Review of Sally Hansen Salon Effects, Girl Power, Nail Polish Strips

About 2 months ago I fell in love with my first set of Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips. I learned something disappointing about them though. You see, my first pair I opened up both of the air tight sealed containers which hold 8 strips in each one. I figured no problem, I'll use that second package at a later date.

Wrong!

One major, huge deal killing disappointment was learning that any un-used strips that you leave out in open air will dry up, no longer having a sticky bond in the back. This was so disappointing because I had no idea, and I would have never opened both containers at the same time.

You could get 3 uses from the 16 strips, that is if they didn't dry out and become useless. Having to throw out the unused strips is such a waste, and it's truly the reason I am no longer going to be buying them. I have however acquired a bunch of different styles that I bought before realizing how wasteful this all was.

Girl Power was one of the finds I purchased right before learning of this disappointment. I didn't want to return them though, I still could get 2 uses from the 2 sealed packages.

I tore open one package which contains 8 strips. 3 of which I had to just throw out because I did not need them. I use 1 strip for 2 fingers, as the strips are long enough to be used this way.

Girl Power is pretty stunning with small flowers drawn all over the strips, and bright colors of red, blue, yellow, pink, green, white, maroon and purple all filling in the flowers creating a really beautiful 60s retro like flower power theme.

Application is a breeze as well, and it's why I initially fell in love with these nail polish strips.

You need to make sure your nails are clean, and buffed by using the included file. Once that is done, you can then begin to apply the strips.

They go on with ease, but you have to have a good eye and steady hand to really place them on the nail perfectly. Once the strip is on, you can tear off the excess overhang and use that on the fingernail on your other hand.

You can then begin to press the strip down better using the included wooden nail stick to make sure the edges on on good.

To Get Them To Last Longer:

After I have applied all of the strips, I add in an extra step that I would recommend to anyone thinking about using these Salon Effect Strips; and that would be to apply a layer or 2 of clear nail polish on top of them to really seal them into place, and to stop lifting and color fading that will occur over time had you not used a clear topcoat.

Overall:

Girl Power is a beautiful design, giving you a beautiful professional finish. Sadly the strips you do not use will dry up, even if you leave them in their protective seals. So, if you do buy these only open 1 package of strips, otherwise the left over strips are rendered useless

Review of New Sally Hansen, Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

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.