DOES IT WORK? // GEL NAIL STEAM REMOVER

If you’ve ever worn Gel Polish on your nails, you know that removing said gel can be a real nightmare! Soaking, filing and scraping are often involved- and when it’s all said and done, your nails are usually left feeling a little beat up.

I’ve heard about Gel Polish steamers before but never tested one of even seen one in stores. Luckily I happened to glance down on the very bottom of the shelf at Walmart a few weeks back, and lo and behold- there was ONE sitting on the shelf calling my name. Here’s a look at my test run over on IGTV, and if you want to try it for yourself, you can scoop it up here.

So, DOES IT WORK? yes and no… After filing the sheen off the surface of the nails, you place your fingers in the designated holes and let your nails steam above the acetone (my fav kind here) for 10 minutes. It was surprisingly HOT, so I thought there wouldn’t be any residue left on my nails after the cycle completed. Unfortunately, there was still about 60% of the polish left on each nail when I removed it, but the rest did scrape off pretty easily. I’ll definitely use this gizmo in the future, because it did about half of the work for me… but my snoop score is 6/10.

Would you try it? Let me know, xo

3 TIPS THAT MAKE POLISHING YOUR NAILS SO MUCH EASIER!

Getting the perfect manicure at home can be a challenge, but it is a great way to save some time and money if you can master the steps. Here are my tried and true steps and products for a DIY mani that will last! [video here]

1- It's all in the PREP

Consider the time that is spent at the nail salon PRIOR to applying the polish. All of the prep-steps matter, and are crucial to getting a mani that lasts.

So be sure you:

• File and shape the nails- do this first so that the polish can wrap around the finished edge for a stronger bond.
• Soften and push back the cuticles, my fav product for this is the Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover
• lightly buff the shine off of the nail

2- Polish in THIN even layers (2-3 layers with a 2 minute wait time in between each)

• The thinner the layers, the less likely you'll smudge and the quicker you will dry try the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel it's the best!
• Start painting holding the brush with your NON-Dominant hand, this will help avoid smudging. And take your time, nice slow swipes work best- start from the middle of the nail and work back towards cuticle to keep the cuticle polish free.
• Work from the pinky finger inward to help avoid accidental bumps and smudges 

3- Top Coat and BE PATIENT

• Keep the top coat layer thin as well for best results, Sally Hansen makes a gloss or a matte finish which I love for a more modern look.
• Wait 10-15 minutes before moving but remember polish can smudge for up to 90 minutes after it's applied so be careful with hands until you're in the clear

Happy Polishing!

WILL YOU BE WEARING THE COLOR OF THE YEAR? // ULTRA VIOLET BEAUTY

Ultra Violet has been named the Color of the Year by Pantone

- the universal authority on color... And I for one, am super pumped about the announcement. Purple is just my favorite color in general, but I've always LOVED to wear purple on my eyes as well. In my opinion it is the only color on the spectrum that is universally flattering on every skin tone. EVERY SKIN TONE!!

Not only does Ultra Violet make your eyes pop, it also wears beautifully on lips! Here is a look at the trend and a few great budget friendly options to get you started. [

Video Here

]

Eyes

• Loreal Infallible Liner 'Purple'

• NYX Vivid Brights Liner 'Vivid Violet'

• NYX Color Mascara 'Purple'

• La Girl Eye Lux Shadow Palette 'Glamorize'

• Loreal Infallable Paints Metallic 'Violet Luster'

• Revlon Photpready Eye Art 'Lilac Luster'

Lips

• Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink 'Believer'

• NYX Sliptease Lip Oil 'Feisty'

• Maybelline 24hour Super Stay 'All Day Plum'

Polish

• Revlon Gel Envy 'High Roller'

• Revlon Gel Envy 'Berry Treasure'

• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel 'Purplexed'

• LA Colors 'Risque'

• Butter London - Pantone Collection

What do you think of Ultra Violet!?

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THE RETURN OF PRESS ON NAILS!?

These are not your grandmas press-on nails folks! In fact press ons are making a big comeback, and you might be surprised to find out celebrities like JLo are wearing press ons for an instant touch a glam and boasting about it on

social media

. 

If you haven't thought about or worn press-ons in a long time, you'll be happy to know that the technology has improved and the results are more life-like than ever. These types of nails are made with a gel finish, so they are shiny and super durable. 

