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Is there actually a GOOD way to get a manicure? Before recently, I thought the answer was NO.

All the cons of a salon manicure (to me):

• Gel nail polish
  • Requires a refill every couple of weeks.
  • Process of removing, it’s a soaking gooey mess.
  • Leaves your nails weaker if you remove them.
• Regular nail polish
  • Starts peeling and chipping within 3 days.
  • Waste of money since it doesn’t last.
• Currently, and for the past year, I’ve stayed away from any place that could potentially expose me to COVID-19.

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. My review is 100% my true opinion.

I decided that a pre-vacation manicure is the only kind I’d ever bother with. Not anymore! I FINALLY found the answer to my nail salon woes. An amazing friend warned me to watch out for a special treat occupying my mailbox soon. I love surprises! Finally, my ManiMe gift kit arrived with the following (Cosmetic bag, Miracle Base Coat, Magic Cuticle Pen, instruction booklet, and a $45 gift card!):

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I let my kit sit for a couple of days, but because it was a gift, I decided I better open up and read. I lazily skimmed the little booklet to find out that this company custom-sizes the gel applications for your nails. Wait…what? How? I was skeptical, but hopeful. Turns out the ordering process is quite easy.

1. Create an account on the ManiMe website.
2. Scan your nails using the Scan Card (see below) or any credit card.
3. Shop and select your colors/designs (each set is $15-$25).
4. Wait anxiously for your Stick On Gels to arrive!

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It took quite a while to receive my first shipment, but they just launched a huge Instagram campaign, so the influx of orders probably overwhelmed them. (I put in a 2nd order and it reached my door in just a few short days.)

My first application was a bit of a disaster and I had decided that it wasn’t for me. Turns out that if you actually do it correctly, the results are somehow better…whodathunk?! I applied them and then had to clip the sides and the end with a nail clipper and file the end. It took way too long to do, and I just wasn’t looking for that kind of time suck. I couldn’t understand if they are customized, why are they fitting so poorly? I showed another friend who just received her order and asked her if she had the same problem. She didn’t. When she saw the photo I sent, she asked if I put them on upside down…YEP! DUH! That would pretty much explain everything. They actually didn’t look all that bad, but it wasn’t a fun process. Here’s the upside down version for your viewing pleasure:

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If only I had watched the video below for best results (although, they don’t specify which side to apply).

Would you believe my first application lasted 18 days before I pulled them off? (and yes, it’s just that easy) You add a top coat that keeps everything sealed in.

Application #2 went so much better – quick and easy! Incredible when things work as they are supposed to when you use it properly.

The nice thing about ManiMe is that they ask for your feedback on each individual nail. I was unable to do this until the second set and noticed my middle and ring finger were a bit too thin. I emailed customer service with the photo attached to let them know and they gave me credit for an entire new order with the size fixed!

I can honestly say that I am a fan! I really don’t care to get a manicure any other way now. I’m still all about a nail salon pedicure, however, as the polish stays for weeks the way it’s supposed to.

Added Bonus! While the ManiMe Stick On Gels are great, somehow they also have top notch products to help make it an overall great manicure:

• The Miracle Base Coat: Yeah, yeah, yeah…miracle schmiracle. Well, this is the best base coat I have ever tried. Do you have ridges in your nails? This baby will smooth them right out.
• Magic Cuticle Pen: Okay, now we’re using the word magic? Normally when you push back your cuticles, it is dry with some skin residue left behind (yum!). This one uses a natural oil infused ceramic stone that softens and pushes everything back nicely.
• Max Top Coat No. 2: How many times have you used a quick drying top coat to still end up having dewy and delicate paint that ends up getting mucked up? This one claims to dry in 30 seconds and I cannot deny that it is true!

Give it a try! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Click the link to try ManiMe today!

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1. And now for everyone’s favorite part…how can you Beaverellitize (aka stretch those BUCK$) this? In each set, you get 15 Stick On Gels (hint: you only have 10 fingers). If you don’t mess your original 10 up, you have those remaining 5 to use with the extra 5 on another set! So essentially, 2 sets = 3 sets.
2. If the tips start to get a little worn, do a quick file at the tip and apply another layer of top coat and you just extended the life again!

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