Mani X Me is a monthly subscription for those interested in nail stamping. There are 2 plans available: Mani X Me Monthly Club for $25 ($22.50/box on a quarterly subscription or $20/box on a bi-annual subscription), and Mani X Me Club Express Kit for $18. Shipping is free.
The Monthly club subscription contains 2 Exclusive Stamping Plates, 2 new coordinated polishes and a surprise gift. The Express kit contains everything but the polishes. Your first box from either subscription contains a free stamper. This is a review of the Monthly Club subscription.
ACTIVE DEAL: $5 off any of our subscription options (First month only)
CODE: MSA10
This box was paid for by the author. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
1 of 5
This month's theme is the "Literary Classics Collection." Both stamping plates have illustrations of famous literary works along with quotes from those books.
I love the theme this month! I’ve always been a crazy book lady; and now I can show that to the world! This month is only the second time I’ve been brave enough to actually stamp onto my nails, rather than just play with the stamper! I still find it incredibly time consuming but relaxing. Hopefully, every month it will take fewer and fewer hours to complete!
Now, On With The Show!
Maniology Plate MXM075 - Retail Value $10
1 of 2
This plate, exclusive to the March Mani X Me box, is a bibliophile’s dream! It’s adorned with piles of books and book related things like coffee and cats! It also has a few book covers and images related to those books.
This is the plate I chose to use in my design. A lot can be done with it and I can see myself using it again in the future!
Maniology Plate MXM076 - Retail Value $10
1 of 2
This second, exclusive plate, really fits the literary theme. It’s comprised of decorative book covers as well as images and quotes from those books.
While I didn’t use this plate in my current design, I know I’ll be using it in the future. That Dracula cover is absolutely calling my name!
Nightingale (B424) Stamping Polish - Retail Value $6 - $8 (other colors can be found here).
1 of 2
Maniology describes it as “A Blushing Taupe with Hints of Lavender” crème stamping polish. It’s very light and sweet.
In case you missed my review last month, now would be a good time to explain what makes a polish good for stamping. Polishes intended for stamping are formulated to dry more slowly so you have time to work with them. They’re also thicker and more pigmented so that they can coat the stamping plates better and are easier to “pick up” on the stamper.
Sonnet (B425) Stamping Polish - Retail Value $6 - $8 (other colors can be found here).
1 of 2
Maniology describes this lovely color as “A Rouge Rose Pink” crème. This is such a rich, pretty color! I used it to paint several of the book spines in my design as well as stamping a quote directly onto my nails.
Perhaps now would be a good time to explain what makes a polish good for stamping. Polishes intended for stamping are formulated to dry more slowly so you have time to work with them. They’re also thicker and more pigmented so that they can coat the stamping plates better.
Marble Nail Foils With Foil Glue
The bonus item this month is a set of marble nail foils and foil glue. To use, first cut nail size strips of the marble foil. Paint clean nails with included glue and wait until it’s tacky. Then smooth foil strip onto each nail. Voila! Your nails are done; super quick and easy. While this design isn’t something I’d normally choose, I love the idea of it and will save them for a day when I need my nails to look good but don’t have hours to spend on them.
These are not yet available on Maniology’s site, but you can buy water slide marble nail decals for $8, so I’d guess the price would be similar.
One Stamp At A Time Sticker - Retail Value $0.50
This sticker is really cute! On the site, you can buy sets of 6 stickers for $3. They have 3 different sets of 6 stickers and they’re all adorable.
Let’s Get To It!
I’ve been a subscriber for about a year; however, I have skipped a couple of boxes (which is a nice feature of the subscription). Before the last week of the month, Maniology releases full spoilers of the coming month’s box. There is no penalty to skip; so, if next month’s designs don’t tickle your fancy, it’s easy to click the skip button on the Maniology website.
While I have many of the boxes, I’ve only actually stamped my nails for the first time last month.
These are the polishes that I used. All are Maniology stamping polishes except for the shimmery white one. I couldn’t find the perfect white base so my bestie, Jenni, and I made one!
First, I laid out my many supplies.
1 of 2
Then, I applied a latex barrier to the nail I planned to stamp directly onto. It’s brilliant! Paint it on, let it dry, then stamp away. Once you’re done, just peel the latex off your finger: voila, no paint to clean up! Maniology caries their own liquid latex as well as a non-latex alternative (I used what I had in my stash but I hope to invest in their latex alternative one ASAP).
I plan to stamp directly onto one of my nails; that’s the one I put the latex on.
On my other nails I’ve decided to try something more challenging: reverse stamping. This is where you pick up the image, then rather than stamping directly onto your nail, you paint onto the stamper with a fine brush. For a more in-depth explanation, read my February review of the Mani X Me box.
Once I finished reverse stamping, this is what it looked like, when looking down through the stamper.
Next, I painted a sticky base coat onto my shimmering white nails. Once tacky, I pressed the stamp onto the nail and rolled it around until I could see it had adhered to my nail. The next step is crucial: use no-smudge topcoat! After that, I was free to use my favorite topcoat over all of my nails. I use Marvel Macro Topcoat by SuperChic. I’ve been using it for years and it looks like glass while beautifully coating and protecting the polish.
The Finished Design
1 of 3
While it’s far from perfect, this month’s nail art turned out better than last month. I did struggle with stamping the “Once Upon A Time” text—I was surprised how much more difficult it is to pick up text on a stamper than an image. If you stamp your nails and have tips, please leave them in the comments!
Shiny or Matte? You Vote!
I’ve never been a fan of using a matte topcoat, but I’ve noticed that it’s incredibly popular; especially in nail stamping. So here it is: shiny followed by matte. Which do you prefer?
1 of 2
The Verdict
I loved this box! I found nail stamping to be creative, time-consuming; but a lot of fun. Last month I wrote that I wouldn’t be going through this process more than once a month—and I’m sticking with that resolution! At least for now.
As for the total retail value of the box, it’s difficult to nail down (pun intended!). Maniology doesn’t give the retail values on their box insert. On their site, the exclusive plates sell for $10 each (but can only be bought by club members). The cost of the polish varies. Crèmes tend to sell for $6 but can go as high as $8; so, my best estimate for the box is $32.50 (assuming the polishes will sell for $6). That’s not counting the value of the nail foil and glue. All in all, the value of the box is greater than its cost. Though this isn’t the kind of box you buy expecting high retail values. This is the type of box you buy for an interesting experience, and it consistently delivers!
It’s also worth noting that Maniology has a huge shop with items found, and not found, in the box. So, if you fall in love, trust me, that site has plenty to keep you busy!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today?
Yes, if you sign up right away, but it’s possible that your first box will be the April box. However, most of the past few month’s boxes are available for sale on Maniology’s website. If you’re a member of the club, you can purchase past boxes or even individual plates. The nail polishes will be available to everyone (including non-club members) within a couple of months.
Other bonuses of joining the club include free shipping on any order over $20 and a code for 10% off the entire site, the entire time that you’re a member. You’ll receive a free stamper in your first subscription box and will earn extra “Stamps” (points) in your rewards account.
ACTIVE DEAL: $5 off any of our subscription options (First month only)
CODE: MSA10
Value Breakdown: This is the full box, so it cost $25 which means each of the 6 items cost an average of about $4.16. That’s an excellent value!
What do you think of Mani X Me?
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.