The stencil material is sticky like tape but thicker so it's easier to manipulate than tape. The stencils come on a backing paper and are easy to pull off and place on the nail (base polish should be dry). The directions say to put the stencil on your skin first to reduce the stickiness, but I stopped doing that after the first couple nails because it seemed I was reducing the stickiness too much and getting gaps that let polish seep underneath. Once the stencil is in place, it's simply a matter of painting polish over the openings, then carefully peeling off the stencil. It's not necessary to fill up the openings—too much polish in there just makes it more likely it'll get messed up, I found.
In my excitement to use these, I didn't write down the details of what polishes I used. I think the base color is one of the fall Finger Paints, Vintage Velvet, and the metallic is definitely a Sally Hansen Insta Dri, most likely Metallic Momentum. I didn't put topcoat on after the stencils for fear of smearing them, but I see from the photos that I should have, just like I would have with stamping, to seal the designs and keep them from looking like they're just sitting on the base color (which they are, but a top coat would smooth out the look).
To sum up, these were easy to use, and I'm sure I'll do a neater job next time now that I know not to paint too thick a layer of polish over the stencil. I know there are plenty of you who could freehand these designs but these stencils are very nice for those of us who haven't developed those skills yet.
This set of stencils is available on Born Pretty's site here. They cost $4.18 for one set; quantity discounts are available if you buy more than one at a time. In addition, if you use code KARENDK31 you can get 10% off on any products from Born Pretty from now through October 31, 2011.
The stencils used for this entry were provided to me for free for review purposes. The content of the entry was not dictated by the provider, and I get to keep the products for my own use.
These are really pretty! They look like they would be simpler to do than Konad?
ReplyDeleteHow long do you wait for your base color to finish before you stick those on?
Hi Krissy, I'd say yes, these are easier than Konad, since you can see exactly where you're putting the design and can make sure it's all filled in with polish. As far as drying the base color, I used a quick dry top coat and waited around a half hour. I probably didn't have to wait that long but wanted to be cautious.
ReplyDeleteThis is really nice!!
ReplyDeleteAnd useful!!
These are so fun! I had the issue that once they lost some stickiness the polish would get under the stencil but then again I used the same stencil over and over so duh for me lol.
ReplyDeleteThose are pretty! I don't have any stamping stuff but I think I would like this. Cute!
ReplyDeleteThese are so cute!
ReplyDeleteSo, is stickiness the only reason these can only be used once?
ReplyDeletethese turned out really nice might give them a try!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! It looks like they work fairly well. Kind of like tape manis but fancier, although I would definitely need a topcoat because for some reason that just bugs me so much how they're not smooth!
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty cool! I've never thought of using stencils like these, I thought they were for airbrushing. Come to think of it, I think I have some somewhere, I should dig them up and give them a try!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely love them!!
ReplyDeleteI always wondered if these stencils worked. Now I know! Thanks!!! Looks great btw.
ReplyDeleteThese look so easy to use! And it stamped out great!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea! I may have to check these out! I like how you can see exactly where the design will go unlike stamping that takes practice.
ReplyDeletei loove how they came out! it just sucks you can't use them anymore after the stickiness wears off :{
ReplyDeleteOh, cool! You always have the neatest nail art :D I have been meaning to shop from Born Pretty for a long time...thank you for the coupon code!
ReplyDeleteI got some of these from Claire's and completely butchered them. I'll have to be more patient next time, I guess. You did a great job.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! I really fail at konad so these are such a nice option to have! The dragonfly is my favorite. he he! <3
ReplyDeleteThey look awesome!
ReplyDeleteI have a few of these, but have not tried them yet! Thanks for the tips :)
ReplyDeleteThey seem relatively easy to use. Glad to know they're easier than Konad!
ReplyDelete