Mess No More! Liquid Nail Tape Review

Hey guys!  

Do you remember playing with Elmer’s glue as a kid, and spreading it on your hand so that when it dried you could pull it off and play with it?  Am I the only one?  Well, for today’s post I’m going to review a product that is sort of like the “grown up” version of that.   

Lately I’ve noticed “liquid tape for your nails” trending on Instagram.  Liquid tape is basically a fast-drying liquid latex in a bottle.  It’s designed to separate your nails from the cuticle skin around them, similar to the method of using scotch tape as a barrier -- only “chicer”.  

Though there are several companies that make products like this, the one I decided to try is called “Mess No More!” by a company called Mini Mani Moo.  I found it on a recent visit to Naimie’s Beauty Center, and it only costs $14.  Unfortunately, this product is not listed on their website, but Ulta Beauty carries the same exact one and you can buy it online (for $0.50 less!); you can also find it at Mini Mani Moo’s website.  I’ve also seen something similar at Sephora, called “Liquid Palisade” by a company called Kiesque, which comes with a brush applicator.  

The pink liquid tape comes in a 0.35 oz tube and is topped with a gold lid, adorned with evenly distributed clear rhinestones.  The scent reminds me of a cross between straight-up latex and nail polish remover; it is definitely not the best smelling product I’ve ever used, but it dissipates quickly and it’s not the end of the world.  The packaging resembles lip gloss or liquid lipstick, due to the doe foot applicator (the spongy-tipped wand) - which isn’t the easiest way of applying it.  

There are two main ways for applying this product:

1. Apply two coats of the product to the skin around your nails (apply the second coat while the first layer is still wet).  The liquid tape will have a light shade of pink while wet, and will turn a darker lavender color when it dries.  Once both layers have dried, you can paint your nails normally, or create fun nail art using sponges, water marbling or stamping.  To remove the dried product, use tweezers (or your unpolished nails of the opposite hand), grab one end and gently pull it away.  I suggest removing the tape before your polish has completely dried, because it will make a nice edge once peeled away.

2. Use the product as a base coat and spread it all over your nail evenly (using only one coat) and then apply your choice of nail polish- you can even use your intense glitter ones!  Use this method for when you know you’ll be changing up your nail polish soon.

Here’s what my results looked like using the first method:

All in all, the liquid tape is meant to reduce the usage of nail polish remover and harsh acetones when it’s time to clean around the edges, and I think it manages to do so.  It’s pretty easy to apply, just make sure you don’t get any on the nail if you’re not using it as a base coat, because otherwise it will leave you with “bald” spots.  I also noticed that if you dip the applicator inside the tube repeatedly, the next time you want to use it you might find a buildup of dry product on the inner lip of the cap.  It’s not a big deal to remove it, just carefully use your fingers or tweezers.  Other than that, if the scent doesn’t bother you too much (I was able to get over pretty quickly) then perhaps you should give this a try.  If you have tried this or any similar products please let me know what your thoughts are in the comment section below.  

XOXO,

Grace