Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Review & NOTD: Christmas Tree Skittle Mani with Born Pretty Store nail tape dispenser

(Press sample)

Hello!

Born Pretty Store recently sent me this nail tape dispenser to review; I chose it actually because I tend to struggle a little with nail tape:

Born Pretty Store nail tape dispenser
Born Pretty Store nail tape dispenser

Born Pretty Store nail tape dispenser
Born Pretty Store nail tape dispenser


My issue with nail tape is two-fold. The main problem is that I lose the end and struggle to find it again, and in the meantime what I've already applied catches on something and pulls off. Of course, one solution to this is to cut off as many pieces as you need, and pull them off the corner of your table or some such as needed. That sounds good, but what happens is, when I pull one of those pieces off, it instantly flaps over and sticks to my hand or something else, and then I have to try to pull it back off while not destroying the tape on the artwork I'm trying to do. AND, I still can't find the end of the tape the next time I go to do another mani.

So, when I saw this, I figured it would be good for someone as nail-tape challenged as me--it will keep the end ever-ready, and maybe even help me keep the tape under control while I'm working.

I did a video review of the case here, just showing how easy it is to open and put the tape in:



I also did a second video, a tutorial using the dispenser to make the manicure you'll see below:



What I like about it:

  • It keeps the end easily accessible
  • It's easy to pull off what you need as you need it
  • It's easier to grip than the rolls of tape, so I find it easier to use while I'm applying the teap
  • It opens easily so you can change the color of your tape as often as you want
For my test mani, I did a little twist on a simple, traditional nail-tape manicure, the simple Christmas tree. Normally what you do is put on your base polish, and then when it's fully dry, you lay your tape, put the polish for your tree over it, then pull up your tape.

For my tree, I wanted the tree to be on a naked nail, and have two layers--and undercoat of glitter that would show through as the 'garland' on the tree, and the tree itself:


Christmas tree skittle mani nail tape
Christmas tree skittle mani


Christmas tree skittle mani nail tape
Christmas tree skittle mani


Christmas tree skittle mani
Christmas tree skittle mani


As you'll see in the video, I messed up my first attempt. See, what you have to do is:

1) Try not to overlap your glitter coat with your tape.
2) Let this coat dry completely.
3) Put your 'garland' tape on.
4) Put your green polish on, and give it a few seconds to set but not dry
5) Remove your tape in the reverse order you put each piece on.

So this look can be a little tricky, but I think it's worth it, because I love the spray of glitter showing through as the garland on the tree.

Here are the products I used:
Colors By Llarowe Pirates of Penzance (holo red!)
Colores de Carol (silver holo glitter!)
Colors By Llarowe Gemini Rising (Holo green!)
Color Club Marina (textured gold--I think this looks like Christmas garland!)
Bunny Nails HD-F to stamp the star pattern on the thumb and pinkie, and the star at the top of the tree
Barry M Silver and Gold Foil Effects.

I love how it came out, and have already gotten compliments on my sweet little tree.

If you get frustrated with nail tape like I do, a little dispenser like this might be just the trick for you; for $1.59, it's hard to go wrong. You can also use my Born Pretty Code for 10% off  you full-priced order:



Happy taping!
M.

12 comments:

  1. This is lovely! That Christmas tree you got with the striping tape looks cute.

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  2. Terrific mani/design! I do love how nice the lines are when you use tape, but, arrggghhh, I hate using it! I pull and cut off one little piece and, all of a sudden, "It's Alive!". LOL, oh well, that dispenser seems cool - drives me crazy when I can't get the end of the tape up. Thanks for the review!

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  3. So lovely mani, perfect for the holidays

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  4. Cleaver idea, I use an old plaster dispenser. Beautiful nails x

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  5. nothing makes me rage like striping tape.

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  6. I may need to pick one of these up - not only do I also struggle with losing the end, I also have a problem with it curling if I make the piece too long before cutting >.<

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  7. I just ordered some tape and the dispenser definitely popped in my cart. I need all the help I can get!

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  8. Ahh, love that tree! That idea with a blingy base for garlands - so clever.
    (ha, I love your reviews, but now I'm definitely never trying tape manis ever! :D I'd just lose my nerve too fast)

    (oh, and that Troll! LOL He makes an occasional visit here, too..)

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  9. I actually just ordered that tape dispenser I thought it looked so helpful!

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  10. The dispenser looks like a great idea. The tree came out really cute.

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