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Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- Huge colour range vs gel
- Easy to change at home with acetone remover
- No UV lamp required
- Kind to natural nails with a break between applications
✗ Cons
- Shorter wear than gel — typically 5-7 days
- Chips more easily than gel, especially at the tip
- Drying time required between coats
- Requires top coat maintenance to extend wear
How to Use Essie Gel Couture Review — Is It Worth It?
- Start with a clean, dry nail. Buff the surface lightly to remove shine and help polish adhere. Remove all traces of oil with acetone.
- Apply a base coat and allow it to dry for 2 minutes before applying colour. Base coat prevents staining and helps colour last longer.
- Apply the first coat of colour thinly — a good regular polish should apply sheer on the first coat. Three thin coats beat one thick gloopy coat.
- Allow each coat to dry for 2-3 minutes before applying the next. Rushing this is the main cause of denting and bubbling.
- Apply a fast-dry top coat to seal and add shine. Re-apply top coat every 2-3 days to extend wear.
- Run acetone around the edges of each nail with a cleanup brush to neaten any flooding near the cuticle.
Where to Buy
Check the current price and availability on Amazon UK →
Prefer a professional treatment? Find nail salons near you on Glowbooks for expert results in a salon.