of top coat and cured and that was that. still in formation and attached and sparkly as ever. X

 

[abicrunch]

Here is my input as well. I apply my crystals in a uncured shellac topcoat and cure, then I put the shellac topcoat all over the crystals and cure. Im getting good results with this. It has never dulled the crystals. One lady had them on toes in a flower shape and they are still on 8 weeks later, she hasnt lost any. Another lady has a line of crystals above her french shellac for 3 weeks. She lost the one on the edge about 3 days ago, maybe the topcoat didnt get quite right over the top of this one but she thought she would loose a few and was really chuffed. I have not done a full crystal pedicure yet so was just testing them in the shellac. Im pleased with the results so far. Maybe I will have to try the full crystal toes on myself, although im wont look forward to doing it on myself, its back breaking. Ax

 

[LyndseyD]

It is no minor thing to do my own toes (as I'm a larger lady lol), I make sure to stretch my legs and sit up straight as often as I can (when curing the nails etc..) and I don't rush myself. I set all my stuff up around me and make sure everythig is within reach and that I've not forgotten anything.

It takes me about 3 hours none stop to do full prep, apply the wraps/Minx and then the 2 big toes of crystals set in soak off gel.

If you will need training or not will depend on what qualifications you already have and what your insurance company says - my insurance company said I am covered to do them by my C&G nail course (that taught me gel, l&p and fibreglass) so no further training is required.

I'm going to check that out Baggybear. I also qualified in l&p (although I no longer do them except at home or on friends!) and gels so hopefully I won't need any further training either. I have built up a pretty large Shellac collection so far but I'm always looking for something else and maybe gel is the right way to go for the crystal manis and pedis. I read in some of your other posts on threads that you feel it holds stronger than shellac?
There are so many options and often, so many different opinions on the best way to do something. Makes the mind boggle!

 

[nalovely]

Ladies, how much you charge for crystal to your clients? Thanks xxx