Quarantine has allowed a lot of beauty lovers to experiment a little more than we’re normally able. No one can judge a hairdo gone wrong or makeup that turns out crappy. And it’s the perfect time to practice some spring nail art — unless you’re me. I am lazy af with my nails. A quick solid color or clear coat and I’m off. I’m low key. I like it. However, I always see beautiful nail art on Instagram and Pinterest and want to try it out. But I know I’m too impatient and just won’t do it. Enter the nail sticker. Nail stickers are great, because I can get the look of nail art without having to sit at the salon or take the time (not to mention skill) to do it myself. I’ve been testing out ManiMe custom gel stickers for the past few weeks, and I’ve got some thoughts. So let’s get into the ManiMe Custom Gel Sticker Review.
January’s Allure Beauty Box contained a credit toward a set of ManiMe custom nail gels, and I was really intrigued. Once I logged onto the site to check things out, I noticed the designs were really interesting and unique. And the concept of a custom cut nail sticker was genius to me. I knew I’d want to test them out. So I placed my order and wanted to do a full review instead of a speed review in a recap post. And that’s what we’re doing now. So here’s how that’s going to go: the ordering process/style options, application, the result, and the bottom line.
Sound good? Good.
The basics
ManiMe is a beauty tech brand that delivers custom-fit gel manicures and was started by Joyeon Song, who was in search of a damage-free, less time consuming gel manicure. The ManiMe philosophy revolves around the idea that “changing your manicure should be as easy as changing your shoes.”
The gel stickers themselves are made of 100% Korean gel, similar to what you’d receive in a salon but without the need for UV curing. They are also non-toxic, Leaping Bunny Certified (cruelty-free), latex-free, and vegan.
The unique tech comes with the technology that allows the gels to be custom fit to your exact nail shape and size and to be removed without harming the integrity of your natural nail. You simply send them a few angles of your nails, and they send you back your unique gel sticker.
Manicures and pedicure start at $15 and increase slightly as designs get more intricate. Shop their site using my referral link* to receive $5 in credit + 20% off your first order.
The ordering process and style options
While the process is a little more detailed than stopping by the drugstore to pick up some stick-on nails, it was extremely simple and straight forward.
STEP ONE: You start by doing a 3D scan of your nails. Using your phone, you’ll take a few photos of your hands. Don’t worry; they walk you through the whole thing.
STEP TWO: Choose your design. There are tons.
STEP THREE: Lay in wait for 4-7 business days until your custom set comes in the mail.
Style options range from solid colors to intricate designs. My favorites are the line art and geometric prints. I love the style options. It gives me the ability to choose designs I’d never be able to recreate on my own. And I love that they collaborate and feature individual designers to showcase their art as well. Some style even donate a percentage of proceeds to charity.
How to apply
Historically, nail stickers and I don’t get along. And while my first application of these custom gels weren’t perfect, I still thought they were easy (& your set comes with extras. I used them.)
I started by filing my nails into the shape I like and washed my hands. Using the alcohol prep pad included in your pack, I cleaned my nail and then began placing the stickers onto my nail, about 1mm from the cuticle. It was surprisingly easy to smooth the sticker over my nails. After you’ve placed the sticker on your nail, you’ll have to deal with the excess. I took fingernail clippers to trim them down, and then used a nail file (in a downward motion) to smooth out the edges and further remove it.
ManiMe recommends keeping nails dry and away from water for at least an hour after application. After that, you’re free to submerge them in water as much as you’d like. The manicure should last for about 2 weeks, similar to a UV gel manicure you’d get at a salon.
The result
Now, the meat of this ManiMe Custom Gel Sticker Review.
I’ve tried a few different kind of nail stickers in the past, and they just never worked out for me. They didn’t last very long, but neither does polish if I’m being honest. I’m rough on my nails, apparently. But the ManiMe stickers really did last a solid 12 days before they started peeling up at all. Once the stickers are placed, they don’t budge. On one hand, this means you want to make sure you get it right the first time. But on the other hand, it means they’re sticking around for a while.
Something I love about gel manicures is the shine. And I didn’t think I’d get the effect with a nail sticker situation. But I was surprised at how shiny and similar to a salon gel sheen the results are. Something else I really love about these stickers is that I didn’t have any issues with hair sticking to them or the sticker getting caught on clothes or the cat. Plus no dry time needed? Sign me up. Because I am queen of 4 things: making it awkward, sneezing while driving through intersections/at traffic lights, sneezing literally as soon as I put on mascara, and effing up my nails as soon as I paint them.
Removal
Removal was something that made me nervous. The main downside with salon gel manicures is the damage they cause to your true nail. My nails are strong and healthy, and honestly really pretty. But the gel manicures I’ve had for the past few months have ruined my nails. I’m impatiently waiting for them to grow back out enough for the damage to be gone.
I was nervous the removal of these stickers would cause some damage to the nail. But I found them to be really easy to remove. I noticed a little bit of adhesive left behind, but I just used an acetone nail polish remover to remove that.
The bottom line
Buy them.
I couldn’t stop looking at my nails. They’re glossy, had zero dry-time, and I know they’ll be removed easily. The wear is good, and they’re not that expensive — definitely less expensive than going to a salon.
I’m a natural nail girl at heart, but from time to time I really want something artistic. And we all know I’m not going to take the time to do it myself. Enter the ManiMe Custom Gel Sticker system. I will definitely try to keep an eye on new styles and a few packages on hand. I love the glossy finish and style options. And I love how easy they were to apply and keep. Hopefully this ManiMe Custom Gel Sticker Review was helpful. What’s your nail persona? Are you all about the stickers? Acrylic? Salon junkie?
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