A Go-To Option For Great-Looking Nails

Beauty & Fashion Kuel Thought Leader: Gail Scott

Nails are bigger than ever ladies, and anything goes!

Today I want to introduce you to a newer technology that has become my go-to option for great-looking nails.

First, let’s talk about what we are seeing in nails. Like I said earlier, anything goes; short, long, colorful, simple, designs, solids, metallics, chrome, literally anything. Many gals prefer the coffin shape, while others still favor the traditional rounded oval. We even still see the occasional rounded edge.

“At a salon in a mid-sized town, you can expect to pay $85-100 for a gel manicure & traditional pedicure including tip.”

We see everything from very short to VERY long. And the old rule of lighter shades for short nails is out the window. As for those toes, again, anything goes, and matching your fingers is not necessary.

Best-Looking Nails:

Here comes the BUT…these beautiful nails cost money. Sometimes LOTS of money. At a salon in a mid-sized town, you can expect to pay $85-100 for a gel manicure & traditional pedicure including tip. That doesn’t include special soaks for the tootsies or extra sparkles on the nails.

The special touches can cost an additional $5 or more PER NAIL. Considering that an average cadence for gel fingernails is every third week and a pedicure once every four to six weeks, the costs add up quickly. None of this takes into account your time. At my local preferred salon, a manicure/pedicure is a two plus hour ordeal. And I do mean, ORDEAL. The best tech is always running behind, and as the shop owner, she is usually doing multiple other things.

She stays booked so she could not care less if you like her ways or not. If you want the best-looking nails, you play by her rules and her ways, which sometimes means getting my hand slapped for moving. I have often walked out the door thinking, “I actually pay for this abuse.”

In The Name Of Vanity:

The last factor that sent me to my new find was Covid. I just refused to go and sit facing someone who had been facing others all day long in the name of vanity. So I removed my gel nails and looked for options for my thin, peeling nails.

“Now granted, I almost pass out trying to do my own toes, but that’s motivation to lose weight, haha.”

Before I divulge my new obsession, please commit to hearing me out. My first foray into this arena was not successful. But alas, I’m no quitter.

Without further ado, I want to tell you about nail strips. They have become my go-to for my fingers and toes. Now granted, I almost pass out trying to do my own toes, but that’s motivation to lose weight, haha.

5 Reasons I Love Nail Strips:

1. Easy to use.
2. Inexpensive.
3. Can be applied anytime, no appointment needed!
4. Can last for weeks.
5. If I damage one, I just replace it.

Which Brand To Buy?

The first brand that I tried was not a hit for me. Then I found a brand online called Dashing Diva. I was skeptical but desperate, and their price point made trying them an easy decision. My first purchase, their gel strips, were much better than what I had tried before. They were easier to apply and lasted a week or more. To apply, you simply prep your nails by shaping and cleaning them with the provided alcohol pad.

Then you match the strips by size, peel, and stick. It’s pretty simple. Trim them to align with your natural nail and you are done with no drying time. Each pack is around $7 and I can do two manicures with each one. They contain a variety of sizes, so anyone can get at least one set, but most will be able to get two. They give free shipping with a $15 purchase, so they are brought right to my door at no additional cost.

“Their staying power isn’t super consistent, but a little glue can help them to last.”

These are also easy to remove, just gently peel them away! I’ve used the pedicure strips on my toes and had them last for a month. They take me a little longer to apply, but it’s totally worth it.

Cured With A Lamp:

Next, I tried a new product, a strip that is cured with a lamp. I’m experimenting with this style, but haven’t mastered them yet. They are a little more expensive, but give the shine of gel nails and are thicker and more rigid. 

Lastly, they offer press-on-type nails. These are the quickest to apply and can add length. I can apply them in less than 10 minutes. Their staying power isn’t super consistent, but a little glue can help them to last. However, I have had a set last two weeks.

The Base Coat Counts:

I highly recommend their base coat under any of the styles, as it seems to keep them on longer and protects your nails. If you are tired of the money and trouble of visiting your nail salon, then give the strips a try! No appointment is needed, you can apply them while you enjoy your favorite television show. You might be surprised at how much time and money you can save while still having great-looking nails. 

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