Jamberry Nails

Jamberry Nail Review

We just got back from a family "vacation" to Disneyland. I had big plans to write up a blog post about all the things that allowed this to be more "vacation" than "work", three kids means that even a vacation isn't relaxing. However, that's going to be a HUGE post and I am way too tired for that tonight. PLUS when I arrived home today, I saw my Jamberry Nails in the mail!! I've been waiting for them for about 2 weeks and couldn't wait to try them.

Nail background: I used to bite my nails. For like 25 years, maybe more. When I was still biting them I often did acrylic nails, but then I would pick at them and they destroyed my nails. These days I paint from time to time, usually subtle colors since they chip hours after I finish. A few times a year I do a shellac. Usually around our National Qualifying and State Tournaments for Speech and Debate. That's when I get nervous for my kiddos and the shellac prevents me from biting my nails off. BUT, then I pick those off and it's not great for my natural nails. It's a lose lose.

When it comes to toenails, it's even WORSE!! I run a lot, so I keep my toenails REALLY short (or they dig in and cut me when I'm running). I love pedicures, but with the aforementioned three kids, there's not a lot of time for pampering. Plus, because I run, I need to keep my calluses so I don't blister, so paying for just polish seems like a waste.

Products I've Tried: I have tried a lot of the at home "peel and stick" type nails. Mostly the Sally Hansen Insta Gel Strips, and they are good, but again, I am a picker, so as soon as I see a lose edge, they are OFF!! I do like them for weddings, etc. because at least I know they won't chip. I have found them easy to use, but for whatever reason have only purchased them a couple of times.

Jamberry!

I (like many people!) got invited to a facebook Jamberry party. I love all the patterns, so I decided to bite the bullet and try them.

Pre-Impressions: These are spendy. At $15 a sheet, that's not cheap (more about this later)! Mine took about two weeks to get to me (10 business days, +2 Saturdays). I was hoping they would arrive pre-Disney, so I could test their endurance with lots of walking, but they didn't. I am not sure if you have any shipping options, but leave yourself a 2 week window if you are ordering for a special occasion.

COLORS!! There are so many color options! I did the buy 3 get one free deal, and was most excited to get the "runner" nails, because they are purple and a runner! WIN WIN!

I did the runner on just one thumb (for now). I was hoping to do these on my toes, but my toenails are too short. Maybe just my big toe!

Application: I do my own nails a LOT. That said, there was a good learning curve to these. NOT COUNTING PREP (removing polish, buffing, etc.) my toes took me over 30 min. I was completely unable to file them off. I have used the Sally Hansen ones and even with the buffer I was able to very easily get them to "finish off" on the end of my nails. FULL DISCLOSURE, I have never tried the Sally Hansen gel strips on my toes.

After the first big toe, I decided to screw the filing (which wasn't working) and just used cuticle trimmers to just cut the edges off. I also used them and some scissors to shape the strips of nails, so I am going to be able to get 3-4 applications per sheet, which TOTALLY cuts down the cost. I was originally thinking $15 per application, but now we're looking at like $4 each, which is more manageable.


Final Thoughts
After all was said and done, I think I know now what works for me and what doesn't. Because I would likely just do these on my toes, the busy patterns aren't the best (TINY TOENAILS!). I feel like the simpler pattern (the teal) looks much better than the busy one. I bought the "Fade To Black" pattern as well (the only one not shown here) and I have two thoughts about it... 1) I can't use it on my toes (the "fade" won't show) AND like the runner, I can't get 3-4 applications out of it, only two since the pattern is on each edge.

I'll have to do the fade to black on my fingernails, but I am not sure when I will get around to that! I will update for sure when I do!

 Final Results

I couldn't decide between my two patterns, so I alternated on my toes. :-)
The teal pattern looks much better on my teeny toenails where the busy pattern looks good on my big toe, but not so much on the smaller ones.

Would I buy again?

YES! I want to see how they wear, but I love all the patterns and now that I know what is going to work best and give me the most bang for my buck, I think it's a great option for me. I am running a big relay race this coming weekend, so if my toes can hold up after that, I am certain I will order some more!

I will be sure to update with wear and how long they last. I might get to that before I get to my Disney post!