Natural Looking Artificial Nails

lstecik · March 2010

I am trying to decide on how to do my nails for my April wedding and was needing some advice.
I currently have shorter natural nails that tend to split and do not have time or the budget to get weekly manicures.
I am thinking of trying acrylic nails but don't want the obvious French manicure look. I really want an artificial nail that will look natural or carry a sheer polish nicely but won't chip or break. I would like something similar to the image below:

Does anybody have any suggestions on acrylic versus sculpted (I'm not sure of the difference myself)? Or other nail options that look long, natural and nice without looking too fake?
Oh yeah and if anyone is in the Fort Worth, TX area and can recommend a great nail salon it would be much appreciated!

Thanks so much for your input!!! Every opinion is helpful!!!! Feel free to attach your own nail pics!

ipwtfa91 · March 2010

When and if I feel like getting fake nails (maybe twice a year, if that) I honestly just go to Walgreens and apply fake acrylics. Nothing over-the-top, just ones with cute, simple embellishments. I want the same thing for my wedding day, only I'm obviously willing to shed the extra money for a bit better quality

I would go to local stores and try out nails to see if you like them, if they're comfortable, etc. and then ask your friends for salon recommendations. Worse comes to worse, you may have to experiment and go around gettting lots of manicures!

AmoroAgain · March 2010

Yeah, they're called artificial nails for a reason. Cause they aren't real and don't look it no matter what you do.

pooh8402 · March 2010

I get just a clear acrylic coat on my natural nails. it shows the natural white of my nails, no added white or pink. it's natural-looking enough that even my nursing school professors couldn't tell, and they look for that stuff.

golden1215 · March 2010

If you do go with fake- even though I'm a fan of real nails myself- do the pink and white that a PPs said and just keep them short.

fallbride1109 · March 2010

Where I live, nail shops offer an "American manicure"--which is like the French manicure but instead of the heavy white tip, it's a much paler, natural look much like the picture above. That is what I would recommend.

knj92107 · March 2010

Gel nails are much more natural looking than acrylic. Gel nails are the sculpted ones you mentioned. They can be done in pink and whites as a pp mentioned. This is where they actually use 2 colors of gel to create the french look. It will never chip because it's not polished on. Gel nails are more flexible, shinier, and they don't yellow like acrylics. They are more expensive but worth it, imo.

That said, I think natural nails are the way to go. DIY weekly manicures instead of going to the salon.

Lenore2010 · March 2010

I don't think gels are more natural looking than acrylics-they all look fake because they are perfect. With rare exceptions, natural nails are not perfect. Then again mascara and lipstick look fake too so why worry about it?

I do pick and white acrylics, and I have had gels but they are generally not as durable in addition to costing more.

I say either do shorter pink and whites or save your money and just get a nice manicure.

Natural Looking Artificial Nails

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