Jamberry Nails

So, for those that know me, I love color and am full of spunk!! When I had a job (other then staying at home and taking care of 2 ninjas) I used to go get my nails done every 2 weeks! IT was a must for me, my little splurge if you will.  I had the cutest girl that had been doing my nails and I just loved her. 
I used to get lots of different designs on my nails, and although they looked airbrushed she used to do it all by hand! I had every holiday covered and anything else I wanted in between; she was just fantastic.  Well, with the realization that we were going to be moving to Germany, and that I would be officially becoming a stay a home mom, I decided to stop having my bi-monthly splurges and just start doing my own nails. It would cut down on some major costs and we would have a little more in savings when we finally got settled… well having lived in Germany for nearly 2 years I had ust been sticking to solid colors on my nails. so, utterly boring to me. But, I stumbled across these Jamberry Nails one day while searching the internet! 
What are Jamberry Nails you say?

Jamberry Nail Shields are the newest way to accessorize your fingers or toes. Get your own unique professional nail design and say goodbye to nail polish.

This new nail treatment can be applied in just 15 minutes at home.  With over 60 styles available these designer nail shields are made to last up to 2 weeks on fingers and 6 weeks on toes.  Unlike traditional nail polish they won't chip or stain the nail and require no drying time. It's so easy to achieve a look that was once reserved to the professionals.
With many celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Beyoncé and Rihanna already wearing unique nail designs, it is quickly becoming a fashion "must have."

Jamberry Nail Shields are a solid film covering that can be applied directly to the nail to achieve a look not found anywhere else.  This special material is both pressure and heat activated to create a water tight bond to your nail. The film is finished with a high gloss protective layer that prevents your nail shield from chipping or scuffing. * taken directly from jamberry nails website*

I just HAD to try them! They have such a wide variety of nail shields to choose from, I had a hard time selecting.  I finally decided with the Pink Grey Argyle… and was so excited to try them out!  The hardest part about living overseas is waiting for the mail to get here… but 7 days later, they had ARRIVED! 

So, with all the excitement I set out to do my nails! They arrived in a small package (above) and had the instructions on one side and the nail shields on the other. I have very wide nails, so looking at the product before me I was happy with the many different sizes I was to choose to best fit my nail. I also knew that just like getting acrylics on your nails, you can always trim to get the best fit.

I read the instructions they provided and then also watched a video online, just to ensure I was doing it correctly:

jamberry nails shield application

It was so easy! I had so much fun just sitting in the bathroom enjoying my “mommy time” and after about 30 minutes.  It would probably have gone a little faster if I had had one of my girl friends applying them for me, but I was in no rush!!  Because I was just “testing” the product if you will, I only did my fingernails.  I also thought it might be a little more difficult to do my toes by myself!
The final product:
 


Applying the nails was relatively easy.  I won’t say that it was perfect, although again, it would have been easier if I had someone else doing my nails, just like it is always a little easier to have someone else paint your nails for you.  I found the nail shields to be incredible flexible and easy to use, the only downside I had was, the edges at the crease of my nails did tend to pucker a bit.  All I had to do was then turn the hairdryer on and get them warm again, and using the cuticle pusher or orange stick push the nail shield into the curves of the nails.   One thing that I would recommend (and they do, on the how-to video) is not to touch the adhesive to much, try to avoid it as much as you can. Heat and pressure are the keys to success!!  
They should last on your fingers 1-2 weeks (depending on how active you are) and on your toes, anywhere from 2-4 weeks.  The video offers a few tips to keeping the nail shields on a little longer, such as applying nail glue all around the edges of your nail bed, it isn’t necessary, but it will keep them looking good a little longer! When wanting to remove them, all you have to do is apply a little heat, and pull away from the nail- its THAT easy!
I would recommend this product to anyone! My 6 year old can’t wait for me to try them out on her nails!! I know that this is a must have in my house now!