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| NCLA Nail Wraps in Reflect Yourself! |
So I'm just going to put it out there: this is my absolute first experience using any type of nail applique/wrap. Ever. Some of my issues are likely due to inexperience. But I figure that some of you out there might appreciate hearing about NCLA Nail Wraps from the perspective of someone with no experience using this type of product.
The Product: What initially attracted me to the NCLA Nail Wraps was the selection of designs that they carry. Some of them seem to be designed in-house, while others are designed in collaboration with designers and well-known nail artists. But all of them are very unique and not always something I could paint myself. And I'm used to the ones I see at the drugstore, which always seem to come in the same old designs - animal print, checkered, stripes, etc. Reflect Yourself! is an interesting kaleidoscope-like design with fuchsia, pink, black and hints of lime green.
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| NCLA Nail Wraps in Reflect Yourself! |
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| NCLA Nail Wraps in Reflect Yourself! |
Each package comes with two sheets of nail wraps, each sheet with 22 wraps. According to the instructions each package is good for 3-4 applications. I found that some of the sizes fit my nails perfectly, but a few of them were too big. Which means I'll need to trim some of the larger ones next time I use these. There's also a nail file, which seems to be standard with most nail appliques/wraps.
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| NCLA Nail Wraps in Reflect Yourself! |
Application: Each package has instructions, and they appear to be straightforward: paint your nails with a base coat, let dry, apply the correct sized wrap smoothing it out, then file the excess off and finish with a layer of top coat. I found the process very easy in some ways, but it wasn't as smooth as I had hoped.
Warning: The instructions say to remove nail wraps by peeling them off. Don't!! You will damage your nails, as some other bloggers have noted. Instead take off with acetone. I found it messy, but better than damaging my nails.
Thoughts: I found the application was not too difficult, however, I did have problems trying to figure out which wraps fit which nails. Several times I applied a wrap that was too small and had to pull it off, basically wasting the product. You are able to stretch these out a bit, but they don't stretch that much. The other issue was wrinkling. Despite the fact that I used the flat end of an orange stick to smooth them out, I still had some issues with wrinkling. I'm not sure what to do about this.
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| NCLA Nail Wraps in Reflect Yourself! |
Overall, I like the designs on these nail wraps, but the application was not completely foolproof. Maybe with more practice I will get better at it.
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| Skittle manicure with NCLA Nail Wraps in Reflect Yourself! |
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| Skittle manicure with NCLA Nail Wraps in Reflect Yourself! |
I still have one more set to review. I plan to wear these current ones for a few days, so I will also report back on how they hold up.
NCLA Nail Wraps are available from Nail Polish Canada. They retail for $16 (Canadian), which works out to approximately $4-5 per application.
What do you think of these? Have you tried any nail wraps/appliques/strips?
*Product provided for review, all opinions are my own. See my disclosure policy for more details.*
I love how NCLA's designs are those which are hard to recreate on your own nails, makes it feel more value for money.
ReplyDeleteI've tried only once in nail wrap application, and had NO IDEA on how to use the file. It was awful.
I did try roughly placing the nail wraps(whilst still with backing) over my nails to see if they sort of matched my nail beds. It would probably be easier and you won't have to waste the product if nail wraps came with transparent backing! ^^
The file is sort of an awkward thing, it doesn't give you the cleanest edge. I'll try that technique next time for trying to match the sizes with my nails, although these are on a white paper backing so I don't know how it would work.
DeleteThis design is really gorgeous <3 I love how you mixed up the patterns :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! The design really is a great one, and I could have done a better job of showing it - like not choosing two identical wraps! ;)
DeleteUnique design for sure! Personally I haven't used any of these yet, they all seem to big for my fingers.
ReplyDeleteYes, depending on your nails, they might be too big. You can trim them but it would be a drag to do for all of them. They look a bit bigger than they actually are, mainly because they wrap around the nail, so you may want to give them a try.
DeleteI haven't tried any nail wraps yet, or any other types of nail appliques. These designs are quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteThey are a fun thing to try for a change, maybe if you find some on sale. Yes, the NCLA line has some really great designs, I honestly had a hard time choosing!
DeleteHi Meghan, first things first those wraps look beautiful on you and the Skittle is stunning!!! Aren't you tired yet reading this from me?? LOL! Now I have the same issues with the NCLA wraps - I got two or three different designs from various collections and had the same issues like you with any of them. I tried over bare nails and with base coat and one even over a fully polished nail because I could not be bothered with removal as I was too anxious to try them - guess what - that one worked best!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Christine, I never get tired of reading your comments! :) I will try them over fully polished nails, I never even thought to do that - thanks for the advice!
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