Hey I recently trained using Mercia products, and although I feel my technique is improving each time I practice, I don't rate the quality of the L&P products I am using.

I have a few friends who are happy to be models but I want to make sure the nails at least stay on a bit longer than a day!

I will be doing a Creative course probably early next year but until then I don't want to pay out a lot to replace all my products and I understand its not advisable mixing brands.

Could be my technique thats rubbish but I was wondering if anyone would suggest an alternative product I can use? Can anyone give me some advice?

Thanks
Kat

what prep work do you do?

hi Anna

Well according to people I have spoken to, it seems we didn't learn a lot of prep on the course I did.

Basically, Cuticle work and roughing up the natural nail - think thats my problem?

Kat

If you are going to be doing a Creative conversion course soon, I'd hang on. It really wouldn't be worth investing in another product for such a short period.

Your nails really should be lasting longer, talk us through your routine and we will try to help

What does your 'cuticle work' comprise of ?

You shouldn't be 'roughing up' the natural nail, only removing the shine gently with a 240 grit abrasive

I am embarassed!

Prep as mentioned before - not a lot I'm afraid. Was told before lifting issues usually are related to either product, application or prep! I am hoping its not my application coz I do really feel that has improved - each time they are getting better.

The problem I have is the day they are done, I am really pleased with them but the next day they all lift round the sides and bottom. Hmm

yep removing the shine - my terminology isn't the best yet.

To be honest it does sound like your prep is at fault - tell us exactly what you do

Roughing up the nail is damaging to the nail plate and unnecessary when using quality products ... Here is a tutorial on prepping Perfect Preparation

also things like going to near the skin.....and not pressing the product can all cause lifting that will eventually make the nails come off.

have you heard of the Event that Sweet Squared are doing in October....? if you are already trained then you could attend the Event and this amounts to the same as a converstion....????

er cuticle work basic

using a cuticle remover etc.

removing shine with fine file

nail primer!

THAT IS IT

I'm only doing what I was taught, so go easy on me...!

how are you removing the cuticle remover...?....how are you cleaning the nail of oils....?

Bagpuss, yep heard of the Event - unfortunately, (well not that unfortunately) I am due to give birth to baby number 2 mid october! Which is why I can't do another course til prob early next year.

Have booked on to a manicure/pedicure course with Creative in a couple of weeks and then gonna proceed improving my L&P later on.. but thats why in the meantime, i wanna do the best I can with what I have...

Hopefully next year I can look to attend things like that.

- guys please don't take too much attention to my saying "roughing up" - I am very gentle, don't worry! I can just see all the responses flooding in telling me I am causing damage....!!

Don't fret nobody is going to be harsh with you

As Bagpuss has said, read the link she has given for prep and consider 'The Event' being hosted by Sweet squared (the Creative distributors) in Manchester

Whoops - posted at the same time