HOW TO GET FASHIONABLE NAILS WITH ESSIE SLEEK STICKS UV NAIL APPLICATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you want trendy nails but can’t do it yourself? With these nail appliqués getting glam nails has never been easier.

There’s something about having your nails done that makes you feel like a million bucks. You find yourself wanting to show them off everywhere you go.  And since trendy nail art has become all the rage—from patterns, to textures to crystal applications—nail art has become your best fashion accessory and a great way to experiment with patterns or colour you may not do with fashion.

But let’s face it getting a fancy manicure can be costly, especially if you’re getting shellac, gel or dramatic designs, which is why nail stickers can be your new best friend.

Introduced within the last few years, nail polish “stickers” are a convenient way to apply polish with no dry time. They’re now better quality and come in different shades and patterns that are super easy to apply.

One of the best on the marker that I’ve tested is the new Essie Sleek Sticks. They are pre-cured under UV lights making them last up to 14 days. “My obsession with fashion doesn’t stop with colour,” says Essie Weingarten, founder and creative director. “Colours set the scene, but a design conveys attitude”

How to use them:

• Each package comes with a buffer, a cuticle stick, and 18 nail appliqué nail strips so you can best customize to the size of your nail.
• Clean your nails with polish remover before applying.
• Remove the Essie Sleek Stick strip and place it carefully on your nail while smoothing to its shape.
• Gently fold the excess over the nail and file off the excess, which gently peels away once cut with the file.

The verdict:

I’ve worked with nail strips before, but I have to admit the Essie Sleek Stick nail strips are of high quality. They are slightly thicker than other brands, giving them longer durability.

One of the challenges to applying strips is perfecting the tip of the nail. Applying the strips on the nail and smoothing them out is easy, but getting them to perfectly cut around at the nail tip may require a bit of practice.

One tip I can recommend, that has made this easier for me, is to use your thumbnail or another fingernail to guide the strip around the tip. Once I’ve folded over the excess of the sticker over my nail, I gently used my thumbnail to fold the sticker under my nail with pressure. The pressure of the nail cuts the sticker to size under the nail. Then, I used the file to perfect the look and smooth out the polish on the nail.

I decided to use the gorgeous “embrace the lace” pattern, which is a gilded ivory filigree pattern that is neutral, goes with everyone but does not go unnoticed. In fact, from the grocery check out counter, to meetings to outings with friends—everyone checked out my glam nails.

After eight days, the colour stayed on with no chipping at the tips. It was my choice to remove them at that point for a style change. But I suspect that they would have lasted a few more days longer.

These nail strips are a definite must-have for those who love stylish nails, and a great way to jazz up your nails at home.

 

 

—Toni-Marie Ippolito