Sunday 22 January 2012

Nail of the Day With Nail Rock Wrap Review...

Hey there!

Sorry for the sparse postings recently... been too busy trying to get some surprise goodies together for my Giveaway!

Anyways, here's just a quicky about my Nail of The Day and a mini-review of Nail Rock nail wraps.


So I've tried my hand at the nail-wrap trend and I can honestly say that I don't think I'll be trying this again in a hurry. What a palaver! I'm not sure whether this is down to the brand or just down to the fact that nail wraps don't really work for me, but I was sorely disappointed with the effect of applying this Nail Rock black-and-white stripy pattern to my nails. I obviously only put it on my accent ring-finger nail, and this alone took me about five minutes per nail and essentially just looked and felt like I'd stuck a sticker on. Very cheap looking and tacky, and I felt it was peeling off from the tip of my nail after just an hour of jabbing away at my laptop keys which was very annoying after all the effort I'd gone to.

To apply the wraps, I prepared my nails first by using some nail varnish remover on a cotton pad to clear away the remnants of any old polish and also any dirt or grime that maybe have invisibly stuck to my nail and would have made it even harder for the wrap to adhere. Once I'd done that, I buffed my nails to make them shinier and create a more even surface as suggested on numerous online pages regarding the application of this kind of nail art. Now it was time for the wrap. Peeling the sticker from the backing paper I placed the square shaped edge against my nail bed as suggested, leaving a tiny bit of space between my cuticle and it, in order to prevent peeling. I stretched it across the nail (as directed by Nail Rock) so that I wouldn't get any air bubbles under the wrap and folded it over the end of my nail. I actually even tucked it under my nail all around for the next part, which is where I think the nail wraps failed me. I began to file off the surplus wrap which was really hard work. I actually hate filing my nails anyway (I'm weird... I much prefer clipping them into shape!) so I didn't enjoy this bit, and I had to do this for quite a while so as to prevent any damage to the nail, the wrap and my sanity.

Anyways, once I'd done it and the end had peeled off I thought, 'Huh, so that's it?' Looking at my nail I was seriously unimpressed. I mean, it looked almost perfect, but I hated the design and the plastic-y appearance of the wrap too. Nonetheless, I painted my clear coat over the top, did the other nail and was finished. Unfortunately, like I said, I may as well not have bothered with any of that as the nail wrap was beginning to peel from the tip of my nail shortly after.

Basically, I didn't like the effect, I didn't like the application and I didn't like the longevity of the product. I'm glad this came in the terrible GlossyBox forced on my sister at The Clothes Show or I would have been seriously disappointed if I'd paid for it and had the same experience.

And yet, this is just my personal opinion and I know that some people love wraps. Perhaps I was applying them wrong, my nails are rubbish or I'm just an idiot, but either way I can't see myself purchasing a pack of nail wraps in the future. I think they're just glorified stickers, like you get when you're a child but they call them 'wraps' to make them sound more adult. However, if you would like to buy some wraps like these, you can click through to Nail Rock and find that similar products retail at about £6.65.

I'm a huge fan of Topshop nail polishes and this colour is no exception. I received this colour as a Christmas gift and I think it was released with three other colours just for the season so it's no longer available in store. Plus, because it's just a mini and I've lost the box I don't remember what the shade is called :( It's a kind of deep-grey, deep-khaki colour and it's lovely! Similar gift sets from Topshop Nails retail at about £12 for three minis. Bargain.

What do you think about nail wraps? Was I applying them wrong? Does anyone else prefer hand-done nail art to these sticker-type things?

Thanks for reading and enter the Giveaway!

Love
gabriellasofia
x

16 comments:

  1. Cute combination, I love that colour! xx

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  2. There is no way I'd buy nail wraps from Nail Rock, purely because of the price alone, but I bought some from Primark for £1 and absolutely loved them! Although they don't tend to last that long (3 days at the most although I didn't put a top coat on) They're perfect for a night out, you should give those a go and see if you think they're any better :)
    xxxx

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  3. From what I have already, I doubted I would like nail wraps and now that I have read this I think I would hate them! I probably will be tempted to try out some cheap £1 wraps someday soon though, just to check them out!
    This is the second Topshop nail polish related blog post I've read in the past 5 minutes... I think it's a sign, I should definately try them out!!

