The Best Home Manicure I’ve Ever Had {+ a Jamberry Nails Giveaway!}

becca-garber-jamberry-5

Have you heard of Jamberry? When my friend Jen asked me if I’d like to do a nail wrap giveaway, I wasn’t sure. I’m pretty low maintenance, especially about my nails. I love clothes, but I don’t wear many accessories, and I generally prefer my nails bare and free of polish.

Was Jamberry really for me?

Jen’s email, though, intrigued me. She mentioned how easy the nail wraps were to put on as a busy mom: all you need is a hairdryer and there’s no wet polish! Can I tell you how many times life messes up my nails as soon as they’re painted?

Well, I’ll tell you.

Every. Single. Time. I basically never have a perfect home mani or pedi. A child — or my own notorious clumsiness — always messes the polish up before it’s dry.

So I decided to give Jamberry a try. I looked on the website and found the simplest, sweetest nail wrap that was just my style. (I did consider getting nail wraps for my alma mater, though!) There are heaps of options, including floral and wintery and even Mommy and Me (!), but I went with what is truest to me: a simple, natural-but-better French manicure.

becca-garber-jamberry-1

The package arrived a couple of days after Jen put in the order, and I was pleasantly surprised at the simple instructions. With a hairdryer, a pair of nail scissors, and my kids napping upstairs (oh… and a handy husband-photographer!), I went to work on my nails.

I should tell you right now that I am not proud of my nails. They’re wide and short, thin and brittle, and I’ve never liked how they looked… with polish or without. The only time I ever thought they looked beautiful was when I was in college and my family lived in Poland, and my sisters and I discovered a little nail salon near my parents’ house in Warsaw that would do beautiful, inexpensive, perfect French manicures. The nail artists carefully and meticulously followed the white line of my own nail and gave my fingernails a shape and beauty they’d never had.

Maybe I was dreaming of getting a little of that back today?

becca-garber-jamberry-2

I could tell, though, that even with Jamberry my nails would still be my nails. I could see that I wouldn’t be able to get my nails as perfect or as even as those women in Warsaw did, and my home manicure would probably still look like a home manicure.

becca-garber-jamberry-6

However, I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, the Jamberry nails didn’t take long to apply. As I got used to the process, I could put a nail wrap on in about a minute, which is about how long three coats of polish per nail take me to apply.

The hairdryer softened the nail wrap (like a sticker), and then I trimmed the excess off the nail once I stuck the wrap on. I loved that I could shape my nail after the wrap was on, which is tricky with polish.

And then, before I knew it, all my nails were done, and Gil was awake!

becca-garber-jamberry-3

I think he likes them. And I definitely do! No, they’re not perfect, because I am still no nail artist. But they’re really quite pretty, the prettiest home manicure I’ve ever had:

becca-garber-jamberry-4

And they’re natural and they’re fresh and they’re me. I feel like a freshened-up version of Becca, and that’s a wonderful way to feel!

Would you like to give Jamberry Nails a try? Jen is giving away a nail wrap of your choice to one lucky reader! All you have to do is comment on this post saying which nail wrap you would choose.

Additional entries can be earned by:

  • Joining my mailing list (see the sidebar of my blog)
  • Following me on Pinterest
  • Following me on Instagram

Let me know your additional entries in the comments.

Giveaway ends next Monday, Nov 24. Good luck!!!

P.S. If you don’t win this giveaway, a set of Jamberry Nails is a much much better deal than a manicure in a salon! Also, there are enough nail wraps in one order for at least two manicures. It’s worth a try, I think!

——–

Congrats to #20, Carly of TheMilSpouseFoodie.com, winner of the giveaway! Carly, I sent you an email. :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

84 Responses to The Best Home Manicure I’ve Ever Had {+ a Jamberry Nails Giveaway!}

  1. Hannah McKay November 17, 2014 at 11:11 pm #

    Love this. And I’m like you: I want to have painted nails, but they don’t happen often. And when they do, they always get smudged.

    I would choose the Emerald Jamberry set. And I followed you on Pinterest and follow you on Instagram already.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:38 pm #

      I hate smudges! I’m a mom of 5 month twins and I can’t ever find a time to paint my nails without a baby crying. That’s why I’m loving these! If you don’t win, email thejenchilegmailcom and I can send you a sample to try!