You can also apply them for a temporary pop of pizzaz, and here's how:

 [

video

]

Favorites:

Kiss Gel Fantasy

 (glue) Great for an event or photos. 2-3 days, but pop off more easily with the glue.

imPRESS One-Step Gel

 (peel and stick) My FAVS! They last 7-10 days and are so easy to apply!

Tips for an easy application:

1. Start by using your 'awkward' hand to apply nails to your dominate hand. It's much easier to apply with your awkward hand, BEFORE they have nails on.

2. Find your proper size nail- it should lay flush with the curve of your nail bed, without having to be pressed down. You may need to size up, and then file the sides more narrow to get the right fit. Tip: Write down you sizes so you can quickly grab the right ones next time

3. Prep the natural nails by washing your hands, and using a quick swipe of polish remover to remove any oil or residue before applying

4. Apply glue to both the natural nail and the press-on, but only allow to dry for a few seconds before bonding together. Or if using the peel and stick, simply remove the backing and press and hold.

5. Place the nail on at the cuticle first (avoid touching the skin) then rock the nail forward. Press firmly to remove air bubbles and hold for 10 seconds for a solid bond.

It is common for 1-2 nails to pop off in the first day or so... these will be the nails that didn't get a proper bond the first time around. Simply reapply glue and bond again. Once the nails have made it passed this phase, they've proven they are secure and will last about a week before the natural oils in your nails loosen the bond. At this point the nails will need to be removed and any remaining glue can be soaked off quickly with some acetone based polish remover.

Press ons are super fun for a quick change or a temporary look. Ideal for a big event or even somthing like family pictures. I hope you'll give them a go! xo

3 AT HOME GEL POLISHES THAT ACTUALLY ROCK

I love a good Gel Nail... in fact I only wear gel polish because traditional polish doesn't last in my line of work. Water and nail polish don't get along so well!

I began wearing gel as soon as the industry introduced it on a large scale. The colors were limited and expensive, plus they required a UV light to cure. But, it was the first time in my professional life I had been able to wear polish at the hair salon- so I was stoked!

Fast forward a few years and the at-home version finally emerged... no light required, and [almost] the same long lasting results. (I typically get about 10 days of wear and just a few minor chips.)

The technology is still improving so who knows what the next big advance will be!? But until then, here are my

top three tried and true at-home gel polishes.

• 3rd Place: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Best Metallic Options

• 2nd Place: Revlon Gel Envy Most Opaque Formula and Easiest to Apply

• 1st Place: Essie Gel Couture Longest Lasting Results

The key to a good gel nail is all in the prep work before hand

. To start be sure you've washed your hands to remove any excess oil. Next

push back your cuticles

to ensure the polish won't touch any skin. If it does touch the cuticle you'll most likely have lifting. Third,

buff the nail bed slightly

to roughen up the surface, making for better adhesion. 

Apply the coats as thinly as possible

and allow a couple minutes drying time in between coats. Thick layers are prone to peeling and lifting, so keep em' thin peeps. 

Lastly, speed up your cure time by hopping out in to the sun for a few minutes, or paint your nails next to an open window. It's not required, but

bright UV light will aid in the curing time

and strength of your manicure. 

Happy painting! xo

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HEAL CRACKED HEELS WITH THESE FOOT SAVERS

Summer sandal season is upon us and I think it's safe to assume most of us could use a little foot tune-up! So if you are dealing with cracked heels, dry calluses, or just need a night to pamper yourself- take a look at my recommended foot products for good looking piggies.

Exfoliate first

to loosen dead, dry skin and soften the surface layers

Mild Exfoliation

• Earth Therapeutic Tea Tree Foot Scrub Minty and tingly with just enough grit to soften dry skin. Smells amazing as well!

• The Bathery 4-Sided Foot Wand Pair this little wand with your scrub for even more exfoliation. It has a pumice stone, brush, file and callous grater all in one handy wand.

Medium Exfoliation

• Amope Pedi Perfect Roller Like an electric sander for your feet, this guy will grind away tough callouses in a snap. Best for small areas like the sides of your big toes and the balls of your feet

Major Exfoliation

• Peeling Foot Mask If you are looking for MAJOR exfoliation this peeling mask is for you. It takes a few days to see results but be prepared for a whole new foot to emerge after the outer most layers slough off in large chunks. Gross but effective!

Nourish Next

to replenish lost moisture and keep skin soft

Mild Nourishment

• L'Occitane Foot Cream My tried and true favorite with just the right amount of rich hydration and a refreshing minty scent that takes you to the spaaahh. (if your own bathroom of course ;)

Medium Nourishment

• Heel Sleeves These half-socks go perfectly with your foot cream, but also work on their own to hydrate dry cracked heels. They are lined with a gel that is infused with oils to leave heels feeling like a million bucks when worn overnight.

