I am sure these have been reviewed a billion times, but here it is, review a billion and one from a new Mom.

For three years I had gel nails. I would go every three weeks and get them done; I loved them. I always feel put together with my nails done (even if I don’t have make up on). When I found out I was pregnant I knew I was going to have to stop getting my nails done, and I did, around the 6 month mark. It was a sad day, but I knew I just wouldn’t be able to step away for a few hours to get them done – also, the cost.

I missed my nails so I tried painting them. I tried multiple times. I waited between coats, I used a base coat and a top coat and nothing I did looked good enough. The polish would bubble or smudge (never have that problem with my toes!) – finally I gave up. No one has time for that and I knew once the baby came I definitely wouldn’t have time to paint my nails anyway. I am now used to seeing my finger nails bare but I still miss having them done. Site note, I guess you really shouldn’t be painting your nails too much anyway while you are pregnant… oops!

Enter Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips.

A few weeks ago I was at the dollar store and saw them for $2.50. My sister uses them and loves them so I thought I would give them a try. Can you really go wrong for $2.50? The patterns are not my favourite but $2.50.

The application process was pretty simple. I was able to still text and do things while putting them on. No worry about smudges or waiting for them to dry. I did wait for baby to go to bed before putting them on but it was nice to know that if he did wake up I wouldn’t have to cover him (and everything else) in nail polish.

I got lots of compliments on them. It was probably because of the wild print, but again, $2.50. They did start chipping within a couple days but not too bad. I left them on for about 2 and a half weeks, for picky people it was probably about half a week too long. One was chipping pretty bad but otherwise the only real issue was growth. I probably would have left them even longer but I am thinking about putting on a fresh set because we are going to a wedding.

Removal was pretty easy, I soaked bits of cotton ball in nail polish remover and let them sit on my nails for a couple minutes before wiping them off. I did have to spend a few minutes removing little flakes of left over nail strips that seemed to get everywhere, but overall they didn’t take too long to get off.

Would I spend $10 (regular price) for these? Not sure. I probably would if I wasn’t currently on a budget. But for $2.50 I will buy them again, if I can find them. I also found Essie and OPI strips. Reviews for those will come when I get a chance to try them.

Disclosure: I purchased the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips myself and I was not compensated in any way for this review. All opinions are my own.