After taking the time to care for my nails and watch them grow healthier and longer, I’ve rediscovered the joy of giving myself at-home manicures. Embracing the nail wrap trend has been a recent discovery for me, especially after successfully trying it out earlier this year. Now that I have some experience under my belt, I’m excited to explore different brands and styles to easily elevate my nail game.
Recently, I had the opportunity to try out a variety of new designs from Color Street nail strips. These strips caught my eye because they are different from other nail wraps I’ve used before. Unlike regular stickers, Color Street nail strips are made entirely of real nail polish, giving them a unique edge. The strips are made of polish that is almost dry but still flexible enough to stretch slightly before setting completely.
It’s important to note that Color Street is a brand that can be purchased through independent representatives or directly from their website if you prefer not to engage in in-person sales.
Color Street offers nail strips for both manicures and pedicures, though my experience has been limited to the manicure version. Each kit contains eight sizes of nail strips, with two strips per size (16 in total). While this may seem like enough, I found that the size variety didn’t fully cater to my nail widths. Most of the strips were mid-sized, with only the smallest one coming close to fitting my pinky nail but not covering it entirely. This lack of size options could be a drawback if you make a mistake during application.
Since the strips are made of real nail polish, they are thin and delicate. It took some time for me to adjust to handling them, as I was used to a thicker plastic feel from other brands. The flexibility of the strips makes them prone to tearing if not handled carefully. I learned this the hard way when I tore one while trying to peel it off my skin. Additionally, they are not forgiving if you need to make adjustments during application, as stretching or pulling them off the nail can damage the strip.
Despite the challenges, the stretchiness of the strips actually helps in creating a natural look. Their flexibility allows them to conform to the nail bed seamlessly without any buckling at the tip. They maintain the natural shape of the nail without adding thickness, and they lay down perfectly at the tip.
The application process is standard: align the strip with your cuticle and press down towards the tip. Trimming excess product with the included nail file ensures a clean finish. The strips are easy to trim due to their thinness, making the application process quicker compared to other brands. A few swipes of the file are all it takes to achieve a perfect edge.
Unlike some nail strips, Color Street strips do not dull the tip of the nail. While a top coat is optional, it can help seal the strip and prevent wear and tear, especially if you are rough on your nails. I opted to use a top coat to strengthen my nails and prevent breakage.
With the top coat, the nail strips lasted for about four days before showing signs of wear. Initially, I noticed tip wear followed by flaking at the cuticle ends. The manicure still looked decent after a week, which I consider a good value for the price. While not as long-lasting as some other brands I’ve tried, Color Street nail strips offer a decent wear time.
Overall, I’ve become a fan of Color Street nail strips. I appreciate their natural appearance, diverse design options, and easy application process once you get the hang of it. Nail strips provide the convenience of quick and smudge-free nail art, allowing for a variety of looks without the hassle of traditional nail polish. At $13 per kit, they are also an affordable alternative to salon manicures. However, I do wish that the kits included more size options on the smaller end to cater to different nail widths.
Have you tried Color Street nail strips?