Maximum Nourishment

• Flexitol Heel Balm The miracle cream you've been looking for... wear it every night (with your heel sleeves for extra love) and see a major improvement in a week. Then maintain your soft heels by using it about 3 times a week after your heels have been repaired.

Cheers to Summer! xo

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SPRING 2016 HOTTEST NAIL COLORS

Tis the season for happy fingernails! This Springs' nail colors are so great- I am loving everything in the latest collections. The colors are fun and flirty and perfect to wear with any Spring outfit. Here are my top picks. [

video

]

Spring 2016 Hot Nail Colors:

Flamingo Pink:

• OPI 'Got Myself into a Jam-Balaya'

• CND Shellac 'Rose Bud'

• Revlon Gel Envy 'Lady Luck'

Slate Green:

• Mark. 'Green Thumb'

• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel 'Grey Matters'

• Essie 'Passport to Happiness'

Barely Lilac:

• CND Vinylux 'Lavender Lace'

• Essie 'Hubby for Dessert'

• Revlon Gel Envy 'Beginner's Luck'

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PAINT THE TOWN WITH THESE NAIL COLORS

Winter 2016 is all about

moody colors that are rich in pigment

when it comes to nail polish. The look is chic and sophisticated, and acts as the perfect Winter accessory.

I've rounded up my favorite colors from brands that I trust and use the most. I'm currently wearing the Ciate blue pictured above, and get so many compliments on the shade! I know you'll love it too.

• Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Polish [in Jezebel & Gatsby]

• Butter London Lacquer [in Toff & All Hail The Queen]

• Ciate London [in New England Fall]

• Essie [in Starry Starry Night]

What colors are you loving right now? Let me know in the comments below, xo

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THE HOTTEST NAIL COLORS FOR FALL 2014

From Top:

Estee Lauder- 

Diva Moment

Essie- 

The Perfect Cover Up

OPI-

Skating on Thin IceLand

Zoya-

Thea

Revlon-

Bordeaux

Zoya-

(Matte Velvet) Posh

Butter London- 

Dubs

Essie-

Jiggle Hi, Jiggle Low

I've been scouring the

latest Fall 2014 nail color collections

from all my favorite brands, and I've rounded up this seasons hottest colors. It's all about rich pigment with a Holiday flair- and I love the idea of it all!

I feel like I am able to keep up with my manicures much better in the colder months, because I am not outdoors swimming or working in the yard etc. My polish isn't nearly as prone to chipping off during this time of year, so it gets me more excited to play with new colors frequently. I am loving the jewel tones in all of the collections, they are so sophisticated and perfect for upcoming Holiday parties. If you are looking for a new color or two- stick with these for maximum ooh-la-la factor and compliments from your friends.

Thanks for reading- you guys are the best, and I love you all! Be sure you come back Friday for a Halloween inspired round up of my favorite facial masks with Studio5 TV.

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THE BEST BEAUTY FROM BACKSTAGE AT NYFW

Happy Monday! Today I am excited to share with you my backstage coverage from New York Fashion Week. It was such a thrill to be backstage at a handful of shows this year- the energy and excitement is like nothing I have felt before.

Imagine

15 gorgeous models, 30 makeup artists and hairstylists, and 5 manicurists... all doing their jobs at once,

 plus about 20 members of the press (that's me... 'press' :) trying to photograph and video ALL AT THE SAME TIME! In a tiny backstage area, I might add! It is chaos at its' finest.

In the

video

below, I put together some of the beauty looks that I was able to witness first hand, as well as some of my other favorites from shows I wasn't able to attend this season. It gives you just a glimpse of the beauty you can expect to see trending come Spring 2015. The majority of the designers all opted for sleek/wet hair looks on their models, and mostly natural looking makeup. But, there were of course a few outliers that went for bold lips, crazy nail art, and even pierced eyebrows! Take a look:

Featuring looks from:

• Rodarte (pierced eyebrows)

• Degen (rainbow/water color nails)

• The Blonds

• Zac Posen (red lips)

• Georgine (hair wrapped in scarves)

• Libertine (letters/tassels on the fingernails)

• Thakoon

• Suno

• Rebecca Minkoff

• Jason Wu

I hope you find some beauty inspiration in these looks! I know I did, and I'll be bringing you some '

Inspired By'

posts over the next couple months, where I'll showcase some of my favorite looks, and how I would achieve them at home. Stay tuned for those, and be sure you come back later this week for a recap of what I wore while in NY, and for my

Mascara Wands 101

class with Studio5 TV. xo

THE NEW BREED OF NAIL POLISH // WOULD YOU BUY IT?

