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You Don’t Have To Spend a Fortune for Exceptional Gel Nail Polish
Feeling put-together often starts with well-groomed nails. While I enjoy treating myself to a professional manicure a few times a year, I prefer doing my nails at home most of the time. This approach not only saves money but allows me to allocate my budget to other necessities. However, I struggle with traditional nail polish, which tends to chip within days or smudge because, as a busy parent, I rarely have the luxury of waiting for my nails to dry completely.
If you haven’t considered gel nail polish yet, it might be worth your while. With just one or two steps (depending on the brand), you can achieve a stunning manicure without the need for a UV light. The appeal of gel nails lies in their durability and glossy finish. Intrigued by the buzz, I experimented with three gel polishes that promised quick drying times, long-lasting wear, and the appearance of a salon manicure. I was pleasantly surprised and wanted to share my findings.
1. Wet n Wild 1 Step WonderGel
First up was Wet n Wild’s 1 Step WonderGel (shade: Crime of Passion), which was priced under $5. I was feeling adventurous and decided to paint my nails while waiting for a friend in the car. To my delight, by the time she arrived, my nails were completely dry—about five minutes later. I know this because my nails got caught in her hair, and there were no smudges.
Initially skeptical about the longevity of budget polish, I was impressed by the results. The first photo shows my nails on day one after two coats. The middle image captures them after five days, during which I wrapped Christmas gifts and dealt with my Invisalign. Astonishingly, there was no chipping. By day seven, the tips were starting to wear down, but I can’t complain about seven days of wear for just $4.99!
2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Duo Nail Color
Next, I tried Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Duo (color: Pink-terest), which required two steps: applying the color followed by a gel top coat. I applied two coats of color and then the top coat. Although Sally Hansen claims this polish lasts for a full 14 days, I found that wasn’t quite the case. The first image is day one, the middle shows day five, and the last is day seven. While there was minimal chipping after a week, I know how rapidly chipping can escalate.
It’s worth noting that I didn’t engage in any heavy tasks during this period. I could have applied an additional coat to extend its life, but I was eager to switch colors. Even so, seven days is impressive, and the shine resembled that of a professional gel manicure. However, at nearly $14 for both the color and top coat, I’d likely opt for the Wet n Wild option instead for a budget-friendly choice.
3. Essie Gel Couture
Lastly, I tested the Essie Gel Couture set (shade: Rock the Runway), the priciest of the bunch at $18.49. It boasts up to 14 days of “instant gel-like shine.” The brush offered a smooth application, covering nearly the entire nail with one stroke. This polish was undoubtedly the shiniest and thickest of the three. On day one, my nails looked fabulous, but by day six, chipping began to set in. For almost $20, I expected more durability.
Essie also offers a clear gel setter top coat that can be paired with any color to achieve a gel-like finish if you prefer to mix and match.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s evident that you don’t always need to spend a lot to achieve great results. The Wet n Wild polish outlasted both Sally Hansen and Essie, despite being the most affordable option. For a one-step application, under $5, and a wide range of colors, Wet n Wild has become my go-to brand. Now, I can keep my nails looking fabulous without breaking the bank.
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Summary: This article explores the effectiveness of various gel nail polishes, highlighting affordable options that provide long-lasting wear and a professional finish. With findings from Wet n Wild, Sally Hansen, and Essie, it emphasizes that high-quality results don’t always require a big budget.