  2. Sarah Stuntz November 17, 2014 at 11:31 pm #

    You are too cute — love your manicure! I’ve seen these before and thought they were really pretty. I think I’d want either the Midnight Celebration or the Rose Gold sparkle. I follow you on instagram and am on your email list, but I don’t follow anyone on Pinterest (because I’m kind of scared of Pinterest.)

    • Becca November 17, 2014 at 11:37 pm #

      Haha, love you. Same here, kind of. I have the quietest Pinterest account of a blogger in the world…

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:40 pm #

      I’ve had both of those and they’re BEAUTIFUL! I hate smudges! If you don’t win, email thejenchilegmailcom and I can send you a sample to try!

  3. Eden November 18, 2014 at 12:20 am #

    So many to love! And I have the same smudge problem. If I were getting some this week I’d get Double-Crossed and Let it Snow.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:41 pm #

      Those are both so popular right now! And I hate smudges! I’m a mom of 5 month twins and I can’t ever find a time to paint my nails without a baby crying. That’s why I’m loving these! If you don’t win, email thejenchilegmailcom and I can send you a sample to try!

  4. amy November 18, 2014 at 12:46 am #

    I love this idea! With the horses to take care of, I rarely find the time for things like pretty nails – and if I do, and somehow keep still long enough to avoid smudging them, they’re chipped and ruined pronto anyhow! But I also dream of heading into the office looking groomed and polished every day, so these could be worth a try! I’d have to go for the Berry Blue first up :)

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:44 pm #

      I just got the berry blue in today. I’m going to use it as an accent nail with “everything nice”. Did you see “horses”? Could be fun with your job- even if it’s just as an accent nail. If you don’t win, email thejenchilegmailcom and I can send you a sample to try!

  5. Ellen November 18, 2014 at 1:19 am #

    Truthfully, I’m not that into nails. I try about once a month and it never makes it to completion. I’ve even tried expensive gel manicures at salons and they never last more than 6 days- don’t know if it’s my nails or how hard I am on them. I also never blog…I do Instagram and after seeing you post about nails, had to read it. You don’t strike me as the nail polish type- but everyone likes pretty nails, just a matter of time and effort. I’ll try it, just because of you! And of course, I like your natural the best!

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:46 pm #

      Ellen- it could be the pH balance in your nails. Some people naturally have a balance that makes things difficult to stay on, and also some prescription medications can cause this. Have you tried wiping your nail down with vinegar before applying anything? That could help. If you don’t win, email thejenchilegmailcom and I can send you a sample to try!

  6. LJ November 18, 2014 at 1:49 am #

    I would probably get the French Manicure too. I like to keep it simple and natural, and almost never wear polish, except in summer on my toes. I am on your mailing list. Thanks!

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:47 pm #

      Love simple! I don’t have any super plain samples, but if you don’t win, email thejenchilegmailcom and I can send you a sample to try!

  7. Emily November 18, 2014 at 1:55 am #

    Fun!! Anthony loves Christmas, so I might go all out and get the candy cane. Ha!! That’s really something I could never do at home.

    I’m on the mailing list and of course I follow your sweet family on instagram. I’m never on pinterest, but I follow you there too! xoxox

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:48 pm #

      I’m loving all the holiday ones! I hate smudges! If you don’t win, email thejenchilegmailcom and I can send you a sample to try!

  8. Carly November 18, 2014 at 1:57 am #

    I tend to be happier with my nails when they’re painted. But my toes? Nope, never happy – polish or no polish. I would love to try the Atlantis Jamberry Set! I love love sparkle anything. Followed on Pinterest & Instagram. ;)

  9. Mami2jcn November 18, 2014 at 2:05 am #

    I love the candy cane design.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:54 pm #

      It’s so fun for Christmas! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  10. Mami2jcn November 18, 2014 at 2:05 am #