Lately there's been talk about a new breed of nail lacquers. These aren't your run-of-the-mill drugstore polishes, or even your salon quality polishes.

These are designer, luxury lacquers that carry a hefty price tag and come in stunning little packages.

And while I'll probably bite the bullet some day, and throw down $50 for a bottle of the iconic red colored polish produced by Christian 

Lou Boutin

, for now I've found just the right amount of luxury in my new

Azature Black Diamond Lacquer

. ($18-25) 

People often ask me '

what is the difference between cheap polish and high end polish?'

, and in my experience it's two things: the consistency and the pigment. High quality Polish is thinner so it gives a smooth even coat, without being lumpy in any way. BUT even though it's thin it still has major color payoff and only needs 1-2 coats to have beautiful non-streaky results.

The Black Diamond lacquers are spot on in both categories, and I have been wearing them 24/7 since they landed on my doorstep. The red color called '

Ruby Diamond

' is so close to the Lou Boutin red, I may never need to buy it after all. And you may know that Azature is renowned for their beautiful black diamond jewelry, and true to form, each Azature polish contains a tiny black diamond in each bottle! 

Yes, they are more expensive- but they are luxury in the best way. I suggest buying a couple classics shades that you'll get years of use out of, making them investment polishes you'll love to use time and again. Plus if you bring one of these bad boys with you to your next manicure appointment, you'll feel like a million bucks to boot! 

What do you think? Would you splurge on the newest breed of nail polishes? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure you are following along with me on

instagram

- this week I'm prepping for my trip to New York Fashion Week, and I'm sharing sneak peaks on my IG account! xo

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*Azature samples provided to the beauty snoop, all opinions are my own

WATERCOLOR NAIL ART

Get my easy WATERCOLOR NAIL look, follow these super easy steps:

• Start with your base color, I used Revlon Gel Envy in the color 'Jokers Wild'

• After your base dries, top it with a clear coat (this step is to protect it from the use of acetone, see steps below) and let that thoroughly dry before moving on to your art steps

• Apply a few random dots of your next color, mine is Essie in the color 'Splash of Grenadine'

• Dip a small art brush into your acetone and gently thin and smudge the dots of polish

• Next add random dots of your third color, mine is Revlon Parfumerie in 'Pink Pineapple' and repeat with the acetone until your desired marble effect is achieved

• Finish with a coat of clear top coat, and you're done! I always use Revlon Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat... it's amaze

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you give this easy nail art a try... it is so easy to do and I seriously love the effect. If you do enter the contest, tag me in your pic too so I can see your mad skills! xo

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SUMMER ESSENTIALS: 4TH OF JULY NAIL ART

I'll be the first to admit that nail art is not my forte. But there is just something about 4th of July nail art that gets me excited every year! I feel like it's the perfect way to introduce a little

red

,

white

and

blue

into your style with out being too LOUD and it's perfect for the whole month of July! When I saw this patriotic glitter polish by Sally Hansen, I just had to have it! I love a good glitter and this collection is a favorite of mine because I love the variation in size of the glitter specks. Cute huh!?!

Wearing:

Sally Hansen Color Frenzy

in 'Red White & Hue' [it's a brand new collection so you may have to shop around a bit until you find it] Available at drugstores and other major retailers.

A few quick tips for nail art newbies:

• Don't attempt to do anything if you're in a rush! Nail art takes a long time to do well, you must let EVERY layer dry completely before moving on to the next. If you skip the full dry time, you'll end up with overly thick nail color, and most likely major smudges.

• Layer STRATEGICALLY. Darker colors will cover much easier over lighter colors and you won't need as many layers. In the above pic, I used white first then added the red half-moon after the white had completely dried. Doing the opposite may have left me with a pinkish-white.

• Use HOUSEHOLD items to help form your designs. You can certainly go to a beauty supply and buy some fancy nail art tools, but things like toothpicks and push pins work great for creating dots and doodles... and they are free and disposable!

• When in doubt TOP COAT it out! A clear coat goes a long way to hide imperfections and complete a look. Don't stress if your art isn't perfect- that's why it's uniquely yours.

