This was the first crystal nail file I bought, and while I now alternate between it and my NailTek file, this one will always be my favorite.
I have very soft, weak nails that tend to peel into layers at the tips, and the metal files I used to use just seemed to exacerbate the problem (granted, they were not even close to high quality nail files). So when I bought a treatment to strengthen my weak nails, I tossed the nail file in, thinking it couldn't hurt.
The texture was the hardest to get used to. Filing my nails with metal was bad enough, but crystal...oh god, the first weeks I dreaded it because it just felt like nails on a chalkboard to me. It took a while for me to transition from metal to crystal because of the texture alone.
I'm happy to report, though, that the state of my nails greatly improved with the use of the file (although the strengthening system also has helped)-the splitting and peeling of my nails has gone down drastically, and the ends of my nails are smooth, strong, and the texture hardly bothers me anymore.
The file is pretty durable, although it is glass and care should be taken. I store mine in a little box with other nail implements on my bedside table. The end of it is somewhat pointy, so be careful not to jab yourself. Other than that, it's great.
I lurrve my OPI file! We're very limited as to the brands we can buy here in Australia, so to be able to find a quality crystal file made me pretty happy :)
It's gentle but efficient and doesn't make that horrible squeaky noise ;/ I use it weekly to smoothe out my nails and shorten them a little. I keep it in the tube thingy as I've heard they can be fragile, and haven't had a problem. I'd consider buying another one for my purse, but I only really file my nails at home anyway...unless God forbid i broke one, eek!
I bought 3 of these expensive OPI crystal files because of all the raves. I'm on my third now, they're sooo fragile. And I've always been very careful with them, go figure.
I don't notice any difference with a regular diamond file, except the OPI breaks so easily. And the tip is extremely sharp; much sharper than regular files. I've pricked myself with it more often than I'd like, and drew blood every time. As soon as this last one breaks, I'll be going back to a diamond file.
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Love, love, love this! I'm on number 2 (it is crystal and is definitely fragile ...if your S.O. Is anything like mine, don't expect it to last very long under harsh conditions). I bought my second and have since bought two more - one for my mom, and one for my 94 year old grandmother. Expensive fir a file, but so gentle it's worth every penny.
My gosh, why am I the only one who doesn't like this? I absolutely hate this file! I thought that glass crystal files were supposed to be more gentle on the nails and file them more smoothly -- NOT this. it is as bad as any cheap emory board or bad metal file. I started with long nails, and had nubs after using this once. It ground them completely down! the surface is very coarse. i couldn't shape my nails at all without the file eating them all away :-(. TERRIBLE file, and to think, I bought 2 of them! :-(.
This is my first crystal nail file and I like what I see! Compared to emery files, this files more with less effort. I also did a little test where I filed one index finger with the OPI crystal nail file and my other index finger with a normal emery file and I could feel the difference, the crystal nail file is much more smooth and sleek whereas the emery felt kind of rough in comparison. Some people complain about the feeling, I couldn't understand so I filed my bf's nails and he cringed and was like "it feels like I'm scratching a chalkboard" and I was like wha? I don't feel like that... and then he goes... "When I was in middle school, I would purposely scratch the chalkboard to make that annoying sound to piss ppl off..." So unless you know the feeling of scratching your nails on a chalkboard I doubt the feeling should bother you. NO it doesn't make the chalkboard sound when you file your nails! I guess the "feeling"? But I wouldn't know what it feels like.. since I never did that during my high school career.. anyways! I love this nail file... though I keep looking at Nail Tek's crystal file case... with envy.. but other than that it's awesome! I too will probably never go back to using emery boards... :)
I bought this file recently at Winners for only $4.99! Deal of the century. It didn't come with any directions or anything and I threw away the packaging! Oops.
I've never tried this kind of nail file before, but I love it. It is gentle, and doesn't leave my nails ragged after filing. The only thing I don't like is the smell of my nails being filed away. Maybe its just me?
I have only tried two crystal files, the OPI one and the NailTek XL. The NailTek XL was a clunker - - it makes a slightly squeaky sound - - you know- -fingernails on the chalkboard sound - - so I can't use it. The OPI one is grittier. No squeaking. Does a great job of filing. I use it only with polish on my nails and have no trouble washing off the stains from even vampy colors. There is sometimes a slight smell in the air when I really file down a nail.
I keep my file in its protective sleeve at all times (except when it is in use). It is fragile. It stays in my nail care tote. I have a plastic tote with my nail stuff in it. Everything stays together nicely.
I rarely clip and can't remember the last time I used an emory board. This makes the best finish on the tip.
This is the second glass file I had bought. The first was one I bought in the drugstore that I bought after a month.
Pros: 1) works great. I no longer cut/clip my nails - only file. They have not ripped, chipped, peeled, snagged like usual despite my normal abuse. They have been a real benefit to my nails, which is great b/c I am very low maintainance. 2) It is two sided. 3) Thickness is ideal - not too thick or thin. 4) lasts and easy to clean
Cons: 1) must remember to keep it in the plastic tube that it comes in. I am sure it will break if dropped on the floor or counter. 2) It is relatively expensive. I am pretty clumsy, so I decided to buy in bulk. I took the advice of another poster and bought online from TransDesign. It ended up being about $8 each, including shipping (this was for a pack of 10). I know it sounds extreme, but it comes down to a several files for me and plenty of stocking stuffers for girlfriends. I think if you just want to try it out, you can go get it a single.
In the end, it really is a wonderful tool and well worth the money. Tons better than metal or paper type files.
This is the only file that touches my nails! I didn't know to use it wet (mine didn't come with any kind of instructions?) But it does great. My boyfriend broke the plastic case it comes in, and my mom managed to snap off the handle. The girl at Beauty Brands told me to be sure to keep the plastic tube to store it in, and sure enough it got broken. I keep it in my OPI case to keep it safe from being swiped by my thief cat. I still use even the the handle is long gone. Overall I love this, and I would like to get another when I have money (I paid $10 + tax) I would recommend to anyone who wants to take good care of their nails in little time :D