Maniko Nails: A Review Of The Stick-On Nail Polish Strips

It's surprising how often you look at your hands during the day. Whether that's doing errands, working or just scrolling on your phone, your hands are always in sight. However, my nails aren't a pretty sight, especially when they aren't manicured. So, where can I get a cheaper, fuss-free salon alternative? This is how I discovered Maniko nails. 

So, who are Maniko? 

Maniko is a brand that now makes stick-on UV nail strips made from nail polish. For real! Maniko's nail strips are vegan, cruelty-free, they're safe for pregnant women and are sustainable. The ingredients that are used to create Maniko UV nail strips are free from the 14 common ingredients which are known to cause irritation. Maniko strips are meant to last up to 14 days once applied. 

You've convinced me to buy from Maniko, where do I start? 

The best place to start is to buy a starter kit, which is currently half-price at £59! The kit includes 4 designs of your choice, a UV LED lamp, prep pads, a nail file, a manicure stick and a light protection sealing sticker. 

I've ordered the starter kit and it's arrived! Now how do I apply the strips?

Here's a little step-by-step guide on how to apply Maniko nail strips:

1) Prep the nails by pushing back the cuticles (you don't want the strips to stick to your skin!), and file the nails to your desired shape should you wish. 

2) Use a drop of the Maniko alcohol prep pad on your nails to make sure the nail surface is clean and ready for application.

3) Time to start applying the strips. Each pack has different sizes to fit each nail. We all have different nail sizes, so it's great that each Maniko nail strip pack caters for each nail size. If you are unsure what to choose between two sizes, choose the smaller strip option. Peel the chosen strip from the pack, and carefully stick it onto the nail. Press down so there are no creases or bubbles. Also, make sure not to apply strips onto cuticles.

5) Trim the strip with nail scissors - being careful not to cut too close to the edge of the nail. The genius side of this is that you can cut the strip in half and use the other half on the opposite nail! 

6) Fold the excess over the nail and file off the excess horizontally using the Maniko glass nail file. It's important to not file the excess off in different directions as it can damage the strip, which could possibly mean the manicure may not last as long. 

7) Put your nails under the UV LED lamp. First start with index, middle, ring and little fingers. Let them cure under the lamp for one minute. Repeat for the thumb. Then repeat the same process for the other hand.

8) Enjoy your new Maniko manicure!

What are your honest thoughts on Maniko?

An absolute game-changer. I really wish I discovered Maniko sooner! The nails genuinely lasted up to 14 days (as seen below) and I couldn't recommend them enough! I love that there's no dry time, it barely chips and no smudging to worry about. Also, there are so many beautiful different designs (both manicure and pedicure) so you are never stuck for choice! One advantage of Maniko nail strips is that you get up to 4 uses out of each pack. So much cheaper than going to a salon to have gels/acrylics applied and replaced every month. 

Oh, I forgot to mention that the removal process is so easy and quick. Plus the strips don't leave any discolouration on the nails. Such a win-win. You can also travel with these, which is great in case a strip (tragically) comes away from the nail. 

So if you're looking for a fuss-free salon alternative for your next manicure, look no further than Maniko!

I know that I will keep purchasing from Maniko for the foreseeable future! Let me know your thoughts below!