I challenge you all to have fun with your nails this month too, and if you do- send me a pic or tag me when you share it, so I can see your artistic work! See you all soon

NOW TRENDING: NUDE NAILS FOR FALL 2014

Now that New York Fashion Week has come to an end, I always love going back through the collections and spot patterns that weaved through many of the designers looks. Without a doubt

the biggest nail trend was the return of the Nude Nail for Fall

.

Not that nude is ever un-beautiful... it's just too classic for that. But it certainly hasn't been the talk of the town in the last few years, because the focus has been on detailed nail art and the power of the gel nail formula that has seemingly taken over the world.

But I think it's safe to say that the return of the nude nail will be big this Fall, and while that may seem boring, check out some of the variation in these pics above! Splashes of color mixed with the nude are stunning in my book, and the use of color blocking has now entered the scene as well. Those gold and nude combos are my favorite, hands down.

I love the subtleness of this trend and the attention to detail that it brings to any ensemble. So get your bright Spring and Summer colors in while you can, then be ready for a classic [subtle] taste of beauty come Fall.

Do you like these looks? Let me know if the comments below, and be sure you come back Friday for a new episode of Studio5 where we are dishing about the newest color in eye makeup...

Violet Tulip

!

DITCH THE UV: LOREAL GEL LACQUE IN RADIANT ORCHID

Orchid Gel Color (Miss Luster-ess)

2014 is off to a great start- including the announcement of the

Pantone Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

. Purple has always been a go to color in my makeup bag, and you'll often find me wearing my favorite

purple tang eyeliner

90% of the time. I've even begun wearing shades of purple on my lips so I feel like I am completely on par with this years' it-color.

But, if you read my blog regularly you know that

nail polish & Megan don't mix

. Not because I don't love the way it looks of course, but because it just isn't practical with my day to day job at the salon. My hands are in water all day, and therefor polish has no chance of survival. DOA, if you will.

When I am feeling the need to decorate my digits, I usually go for decals or gel so I get a few more days of wear out them. And while I do have a UV gel lamp at home, I wanted to test out the latest in gel... the non UV version.

Loreal has recently introduced a three step gel system called

Extraordinaire Gel Lacque 1-2-3

. I picked mine up at Target but the starter kit with the 1-3 polish can be hard to find so you can also

buy online

. The system has three parts: a primer, a gel color, and a glaze overlay.

I tested the system two ways. First without pre-buffing the nail, and then again with buffing before application. And just like I have experienced with ALL gels... if you don't pre buff to roughen up the nail bed and give it some added

grip

, the gel will peel off too easily (about 2 days). I think this is because the gels are much thicker on the nail when dry, and because of that there is often a discernible edge near the cuticle that can easily catch and then lift off the gel in one large sheet.

colors available

So learn from my mistake and use a fine particle nail file or buffer to slough off the sheen of your nail, then cleanse well with a little rubbing alcohol before beginning the painting process.

The layers go on very easily and surprisingly cure very quickly. So even though you're using three layers, I didn't feeling like my waiting time was any longer than with traditional polish, if fact I think it was quicker! Your left with a brilliant shine and the thickness of a gel that is great for protecting the nail and for longer wear. I got about 6 days out of mine, so it's definitely longer lasting than traditional polish, but not quite as long as a salon gel manicure.

I will be adding more of the Gel Lacque colors to my collection for sure, and I will experiment with the thickness of each coat to see if I can stretch the staying power a little longer. Have you tried any non-UV gels that I need to know about? Let me know in the comments below- and be sure to sign up for email on the left side bar, so that you never miss a snoop!

THE PRIME OF YOUR LIFE: BEAUTY PRIMER WINNERS

I'll be the first to admit that some products out there (and in my drawers) are just 'fluff' products. They are kinda nice to have, but they aren't by any means necessary to own or use. When I de-clutter my makeup stash, it's the fluff products that always find the bottom of the garbage can first, because they take up valuable storage room, and don't give me any real payoff.

But one thing that I have learned in my beauty career is that primers can make all of the difference when it comes to the performance and longevity of your other products. A good primer is essential in my eyes and can easily replace 2-3 fluff products while getting you better results.

Why go through all the work of applying makeup, or styling your hair... or the time consumer of them all... painting your nails- just to have all that work go to waste!?! Seriously, stop doing that to yourself and invest in some top notch primers, you won't regret it! Remember that

the purpose of any primer is to prepare the surface to receive the subsequent products better

, with longer lasting results.

