Hot Topic has been releasing several different designs of “press on nail polish” for the past year. The idea behind this product is that nail designs are pre-printed onto photo paper in the shape of a nail, and you peel and stick it to your nail. Several other companies have toyed with this idea, including Incoco Dry Nail Polish, which I have also tried, and will review. What sets the Hot Topic press on nail polish apart from most others, is that they come in extremely bold, fun prints. So does this press-on nail polish apply easily and last? Do you want to know how to apply it?
Hot Topic Press On Nail Polish
Hot Topic Press On Nail Polish claims to be an easy, glam way to create a fun manicure with absolutely no drying time.You simply stick and go!
Hot Topic Press On Nail Polish comes with two “sets” of tabs, with each set containing eight different size tabs to fit different size fingers. The directions tell you to match the correct size tab to your nail, place the rounded side at the cuticle, and trim as necessary (if needed). Simply remove the clear backing from the strip, and carefully smooth to your nail, starting at the center to the nail tip, and then towards the sides. If any lifting or resetting is necessary, you can do so at this time. Gently stretch the leftover length over the nail edge, and tear away excess, or use a nail file to “saw” it off. Finish edges off with the nail file for a clean, smooth look. You can also apply clear nail polish over these stickers to seal them in, and make them last longer. Once you have followed the directions, you will have a finger that will look something like this:
The application of this product can be tricky, as evidenced by this extreme closeup. You may accidentally overestimate the size of your nail, creating overlap, which happened with my pointer finger. You can use manicure scissors or a nail file to go back and clean up the edges easily. The other part of the application that is tricky, is getting a smooth finish. My pointer finger still shows signs of having some air bubbles and wrinkles in it, however, it is definitely only noticeable if you were to get extremely close to my finger. It’s the equivalent of painting your nails, and having polish on your cuticle: it depends on how much of a perfectionist you are.
You can see in the photograph above that after my mistakes on my pointer finger, my next finger with the Peace Heart design came out perfect. This is definitely a technique that takes a little bit of practice to perfect, so the idea that this is easier and faster than a traditional manicure may be inaccurate. While there is no drying time, the application and placement of the sticker on your nail can take a bit of time to master.
These press on nail polishes are meant to be a temporary, fast manicure you can give yourself on the run for a special event. They are meant to last anywhere from a day to a couple of days, making them only a temporary option. They will last longer if you apply a clear top coat over them, to seal the sticker onto your nail. Within a couple of days, the sticker will start to chip and peel off, leaving behind no damage.
The designs on these sets are a major selling point to many consumers. Nail polish lovers will love the fact that you can get a perfect, funky design on your nails without having to be an artist, or spend a lot of time and money on nail art. This product is also extremely unique and is bound to garnish attention and questions while you are out.
Bottom line: If you’re a nail polish hobbyist or a product junkie, your curiosity will probably get the best of you about this product, and you will try press on nail polish. Press on nail polish is a fantastic invention, but in my opinion, the ease of use, and application could be simplified, and the wear could be extended past a day or two. Incoco also makes dry nail polish, with the same type of application, but makes much more demure colors, and no designs.
Hot Topic Press On Nail Polish is exclusive to Hot Topic, and is sold for $4.99 a set in local retail locations. I bought mine online at Hottopic.com, however, they release these on and off throughout the year online. A recent browse in my local Hot Topic store confirmed that retail locations still carry these.
Have you ever tried press on nail polish before? If you have, what did you think about it? If not, would you give it a shot?
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[Products were purchased with my own money.]
[ALL PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS SITE IS TAKEN BY REBECCA KAZIMIR. NO PHOTOGRAPHS ARE TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.]
Lachelle says
These look pretty interesting! I want to try them even though I’d probably get frustrated with them! lol
Kelly says
I’ve not used the Hot Topic brand yet, but I have used tge Sally Hanson brand and love it! I place the whole “sticker” on my nail with out trimming then after smoothing down crease at the top of my nail with a finger then snap it off. When the “sticker is too wide for the nail I use an orange stick (supplied in the box) to push down at the cuticle and it will tear at the spot u keep pushing at it. When you pull off the torn part it leaves the nail perfectly covered. I top coat mine with clear and it lasts about 2 weeks. I’ve also recycled the extra nails by cutting into strips and applying over nail polish to make decorative tips. (kind of like colored versions of French manicure).