    Phoebe x

    inbeautyland blog

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  4. Thanks @Kelli! I thought they would be cute together, and I did get a couple of compliments (from my mom and dad lol), I guess the effect of the wrap just didn't work for me.
    Hey @Helen, thanks for the tip about Primark wraps... for just a pound I might try them... nothing ventured nothing gained I guess :) The Nail Rock prices are a bit extortionate for something that I didn't like!
    @inbeautyland You should definitely go and check out the Topshop colours, they're super long lasting and lush rich colours. I haven't tried their crackle polishes yet but I can't wait to get on it.

    Thanks for your comments guys. I'm currently having a nightmare with my Twitter that's making me feel really down so it's nice to have a trio of comments to cheer me up :)

    Love
    gabriellasofia x

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  5. I really wanted to try these nail wraps out, but I doubt I will be purchasing these! They do seem great for a night or special occasion! I think I will invest in the £1, you cant really complain if they go wrong!
    I do love the combination you've chosen! I have yet to try any Topshop polishes, but this is such a pretty colour!

    http://luceeloves.blogspot.com/

    xxx

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    1. Thanks babe! Yeah, I might try with the Primark ones mentioned above as they are so cheap, but probably not if I want them to last any longer than the night as I'm just not convinced about their staying power :( Thanks for reading :)
      Love
      gabriellasofia

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  6. I like the look you've gone for. I read mixed reviews but have yet to try them myself lol! :)

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    1. I guess everyone should try them for themselves but maybe see if you can get some for free as you might be a bit disappointed like me :( Thanks for your comment!
      Love
      gabriellasofia

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  7. Gorgeous design!! :D

    http://lucyywrites01.blogspot.com
    Lucy
    x

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    1. Thanks Lucy! Looked good until they started to peel :P
      Love
      gabriellasofia x

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  8. Great honest review, I really appreciate these! Sorry to hear the nail wraps were a bit rubbish. Glad you didn't pay for them as £6.65 is a bit steep for what they are. You could get a decent nail polish for that which would last much longer. I personally don't like wraps either, I do have some which I've been putting off trying for ages as they seem like hard work to put them on haha!

    Love the nail colour by the way =)

    Jen xx

    http://randomworldofjen.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks Jen! I feel bad when writing a kind of negative review, but at the end of the day I kind of owe it to my readers to give them my honest opinion. I did find them quite expensive, so I agree I'm glad I didn't pay full price!
      Try them! You never know you might get on better with them than I did... if you do, let me know your secret :)
      Don't forget to enter my giveaway and thank you for reading :)
      Love
      gabriellasofia x

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  9. Hey

    I tried these a couple of weeks ago and LOVED them! I bought the leopard design and gold lace and they lasted 7 days :P lol. I was surprised! I had heard mixed reviews and wanted to try myself. They now send them out with an acetone wipe and a free file and orange stick - perfecto. Gotta love free gifts ;)I'd definitely buy these again xx

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    1. Oh dear, I'll maybe try them again just to confirm I'm not a total and utter idiot, I just prefer painting my nails now I think. Perhaps with the file, acetone and orange stick I might do better as I perhaps wasn't armed with sufficient tools... I'll maybe try again and report back. Thanks for your comment :)
      Love
      gabriellasofia
      x

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  10. Ive just tried nail wraps for the first time (gold and black giraffey ones) and i was dissappointed. but again it may be due to me not doing it right with it being my forst time :( x

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    1. Yeah, I think they definitely need practice as I have some friends who absolutely swear by them! I'm going to maybe buy some more and see if I have improved at all.
      Thanks for your comment :)
      Love
      gabriellasofia
      x

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