{Beauty Mark} Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

21 March 2012

I wish I could say I was a nail polish addict, but alas, I am not. 

I wish I had the talent to boast shelves of beautiful shades that I applied effortlessly in minutes. I am plagued with the inability to paint my own nails, particularly my right hand. I somehow manage to always paint my cuticles, miss the edges and can never get it even. I can paint my toenails like a pro, but not the hands.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Cut It Out

*Yes, my pinky finger is funky. Learn this lesson kids: When you break your finger, have it fixed. Taping it just leads to this situation.*

In my desperation to achieve nail coverage without paying for a full manicure, I discovered Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips at a local drug store. I must say. I'm hooked. They come in both prints and solids, and the solid colors are very work appropriate if you're needing a more conservative look. They take around 20 minutes to put on the first time, but as you practice, it gets easier. 
  1. You first have to file down your nails to a shape and length you feel comfortable with. 
  2. Then, push back and clip the cuticles with the wooden cuticle stick that comes in the box. 
  3. Next, you want to buff the nail to make it smooth and even with the smooth side of file that comes in the box. 
  4. After buffing, swipe the nail with nail polish remover to remove any excess oil to allow the sticker to adhere well to the nail.
  5. Now is time to pick the sticker that fits the size of your nail the best. After choosing, you want to peel the back of the sticker off.
  6. Place the sticker on the center of the nail and align the edges to each side of the nail. 
  7. Using a light stretch, press the sticker to the nail and then place a finger over the nail to warm the polish a bit and help it adhere better for a few seconds. Make sure to place it over the tip of the nail as well.
  8. To remove the excess strip, bend over the edge of the nail and buff off using the soft side of the file provided.
  9. After applying all 10 strips, paint each nail with a clear top coat to prevent chipping or tearing.
These lasted me 10 days without any chipping or peeling, and I got tons of compliments on the fun design and the unique look. I will be trying them in other patterns and shades, and may even try a design on top of them with a nail pen if I'm feeling a little cray cray.
You can find them at Amazon, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, as well as some large grocery stores. 
Me doing some hand modeling for Jenni @ Story of My Life. Here I have on SHSE in Plum-met.



Disclaimer: This product was not given to me nor was I compensated for this review in any way. This product was purchased by myself with my money because I felt like it. That's how I roll.

22 comments:

  1. I love these nail strips, they are so fun! I had the butterfly ones and I want to try out a different pattern :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, the prints are endless! I wish they would do more adventurous solid colors!

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  2. Ok thank you for this summary! I know we talked about this when I met, but this seems so doable. I'm trying it! I have a bachelorette party in Padre next weekend - perfect time to try something weird. :)

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    1. They can definitely be a little frustrating, but do them when you have some time, so you don't have to worry about rushing through or sweating it when one doesn't come out right!

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  3. I LOVE these nail strips! The rainbow glitter shade is really fun. :)

    -Rebecca

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    Replies
    1. I haven't seen that one yet! They are all so much fun though- I almost plan activities around the nail color/print that I have on... sad isn't it?

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  4. I love the nail strips!! I just got the tyedye ones! I wish they weren't so dang expensive. Sure they are only what 8-10dollars, but when you buy 6 at a time.. it adds up haha! I've found they work best and stay on longer when my nails are short. Oh & I've master cutting the left over ones into two pieces and can put them on my toes. I use the biggest thumb one on my big toe. :) weird I know.

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    1. Me too! I bought the purple tie dye ones, as well as the colored floral ones. I love the Love Letter design, and am really hoping they come out with a chevron print or a minty green one!

      They do every once in a while have sales, where you buy one box and get the second box 50% off. That's when I stock up!

      Yes, shorter nails are easier to apply to, and I have always wondered if you could fit one of those on a big toe! But my big toes lives up to its name. It's huge, like a lightbulb. I'd have to layer a couple on to cover it all!

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  5. That is so neat!! I am loving your blog and wanted to let you know! Have a wondeerful rest of the week!

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  6. This is so awesome - I have wanted to try this! Your nails look fab :)

    XO
    www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Well you should definitely go out and try one then! They're a lot of fun and just make me feel a little extra special for a week or so :)

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  7. These are super cute! And thanks for the tips! Much needed, I'm hopeless with my nails... (and thanks for the lovely comment too. :))

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    1. Yeah, they're daunting to try and it can be frustrating when you are new to it!

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  8. your nails are wonderful!!! I'm too not really good in manicure, and I hate having to match my outfit to my nailpolish, that's why I often wear only nude or rose nails that work with almost all.
    But I think this is a great option, unfortunately I couldn't find something like this in Germany yet...

    xxx Anita

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    1. I am the same way! I have about 12 different shades of light pink/whitish pink in my drawer. I made myself branch out and try different things, and it's been fun!

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  9. Thank you for posting this!!!!!! :) I actually just bought a box from Walgreens yesterday and can't wait to try this thing out! Haha should be fun! :) xoxo - BTW you are so talented with the camera girl! You're gonna have to teach me some tricks when I get my first DSLR in June! hehe

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    1. Aw thanks! And I would love to have a camera playdate :)

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  10. You're kidding me, that was the polish strips you were wearing that night?! I LOVED that color you had on!!! Must try this...

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    1. Yup! When I found out I was going, I slapped those bad boys on and ran out the door! They have some really cute ones out right now too!

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  11. You're kidding me, that was the polish strips you were wearing that night?! I LOVED that color you had on!!! Must try this...

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