    I follow you on pinterest

  11. Mami2jcn November 18, 2014 at 2:06 am #

    I follow you on instagram

  12. Meg November 18, 2014 at 2:08 am #

    I DO want to try it, but how do you know what to request? However, I’m sure I would mess up the application :(. But we shall see. Will it get here for the Christmas season if I win? If so, I’ll take Tinsel Town. If not, I’ll take white tip short under French tips.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:57 pm #

      I’m loving Tinsel Town and have one in stock if you win! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!
      Also, here’s the official application video. I’ll also send you instructions and am here if you have any questions!
      http://youtu.be/KaykpuMe53w

  13. Jessica Dow November 18, 2014 at 2:09 am #

    I would love to try jaded. I signed up for your emails and I follow you on pinterest.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:58 pm #

      The sparkles are so fun! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  14. Carey Beth November 18, 2014 at 2:13 am #

    I like the “Feeling Festive” nails :)

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:59 pm #

      I adore these! They remind me of a cozy Christmas sweater. If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  15. Katie | The Surly Housewife November 18, 2014 at 2:43 am #

    I love to have my nails painted. It’s about the only girly thing I do lol. I have heard of jamberry but haven’t tried it yet and I would love to! I keep my nails a simple dark color, usually black so I would love to try the midnight sky. I already stalk you on your social media sites ;)

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 5:59 pm #

      I love love dark bold colors! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  16. Lydia November 18, 2014 at 2:53 am #

    I like to do my own nails, since a bottle of polish is cheaper than a salon manicure and you can use it several times. That said, my self-done nails usually look self-done. :-) I’d love to try the purple polka dots (“grape lolly”) or one of the fun florals.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:02 pm #

      I own like 20 bottles of Essie. It drove me nuts that they always chipped after a day or two, and I could just not keep up with painting them, so I used to get shellac. However, now that I stay home with my 5 month old twins, I can’t afford shellac. This is the perfect solution for me. If you do the pedis also, each application is only $3.75! If you just do the manis, it’s still only $7.50 per application, and I get 2 weeks wear out of it. Perfect solution for me, because I love having fun nails! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  17. Christine W November 18, 2014 at 3:31 am #

    I would choose the sunny lotus…they are so happy looking. Thanks for the chance!

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:02 pm #

      I did sunny lotus a few weeks ago. They ARE happy! :-) If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  18. Christine W November 18, 2014 at 3:32 am #

    I am following you on pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/justicecw/

  19. Christine W November 18, 2014 at 3:32 am #

    I am an email subscriber – justicecw at hotmail dot com

  20. Erin R. November 18, 2014 at 4:11 am #

    Toss up between “Rose Gold Sparkle” and “Icy Taupe Polka”.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:03 pm #

      I’ve had both of these and love them! The Rose gold is so classy, and I can’t get enough of polka dots! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  21. Erin R. November 18, 2014 at 4:12 am #

    I’m a email subscriber.

  22. Nicole November 18, 2014 at 4:40 am #

    I was literally just telling Lew that I needed to do something with my nails! Ha….I would choose the mint green and gold stripes. Your nails look lovely! Now you need a date out with Elliott. :) Hope you and yours are well.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:04 pm #

      I have these and have been saving them to pair with a red accent mail during December. They’re so pretty! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  23. Shelby November 18, 2014 at 4:51 am #

    I dig the “feeling festive” ones… kitchy sweaters are pretty fantastic.

    I follow you on Pinterest and instagram (shlbmeyer for both)

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:06 pm #

      Gotta love a Christmas sweater, eh?! (I sound Canadian. I’m not. Actually, I’m a Texan! :-) ) If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  24. Liz November 18, 2014 at 4:57 am #

    Intriguing… I would choose Luna.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:06 pm #

      Luna is so simple and lovely! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  25. Lora November 18, 2014 at 5:09 am #

    I would choose the French manicure, too.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:06 pm #

      Love the classic! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  26. maggie November 18, 2014 at 10:03 am #

    Hey from one TCK to another. I would love to try these wraps. I too have short and brittle nails which are made worse from the constant hand washing and disinfecting at work (I am an RN). I would love to try the Cherry Ice- I always wear red on my toes and it would be fun to have a matching manicure that lasts more than 2 days. Or 1 if I have to cook a big meal :)

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:08 pm #

      My best friend is a doctor, and I’m a mom of twins, so we both feel you on the hand washing! We both get an average of 10 days out of an application and I can frequently get 2 weeks. And I loooove the red! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  27. Adrienne November 18, 2014 at 2:22 pm #

    I would go with the French manicure too. I hardly ever paint my nails and like the look of the French manicure, simple and classy.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:09 pm #

      Can’t go wrong with classic! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  28. Adrienne November 18, 2014 at 2:27 pm #

    I subscribe to your emails.

