<p>Evidently I need to frequent malls more often.</p>
<p>OTOH, the gizmo I had was under $10 (back when D1 was in diapers - oh, nevermind)</p>
<p>Long fingers, nice rounded hard nails that last for a while. I work a lot with my hands, too. Something turned out right! ;)</p>
<p>Never had a mani or pedi. For some reason, red does not agree with the skin tone on my hands, though it looks fine on my toes. I tend to the mauve-but-not-PINK frosteds, the occasional light purple and if I go dark, it’s a brownish-burgundy.</p>
<p>I’ve started painting my toes in the summer and tend to go louder there than on my hands.</p>
<p>edad, love it!!</p>
<p>I don’t know, dragonmom. I hate malls…but for all I know, malls are all dotted with buffer kiosks.</p>
<p>abasket, that was fun!!</p>
<p>this is what I experienced in the mall
[Amazon.com:</a> SEACRET DEAD SEA NAIL BUFFER + CUTICLE OIL: Health & Personal Care](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/SEACRET-DEAD-NAIL-BUFFER-CUTICLE/dp/B001PZR5TI/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_4]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/SEACRET-DEAD-NAIL-BUFFER-CUTICLE/dp/B001PZR5TI/ref=pd_sbs_hpc_4)</p>
<p>2 other fruits of a Google search:
[Professional</a> Nail Buffer](<a href=“http://www.cleopatraschoice.com/nail-buffer.php]Professional”>http://www.cleopatraschoice.com/nail-buffer.php)</p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Shany© 4-SIDED - Quick Shine BLOCK NAIL BUFFER ,4 WAY NAIL BUFFER BLOCK: Health & Personal Care](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EYFNVW/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000KZNTOY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0R874X817DT409GYB1B6]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EYFNVW/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000KZNTOY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0R874X817DT409GYB1B6)</p>
<p>The Dead Sea buffer is the one I have. I still have the cuticle oil on my night stand - I use about once a week.</p>
<p>cartera, one of the reviewers said that the buffer wore out after just a few uses. Is that true for you?</p>
<p>It definitely lasted more than a few uses, but it’s hard to judge because my D was using it too. If you do it right - and it takes a while to get it right - buff lasts for quite a while. I think the key is to use the buffer lightly. I see that some mentioned what they paid at the mall. I know I didn’t pay that much. Can’t recall what I paid though. Maybe the higher price included some other products.</p>
<p>My favorite color is wicked by Essie. It is like a cross between black and merlot.
Check it out here:</p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Essie wicked #249: Health & Personal Care](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SIB6AC/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4245076135&ref=pd_sl_75co0ueoup_b]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SIB6AC/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4245076135&ref=pd_sl_75co0ueoup_b)</p>
<p>I know what you mean about the out of date colors. I am always one of the last to participate in the newest trends, but I don’t think I will ever do the French Manicure look. I just don’t like the way it looks.
I usually wear a dark brown/red shade in the winter, and a fun orangey/pink in the summer. But lately I haven’t painted my nails because I just felt - well - too old fashioned.</p>
<p>I’m often around a circle of women with more discretionary funds than I have, and it’s all about the French. Manicure. Pedicure. I just can’t get used to the look of a french pedicure (especially with my stubby toes) so it’s French for the fingernails if they’re long enough and seasonal color for the toenails – dark in fall/winter lighter in spring/summer. If my nails are victims of my latest do-it-yourself project and close to the quick, I’ve found a professional buff lasts a few weeks.</p>
<p>HS D would say French is a Mom thing. She and her friends are all about the colors.</p>
<p>Buffing: I got an old-fashioned chamois buffer (with handle) and a small pot of buffing cream from Sallys Beauty supply for under $15. I am guessing any beauty supply store would have this. It would last me at least six months. It does depend how hard you are on the buffer. Much more affordable than regular manicures and a very elegant look.</p>
<p>abasket: thanks so much for the OPI site! Just what I need, another (fun) time waster! </p>
<p>Someone mentioned the problem of ridges (sorry, I did not read back thru to see who it was). A coat of OPI Ridge Filler under your polish really helps.</p>