The last few weeks before a competition are usually a blur for me. Tying up all those loose ends consumes many hours. With model wrangling, travel plans, registration — not to mention my regular job or my home life — it all happens so fast.

One thing that helps me immensely is to keep a list.

I’m a big list keeper.

I have a list for everything I do and it’s always evolving: places to go, stuff to get, you get the idea. With a glance, I know what has or has not been done and if I can slide a model in for practice or not. But this list also keeps me on track and allows me to get everything done that I need to get done.

I have been competing for so long now that my competition supply list is memorized and I only make a list of things that I don’t normally take. But it’s important for me to take this time to make the list before every competition.

And I recommend it to anyone that wants to compete. Build a list of supplies that you need to bring to a competition, and start by running through all the steps involved. For instance, for prepping your model you need extra files, manicure brush, dehydrator, and primer. For product application you need liquid, powder, forms or tips, sculpting brush, and so on.

Don’t forget your working environment either; you’ll need a lamp, towels, and a finger bowl. And then list whatever else you personally use to create nails, as long as it is not forbidden (like canned air).

There is already a list on the competition website. Just copy and paste it and make adjustments and you’ll be good to go.

Do you have all of your supplies?

Competition Supplies

• Timer or clock
• Lamp and extra bulbs
• Extension cord
• Heating pad
• Table towels and nail wipes
• Paper towels
• Dappen dish or other container and water for cleaning
• Polish corrector
• Brushes
• Implements
• Acetone
• Enhancement products (must be new or in labeled containers)
• Files and buffers (clean and unused)
• Soap (for Salon Success)
• Tips and adhesive (Salon Success, Tip & Overlay)
• Electric file and bits, chamois buffers and buffing products (Salon Success)
• Cuticle oil (Salon Success)
• Red cream polish (Salon Success, Sculptured Nails, Tip & Overlay, & Mirror Image)
• Base and top coats (Salon Success and Design Sculptured Nails)
• Gel Polish (Sculptured Gel Nails and U.S. Invitational Gel Nails)

Prohibited Supplies

• Canned air
• “Cookie cutter” type products for making a smile line
• Stencile type products (Design Sculptured Nails and French Twist)

Good luck!

— Lynn