Nail Polish

[kristen1206]

I know some of you ladies must have this little issue too. I tend to put a coral/deep pink color on my toes before a trip and after a few days, the water/sand/salt/sun have sucked the color out leaving me with a pale, dull version of what I put on. And I use OPI so not the cheap stuff. Has anyone found a nail laquer can endure the Caribbean elements? Or even a good top coat? Maybe marine varnish...

[waterguy]

Val Spar

[Coden]

Because of this same issue...I'm going nekkid when we go in August.

ie...no polish

Although, I have taken clear polish before to paint over the polish to brighten the color up again after being in sand, salt water/chlorine.

[kristen1206]

Not willing to go that far waterguy!

I am going with a light sandy color this time. I contemplated bringing the bottle to touch up but that could be a huge disaster should it bust in my suitcase!

[Pia]

Just put it in you carry on/purse - in the quart size ziplock bag of course - it is under 3oz so no problem

Pia

[kristen1206]

Very true, Pia. I may throw in a couple coconut rum minis too

[cocosmom]

I have never had that problem, but I usually use a darker pink or red. I think the light colors tend to fade easier. My issue is with my acrylic nails. They have gotten gummy in the islands. My nail person said I should have told her and she would have put an special clear final coat..maybe ask about that.

[kristen1206]

Really cocosmom? I usually wear a dark or brighter color and they seem to fade the worst for me. That is why I am trying a lighter color this time..figure it won't look that different if it fades!

I wore acrylics for a short time and had the same issue with gumminess.

[Lovermont]

I think the spray-on sunscreen will make the nail polish gummy.

[cjroyer]

There is a new procedure now called "gel polish". It last for 2-3 weeks. I had it done before we came down two weeks ago and got it in red. Stayed looking great for 2+ weeks. You should check into it, it was great!

[stjohnnewbie]

I wear very bright colors on vacation, and I have not noticed fading, but I probably redo them every few days.


Have you heard of the OPI soak off gel? I've never done it, but it seems like it would be a great pre-vacation splurge for worry-free nails!

[stjohnnewbie]

There is a new procedure now called "gel polish". It last for 2-3 weeks. I had it done before we came down two weeks ago and got it in red. Stayed looking great for 2+ weeks. You should check into it, it was great!

Oops, I started my reply and then stepped away. Good to hear the good review of the gel!!

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

I did a french polish and it stayed great, and is laid back like STJ.

[Heather-in-MA]

Very true, Pia. I may throw in a couple coconut rum minis too

And here I was embarrased to be planning for that...why pay $7 for it on the plane when I can pay $1 for it here...hee hee

Totally doing it now, but not telling DH. (& putting it in his 'quart bag' hee )

[Greenskeeper]

Really cocosmom? I usually wear a dark or brighter color and they seem to fade the worst for me. That is why I am trying a lighter color this time..figure it won't look that different if it fades!

I wore acrylics for a short time and had the same issue with gumminess.

Maybe it's the sunscreen you use that is causing this? I've never had fading in Caribbean or even spending the summer here on the beach or in the pool. I've actually found the red tones get darker. My problem is the sand chipping away at it.