May I present my
[Pretty] DIY manicure using
Sally Hansen Nail Effects. This is Blue Ice (a denim-like blue grey) on Day 4. I cleaned, did dishes, worked on stripping veneer and my nails are still perfectly polished. In fact, I finally took the polish off today (Day 7) simply because I was getting nail growth at the base of my nails and I wanted to try the Pink Ice strips I had purchased.
Pros (for me):
[Happy]
- Application is less messy and quicker than a 'wet' manicure.
- Immediately able to use my hands after applying the strips: no 'dry time'.
- My nails look professionally polished.
- At least 7 days of great looking nails (no small feat in my professional and domestic worlds.)
Cons (for me):
[Real]
- Limited color range: neons, camo, and some of the graphics are not where I live.
- Cost: the strips range from $9.00 - $10.00 where I live in Northern New England. However, for me some of that cost is balanced out by the shorter application time and longer wear time that I get from a 'wet' manicure.
Some things I discovered while applying Nail Effects:
A) Nail prep is crucial. Remove all previous polish, push back your cuticles, and use the buffer/file enclosed with the kit to buff the top of your nail bed. I also did a quick swipe of isopropyl alcohol just to make sure the surface was oil-free.
B) Due to the length of my nails, I could do two nails off one strip. My method was apply a strip to one nail, gently stretch until separated in half, and apply that half to the corresponding nail on the opposite hand. At that point, I would smooth the polish strips down with the enclosed cuticle stick, rubbing the exposed edge of my nail to create a 'fold' and then gently file the excess away with the enclosed buffer/file.
C) The strips are stretchy, so you can gently pull the edges to cover your nail all the way to the sides.
D) Start with your pinkies and work your way in towards your thumbs.
E) The kit comes with 2 foil packets of 8 nail strips. Once you open a foil packet, you must discard the unused strips. This stuff is real nail polish, and any exposure to air will eventually dry them out.
F) Don't worry about the cuticle edges while you are applying the strips. I found it easiest/least stressful to get the strips applied and smoothed down, then go back with a pair of cuticle nippers and neaten up the edges. If you use the pointed edge of the cuticle stick, you can get most edges pushed down and secure - any remaining part of the strip will dry out and can be easily snipped away at the end of the application process.
G) If you make a mistake on a nail, gently scrap it off with your cuticle stick (or use polish remover on a cotton swab.) You can easily trim an extra strip to cover the boo boo; any overlap simply acts like a second coat of polish. I use the largest of the strips as my backup/spare.
H) Use a clear topcoat! For the glitter strips, it smooths down the texture and creates a nice finish. I applied a top coat on Day 1 and then on Day 5, just for a bit of protection. The Sally Hansen top coat I used (which I had before I bought the strips) dried quickly; since the strips are 'dry', there aren't several coats of polish that have to harden and dry all at once.
I) Take your time. The beauty of these babies is that you can use your hands immediately after applying the strips and they look great for days. So slow down and do it right!
I was in no way perked or comp'd for this post: I really think this product rocks the casbah! However, if Sally Hansen heeds my plea for a deep wine shimmer strip and is looking for a name, may I suggest "Medusa"? [Funny]
