Let's Talk at-home Gel Polish

[thechickencoop]

Inspired by the TWW; does anyone use like the Sally Hansen, or another brand of gel at home? The kinds WITHOUT the whole light shindig.

What is your experience? Preferred brands? Are they really better with chipping??

Because I'm THE.WORST with my nails and they seriously chip within 24 hours. I've tried practically every brand, from cheapo 5 Below brands to OPI and the more expensive kinds and I still always manage to chip them quickly. The gel doesn't seem that much more expensive but I'd hate to replace my fav colors in gel to have them turn out the same.

[pismoduo]

Oooh. Yes please. I've been wondering about this.

I loved the last gel manicure I got, but not the price. I'd be satisfied with something that lasted a week or more at least, since just like thechickencoop mine tend to chip after a day or so. Even with base coat, top coat and plenty of time to dry.

[daisy818]

I've tried the OPI version, and my verdict is that it is just a slightly thicker topcoat. Still chipped within a week. Nothing like a real gel manicure.

ETA - If making it 5-7 days without chipping is your goal, the OPI would get you there I think.  From reading other posts it seems like I might have an unrealistic set of expectations for nail polish!

[thechickencoop]

Nov 13, 2015 13:53:51 GMT -5 pismoduo said:

Oooh. Yes please. I've been wondering about this.

I loved the last gel manicure I got, but not the price. I'd be satisfied with something that lasted a week or more at least, since just like thechickencoop mine tend to chip after a day or so. Even with base coat, top coat and plenty of time to dry.

Right??!!! Because by this time I've wasted like 40 minutes doing my freakin nails and then they just get destroyed!!!

[thelittleredm]

Essie makes a pretty good no light gel system. Mine lasted a few days before chipping. Honestly, though, if you invest in a gel system with a light, you'll save a of money in the long run because your color will last a lot longer and you will definitely be able to stay away from the salon.

[daisy818]

Manicures are what I miss most about NYC. There was a nail place down the block from my apartment that stayed open till 11 pm and I would get a $12.50 manicure every week. My nails always looked awesome. Plus I had a job then where I could do funky trendy colors. Current job needs to be a bit more reserved.

[ohinvrtedworld]

This is my friend Gelous!



I am not gentle with my nails, and it gets me through 5-7 days before chipping. I use it as a base coat, and between the 2 coats of color. Then I use a regular top coat. It's like $5 at Sally Hansen.

ETA: Wrong Sally! I meant Sally Beauty Supply lol. Brain fart.

[ohinvrtedworld]

But yeah, haven't found anything as effective as real salon gel that doesn't require light.

[lgraceh]

I have not had had the best results w/ gel polish w/o the light. I can't remember the brand, but it was a 2 part system that smelled horrible, was a pain to work with, and tore up my nails. I will definitely recommend investing in the light. I've had mine for 2 years in February, it was $50 off Amazon. I've spent very little on polish because I always grab the clearance colors at Ulta (I use Red Carpet Beauty almost exclusively). So after paying for the light, and the initial base coat/top coat set, it is definitely a money saver.

[LadyNymeria]

I have a Sally Hansen one because they had a green I really liked but it was only available in the gel so I figured I'd try it.

Each time I've used it I got a week with no chipping then another week where the tips started wearing off but it wasn't too bad looking yet.

And polish usually chips pretty quickly for me because I type so much at work.

[piccyami]

I like Julep. It isn't a gel manicure, but it works better than any topcoat I've ever tried.

www.julep.com/freedom-polymer-topcoat.html

They do suggest you cure it under a lamp but I don't usually do that. It's also way cheaper if you subscribe.

[housecarder]

Most polish chips for me but I prefer the kind with the light because it sets so quickly I don't feel bad when it doesn't last. I bought a Sally Hansen kit but have sensational colors too that I use with the base and top coat from my kit.
I tried the two step no light Sally Hansen and was not impressed. It took FOREVER to dry and still messed up on some areas and the color under the gel even cracked in areas.

[thechickencoop]

Hmmmmm maybe the light kit would be good for my Christmas list....

[housecarder]

Nov 13, 2015 17:26:04 GMT -5 thechickencoop said:

Hmmmmm maybe the light kit would be good for my Christmas list....

H got me mine for Valentine's Day 2014 and I'm still using the same top and base coat. It lasts pretty long.

[pinkcat]

I haven't read through all the replies but I use the Essie one and I love it! It lasts me a good five days easy.

[Ray]

Nov 13, 2015 13:59:07 GMT -5 daisy818 said:

Manicures are what I miss most about NYC. There was a nail place down the block from my apartment that stayed open till 11 pm and I would get a $12.50 manicure every week. My nails always looked awesome. Plus I had a job then where I could do funky trendy colors. Current job needs to be a bit more reserved.

Lurking... Many of the salons that are able to charge such a low fee general employ immigrant works who are VASTLY underpaid and charges for training, supplies etc. I really hope the place you were at wasn't like that :S

[butlerfan]

Now I want to paint my nails.