How I apply my finicky holos...

Many people have asked me how I can like linear holos like Layla, Make Up Store and Nfu Oh because they are just so difficult to apply!  I have one main method that I use to extend the wear of these holos, and I would like to share it with you!

My favorite method is to use a coat of Instant Artificials!  I don't know why, but IA wears like iron on me and really extends the wear of my polish.  But, the only problem is that aqua base just does not like to work properly with other base coats!  Other base coats cause my aqua base to wrinkle, and that really annoys me.

So what do you do to keep wrinkling from happening?  SANDWICH!

I like to use a strengthening base coat under IA, because IA can cause me to have peelies. I really love Qtica Nail Growth Stimulator.

So, one coat of the Qtica, one coat of the IA, and then use one coat of a ridgefilling base coat, and then you can use 2 coats of an aqua base before applying your holo.  Why two coats?  One coat usually wrinkles something fierce.  Two coats seems to solve the wrinkling issue, provided you wait until each coat of aqua base is completely dry.

To top it all off, use your favorite non-dulling quick dry top coat.  I really like NYC Grand Central Station now, but I have also found that the Sally Hansen Instra-Dri in Clearly Quick doesn't dull my Laylas.

So, to recap:

1. Strengthening base coat - 1 coat

2. Instant Artificials - 1 coat

3. Ridge Filling Base Coat - 1 coat
4. Aqua Base - 2 coats to avoid wrinkling

5. How ever many coats of holo you want to/need to use.

6. Your favorite Quick Dry top coat.

I know some people also have great success using matte base coats, or using an aqua base, then holo, then top coat, then holo again, but I have found that these methods do not wear well on me, and the holo is just not as holo as I like it.

I hope this helps!  Please feel free to leave me some comments and questions!