PB Approved: CliqOnU, we CliqWithU
NAIL HISTORY AND CLIQONU
People began coloring their nails over 3,000 years ago, as a means to identify themselves as a certain class, or caste. Cleopatra, a fashion icon of her time, and more importantly, an intelligent and popular leader, instead of intricately decorating her whole hand in Henna as was the custom, took to dipping only her nails in color. Maybe it saved her time to run her empire. Well, we have come a long way from those days, and are glad that nail design is now used to express our individuality instead of our class. A well manicured hand accents and completes any outfit. Some manicures though, take a while and do not last long so we fall into a constant cycle of running in and out of nail salons. Enter CliqOnU, which allows us to have runway ready press on nails yet still have time to run our own little empires.
CliqOnU is a women owned startup created in 2020 by Vivian Liu Hyun and Jennifer Humphrey, two caretaking mothers who did not want to succumb to the idea that women stop taking care of themselves once they have children. Mothers who run on limited time are also in need of self care, and pampering yourself does not have to involve a lengthy trip to a salon with cucumbers over your eyes. Pampering can be quick, easy, and in the comfort of your own home (we’re all there anyway, right?) in a pick-me-up style like drinking an espresso before conquering the day. Hyun, with 15+ years in the fashion industry as a buyer, and Humphrey, with extensive experience in beauty industry business development, join forces in a beautifully manicured superwomen force ready to brush off chipped nails, damaged cuticles, and peeling polish, one finger, and one easy click at a time. Doesn’t sound like superhero work to you? Think again. CliqOnU donates 10% of EVERY SINGLE PURCHASE to combat human trafficking by giving to organizations such as ZOE International.
Positive Impact: Zoe international
It is estimated that there are over 40 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. Upon hearing of the atrocity of this modern day slavery, Carol and Michael Hart sold their custom home along with most of their possessions, set up a non profit headquarters in Santa Clarita, California, and moved to Thailand in 2002, where they housed 47 at risk children. Since then, they have set up organizations in various places in the world that focus on prevention, rescue, and restoration to fight this slavery. With generous donations from like minded people, such as those at CliqOnU, they have built facilities in Thailand to house and educate over 250 children. They are building strength, individuality, and leadership from within to continue their fight and have saved hundreds from a life of subjugation and pain. Hyun and Humphrey, as women, and as mothers, are proud to be a part of this incredible effort, and when you purchase products from CliqOnU, you are also joining this superhero force.
The Trial
Let me start by stating all of the misconceptions I, and many others, had or have about press on nails. First, I had thought that press ons were cheap and fake looking and that they were not for style minimalists. I also thought that the nails would be difficult to work with which would make using them less convenient than just going to a salon or polishing my own. Many, including myself, are also hesitant to use press on nails because of the concern that the glue will damage nails. This was my main concern as I am very particular about my nails. Needless to say, I took on this review with some trepidation, but once I tried CliqOnU, my concerns were swiped away with one click of a nail.
During quarantine, I have been in serious need of some self care. From walking around the city in stylish outfits about a year ago to walking around the house in monochromatic loungewear during the pandemic, I am still looking for a way to feel put together. I have always considered well manicured nails to pull together every outfit, but for that reason, I have not really done my nails recently since I am not getting dressed up nearly as often. CliqOnU, however, made me realize that well manicured nails can still make you feel good about yourself whether you are going out or not.
CliqOnU kits come with everything you need to do your nails at home, from non toxic and non damaging nail glue to a nail file and a prep pad. The nails are vegan, reusable, and waterproof which certainly makes them PhotoBook approved! Application took around a minute per finger which is amazing for a perfect manicure. The application process is simple: first, you pick the right nail size, then clean your nail with the prep pad and file your nail surface, apply a drop of glue, align the nail, and click! My absolute favorite thing about this process was that I did not have to worry about getting the cuticle edge perfect which I still find extremely difficult even after 20 years of painting my own nails. I also did not have to worry about ruining my nails while they are still wet (because we know none of us have the time to sit and flap our hands in the air for 10 minutes waiting for them to dry).
I was concerned that press-on nails would feel odd, or look thick and clumsy, but my fears were put to rest when I saw the completed look was so neat and natural, and after about 10 minutes, they felt like my own. We often see memes of people wearing false nails typing in an exaggeratedly careful, comical manner because their nails are too long and might fall off. I am typing effortlessly right now wearing my CliqOnU nails in the Blue Moon design, my personal favorite. I sent pictures of my hands to my sister in law, a professional manicurist, and she texted back, “Oh, where did you get your nails done?” I think I almost started a family feud over using another manicurist until I told her that they were actually press-on nails and I did it myself. I am telling the truth, well manicured hand over my heart.
Seasonal Ready To Wear Styling Tips
CliqOnU products being called “Ready to Wear Nails” lend themselves to complementary high fashion looks. We have compiled our three favorite seasonal spring styles to create a ready to wear style guide per nail design. Take a look at our recommendations below!
Chasing Rainbows, $25; cliqonu.com
Color blocking has been a huge trend on the runway over the past few years with style on the streets of Paris, Milan, and New York overflowing with merged tones of pink and green, blue and red, and orange and purple. The bold colorblocked style of the “Chasing Rainbows” kit blend perfectly with your most coveted statement pieces!
Pretty in pearls, $25; cliqonu.com
Pearls, once reserved for the noble and rich, can now be found from the runway to the roadway. Men and women alike are touting chic pearl necklaces around their necks in a symbol that is no longer seen as haughty, but are a compliment to any type of outfit. Shimmering fabrics such as satin and silk in pearl tones are also trending this Spring. The “Pretty in Pearls” nail kit is minimalistic and can be paired with any look, but we recommend neutral feminine pieces.
Blue moon, $25; cliqonu.com
Even though we love color blocking, monochromatic looks from high fashion to loungewear offers an immediate chic look. With the “Blue Moon” nail kit, we recommend transforming the pop of blue into a full blue toned monochromatic masterpiece. These understated but impactful matte mini moons are charming in their sleek simplicity and can be complemented by a statement look.
Where to Buy: https://fave.co/32Z0K2D
Article by Tessa Swantek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Victoria Durant, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
