As a mom, you’re juggling a million things at once—school drop-offs, work, grocery shopping, and the never-ending laundry pile. Amidst all the chaos, finding time for self-care can feel impossible, especially when it comes to something as time-consuming as a manicure. Not to mention that when you do have time, all that hand-washing, potty training, cleaning, and more make it faster than a china plate in your toddler’s hands! That is why I began to investigate nail sticker strips. I’ve tried a multitude of brands and shared them all on my blog. My favorite is Dashing Diva. It’s so affordable, applies nicely, and removal doesn’t cause damage. But then Dashing Diva came out with Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips (Dashing Diva Glaze). I had to try them! Could they be even more durable than the nail stickers? After trying them out a while, here is my honest review.
What Are Dashing Diva Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips (Dashing Diva Glaze)?
Dashing Diva Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips are a hybrid between regular nail polish strips and gel nails. These strips come pre-shaped, pre-sized, and partially cured, meaning they offer the durability of gel nails without the hassle of application. All you need to do is apply them to your nails, file off the excess, and cure them with a mini LED lamp that often comes with the set. In just a few minutes, you can achieve a salon-quality manicure that lasts up to two weeks.
The Time-Saving Benefits
For moms who can barely find time to sit down, let alone spend an hour or more at the nail salon, Dashing Diva Gel Nail Strips are a lifesaver. Here’s why:
Quick Application: These strips are designed for ease and speed. You don’t need to spend time shaping and sizing them—they’re ready to go right out of the box. The application process itself takes about 10-15 minutes, a fraction of the time you’d spend at a salon. If you are a newbie, it might take you a bit longer.
No Drying Time: Unlike traditional nail polish, which can take forever to dry (and is prone to smudging), these gel strips are pre-cured. Once applied and cured under the LED lamp they’re ready to go. You can get back to your day without worrying about ruining your nails. One thing I did notice is that the suggested 45 seconds of curing wasn’t long enough for me and I had to do it for 2 minutes.
Durable and Long-Lasting: These strips are tough. They’re designed to withstand daily wear and tear, meaning you won’t need to reapply or touch them up constantly. This durability makes them perfect for busy moms who don’t have time for frequent touch-ups. Mine easily lasted me a week before I removed them. They still looked perfect, but were starting to lift at the edges so strands of hair would get caught underneath if I ran my hand through my hair.
After 1 week of wear
Cost-Effective
Let’s face it—traditional gel manicures can be expensive. Depending on where you live, you might be paying anywhere from $30 to $70 per visit, and that adds up quickly if you’re trying to maintain your nails regularly.
Affordable: Dashing Diva Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips typically cost between $10 and $15 per set, which is a fraction of the cost of a salon manicure. Plus, you get multiple sets in one package, making them even more budget-friendly. I get about 3 manicures from one set. I do trim the width of some to make sure I have the correct widths.
No Salon Visits Needed: Because you’re doing these at home, you save not only money but also the time and effort it takes to drive to the salon, wait for your appointment, and then drive back home. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and your schedule.
Easy to Remove
One of the biggest downsides of traditional gel manicures is the removal process, which often requires soaking your nails in acetone for extended periods—something that’s both time-consuming and damaging to your nails. With Dashing Diva, removal is as easy as peeling them off. I used some cuticle oil and an orange stick to peel them off. I had NO DAMAGE WHATSOEVER. However, I highly recommend a base coat before applying. This was taken immediately after removal.
Stylish and Versatile
Dashing Diva offers a wide range of designs, from chic solids to trendy patterns, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. And because they’re so easy to apply and remove, you can switch up your look as often as you like without the commitment or cost of a salon visit.
Conclusion
Dashing Diva Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips are a game-changer for busy moms who want to maintain a polished look without spending excessive time or money. Hands down they are the best gel nail strips I’ve tried and the ultimate solution for busy women who want to look put-together without the hefty time and financial commitment of a traditional salon manicure.They’re quick to apply, cost-effective, and offer the durability of a salon-quality gel manicure—all from the comfort of your own home. So next time you’re looking for a way to treat yourself, skip the salon and try for these gel strips instead.
Last week’s favorite post was from Nicolle at Our Tiny Nest who shared a little bit of everything including some chocolate espresso zucchini bread. Yum!