If you’ve perused the beauty aisle at your local drugstore, you’ve likely spied the new
Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips from Sally Hansen. As a big fan of their
Nail Art Pens that launched a few years back, I expected to love these. But after trying them, I have to admit that my feelings were a lukewarm like.
Like a moth to a flame, I’m inexplicably drawn to anything leopard print – so it’s a no-brainer that I chose to outfit my nails in the
Kitty, Kitty style. Following the instructions, I affixed the stickers to each nail and became very frustrated with the fit. It was a Goldilocks kind of situation – the strips were either too narrow or too wide for my nail bed. And when I tried to stretch the sticker for a perfect fit (the directions suggests doing this), the sticker ripped several times.
Peep my polish. The finished results look pretty damn impressive in the photo. But close up, it’s actually kind of messy…Cher Horowitz might characterize my mani as a “full-on Monet.” On some of my fingers, parts of my nail are clearly visible. And on others, the design overlaps my cuticle and the skin on the sides of my nails. Granted, I don’t think anyone will be scrutinizing my hands with a critical eye. But, to me, it doesn’t matter if others notice the minor imperfections...what matters most is that I do.
My friend, Alyssa, had a better experience than me (see above), though she did have some of the same complaints - namely that the strips don't apply as smoothly as she had hoped. However, she praised the product's staying power. Her mani lasted for about a week and might have worn longer, had it not been for an unfortunate run-in with an errant Ped Egg.
Maybe I’m too much of a perfectionist or perhaps my application technique could use some practice. Bottom line: when it comes to my manicure, it better be wow-worthy. Otherwise, I’d rather sport nekkid nails.
If you’re looking for a quick, DIY alternative to the Minx mani, the Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips are a decent bet. I’d recommend the High-Fashion Designs (Wild Child, Kitty Kitty, Fly With Me, Girl Flower, Misbehaved, Laced Up, Booty Camp and Collide-o-Scope, Cut it Out, Check it Out , Skinny Jeans) and High-Shine Metallics (Frock Star, Bling it On, Glitz Bitz, Raise a Glass, Blue Ice) over the Shiny Neons (Cry Baby, It Girl, Violet Night, Teal With It, Groove, Electric Shock, Squeezed!, Red-y for Trouble) because I’ve heard the neons really exaggerate nail imperfections and the result doesn’t look as - pun intended - polished.
But at $10 a box, I’d rather spend two more bucks and indulge in a professional manicure at my local nail salon.
If you’ve perused the beauty aisle at your local drugstore, you’ve likely spied the new Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips from Sally Hansen. As a big fan of their Nail Art Pens that launched a few years back, I expected to love these. But after trying them, I have to admit that my feelings were a lukewarm like.
While forced to leave the store empty handed, I decided that I wouldn't leave with nekkid nails. So I brazenly took the tester bottle and gave myself a quick mani right there at the counter. How tacky is that? I know, I know…I’m a mess. Ain't no shame in my game.
This summer, I was a little late jumping on the Chanel Nouvelle Vague nail polish bandwagon. By the time I discovered the rockin' robin's egg blue lacquer at a local salon, I could only get a manicure. Buying a bottle there - or anywhere else - was out of the question, as the shade was sold out everywhere. Well, except for eBay, where a single bottle had a price tag of $75. 
Chic Print for Nails ($15) are pre-cut nail patches - brewed by Minx - that create customized nails, featuring fierce patterns and prints to satisfy your wildest mani-and-pedi dreams. Dress your tips with your favorite design: anchor, stars, checkers, tiger, fishnet, chrome lace, black & gold geometric, or skulls.
Peep my polish. This week's mani comes courtesy of Chanel. Le Vernis in Particulière (from the spring makeup collection) is a putty/mushroomy shade that resembles one of my all-time faves, OPI's You Don't Know Jacques. 
Zoya Flash Collection
