Gel Nails DIY intro

I'm sure most woman are like me, I LOVE my make up and nails and perfumes, we like to look good and feel good.  I love a pedicure, it is a huge spoil, but I can't seem to find the fun in getting my nails done.  I'm never quite happy or satisfied.  I see pics of people's nails looking awesome and when mine is done, I just see the flaws, perhaps I'm too picky...who knows - BUT I did find an alternative

DIY Gel Nails :)

I read up quite a bit on the subject and came to the following conclusions:
I want to grow my nails, not sure if it is just winter or age but my nails are chipping,breaking and    some are splitting in quite deep.  Most of the DIY gel kits have a primer or ph bond, base coat, colour coat and then top coat.
Now the ph bond or primer dehydrates the nail so the gel sticks and lasts for longer, makes sense as your natural nails have oils in them.
I decided though best for growing and fixing my nails would be to add more moisture not take it away, so I am skipping this step.

I have bought myself essence jelly pearls, this is to hydrate and fix nails, will see how it goes - I intend to use this when I take off my gel and on cuticles whilst the gel is on- rub it in at night before I go to bed

I rather like essence, it is a German brand and quite a good product and SO reasonably priced! I sometimes think it is for teenagers, but I love their colours, and their make up base and face wash is a great fave of mine too, o and their matt pressed powder...will have to do a write up on my fave face products!!