imPRESS nails are an instant, fun way to dress up your hands
Whether strutting on a catwalk, or simply strolling in the park, nails are now considered as important an accessory as any other. Women have been painting on colors for generations, but lately a plain nail is simply not enough to impress. So when I heard about the limited edition collection by Nicole Scherzinger for imPRESS press-on Manicure by Broadway Nails, I needed to investigate further.
For those who don’t know her, Nicole Scherzinger is a singer and tenth season winner of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars mirror ball trophy (her face is on the display in the photo above). She also appears to be a celebrity brand ambassador not just for Broadway Nails, but for Herbal Essences. Since she has beautiful hair and nails, these seem to both be a good fit. And of course, Nicole is in the public eye, so her nails always have to look good.
Nicole’s collection of imPRESS Press-on nails for Broadway Nails will make you look good, too. These temporary, faux nails feature a plethora of pleasing, unique designs and color choices, but you don’t have to use nail polish to get them. The underside of the new press on nails are coated with a sticky substance that adheres to your own nails instantly. You simply choose the nail sizes that fit your nails the best, peel off the clear cello backing, and press the nails onto your own. Instant gratification of a “perfect 10.”
The just-launched, Nicole Scherzinger Signature Series of imPRESS nails is available in 6 patterns and 3 colors: Her favorites are Don’t Wanna , On & On, and Poison, and there’s also Baby Love; By My Side; Get Into It; Sexy Fresh; Say Yes; and Killer Love. “On & On” is a white nail with black musical notes on it–my favorite too! But “Just Say Yes” is a neon pink nail that satisfies that hot trend for Summer without having to live with it as a traditional manicure. Wear it on the weekend, pull it off for your conservative bank job during the week. Well, you get the point! For drama and a party look, try “By My Side” featuring hot pink and orange nails with green accents and a bit of black tiger stripes and leopard spots, and plus a sprinkling of glitter.
If you’re getting the idea that these are flashy and fun, you’re right, although there are other collections that are just one-color nails without designs. These seem to me to be a great solution for travel, when your own manicure just fades and quits, but you don’t have time to re-do your nails. You might also keep a set in your desk for when you have an important meeting but your nails look less than lovely.
To be honest, when I learned about imPRESS by Broadway Nails I almost didn’t want to try them. That’s because in the past, faux nails either didn’t stay put or had to be applied with glue. Removal was difficult (if they didn’t just fall off), requiring acetone (damaging to nails), and the glue was damaging to the nail as well. But these new imPRESS nails literally give you a perfect, no need to use nail glue manicure, in literally a minute (or two).
The nails come in a cute, “nail polish” container. You pick out the ten nails that best fit your own, and then just peel off the clear cello backing, press them on your nails, and that’s it. It really is that easy. Your new manicure will look realistic and amazing.
There is seemingly no downside to this product. Except if you have small nails. For me, faux nail size has always been a problem because my nails are slim and small. On my wear-test, these nails stayed in place (actually a lot longer than I expected), but none of the sizes fit perfectly. And I have never gotten used to the feel of a faux nail of any type over my own. I feel the same way about false eyelashes. I just don’t like the extra weight. For most people, this isn’t going to be an issue, but it was for me.
Another issue is wearability. Unless you are very careful, they won’t stay put for a week as claimed. You really can’t do any real heavy work wearing them. At first the nails seemed very sturdy, and they were fine when I was just walking around and doing routine chores. Alas, when I began to type, as I do all day long, a few of the nails began to feel loose, and when I tried to open a box, the first one fell off. I quickly replaced it (you get spares), but after a few hours it became clear to me that I’d be better off with my plain, natural nails for daily wear. I had a friend with literal talons who used to type at work with two pencils to save her nails, but I’m not sure this is a practical solution for most women.
The good news about removal is that it is easy and safe, without destroying your nails. You simply lift the nail up from the side, and it comes off cleanly leaving nothing behind and taking nothing (eg. the top layer of nail) with it. This is a real plus. It’s one of the reasons I’m writing this review and recommending the imPRESS nails. There’s no mess, no commitment, and no danger to your nails. You can wear them for a few hours or days, and change your style with your mood, or the occasion.
The Bottom Line: imPRESS nails are great for an evening out, a special occasion, a party, or travel (when your own manicure has just quit in the middle of a trip). They’re a fast fix for less than perfect nails, and a fun way to try a new nail color or trend without having to do a full manicure. They’re inexpensive enough to try a bunch of trends without guilt, and a lot of fun for women of all ages.
-The Nicole Scherzinger Signature Series will be launching in CVS and WalMart starting May 2012 (in short, tomorrow), until August 2012. Suggested retail price: Color: $5.99 and Pattern: $7.99. Other imPRESS nails are currently available at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart and Kmart. For additional information and to see the full collection visit, www.impressmanicure.com
I agree with everything you said except that you said they don’t last. Mine lasted for a whole week and mind you it was move-out time from my apartment. My nails stayed on the whole time and only became loose after I took a long (read 2 hour) bath. But I do have to say I file them because I don’t like my nails that long and I use nail polish remover instead of their prep-pad. Overall an amazing product, will keep buying!
Awesome. I’m an athlete, the nails were short enough to not get in the way and really did last a little over a week. They didn’t rip my nails to come off either. I got a free sample in the mail and now on the hunt to find more.