While browsing my local Rite Aid this past weekend I noticed something
new and cool looking on the outskirts of the nail polish shelf. They
were nail polish strips! Now I had tried just about every nail concept
available, from silly decals that peel off in seconds, to ridiculous
looking hanging charms, and mini rhinestones that ended up yanking out
my hair whenever I ran my fingers through it.
For me, when it comes to Sally Hansen, we have a love/hate
relationship. In the past most things by them have either really
impressed me, or really let me down. When I spotted these Sally Hansen,
Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips, I had to admit, I initially thought
they would be a huge disappointment. I mean a strip, that sticks to
nails, and stays put for up to 10 days?
Yeah right.
Being the beauty junkie I am, and someone who loves trying things
before most do, I went ahead and bought them anyway. I figured why not,
they would make for a review regardless. I went with #220 Cut It Out,
which feature black and white flowers drawn onto the strips. They were
pretty, and I knew if they worked well enough it would go really well
with just about any outfit. Plus Cut It Out, had a semi retro type of
flair to them, one in which I really liked.
The problem I was having with them when deciding on whether or not to
buy them was the price. The kit contained only 16 strips, and it cost
just as much as it would cost me to go get an airbrush design at a real
nail salon. Nearly $10.00. Yup, I could have paid a salon to airbrush
some nice neat design for exactly the same price. But God, I hate
salons, and hate waiting.
In The Box:
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips are supposedly made of
real nail polish, in the box there are 16 adhesives in 8 different
sizes. Basically you get 2 of each size. This odd man out number miffed
me, because you literately only get 1 use out of this $10.00 purchase. I
wish they would have included 24 strips, giving me at least 2 uses.
Besides the 16 strips, in the box you will find a mini nail file which
acts as a buffer, and a 2 sides file for rough and light filing. You
also get a cuticle stick.
My Use:
Knowing I had no room for mess ups, I hoped that my first time
attempting to apply these strips would be flawless. Unfortunately I
ended up ripping one strip while applying, which was not such a horrible
thing since I was able to use a larger strip on that nail and file and
shape the sides from it. So it worked out OK.
You must first have clean dry nails, and you must buff the nails using
the included file. This allows for the strip to more easily stay on for
a longer period of time. Failing to buff, and apply the strips to clean
nails will lessen the life of the sticking agent.
Before applying you will want to chose the right strip that seems to
fit the nail you will be working on best. This was simple. Once you
decide what strip goes where, you then peel of the protective clear
sheet of plastic on the top of the strip, and then peel the strip off of
the protective backing and carefully apply it to your nail.
This part is actually very easy, and I was surprised at how perfectly
the strip stuck to the nails, and how easy it was to press it into
place, and under the cuticle giving it a salon professional finish.
The adhesive strip will hang over the nail. The instructions say to
file it off, but I ended up ripping my first strip doing it that way. I
found that bending the excessive strip down against the nail, and
pressing hard, allowed the strip to rip and peel away with ease, leaving
behind a perfect salon quality styled nail.
After applying the first strip I was in awe at how simple, and beautiful it looked, as if a professional had done it.
All in all, applying the strips took me about 20 minutes, and the
finish was flawless. I loved them!!! Now I worried about how long they
would stay on before signs of lifting or peeling occurred.
Last:
I am at day 6 now, and there are absolutely no signs of peeling,
lifting or wearing. I believe that the life of these strips will be even
longer than 10 days. I expect longer results due to the fact that I
applied a topcoat of clear nail polish on top of the strips, to ensure
the sides do not lift up. I recommend doing the same if you want the
strips to stay put longer.
Overall:
These strips are totally awesome, totally fun, and beyond beautiful,
and best of all, the results last! I am going out to find another box
with a different style sometime today.
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