Can a DIY nail polish really be an effective alternative to a salon gel manicure? Most people who want a high-quality, long-lasting manicure opt for the latter when they visit a salon. It’s perfect when you have an important event to attend or when you want to avoid the annoyances of chipping polish, which is so common with a regular manicure. Essie Gel Couture aims to disrupt the gel manicure game by offering an at-home option that is just as good as its salon counterpart. Keep reading to find out the benefits of Essie gel versus Salon gel manicures.
For starters, Essie has been a well-known name in the polish game since 1981. Aside from being an at-home favorite choice, it’s a brand typically found in salons. However, it changed the game in 2016 with the introduction of the Essie Gel Couture line. The purpose was to offer a more affordable alternative to sought-after salon gel manicures. It seems like the brand has achieved what it set out to do.
How Does It Work?
Because it’s a dupe for a gel manicure, one would think that an alternative to this would require UV light to cure the perfect polish look. Interestingly, the Essie Gel Couture system doesn’t need it to seal the polish. The reason is that it isn’t a gel polish. The formula only mimics the sleek luster that is the final product of a gel manicure.
Consequently, if there isn’t any curing, what does the process entail? With only two steps, it is one of the easiest manicures out there with outstanding results. First, apply your color of choice to clean nails. One could argue the first step should be prepping your nails, including filing and pushing back or removing cuticle skin. However, even if you don’t do that and go straight to the polish, your nails will look great.
Second, the topcoat comes next. It is the key to the whole system. This is the special sauce that achieves the look of gel. It protects against chips, extends the wear of the nail polish and keeps the color from fading. Sealing the manicure with this topcoat will have you achieving the look you want.
How Long Does It Last?
Ideally, with well-prepped nails, application of the Essie Gel Couture can last more than a week. This is a win compared to regular nail polish applied at home or even in the salon that can last 3-4 days. However, a true gel manicure can last you over two weeks. In that regard, the typical gel manicure has Essie beat.
Gel manicures are long lasting because of the UV or LED light that cures the polish. This process creates a hard shell on the nail that makes the polish last longer. It also acts as a nail protector, shielding nails from environmental factors that can cause damage. Gel manicures are also great for those whose nails chip or break naturally because the hard shell keeps them stronger longer.
Time To Take Off The Color
Although the hardened nail shell of gel manicures acts as a protector, removing the shell can actually damage the nail. The process to remove gel manicures involves soaking your fingertips in acetone and wrapping them in foil. Acetone can be damaging to skin and nails as well as other surfaces. Some may be tempted to pick at chipping gel polish to remove it. This is a bad idea because it can cause the nail to peel, crack or become brittle.
hile removal of gel polish is more complex and time intensive, removing Essie Gel Couture only requires a polish remover. Acetone is not necessary – more skin and nail-friendly options exist on the market. There are polish removers that are vitamin-enriched and include essential oils. These are nourishing alternatives to acetone. Plus, they only take a couple of minutes to remove the polish from your fingernails.
Cost Savings With Essie
Finally, a gel manicure and pedicure can cost you upwards of $60 or more, depending on where you live and how upscale your salon of choice is. Essie Gel Couture is by far the most affordable option, with the color bottle and the topcoat running about $12 each. With a $24 investment and a little bit of elbow grease, you can give yourself an at-home gel-like manicure and pedicure for a third of the price of a salon session. Plus, you can reuse the color multiple times – and the more you do it the better you’ll get at it.
We’re Giving The Edge To …
In conclusion, the benefits of the Essie Gel Couture system outweigh the benefits of a regular gel manicure. It’s much more cost effective, easier to remove and lasts almost as long. Plus, you don’t need an appointment. You can sit down and take care of your nail business whenever the mood strikes. Another consideration is that you aren’t exposed to the acetone for removal or the UV lights for curing that can actually cause skin damage after repeated use.
Have you used the Essie Gel Couture system? What are your thoughts? Have your nails looked as good as they did after a gel manicure? Let us know if you agree with our assessment in the comments below.
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Beauty In Check utilizes some affiliate links that may generate a small commission from clicks that result in a purchase.
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I love eeie gel polish. I have had it last up to 2 weeks doing all the normal daily stuff like dish washing etc. Easy to put on and remove.
Totally agree! I’ve made it almost two weeks while cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, – you name it – with minimal wear and tear to the polish. Essie gel couture is by far my favorite nail product.