Hi! 
(I'm not transfem. I'm a male exploring something I think feels like non-binarity maybe? Basically I long to convey more femininity in my appearance because it feels like shit keeping it bottled up, although I do feel in harmony with my body. I'd like some advice so much. If this is the wrong community please let me know I'll remove this thread.)
I've been craving to try nail polish but the more I watch "beginner" tutorials about it the more I feel intimidated. I would really appreciate some info about what is the actual bare minimum to dip my toes into it (my fingers actually although toes sound like fun now that I think about).
- Wiping excess oil from nails with alcohol. Is this a big deal?
- Base coat sounds pretty useful. Is this something you do personally?
- Nail polish. How much of a difference does it make to pick a reputable product? Can I drop at the local pharmacy and pick whichever color strikes my fancy, or will ordering from a good place online substantially improve my experience? Also do I put one or two layers?
- Acetone, how different are different brands? Should I get a little brush for corrections? Which sort?
- Top coat. How much of a difference does it make to the finish and durability? I'm not expecting a masterpiece at first try so is it fine to skip for now?
- Is nail polish something you can wear pretty much all the time, or do you need to let your nails breathe once in a while?
(I have already decided I will not fuck with my cuticles.)
Thank you so much for reading, and for any of your precious insights ^_^'
Short nails vid YES! I’m keeping my nails short for sure. Too tics prone, and I prefer my fingertips feeling touchy bouncy.
I’m now convinced to go for base+top coat. Thank you so much for the tips about how to use the acetone as well. I think I get my hands on some OPI products around here (Canada)!
I’m so glad I asked, y’all are wonderful.
Great! I still recommend watching the first video, because like 90% of it transfers. The second video is more just focused on the challenges of short nails iirc? It's been a long time since I've seen it, tbh. Wish you the best, and have fun with your nails!
You can usually buy a base and top coat as a bundle to save a little extra money, so get a base and top coat made for laquer (not gel). You don't have to get it from OPI, but I do recommend their stuff. For a little more money tho, they have their "Infinite Shine" polish (with its own base and top coat) that gives gel-like durability with the convenience of a lacquer. Colors are a little more limited, but I love the ones I bought! (Pictures below, and yes those are natural nails and not extensions):
Will watch both! Also wow you’re good
I promise you, it's 90% due to my touch up brush. I have really shaky hands, and I'm not very practiced, so I can't get perfect nails at all without a lot of touch up lol
Easy to get opi here in Canada. If you use them for base and top, you can get colours on the cheap with QUO at shoppers and just have fun.
Nail hardener or strengthener can help it last longer and protect nails a bit. HRT can leave some less than ideal nails compared to what you may have been used to growing.
Thanks tama for the tips! My local pharmacy carries OPI, and I'm seriously eyeing BKIND products as well at the moment.