.:: CybeleSays ::.

I read last week that texture on nails was one of the big buzz words backstage at the shows a few weeks ago. It reminded me of something I achieve totally by accident the last time I wore artificial nails and was taking them off. So I decided to do it again to see what happens.

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It seems like I have a reality star sighting at every beauty convention I go to and I've decided I'm going to document it every time. There were two I saw at the International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE). First I saw Real from Real Chance of Love with his long and lovely hair. Then, I went to visit the Brazilian Heat people and standing in their booth doing someone’s hair in front of an audience was none other than Derrick J from the Real Housewives of Atlanta! How excited was I?! You can tell I was but we were there to spot the trends, not go gaga over Ms. Derrick!

So what did I see? Lots of people! I usually go to this show on the Saturday, not the Sunday, because it is just too busy but I had to work so it was my only option. Yes, there was the usual fancy updos and hair styles, body painting and wow nails.

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I can’t even begin to express the elation with this latest discovery. I’ve complained quite a bit the last few months that my nails don’t grow. They peel and are just generally blah, when it comes to cool and lady-like. I envy Scrangie and All Lacquered Up. They can apply, remove, apply and remove yet again and still have nice looking nails in the end. What is my discovery that has me simply giddy? Artificial nails as in the press on kind! And have they come a long way from the Lee Press On Nails from many moons ago. And with the economic climate, who can afford a weekly manicure at the salon. And the styles are a lot more realistic with most making short and sporty lengths to medium lengths. And the glue they use really adheres them on nicely so pop-offs are pretty rare. I’ve done quite a bit of research on the topic and here is what I can tell you.

• Most packs contain anywhere from 24 to 48 nails so there are a lot of sizes to choose from. You WILL find your sizes.
• Prices run between $4.99 to $7.99 a pack.
• Like makeup, quite a few brands seem to do seasonal collections.
  
• You can wear them from seven days to ten days.
• Tip shapes range from roundish to squoval and you can get short or sporty length to a medium. Gone are the dragon claws!
• Best variety of nails seems to be found at Rite Aid stores.
• There was no glue that stuck out as better than another.

The major brands that make full coverage nails that I could find are Pretty Woman USA, Nail Bliss and the ones I tried below. Here are some details and observations on each.

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What a great pinky-pink based collection ESSIE’s new Summer Collection 2009 of Nail Polish ($8 @ essie.com) is. I’m really being drawn to the unique ones in the bunch. Below are our picks:

And speaking of original, how about adding some cute flowers, hearts or crystals to your tips or toes? FING’RS’ Nail Art Variety Pak ($5.49 @ cvs.com) contains over 150 decals that you simple stick on and apply a top coat to seal. Fun, fun!

Don’t have time to even do your nails, there are many cool designs of press on ones out there now. One design I wore all this past weekend from FING’RS’ Hardcore Nail Addict, Short Length, Black & White Check ($5.99 @ drugstore.com). I’ve never received so many complements on my nails in one night!