diy: Python Print Sunglasses

If you've been reading s&p for a while, you know that I love using unconventional, unexpected materials. Maybe not necessarily weird (well, sometimes...rubber snakes, anyone?) but the more random, the better. This one brings in a popular item from the beauty world - Sally Hansen Salon Nail Effects.



Before I share the project, a little background on this DIY:
If you read beauty blogs, or are into beauty products in general, I'm sure you've heard of these nail strips from Sally Hansen. I've heard tons of great things about them but never personally tried them out. They're made out of real nail polish, minus all the mess. Which is a major plus in my book. Aside from that, it's recommended that nail polish is thrown out after a certain time period...and I really hate the idea of wasting a bottle of nail polish. I guess I hate the idea of wasting anything, but how many times have you COMPLETELY finish a full bottle of nail polish? (Personally? Zero times.)

I've also never, ever, in my 23 years, have gone to a salon to get my nails done...DIY or die, as they say ;)

Photo Credit: SallyHansen.com
For the record, Sally Hansen has no affiliation with this DIY - nor did they send me anything to review (like companies usually do with beauty blogs). I bought the product with my own money, and all of my opinions are my own.

I've seen photos of the available nail designs, but that was about it. The other day I was putting together a trend roundup for work (python print accessories - if you want to check it out!) & remembered seeing a pair of python print sunglasses a while back. For whatever strange reason, it made me think of one of the Nail Effects designs. I did a little research and sure enough - the design "Misbehaved" was what I had in mind.

So, the wheels started turning and this project was born. It gave me a new reason to try the nail strips out, dress up an old pair of sunglasses, and thank my photographic memory.

Supplies:


- Sally Hansen Salon Nail Effects in Misbehaved*
- Clear nail polish
- Sunglasses *
- Scissors (not shown)
- Q-tips and nail polish remover, optional

* Purchased at Target for $8.50. You obviously don't have to use Misbehaved if you don't want to. But, of course, then your sunglasses will be completely different. It's totally up to you (as always).

* Use a pair of sunglasses that have some decent width to the frames. Wayfarers, cat eyes and some overesized sunglasses would work great for this. That way, you have some frame space to work with.

1) First step - give yourself a no mess manicure! I won't go into too much detail seeing how I'm not a beauty blog, but here's the general idea: From the 16 strips available, choose the 10 that fit your nails the best. Follow the instructions regarding peeling off the layers of clear strips/etc. I'd recommend smoothing each design strip starting from the base, and work up from there.

If you wanted to, I'm sure you could Google tons of information and detailed reviews/tutorials. I like how there's 16 strips, which leaves room for error - especially when it's your first time using them.

Not bad for my first time trying these out. Loving them.

2) After applying each strip, you'll have scraps leftover. You'll also probably have a few unused full strips as well. Save these!

3) Cut up any leftover scraps and strips into smaller pieces. If you're cutting up any full strips, I'd recommend waiting up until you're about to add them to the sunglasses.

4) Start randomly applying the pieces to the frame. For the scraps that have slightly dried out, dab a very small amount of clear nail polish to help them stick to the frame. The freshly peeled full strips will probably stick on their own.

5) I did one side and then the other, but I recommend building up on both sides simultaneously. You don't want to finish one side and realize you don't have enough for the other!

6) Keep randomly applying the scraps. There's no structure to this, so don't worry if it's not perfectly neat or even. You can add some to the arms of the sunglasses if you'd like, too.

7) When you're done, you can use a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover to roughen up some parts of the design. Because the strips are made out of nail polish, this will remove some areas, creating a rugged effect. It works for the "python" print, but it may or may not work with other designs (or your preference).

8) Lightly cover all parts of the design with clear nail polish to seal it in. Let dry completely.

Fun nails, fun sunglasses, no mess, no waste.

Have you tried out these nail strips before? Let me know what you thought about them!

xo, kirsten