Nail hack: Dashing Diva Nail Strips
Backstory:
I have been using Dashing Diva nail strips for about a year now and I can’t recommend them enough! I apply a new set every week, usually on Saturday evenings so my nails are “fresh” for church on Sunday and then I am ready for the week ahead. I have been able to go as long as two weeks on a set, but I like the variety too, so sometimes I change them up weekly.
I used to love to get my nails done, but a standard manicure doesn’t last, I find gel nails to be harsh and I haven’t had acrylics in years because I prefer a more natural look and application. Sadly, I just don’t trust the cleanliness of a nail artist/salon over doing it myself. I also hated spending the money on my nails, especially when I have my hands in dirt so frequently and work with my hands every day. Nail strips, for me, have become the solution to all of these concerns!
Cost & where to buy:
Most recently, I purchased four sets for $25.47 total. The names are: Gloss Palette Sweet Like Sugar, Champagne Buff, Pink Opal, and Gloss Artists Edition Joyful Day.
One set has extra nail strips, so you can usually get two applications from one set. Some of the sets have glitter accent strips that are the same, so I can often piece together as many as three applications by using strips from two or more sets.
I signed up on the Dashing Diva website to receive emails on sales and new offerings. They frequently offer sales, and I have the Honey web browser on my computer, which automatically searches for available discounts on all purchases. By shopping sales and using Honey, I usually get my nail strips for about $4.50 - $6.50 each set and free shipping.
Retail price at Wal-Mart is $6.97 per set. Target retails for $6.99 and usually has the latest styles available and a good variety of styles. My local Wal-Mart only offers 6 or so styles at one time, many of which are not my favorites.
Amazon offers them as well, with prices ranging from $6.99 for solid color strips up to $8.79 for artist styles, which offer more details for a variety of nail looks.
For me, purchasing them through the Dashing Diva site is the best deal overall.
I have tried a couple of inexpensive bulk nail strips from Amazon, and I can say they are definitely not the same quality. The glossiness wore away quickly, making the nail much less shiny – as if the top coat wore off. They also peeled up around the edges after a day or two, and the application was not as smooth.
Essentially, I am getting four manicures every month for $20 - $24, less than the cost of one salon manicure!
Application and removal:
My favorite look from the artist sets is to do all solid colors on every nail except my left and right ring fingers. For the ring fingers, I like to put a glitter nail, graphic pattern, or whatever other accent is included in the set for a unique nail look.
Now that I have been using these for a while, application is really easy and only takes me about 20 minutes. Initially, I had trouble with the nail tip curling up immediately after application, but I figured out a couple of things that helped:
· Use the restroom and gather all your supplies before you get started. The nails are easy to mess up until you have them securely in place.
· I prefer to do these at my kitchen island with the overhead lights on and while wearing my glasses to help me see the edges up close.
· I have found that doing these after dinner when I will be sitting still for a while is best. Apply your nails and watch a couple of hours of TV and the nails will be set!
· Always use the prep pads that are included in the nail kit. Swipe this pad over every nail just before application. This removes all of the oils from your skin and prepares the nail bed to receive the nail strip – THIS STEP IS CRUCIAL! Don’t touch anything unnecessary during the process of application.
· Occasionally, one or two nails may begin to peel up on the tip shortly after application. If this happens, I like to replace it with a new nail sticker for that nail only – quick and easy!
· I don’t use a product to remove the strips, or a base coat or pre-treatment of any kind. Dashing Diva does sell a product called “Magic Off” to help with removal, and they also sell a base seal for the gloss nails and the magic press on nails. I have found that the strips peel off easily enough without a remover of any kind, but I don’t use the Glaze nails or the Magic Press On nails. I do like to leave my nails bare for at least a few hours before I put on a new set. I will say that I have experienced minimal yellowing while wearing the strips, and my nails do not feel weakened or damaged once I remove them.
The style I have on here has been discontinued, but a very similar style is available called Euphoria Dream. I applied this set on Saturday, July 29, 2023 and took the photo this morning, Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
I am excited to wear some of the new styles with black this Fall. Hollywood Lane is my favorite!
What about you? What are your favorite nail hacks lately? Comment here or email me at: hello@kinshipandvine.com
Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission on purchases made through my links. This is at no cost to you.
