Nail Polish Strips

 Recently, someone told me I should be using nail polish strips rather than nail polish because they are so much easier to use and you don't have to worry about spilling anything.  I'd never heard of them, so off I went to check it out.  

Nail polish strips are exactly what it sounds like.  They are strips of decorated nail polish that can be stuck on the nail before being cut to the exact shape desired.  Specifically, you stick the strip to your nail bed at it's base or at the bottom of the nail.  You then smooth it on to the top of the nail and fold it a bit over the edge before cutting it.  The final step is to smooth out the edges using a small nail file that comes in the package.

Most nail polish strips tend to have at least three layers - base coat, color coat, and a top coat - to give them a proper look but not all brands are alike. Some are thinner, or stick better, or cut off easier but they all work about the same. However, they can last up to two weeks depending on what you do and they do chip like regular nail polish.  The nice thing is that you do not have to wait for the polish to dry or try to clean off that little bit that got caught on your cuticle.  In addition, it won't drip and you won't get it all over yourself.

In addition, nail strips come in plain or a variety of colors and decorations. They can also be found in regular or gel formulas and both types have a self-adhesive to allow them to stick to your nails.  Since not everyone has the same sized nails, these strips come in different sizes so you can find one that works for you. Furthermore, if you mess up when you apply them the first time, you can take them off and reapply them without messing the strip itself up.  

Nail strips are more expensive than a bottle of polish and a package is usually enough for one application. Nail strips can also dry out just a a bottle of polish dries up, especially if the lid is left off. In addition, they are easy to remove but they might leave your nails feeling rough and a bit brittle just as if you wear regular nail polish for long periods of time.  Just be aware, since the nail polish strips may stretch some, any decorations on the strips might stretch out of shape.  

Since a number of different manufacturers make and sell nail strips, the quality may vary quite a lot, so try several until you find the one that works for you. Just remember these are not those glue on nails, they are the polish you use to finish your own nails.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.