"next year, i have to learn to stop biting my nails! i would like to stop worrying so much, because i worry all the time. and to learn how to be happier, just in general. i have to learn to take things not so seriously." - britney spears, dec 30th 2008
i just knew britney and i had something in common besides the obvious - you know, the incessant paparazzi following us around, the head shaving, the mental instability... no but seriously, confession time: just like britney, i've resolved to stop biting my nails.
it's not so much a new year's resolution (because those are inevitably broken), since i've been on the bandwagon a few months now. and despite a few setbacks, my nails are looking their healthiest ... ever. and my secret isn't some horrible-tasting nail polish, hypnosis or positive visualization, but basic nail care. if you spend time on your nails, you're less likely to tear off all your hard work. simple yet effective.
on a recent trip to san francisco, a friend introduced me to my new favourite nail product: dry nail polish strips. i heard about them a few years back when i was researching nail polish for work. back then avon was the only company making them, though now they've discontinued them. now there are two others: incoco and sephora.
product #1 :: incoco dry nail applique :: $5-6 USD for 20 individual nail strips
what's the story? these are my favourite. they're affordable, long lasting, easy to apply and easy to remove. plus, they come with all the necessary tools, including file, cuticle stick and polish remover. they last about 10 days and you don't have to wait an hour for them to properly dry. the downside is that these are only available at walgreens (US), but word on the street is they're selling them at some zellers (canada) now too for a couple dollars more.
product #2 :: sephora nail patch :: $10 USD for 16 individual nail strips
what's the story? i wanted to love these, and they do work, but they're more expensive than incoco and they only provide 1.5 applications instead of 2. that said, i love, love the black sparkle colour, but i've only seen the light pink in stores.