Best Nail Primer:

Essie Protein Base Coat

Nail care is not my strongest suit, mostly because I work with water, shampoo, and color every day so my nail polish has a slim chance in Hell of surviving more than 24 hours. But, when I do take the time to paint my nails, I want to be sure the color lasts as long as possible. I love this nail primer because it also strengthens the nails with its' protein ingredients. One coat of this dries quickly and provides a smooth surface to paint over. Your polish will last longer and the added layer gives a nice rigid protection to the nail itself so your less likely to break a nail when your popping open that morning can of Diet Coke. No? Just me? Ok.

Best Hair Primer:

Alterna Caviar Style Prep

Style Prep is my go-to detangling spray that is lightweight and smells amazing, BUT what it really does is even out the porosity of the hair so that all of your styling products absorb evenly and spread more easily. It also helps to repel water out of the hair so that your drying time is cut down significantly. This is the first product you would apply to your hair right out of the shower, then comb it through with your wetbrush or wide tooth comb- followed by any mousses, gels, creams, or oils that you use to style.

Best Skin Primer:

Benefit POREfessional

Makeup priming may be the most important of them all, and anyone who struggles with uneven pigment or oily/acne prone skin knows this first hand. I love the POREfessional primer because it is fairly lightweight and absorbs quickly, but it does a great job a filling in fine lines and large pores. Think of it as prepping the canvas prior to painting. Makeup primers typically help absorb some of the natural oils in the skin too, which helps makeup stay put with less slipping throughout the day.

Best Eye Primer:

NS Minerals Eye Primer

I am a big fan of NS Mineral makeup, but my favorite product from the line is their Eye Primer. It's unassuming on the outside, but this little tub packs a punch! It's a cream-to-powder finish formula that's not too liquidy- so it never creases or runs. And it has major staying power which is essential if you are wearing loose powder shadows. A swipe of this stuff across the lid will give your shadows the boost they need to be brighter in color and stay put the whole day. It's great for any work with photo shoots or bright lighting because it really holds up under heat well.

So there ya have it- the prime of your life is just around the corner! Do you have a favorite primer I need to try? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!

NAIL APPLIQUE ROUNDUP: WHICH BRAND IS BEST

Nail decals and appliques make it possible for every women to wear gorgeous nail designs without an expensive trip to the salon. And for every time I have heard a client say 'I am so bad at painting my own nails...', I now have a great alternative to suggest to them.  The biggest bonus in my eyes is that the decals apply quickly with no dry time, but they also withstand the harsh conditions that my hands endure every day at the salon.

But, not all polish strips are created equally- so I put together this post with my results and recommendations. While this experiment isn't scientifically sound, I have used all of these brands more than one time and my findings are consistent. Let's dive in shall we

Okay: Essie Sleek Sticks($10) I so wanted these appliques to be awesome since I am a big fan of Essie polish, but unfortunately these were pretty unbearable to me. I wanted them off my fingers almost immediately because the thick sticker like polish strips leave an exposed tacky edge that catches on just about everything.  And the textured rhinestones also grab onto hair and clothing etc. These are more appropriate for a one-time use such as a dance or wedding. Trying to wear them longer than that is not advised.

Good: Sally Hansen Salon Effects ($9-12) These polish strips were the first on the scene and their popularity pushed other major nail brands to begin producing their own versions. These strips are the thinest of all the appliques I have tried which makes them flexible and easy to stretch to fit. However they can tear easily during application and the edges succumb to wear easily within the first few days. The price point on these is very reasonable and you can find them in grocery and drug stores everywhere. A great choice for teens and drugstore beauty buyers.

Better: Incoco Nail Polish Applique ($10) I discovered Incoco when I received a sample from

BirchBox about six months ago. The design they sent me wasn't my favorite, but the strips applied so quickly (the fastest application of all), the thickness and flexibility of the strip is perfect, and they remained almost flawless through the first week. So, I ordered several more sets, including the blue design above and have been really happy with all of them. Incoco also makes french tip options that are really fun too.

Best: JamBerry Nails ($15) Jamberry has the cutest and most fashion-forward designs of any of the brands I have seen that are appropriate for women in the workplace and beyond (even sports team logos!). The application processes is slightly different requiring you to heat the strip with a blowdryer for a few seconds before application. This extra step does take more time but it also ensures a secure bond that holds up to wear and tear the most thoroughly. They call them nail 'shields' and that seems to be a fitting word- they add protection and thickness to the nail without bulky edges. More money, but longer lasting results.

Do you have a nail decal favorite? Tell me below in the comments so I can check it out!