I've been seeing articles & blog posts about stick-on nails a lot, especially recently. Today marks the day of my fashion show and seeing as 1. I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off and 2. I don't want to spend $45 on a manicure, I decided to try them out. I went for Sally Hansen Salon Effects. I really wanted the leopard ones, but alas, they were sold out. So I decided on the lace (it was a tough decision between that and zebra. Who wants a plain color nail these days anyway?!). I found mine at Wal-Mart for $8.50. A word to the wise: this may seem like a good idea if you're in a hurry, but it actually does take some time to put them on. So don't try it at the last minute before you rush out the door!
Once you open the box, you have two packages of nail stickers (16 stickers total), a nail file/buffer, a cuticle pusher-thingy (does anyone know what thats really called? Whatever, you know what I'm talking about), and instructions.
First, you have to push back your cuticles. Then you file your nails with the hot pink side, buff your nails with the gray side, and swipe nail polish remover over your nail beds to get rid of extra dirt. The instructions say its best to work with warm hands, and make sure your hands are dry. Then you pick out which sticker best fits each nail bed. Peel off the top clear protector, then peel the sticker off the backing. When you put the sticker on your nail, place it all the way at the bottom of the nail bed. I thought it was easiest to do this first, then press it down in the middle and work my way out to make sure there were no bubbles or creases. You may also have to stretch the sticker a little so that it covers your entire nail, but make sure you don't stretch it too much or it will rip. Then take the stick and push it down around your cuticles. Sometimes the sticker overlapped onto my skin, so I just used the edge of the stick to cut off the excess. Once the sticker is secured to the nail, take the light pink side of the nail file and file off the end of the sticker that is not attached to any part of your nail. I have to admit, these instructions sound really easy, but it takes some practice. I have a few small tears and I filed too much of the sticker off on some parts so that part of my nail shows at the top. I would definitely recommend using forgiving patterns that don't show imperfections when you first try these. Otherwise, it was a piece of cake and I think they turned out great! The instructions say they should last about 10 days and all you need is regular old nail polish remover to take them off.
Enjoy your Sunday!
