Wondered if you've ever tried either of these nail treatments and if it's as good as I've been led to believe...  I quite fancy the idea of not having to paint or touch up my nails for 2 to 3 weeks but I am a little worried about damage to my nails... Any comments appreciated :)

I haven't tried either of them but have had calgel which is similar.  It is a bugger to get off and the first time I peeled it off taking a few layers of nail with it which left my nails in a terrible state.  Everytime I have had it since I have soaked it off with an acetone based remover (leaving pads soaked on my nails for at least 10 mins and then wiped off) and the condition of my nails has been fine.

The only thing I don't like about it and the reason I don't get it all the time is that I hate the gap where my nails grow and think it is really noticeable although other people say they don't notice and I don't notice it on other people but if you like a perfect manicure it is annoying.

I have heard horror stories about the prolonged use of acetone for soaking them off as being drying for nails and even a rumour that excessive use of the UV light for curing the gel can cause skin cancer on the fingers.  It looks great, there are no worries about chipping it so well worth it in my book.

I think what the op is referring to is like nail varnish not the gel false nails. - haven't used it myself but have a friend who does and says its great. :haven't heard her say she has had any problems

>I think what the op is referring to is like nail varnish not the gel false nails.

I know!  You still have to go through the same process to remove it as the gel colour overlay (as opposed to a gel nail overlay) is still bonded on by the UV light.  This is what makes it almost unchippable.  I have never had gel false nails as I don't like having long nails but do get gel colour overlays in the form of calgel.

apologies I hadnt got as far as knowing how it was removed and thought you were referring to gel false nails. My daughter has the gel nails atm yet  to find out what happens when they come off it is said there should be no damage but we shall see:)

lol, depends if she can be bothered to sit with her fingers dipped in acetone or wrapped in acetone wraps or if the urge to pick gets to be too much.

I have found (for me) the best was to remove it is with squares of cotton wood pads - cut in 4- on the nail, then wrapped in tinfoil with latex gloves on top.  This means I can still do stuff and don't have to worry about balancing the cotton wool on your nails as the latex gloves hold it in place.

omg i cant see my daughter being faffed with all that :) better keep out the way when removal takes place me thinks

I think I shall stick to my £5 file and varnish in the nail shop up the road on my own nails. It looks great for about 10days if I am careful

I hope you don't mind me jumping in but kind of related question as you are after long lasting pretty nails :)
What nail varnish/top coat would people recommend for long lasting finish?
There is a massive difference in the different makes so thought I would ask people here what they have found good so next time can pick something that comes recommended instead of just randomly picking only to find out I love the colour but it comes off in a day or two so end up not using much as I can't be doing my nails every few days :)

My favourite is a really cheap brand - Rimmel 60 second polish which is less than £3 a bottle.  I think the secret to any long lasting manicure is to keep adding a coat of clear top coat every couple of days.  Even with the calgel they recommend adding a coat every second day to add longevity.

Well I had the Geleration manicure on Tuesday and have to say it's FAB.  First a normal manicure , nails shaped, cuticles done and oiled and then special gels and colour applied after which you had to put hands under a UV lamp for a couple of minutes.  After all that a lovely hand and arm massage.

I chose a gorgeous deep red shade and it's still absolutely perfect, so shiney it looks wet.  Not a single chip or scratch and should last between 2 to 3 weeks.  It does need to be removed at the salon but only costs £5.00 for complete soak off which should take about 15 minutes.

Would be interested to know how long it does actually last. please let us know how you get on with it.

I suppose a lot will depend on your lifestyle as well.
I'm a natural born scruff and a combination of coal fires, dogs, chickens and gardening means that my hands are usually a mess.

Well, the Geleration polish lasted a good two weeks,still looking amazing and very shiny.  Another plus point is that if the colour you choose is light enough you can actually paint over it with regular nail varnish which also stays really shiny and chip free.  You can remove it as much as you want and the Geleration underneath is as perfect as before.  I've just had mine removed as it was starting to lift slightly, the process took about 20 minutes and was gentle and relaxing as you have your hand in heated mitts.  My natural nails have not suffered at all, and I've booked up to have them done again before Xmas. :)

Ooo.. I might have to try this . Does it just stick to your own nail or can they make your nails longer ?

It just goes on your own nails, but I think really long nails aren't as fashionable as they used to be.   They have some fab dark colours that actually look best on shorter nails anyway....