Long-time readers might have noticed a total lack of nail art on this blog. Truth be told I am pretty clumsy, and it took me long enough to apply nail polish without making a mess. I have tried glue-on nails without much success (they fell off within a day, and the ones that were stuck on properly were a pain to remove), but when these ncLA I am your Muse Designer Nail Wraps found their way to me, I thought why not? If you’re a fellow nail art dummy like me, this is your chance to get a fancy party going on your nails without breaking a sweat!
ncLA nail wraps come with two sheets, each containing 22 nail wraps of different sizes. I like to gently lift the edge off (you need a little bit of patience for the job. Otherwise you might lift the nail wraps off with it) so that I get to see exactly how big the wraps are. My nails are quite narrow (I need the smallest size there is for my pinkies), and I will get three manicures out of this set. The nail wraps are pretty thin and smell slightly like nail polish. The instructions do specify that they have to be stored to avoid drying up, so I guess like nail polishes they have some kind of life span.
So what do you have to do? It’s easy! First you clean your nails with a nail polish remover (I always do this prior to applying nail polish to make sure no dirt or grease will compromise the lasting power) and apply a layer of clear top coat. It takes a little experience to figure out what size you need for each nail, but the good thing is these nail wraps don’t latch onto your nails like crazy. Without pressing them down, it’s rather easy to lift them up, so if you realize you’ve made a mistake while holding the nail wrap against your nail, you can always go back.
Now that you’ve got the right size, lay the nail wrap down from the cuticle. Firmly press down without creating bubbles so that they will last!
Time to take the nail file that is included in the set out! Remove the excess by filing downwards. Don’t do what you normally do when you file your nails. What I have realized in the process is filing the nails horizontally will just lift the edge and shortens wear. You need to do a clean job if you don’t want the tiny extra bits to snag. Last but not least, finish the manicure with another layer of top coat, and that’s your intricate nail art done with minimal fuss!
ncLA I am your Muse Designer Nail Wraps have black lace design on a red base. Once you put that final layer of top coat on, you will be able to see some shimmer on the red base too. They are very gorgeous and festive! I might not want to wear nail wraps all the time, but they are so perfect for parties. People simply cannot fail to notice your nails!
I wore them for my New Year’s Eve look as well. You can see it here:
I’ve heard people complaining about nail wraps showing tip wear the second day, but these don’t. Even with my rookie application skills, these hold up perfectly for two days on me. They don’t chip or show tip wear. Most of the time I decide to remove them before they even start looking shabby, because I can feel the tip lifting off a little (though that really could be because I didn’t file properly). Removing these is a piece of cake (all the better. I can’t bring myself to go through another nasty nail glue episode). If they have lifted off a little, simply tear them off from there. If not, try to do it from around your cuticle. Either way they come off clean with little to no force, and your nails won’t have to suffer!
Bottom line: If you’ve got little time, patience, or skill for nail art but want something fancy for perhaps a special occasion, ncLA nail wraps do not disappoint. I am your Muse is perfect for someone who is going through a black lace phase! I’m also looking at another lacy design over a metallic silver base (Roomservice, Stilettos and Champagne) as well as the fun leopard print on bright yellow (Jungle Fever)!
Have you tried nail wraps? Have you tried anything from ncLA? I am your Muse is my ncLA initiation and I have to say we definitely started on the right foot! I get a fun, edgy, and glamorous vibe from the brand. Can’t wait to see more!
Sunny, your beauty culture translator xx
PS: If you live outside of the US, Zuneta stocks ncLA.
