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August 03, 2015

Mani Monday: essence gel nails (review & swatches)

essence gel nail polish


Happy Civic Holiday (and anything else that is being celebrated today, it's a long weekend!)

While at the essence cosmetics Fall & Winter preview, I was able to get my nails done, using their new Gel Nail Polish.



This nail polish is going to be replacing their current line, "Color & Go". Most of the colours are being carried over though. It's just a much better formula, longer lasting and more shine. Don't see anyone complaining about any of those things!

I chose Amazed By You, a deep purple, and my artist picked Play With My Mint for the accent stripe. The colours go so well together!

essence gel nail polish
Excuse the lighting. Accurate lighting in above image


After 1 coat of the Gel Base Coat, she applied two coats of Amazed By You. By the time she was done both hands, she was able to start striping the mint. It was only 1 coat of mint! Colour showed very well.

essence gel nail polish
Morning after manicure

Once all dry, she applied the Gel Top Coat and I was off to continue my evening. No UV or LED light is needed.

The rep did say that the polish lasted her 2 weeks. I wasn't so lucky. My polish shrank a little after the first day, but everything else was good. On day 3, I noticed a little ship in the middle of my right thumb nail. It didn't really peel off or get worse until day 7.5, when my index finger got a chip as well. There was a little more shrinkage and you can see my nail growth. That was the last day I had the polish on.

essence gel nail polish
Day 3


Now, something to remember, there were many of us and the 2 artists were only able to allocate about 15 minutes per person/manicure. Depending on what I do, I take about 30+ mins on myself.

essence gel nail polish
Day 7.5


That week, I was also pretty rough on my hands. I was doing a little extra at work that I don't do on a regular basis, so my nails did take a bit of an extra beating.

Overall, for less than $3 a colour, this is a fantastic polish and I can't wait to do more.

7 comments:

  1. Can't wait to try them out!

    pnkpetals.blogspot.ca

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  2. I've been trying out the gel polishes from essence lately too, and with the base and top coat, they last me about a week without a single chip. The tips of my nails wear away about three days in, but that isn't noticeable.

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  3. Seriously can't believe how well these last on the nails. A week? THAT'S CRAZY TALK.

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  4. These colours go really well together! I would not have thought to pair them, but will definitely keep it in mind.
    I bought some of the gel polishes and I cannot wait to try them! I hate shrinkage though, but I usually wrap my tips and that helps prevent it. Although it shrinks from the cuticles instead, but that's less visible than on the tips.

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  5. I've heard great things about the gel polishes. I'm keen to try them for myself.

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  6. Wow you honestly cannot beat that price... nail polish is always so expensive; it's hard to find a quality polish for a decent price!

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  7. thanks for the reviews i seen these in ulta and i was wondering if they were any good for that price you cant beat !

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