I used to have a religious Sunday night beauty ritual. Clean my makeup brushes. Deep condition my hair. Wear my collagen facial mask. And paint my nails. But lately, I spend more time blogging than I do primping.
Last week, I decided to get back into my regular routine with Sally Hansen Salon Effect Nail Polish Strips ($8). But while press on nail polish strips might sound like a great idea–smooth application, no dry time, 10 days of wear–they failed to live up to their promises.
While the hot neon yellow nails intrigued me, I decided to go with something a bit more subtle, pale gold. But if you’re looking to try a crazy color or without buying a whole bottle, this might be the perfect solution for you.
The application seemed simple enough: peel, stick, trim. The important detail they neglected to mention is that if you don’t clean, trim and treat your cuticles with a manicurist’s skill, you won’t get a smooth application. Instead, you’ll get lumps, bumps and unsecured edges.
And speaking of unsecured, even though I pressed until I couldn’t press anymore, I never felt confident that they were firmly applied. It looked like they might peel off at any moment. Which, incidentally, turned out to be a bonus when I removed them three days later. That’s right, three days.
The package advertises that they last up to 10 days. However, I lost half of one the first time that I washed my hair. I then chipped the tips doing light housework. And within 72 hours, they were so messy, I could barely stand to have them on another moment.
Final verdict: Perhaps women would benefit from an easier nail polish system, but this isn’t it. Two coats of OPI and a liberal application of top coat would have held up twice as well for three times as long. Additionally, since one application’s worth of strips costs $8, they’re not exactly a fiscally responsible alternative.
Belle,
What is your take on synthetic nails? I know they are not “in,” but I have dry, weak nails, and I enjoy having them, as they make me feel more put-together and feminine. In your opinion, are they a faux pas?
Belle,
What is your take on synthetic nails? I know they are not “in,” but I have dry, weak nails, and I enjoy having them, as they make me feel more put-together and feminine. In your opinion, are they a faux pas?
Weird. I've had completely different experiences with them. This is the 4th time I've used them and I absolutely love them! Yes, you do need to make sure your nails are clean, but that's easy. I am rough on my nails and this set is now on day #6. I guess they just take getting used to, but I think they're fantastic.
I wouldn't buy them for a solid color because the price isn't low, but for patterns they are a nice option. Also, my nails are fairly short so I cut them in half and get two nails from one strip. This gives me two sets per box!
Sorry you didn't like them. Maybe give them another try with what you know now?
Sarah-I just don't think they worked for me. I'd rather just paint, so much less hassle.
I officially want to search for a bottle of hot neon yellow polish now!
I absolutely disagree. I NEVER paint my nails because I'm, awful at it, but these had my nails looks incredible. I found them to be perfectly easy to apply & trim – without manicurists' precision, I swear – & with a top coat of clear polish, they would've lasted double the 10-day guarantee had I not gotten tired of the color. Honestly? I think you were doing something wrong. I've never seen a single bad review of these until now, & I don't know anyone who's had trouble with them.
Disappointed to hear that they didn't work well for you because I've been wanting to try them! I'm horrible at painting my own nails (especially my left hand) and have been looking for an alternative that would also last for a while. I think I'll give these strips a try myself this weekend. If that doesn't work, I'd also really like to try getting my nails done with gel.
Anyone try gel polish and love it? I've heard it's a little expensive but lasts longer than paint.
Katie รขโฌโ I'm also inspired to find a neon yellow shade too. ๐
Belle, I know that sometimes things that everyone loves (like flip-flops!) don't work out. But this is a seriously great product. Mine took maybe 20 minutes to apply (including cuticle maintenance and nail buffing) and lasted 15 days. Perhaps you got a defective set? I'd give it another go soon if I were you.
You know, I don't think I was doing anything wrong, they just didn't adhere well to my nails. So maybe it's a chemical thing or a Belle-specific thing.
Either way, I prefer to paint, but glad you ladies like them.
Belle,
What is your take on synthetic nails? I know they are not “in,” but I have dry, weak nails, and I enjoy having them, as they make me feel more put-together and feminine. In your opinion, are they a faux pas?
Belle–I totally agree with you! I've tried these twice and they have never worked for me. I kept reading glowing reviews of them, so I was inspired to try it, but it just didn't work on my nails.
Govvie- A french manicure, (esp on acrylics) in my opinion, is faux pax. I used to wear them all the time (pageants), but then I realized they were a bit trashy, or at the very least, gauche.
So now, I have short nails and I like them much better because they allow me to wear polish more easily.
If you have weak nails, maybe try an acrylic in a shorter more natural shape but no french tips!
For weak nails there is also an OPI product called Nail Envy what works great.
ProfessionalGal (and Govvie), I've tried the OPI Axxium Gel Manicure and the Shellac Gel Manicure. They both work well and stay on 2-3 weeks. The only negative is the regrowth. Govvie, as long as you get them removed properly, they are great because they look like natural nails (for those who don't like the acrylic nail look), but are almost like fake nails and they allow the nail to grow underneath.