h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

What's the worst that could happen?

hmmm, I could get slapped again

On the subject of non acetone based removers - I got some removal pads recently to try to find out again if they were still annoying, and fared a lot better.
These were from Boots - The smell was almost pleasant, and the pads were better as they were smaller, so although they probably were as saturated with remover as the last time I tried there wasn't so much to go on me, and one pad was enough for all my nails.

Editorial Note: This conversation has been moved from 'The Writing Workshop' to 'The Collaborative Writing Workshop'.

Lucinda, has anything been done with this? I'd like to see it all put together into one entry. How does it work? I can use the other work and write something and email it to you, or write an entry so you can copy the code. Let me know,

I've just been distracted by other stuff, I'm afraid.

Just write the entry is probably easiest, I reckon - go for it!

Ok, I'll put it on my list of things I'm supposed to be doing. Thanks.

Not sure if I'm supped to comment here or if there is some other thread somewhere else, got very confused reading through all the previous posts!

You could go through the application ritual which for me goes something like this:
Step one, open a bottle of wine and pour yourself a glass. Nail varninsh application almost always takes place of an evening when I know I have nothing to do - thus avoiding smudging - so a little tipple along the way is always welcome. Not too much though or you could end up with a seriously dodgy set of nails. Also, go to the loo now so there is no danger of snagging the finished result on your knickers/jeans/tights etc (can't tell you how often I have done this!).

First I remove all of the old polish ensuring I get all of the bits that somehow get stuck down the sides of my nail.

Then I do any necessary filing to get rid of any raggedy bits of nail, and if I am feeling really flash then I polish my nails using one of those buffer sticks with the progressively less rough surfaces.

The next bit is my favourite - massage a good quality nail cream into all of my fingers, then let it all soak in properly. This may take a while but is very enjoyable.

After making sure there is no grease left on the surface of my nails I apply a base coat. ALWAYS DO THIS! If you don't use a base coat and go directly to a dark colour you can end up looking like a terminal nicotine addict with horrid stained nails when you take it off again.

Colour selection. Hmmm. Tough one this - if I am going out or am trying to impress somebody I try and co-ordinate with what I will be wearing, otherwise it is whatever jumps out at me. If I have an important meeting at work I usually go for something fairly neutral as I want people to be listening to me not staring at my fingers! My current favourites are a Ruby and Millie silver-coloured one and a Liz Collinge violet one. These are quite expensive but in my experience they last longer in both senses(ie they don't go gungy in the bottle and they stay on your nails longer) than the cheaper ones. It depends what you are after though, staying power is a bonus for me but fashion shades don't need to last as long - That is soooo last season daaahling!

(Don't know if I am allowed to say brands on a BBC site but there you go)

Two coats of the chosen colour is usually ok but some of my more neutral shades need three coats. Then the decision - to sparkle or not to sparkle. I have spent a fair amount of time (and money!) trying to find the perfect sparkly stuff. My favourite is Liz Collinge's hologram glitter because you always get a good amount of sparkle on each nail, unlike some of the others where you can get clumps of sparkle on some nails and none on others. Also it has a really good effect in the light.

As you may have gathered, it is always a bit of a production when I do my nails so I want it to last as long as possible. To this end I always put on a fairly good quality top coat - one of those that dries quickly and sets all the layers I have put on. Currently I'm using Sally Hansen's megashine one and that seems to help the colour stay on for ages.

Finally, do nothing for at least five minutes - longer if you can manage it. Finish your glass of wine and sit back to admire your handiwork (pardon the pun).

Do I sound like an obsessive?
k

Yes, but never mind. I'll try to drag all this information into one entry, but it won't be for about 10 days as my son is on half term next week and I can't write with him around!

cool: once you've done that it'll probably be good enough to put into Peer Review

Thanks.
I'm fine writing my own, I'm not sure how good I'll be at editing a few together!

Thanks Kelli - I've used a lot of your stuff to write the 'applying' section just now - and added you to the researcher list, of course.

At this rate, it'll be ready by 2003!

One can't rush a masterpiece...

Thanks Lucinda

I have a new favourite colour now, it is a sort of silver - very cool. Have also braved a sort of browny-beige colour called Oyster which is really lovely for work.

Hmmmm.... I really could spend all my money on nail products!

k

Mine are currently 'Lush lilac' - lovehearts nailvarnish proving a cool christmas present, for a lovehearts obsessive...

What exactly is lovehearts nailvarnish? Does it write little cutesy messages on your nails? 'bite me', perhaps, or 'do you think I'm dirty?', that kind of thing.

Gives a whole new idea to giving someone the finger...

Alas its just regular, but branded lovehearts. It would be cool to get lovehearts nail stickers, though

Oh, the entry's pretty much done, so I'll probably move it to PR soon-ish.
I think I'm going to be close to the record for longest period in a review forum...

you should leave it for another couple of months to cement your claim

If I leave it much longer, it won't be cemented - it'll have taken root! The triffid of guide entries... (well, except triffids are heavily mobile, and ... heck, you know what I mean!)
-Lucinda