  29. Adrienne November 18, 2014 at 2:28 pm #

    I follow you on Pinterest.

  30. Lora Grant November 18, 2014 at 5:49 pm #

    I’d probably go with the French manicure. I already am on your email list.

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:09 pm #

      If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  31. Hannah G. November 18, 2014 at 8:46 pm #

    I signed up for your email list. I’d go for the Let it Snow. Excited to see who gets the giveaway!

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:10 pm #

      Let it snow is so fun and even has a matching junior set (kids ages 2-8)! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  32. Molomatic November 18, 2014 at 11:31 pm #

    The Sugar & Spice ones look really pretty! Thanks

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:11 pm #

      Sugar and spice is simple and fun! It’s really popular right now. If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  33. Julia November 18, 2014 at 11:37 pm #

    I’d love floral oasis!

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:11 pm #

      Ooh, that one is lovely! How have I missed it?! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  34. Julia November 18, 2014 at 11:39 pm #

    following you on instagram, pinterest, and by mailing list! thanks for the giveaway!
    jktouss@gmail.com

  35. Joy N November 19, 2014 at 6:19 am #

    I would choose Spotted

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:12 pm #

      Sassy! I like it! If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  36. Amanda November 19, 2014 at 2:15 pm #

    I would get the white tip!

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:12 pm #

      If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  37. Amanda November 19, 2014 at 2:16 pm #

    I food you on Instagram (adnamaenaj)

  38. Amanda November 19, 2014 at 2:16 pm #

    I follow you on pinterest

  39. Katie November 19, 2014 at 5:40 pm #

    I would love the sunny lotus!

    • Jen Chile November 19, 2014 at 6:13 pm #

      I did that one a few weeks ago. It makes me happy. :-) If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  40. Katie November 19, 2014 at 5:41 pm #

    I follow you on instagram

  41. Katie November 19, 2014 at 5:42 pm #

    I also follow you on pinterest! :)

  42. Katie November 19, 2014 at 5:44 pm #

    I just joined the mailing list too.

  43. Sam B. November 21, 2014 at 11:49 pm #

    The “feeling festive” ones look fun.

    • Jen Chile November 22, 2014 at 9:49 pm #

      I think those are so fun and Christmas sweatery. If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  44. aquariann November 22, 2014 at 1:43 pm #

    Thanks for the chance! I’d probably pick Atlantis. Also, I follow you on Pinterest and Instagram.

    • Jen Chile November 22, 2014 at 9:50 pm #

      Love that one, and it looks great with lost ruins on top too. :) If you don’t win, email me at thejenchilegmailcom for a free sample!

  45. Leah November 24, 2014 at 7:36 am #

    How fun! I think I would do ‘sweet whimsy’ in matte but I am tempted to do something more natural instead;)

  46. Whitney November 24, 2014 at 6:44 pm #

    I love the Purple Boysonberry Polka. I think they are fun and festive, and in my colors, too!

    • Jen Chile November 24, 2014 at 7:24 pm #

      I love all the boysenberry ones! If you don’t win, shoot me an email at thejenchilegmail com for a free sample!

  47. Siobhan Brown November 25, 2014 at 3:44 am #

    Your nails look great! How fun! I love the French mani too.
    Thanks for the chance. I enjoy your blog :)

  48. Julia T November 26, 2014 at 8:33 pm #

    who won?

    • Becca November 27, 2014 at 4:32 am #

      Carly won! I’ll update the post now… sorry about the delay!

  49. Ren Sway November 12, 2021 at 10:08 pm #

    Thanks for posting this up .This is a very informative article surely. I hope that you guys will put up more informative articles in future.

Leave a Reply

Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes