Ok, ok, I know I said I wouldn't + I know this may sounds like a sketch excuse but after I consulted with my nail technician she revealed to me that what I'd actually been using for my precious manicure was not calgel, but in fact something called bio-gel (I believe that was the name - I guess bio-gel had the most enticing colors at the moment) which is not as resistant as calgel. The calgel colors that were available mainly were the glitters, which we know I love anyway but sometimes I like to switch it up.
And I need to confess the other part:
As the previous gel manicures would peel off, I would manually finish the job myself by just peeling the rest off. A big NO NO! I didn't realize that my manual peeling of the gels (as opposed to soaking off like you're supposed to) was removing a layer from my nail, making my nails thinner in the process. Thus, my nails would become increasingly thinner with each failed manicure. And thin nails just do not support gel.
In short, my nail technician recommended that I keep my nails short and use exclusively calgel formulas (as they are thicker and provide a better protection to the nail).
In the end, I've learned if my nails start peeling I should opt for spending a few extra minutes to soak them off instead of ripping them off (like cookie monster with a cookie) as it can really damage your nails in the act.
I'm happy to report that these nails are going strong like normal!
What can I say, I guess I'll never let go of the gel. Oh, shame on me.
-Sophia