Although I have been cursed with man hands, I have also been blessed with my mother’s nails. Strong and shapely, manicurists would recoil in horror at the mention of applying fake nails. Alas, everyone can use some help every now and then, and I recently found my nails were splitting a bit. That’s when I decided to try something new.
When I received Revlon’s Runway Collection Artificial Nails, I wasn’t exactly sure what to do. They were intriguing, but I had visions of Lee Press-On nails, popping off left and right at my first “talk to the hand” moment. How could they get through the day, nay, the hour, after being applied? You’ll have to bear with my poor photos (the camera is dying) as I document the process:
Below: The first set I applied. Contrary to the way they appear in this photo, I was stunned at the look and performance.
- They were very strong and looked like real nails!
- They held up for almost 10 days with a little tip wear (normal) and only one corner break where I caught it on something
- They filed down easily to reshape. Original shape was very severe square
- The set fit on my natural nails without any pop up
Removal: Oooh, this is where it gets tricky. I used Zoya’s 3-in-1 formula remove + and I should have used straight acetone for faster results. See how the nails have a little meltdown?
- Nails dissolve away instead of pop off
- Natural nail bed is left in great condition
- Straight acetone must be used to get residual glue off of nails
After a week with a regular manicure, I found I was somewhat missing the Revlons. The design held up better than on naturals. I thought it might be nice to try them in a solid color too. I applied a second set.
Preparation:
The kit supplies numbered nails, glue, file and cuticle stick.
- Remove all polish
- Use file to texturize nail surface (you don’t want to buff it smooth, but create a little roughness for the glue and nail)
- Lay out the nails BEFORE you begin. I know this sounds obvious, but many people skip this step. Also, the nails are numbered, but the numbers are so tiny I’m not sure they are that helpful. It is best to apply them to your nail to get best fit, then lay in order to glue.
- Apply a light coat of glue to nails and light to Revlon nails. If you overdo this glue will be everywhere, and it is just like superglue.
- Press nail on firmly, holding down to press out trapped air bubbles.
- That’s it.
Notes:
There seemed to be a slight difference between set 1 and 2 in fit. There was more of a curve in set 2, and they didn’t want to stay on as well.
I had many more air bubbles in set 2, presumably because of the fit issues, so I’m not as satisfied with the look.
Results:
Again, overall, impressed with the quality and the way the original nail bed stayed nice. I would not keep artificial nails on long term because I believe nails need to breathe, and the 7-10 day span is just right. I think these would be even better in a color because the air bubbles are too obvious if it isn’t a good fit. Revlon has a slew of pre colored nails, and of course, you can always apply your own color.
Would recommend these nails:
- When you are transitioning growth
- In a pinch for special occassion
- When you need your nails to look more presentable than they are
- If you just need a change of pace with pre-design
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Launched in 1979, the line is sold in five countries and had a definite with some crossover. Estee Lauder still maintains the Clinque, Bobbi Brown and MAC lines.
