I’ve always been insecure with my short nails and small nail beds. And, as a newly engaged woman, now more than ever my hands are in the spotlight because of my new bling.

We’re having a destination wedding in Mexico—so that means lots of swimming and sand—and I will need a manicure that will LAST for all the photo opps, and will make my fingers look pretty, feminine and perfect--that's a tall order!

My fiancé and I planned a site visit to scope out our resort last month and I figured, what better time to do a trial mani and see if it stands up against the elements (including sun, sand, chlorine, and margaritas)?

Dashing Diva’s Mary Jo Zwirowski offered to demo the company’s French Wrap Plus system on me and I was so excited. French manicures are the classic look for brides—though I never expect them to last long enough because the white typically chips or wears so easily on my free edge. And I certainly don’t have the skill to do a touch up—creating a smile line is NOT my forte.

Dashing Diva’s French Wrap Plus system is truly innovative—and I don’t throw around that word very often. Essentially, it is an appliqué of sorts that is encased in a plastic housing. After the bonding glue is applied, the nail fits right into the plastic and bumps against a little edge so you know it’s in all the way. After it’s secured to the nail, a toenail clipper removes the housing in seconds. Finish with a base and top sealer, and you’re done! The perfect (really, it’s perfect!) smile lines, every single time, for a non-chipping, long-lasting French manicure.

Mary Jo finished my French Wrap manicure with a no-chip top coat that was UV cured to seal in the manicure even more.

When I went to Mexico for my site visit, I was in the pool for pretty much seven straight days, and the French lasted BEAUTIFULLY! Not a chip, no wear or tear, and it was so shiny!

Here's how it was done:

Step one: Treat cuticles. Dry cuticle prep is recommended. Shape natural nails using White File. Then, buff the free edge with 240-grit side of Pink Sponge File. Use a dry lint-free wipe to remove all dust.

Step two: Select the proper size for all 10 nails. The French color should fully cover the free edge and be flush with sidewalls.

Step three: Apply the Brush-On Glue onto the side corners of natural nail free edge and onto the entire band of the French color inside the housing applicator. Place the French Wrap Plus onto the free edge as you did when sizing in Step Two. Avoid any overhand of the French color.

Step four: Holding the French Wrap Plus in place, press from the center of the housing applicator out to the sides of the applicator to help with adhesion. Repeat the pressing out motion three times.

Step five: Use a nail clipper to clip the application tab at raised circle to release the housing applicator from the French color. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a dry, lint-free wipe.

Step six: File French color band to align with free edge using the White File. Then, lightly buff over the French color with the 240-grit side of the Pink Sponge File. Use a dry, lint-free wipe to remove all dust. Apply one coat of Base Seal, let dry 2-3 minutes. Then, apply 2 coats of Top Seal.

Step seven: Smile! Because you're the nail tech responsible for creating the world's most perfect French mani ever!

The removal process is pretty easy, too. Rub nails gently with a cotton ball soaked with acetone--if you opt to go for a UV-cured finish, nails should be soaked instead.