Need nail advice

Beaker4

I am a minimalist when it comes to my beauty routines. In my day to day, I wear foundation, mascara, and blush. My fingernails are kept trimmed, filed, and polish-free. I also don't know much about manicures.

However, for my wedding, I will be having my makeup done, but I'm unsure as to what to do with my nails. I don't like fake nails because they generally hurt (I'm assuming because I'm not used to them). I've considered keeping my nails natural, but I'm worried how they will appear in pictures of our hands. I'm also worried that they will look "undone" in my dress and makeup if I keep them natural. Should I suck it up and get acrylic nails done? Or is it possible to get a french or american manicure painted on without having to use artificial nails?

KT020803

Here is a link to a post I did a few months ago. Buy this stuff I swear!  My nails still look fantastic and I will likely be doing a shimmery but clear polish on my natural nails the day off.

http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-beauty_psa-nail-strenghtning-treatment

*Edit: depending on the length of your nails it is possible to have a salon hand paint an American or French manicure. it is usually a few extra dollars.

Summer2011Bride

You can absolutely get a French Manicure without acrylics. I've never gotten acryclics because I just don't like them, but have gotten a French multiple times.

Something you might consider is a gel or shellac manicure. It goes on just like regular polish but is cured under a UV light. It's dry by the time you leave the salon, unlike a regular mani which has a better chance of chipping or smudging, esp. if you're not used to having your nails painted. Shellac manis also stay chip-free for about two weeks. That's the way I would go personally. I had a french gel manicure for my wedding and loved it.

Having said that, you mentioned you wanted to keep your nails natural. You could have them filed and shaped up and then put a simple, sheer light pink or clear polish over them. That would give them some shine but still look very natural.

AngelaBaker87

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-beauty_need-nail-advice-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:358Discussion:f58e1eb5-3810-4ca5-9cee-93a0dc82b1b3Post:85045360-48c1-41f3-b02c-46da37e3cead">Need nail advice</a>:
[QUOTE]I am a minimalist when it comes to my beauty routines. In my day to day, I wear foundation, mascara, and blush. My fingernails are kept trimmed, filed, and polish-free. I also don't know much about manicures. However, for my wedding, I will be having my makeup done, but I'm unsure as to what to do with my nails. I don't like fake nails because they generally hurt (I'm assuming because I'm not used to them). I've considered keeping my nails natural, but I'm worried how they will appear in pictures of our hands. I'm also worried that they will look "undone" in my dress and makeup if I keep them natural. Should I suck it up and get acrylic nails done? Or is it possible to get a french or american manicure painted on without having to use artificial nails?
Posted by Beaker4[/QUOTE]

I'm a little obsessed with my nails. I never get manicures, I just file and buff them at home. Never use polish unless its a clear top coat. It depends on the condition of your nails. I won't be getting fake nails since my real nails are very strong and have natural white tips. If your nails aren't as strong as you'd like them to be, you can take vitamins to help. I'm not sure what i'll do the day of the wedding yet, i'm thinking either a clear coat or french manicure over my real nails or a clear pinkish. To answer your question, you don't have to get acrylic nails to look fancy. Just take good care of the nails you have and you should be good to go! =)

scstar17

I'm leaving my natural nails too - I dislike the look of acrylic.  My friend is astrowifey, of nail art fame and she's doing mine!

Stinalove44

If you are against acrylics then dont get them. the key is to be comfortable and feel beautiful on your wedding day. you can always get a french mannicure without having to get fake nails. fake nails are not for everyone. I say, go with a natrul nail with polish. but dont lmit your self to a french mannicure. people who work in nail salons can paint al sorts of beautiful designs on your nails.