When it comes to nails I don’t think anyone is worse than me. I am the girl with chipped nails, smudged nails or a combo of both (note my broken nail in the photo). However being a makeup artist I have a job where I use my hands and there is nothing worse than having ugly chipped nails when doing someone’s makeup.
Sometimes I would treat myself to a gel polish manicure so at least my nails would look good for a few weeks however that’s a treat and not something I can get all the time. But that all looks like it’s about to change.
This week I was lucky enough to get to try Essie’s New Gel-Setter Top Coat. They say, “You get double the wear and double the shine of a classic polish manicure. With easy application and removal, this versatile top coat delivers the look and quality of a professional gel manicure without the need for a UV lamp or curing time.” Ok so I am not going to lie I read this and doubted if a polish top coat could do what my gel manicure could do so I gave it a go!
However I really wanted to test this Gel-Setter Top Coat so put it through its paces.
Firstly I did the unthinkable. Essie polishes on their own last well so I decided to try the top coat on a $2 shop polish (gasp)! I wanted to see if this top coat could give me the same long lasting look even with a cheap polish underneath.
Second I broke all the, “I just did my nails,” rules. I did the dishes (without gloves), I cleaned my brushes (using isopropyl alcohol) and then I did some work involving lots of typing. The results? Well its been two full days and they look perfect! I mean straight out of the salon perfect. However what I am most amazed by is how shiny they are. Its beyond a normal top coat shine. This is Essie’s first top coat formula featuring acrylates copolymer, providing a thick, plush coating with intense shine and anti-chip properties and I can really see the difference between this Gel top coat and normal polish top coats. I was worried that it would take ages to dry (because you know what they say, a woman is only helpless when her nails are drying) but the gel dried really fast.
To be honest I really doubted if the Gel-Setter Top Coat could hold its own against a gel manicure but it really won me over. ♥
This is the perfect product for brides-to-be. You can save money and get the gel manicure look at home. If you are getting married soon I have a GIVEAWAY (capslocks cause I know you love giveaways) where I am giving away 4 of the Top Essie Bridal nail polishes to brides. You can get more info here. This Gel-Setter Top Coat would be the perfect match to an Essie bridal polish. Guaranteed to give you perfect, shiny long lasting nails on your wedding day!
Available now at selected Farmers stores and pharmacies nationwide, RRP $24.99
