Beauty Help! (fake nails and tanning)

You only really need to have your nails done once before the wedding. I would say within 3 days. If you want to do a trial run, maybe that’ll make you feel more comfortable. I would just Pinterest wedding nails and see what you like.


As far as tanning, I would start early, like a month to a month and a half before the wedding, and start with short intervals like 3-5 minutes if you’ve never done it before. The tanning salon employees should also be able to give you advice on the best beds and lotions for your skin type.

You could try to take a biotin with collagen supplement, to help with your nails splitting? It does cause some people to break out (but it didn't for me). Is your dream to have long nails for your wedding day? Or short regular length? I'd recommend at least shellac gel for your nails vs. regular polish. It will stay on longer. I personally had fake nails but I always have fake nails so I wasn't worried because I bite my nails A LOT so not having fake nails isn't an option. Since you have a few months, I'd go in now and get a shellac manicure and see how you like it. If you do, go with that on your wedding day. If you don't and it chips off easily or you want them longer, try dip nails!

As far as tanning goes, I agree that bed tanning is bad for you. However, I did it for our wedding day. I never do it and tan really easily so I never burned. I don't do it on a regular basis & did do red light beds after to (hopefully) help my skin. I would get a good tanning lotion first, tanning without lotion is way different than tanning with lotion. I'd get a month or two membership and go 3-5 minutes for the first 2-3 weeks. I'd go 2-3 times a week. If your skin is responding well (tanning and not burning), I'd go up to 5-7 minutes. After 5 minutes, I'd turn off the face lights regardless (unless you don't want them on at all which is totally fine too). Make sure you have good eye protection too and make sure the tanning salon is well reviewed. I'd start tanning 2 months out since you said you are pretty white right now and you want to slowly build a tan rather than be rushed & burn. Make sure to moisturize & exfoliate to keep your skin in good shape too.

You have many options for your nails, I do a dip powder on my nails and a gel polish on top. I agree with looking on Pinterest to see what colors pop out for you. Nails are an accent and should add to you feeling beautiful in your wedding day. I can't help with tanning because I don't tan. Sorry

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Thank you for your response! It's good to know to get my nails done a few days before the wedding. I figured I shouldn't go the day before on the off chance something goes wrong. Pinterest would help.

That's helpful to know about the lotion. Never knew that was a thing you should do. Man, I have a lot to learn. Thanks!!

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I do take biotin and I think it's made my hair grow like a weed! I just haven't noticed a difference for my nails. Maybe I'll try the collagen. I've heard people really like it. Good to know about the potential breakouts though.

I'm wondering if I should try fake nails but short ones to see how they last. I don't like long nails, but I can't get mine to grow long enough to kind of square off before they break. Maybe I'll go in February to try it and see what I think.

The tanning advice is SUPER helpful. This is likely the only time in my life I'll go tanning so I figure I'll be relatively okay. It's good to know about going for very short times. We are also going to Jamaica the day after so I don't want to burn super bad while we are there.

Thanks for chiming in!! So helpful!

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I've heard of both dip and gel, how did you decide on doing both? Did your salon recommend that? I've heard mixed reviews on both, but maybe it's more people's preferences.

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Awesome! I'm so glad it's helping your hair. Have you tried the nail strengthening polish they have? I've heard great things about using that & cuticle oil. I don't think collagen has the same risk of acne that biotin does, so if you already take biotin and haven't broken out then you're fine!

I typically get fake nails but pretty short (it's just not feasible with hunting, camping, fishing, working out, or yardwork for them to be long) and they last 2-3 weeks.

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Ahh!! I feel like we need to be friends in real life! That's why I keep my nails short! My FH LOVES to hunt and I'd like to go this fall. We got engaged while camping lol. I have an obsession with all things outside and totally understand what you're saying. That's good to know that they hold up for you. Maybe that's the route I should go. Thanks!

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Hahahaha! Yeah I need to keep my nails short and somewhat thick so they don't break, but I need nails because I bite mine so much if I don't have them. I work in agricultural so I am outside a lot, and we go hunting several times a year. I've never had a problem with the nails breaking or getting in the way.

View Quoted Comment My salon suggested it, the dip powder is better for your nails and the gel polish lasts longer than regular polish.

Keep it easy on yourself—
Tanning:
Go get a Mystic spray tan (or whatever line your local tanning salon carries) and do that a couple days ahead. Budget allows, try it a few weeks in advance to see what you think.
Nails: I agree with dip powder. Acrylic fake nails and gel manicures are terrible for your natural nail. It would only hurt your fragile nails for several weeks after it comes off. Best of luck dear!