Making your $$$ work

Let me start off by saying: "Hello, my name is Natalia and I am a shopaholic!"

I am also stingy. The dilemma is how to make these traits co-exist. 

Short answer - spend a little, get a lot! This is where these little beauties come in:

Source
All-A-Flutter (2012 LE Easter)

These retail in Australia for AUD$14.95 (ranges from $6.95 on clearance to $16.95 in some pharmacies).
(Not that I would EVER pay full price for ANYthing)

Today I will show you how to get 2 (yes, TWO) full manicures and pedicures out of the box.

First off, if you've never used these - you are missing out big time! The strips are made out of real nail polish, but there is no drying time involved and the designs are very intricate and unique.

I find they are great for someone (ME!) who has very curved nail beds.

The box includes two packets of 8 strips in each. Instructions will tell you that each pack is for one hand.

I say bull$hit!!!! Each pack is enough for 10 fingers and 10 toes. Here's how:

What you'll need: one packet of the strips (plus any board and any cuticle stick)

 Step 1: Open up the packet (put the remaining packet away for next time, just make sure it is not 

damaged or open - otherwise the strips will dry out and be useless). Lay the strips out and 

choose 5 that will work the best for your hands.

Each side of the strip is slightly different, but you can trim and round as required

 Step 2: Once you have selected and separated the hands/feet strips, find a base colour to match the strips.

Here I had two that were close, but I always go with the one that will require the least amount of coats.

Step 3: Paint your nails with the selected colour :

Here we used 2 thin coats of Jezy

Step 4: Next you will start applying the strips to one finger at a time, alternating the hands.

The whole sticker goes on to the nail, cut the excess

Rotate the remaining strip and apply to the other hand.

File off the excess as per the instruction booklet (downward motion flat against the nail tip)

Here is the schematics of the cuts:

On the pinky I cut a line to round the shape a bit more on the opposite side
(this works best when the strips are still sealed with protective cover)

Same idea - two big toes and four little toes.
 Do the big toes first, then the remaining toes on each foot

 A couple of things to mention here: this looks a whole lot more complicated than it is; the entire process takes about 10-15 minutes. The result is great - smudge free and out-the-door. The strips are pliable - they will warm up in your hands, so you can stretch them a little for better fit. If you get a little tear - don't fret!

Here is the final result:

Thank you to my lovely hand model!

(P.S. I am wearing the remaining three strips as a pedicure this week)

 The wear time on these is fantastic! I recommend adding a "normal" top coat (not Seche Vite) to make 

it last even longer. If you do get a chip - touch it up with the base colour - no one will know!

I hope you found this "tips & tricks" post helpful. Perhaps I should do similar posts in the future ?

Let me know and thanks for stopping by!

UPDATE:
This is what it looked like after 7 days of wear (my friend is an ER nurse!)

Right Hand (dominant)

Left Hand

All things considered - very impressive in my opinion!