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

Top 5 Essie Summer Shades

Hi Dolls, I thought it’d be fun to share my go-to nail polish shades this summer with you.  These are my current favorites and I’ve been alternating between them when getting my nails done professionally or doing them at home.

Essie polishes are known for their long- lasting formula and range in over 300 shades.  They cost about $8, but you can find a better deal when they go on sale depending on the store you get them from.  They tend to go on sale often, and you can find them at your local drugstore or beauty supply store.  They will last you a long time, but make sure you store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.  I have to be frank with you, though, and tell you that the application of some of the polishes may seem thick.  Still, I suggest applying two coats on top of a nourishing base coat in order to bring out the true color of that particular shade and get the best results.

Here are a few of my favorite shades (left to right):

1. Go Ginza= an opaque white-based pastel shade of lavender and pink that is just perfect for summer.  It’s subtle, yet fashion- forward and I hold it near and dear to my heart, as this was one of the color inspirations for my wedding.  
2. Candy Mint Apple= A bright and fun, cool-toned opaque pastel that, depending on your skin tone, can either look like a pale shade of mint green or sea foam blue.  This shade won’t make your nails look chalky or dull at all, and will perk them up instead.
3. Fiji= The name says it all! It is by far the BEST baby pink I have ever seen.  Like the two shades mentioned above, it is an opaque pale pink with blue undertones that is just so perfect for summer! Regardless of your skin tone, this is guaranteed to make you look tanner, especially on your toes.  However, I also find it to be Essie’s trickiest polish to apply.  It tends to be on the thick side and can leave your nails looking streaky.  I recommend either taking it with you to a nail salon (or use it if they have it), or shaking the bottle in between coats to even out the product in the bottle. 
4. Peach Daiquiri= A bold and bright coral shade of pink that is a cross between watermelon and fuchsia (depending on the light).   This color just pops, it is one of the easier Essie creamy formulas, it doesn’t streak and dries out super shiny.  Try this for your next pool party and match it with a refreshing peach daiquiri to quench your thirst.
5. Urban Jungle= A creamy new take on the typical stark whiteout summer shade.   This opaque beige and off-white color will make you look tan, yet won’t come across as dull or chalky.  Its initial application may look a bit sheer and streaky, but after two coats you will successfully achieve the color you see in the bottle.  With this shade, you can wear white well after Labor Day! 

So there you have it.  I’d love to know what you’re currently wearing on your nails, so feel free to share your thoughts with me. 

XOXO,

Grace