Jammin' Iris Dust

This week I had the opportunity to try a product I've been wanting to for a long time - Jamberry Nails. Thank you to Amy Smith (the link goes to her web site), an independent consultant for supplying these fabulous samples. Let's go through the process, and I'll show you how they worked for me.

I started out with Amy's samples, and then Nubar's "Iris Dust" and "2010" for the nails that weren't getting "jammed out". In order to apply the Jamberry Nails, a hair dryer is also needed. Jamberry Nails are basically a plastic nail shield with heat-activated adhesive on the back that are very easy to apply as long as you follow the instructions. They come in all different designs and colors - I really like the patterns on these black and white samples.

Now because I wanted to follow the instructions exactly and my camera isn't all that great at video, I didn't record my own nails, and I didn't take pictures because I wanted to focus on correct application. But watch Amy's video - it explains the process very well. I assure you, it does work exactly the way she explains.

I applied four nails worth, and my only complaint is not a fault of the product, but rather a by-product of my ultra-curvy nails. Here's what one hand looked like just after application:

Where the curvy nails come in is the edges - because the design is flat, and my nails are...not, the edges would not lay flat against the nail surface when I used the proper size shield. I used the hair dryer to heat and press, heat and press, heat and press, and still just could not smooth out the edges. I ended up making tiny cuts in the edges with nail scissors in order to give the material room to flatten out, but it didn't completely alleviate the issue.

When I used a shield that was too small, it flatted out just fine...but of course that's not the ideal solution.

Just tonight my genius husband suggested that before application, I cut them down the middle lengthwise, and then apply one side at a time so it would be easier to flatten out. He also suggested cutting them into strips and tips to use over nail polish for accents - and I'm going to order some more to play with doing just that. :-)

After I finished these, I sealed the tips/sides with top coat, and then did a coat of Seche Vite base coat on the unfinished nails followed by 3 coats of Nubar's "Iris Dust". It's a nearly sheer formula, so it doesn't really cover well enough in 2 coats, and really probably could have used a fourth to be absolutely opaque.

I topped that with a coat of Nubar's "2010" top coat...which is just amazing with the iridescent pieces in it, and then a coat of Seche Vite top coat. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry and botched the top coat by applying quick dry drops too soon...but it was kind of one of those nights.

My only real complaint with the Jamberry Nails is the difficulty with the edges, but like I said, that's more due to the shape of my nails. I dare say that if you wear your nails shorter, or square them off so they naturally grow flatter, you'll have no problem at all with them - and the patterns are super-cool. A great way to do your toes, if you don't want to worry about them for awhile! The hair dryer is noisy, which is problematic if you do your nails between 12am and 2am like I normally do, but I seriously doubt many people actually do that. ;-)

I should mention that even with the lifted edges, the nail shields are very tough, and I haven't even dislodged them at all yet through warm showers, hand washing, lotion, and snagging my fingers on things (as usual). Lots of typing too, with no tip damage. So they're very sturdy, and from what I understand they come off as they went on - apply heat, and peel them off. If you'd like to try them, please contact Amy for ordering since she was kind enough to provide samples.

Until next week, happy polishing!