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    Nails used to be amazing before OPI Nail Envy changed. Now they are weak and flakey, and substitutes aren’t working. Lacquerista for 5 years. Thoughts?


    Photo for attention: OPI nail envy, ILNP turbocharged, gel top coat, hg professionals chrome powder in dragonfly 03, final layer of gel topcoat.

    Back when OPI sold the original version of Nail Envy, i used it as my default base coat. It was amazing, and my nails grew so long/strong despite living on a farm, working as a nurse, etc. They were practically talons.

    Since nail envy was changed, I haven't found a decent substitute. I've tried all the major recommended hardeners/strengtheners, I've kept up with moisturizing, use the same remover the whole time (acetone), don't use cuticle remover, i cap the tip, etc.. The only thing that has changed is that i live in a drier environment now (30-40% humidity to 10% humidity).

    My nails are much more fragile now. I can barely grow a free edge that goes beyond the tip of my finger. They peel easily from the tip and thin layers of the plate will come off with flakes of polish.

    I have ~150 bottles and I love my collection. It brings me joy to do a little bit of self care and see my hands sparkle. But now they are jagged and uneven 🙁 is there anything else I can do?

    by NotForPlural

    View 10 Comments

    10 Comments

    1. OddInside5794 on

      I’ve gotten best results from Essie hard to resist advanced and Essie to the rescue (also doubles as a ridge filler), but what I really wanna say is WOW THOSE NAILS!!!!!! My jaw= dropped

    2. ReadnPolished on

      Do you use jojoba oil? It sounds like your nails are drying out. Also maybe try pvb free base coats? I oil my nails with jojoba oil a couple times a day and oil the full nail plate between colors

    3. Refresh-faced on

      These look like pop art nails and I want them so badly. I know that’s not the point of your post but you can’t drop that 🔥🔥🔥in here and expect our collective crow brains to focus on your actual question.

    6. Parking-Two2176 on

      Have you tried Nailtiques Formula 2? Most people in this sub have had good results from it (myself included). They also have a 2+ that is supposed to be more intense.

    7. thepolishedsnail on

      This snail recommends using Le Mini Macron base coat. It will help your nails instead of hurt them!

    8. bmira on

      I bought 30 bottles of original formula when i heard about the reformula. You may want to see if there are any still avail, i haven’t found any possible substitutes.

    10. BattleSwallow on

      From what I understand, ‘nail hardeners’ or ‘strengtheners’ typically dehydrate the nail plate and flatten the layers of keratin, dehydrating the nail and while making it ‘stronger’ it also becomes more brittle.

      Hydrating with nail oil does the opposite – it ‘plumps’ the nail by helping to replenish the natural oils in between the layers of keratin, making the nail thicker, stronger, and more flexible.

      Also, keep your naked nails out of water as much as possible as this also dehydrates nails.

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