Essie Gel Couture – the only polish for me

Essie Gel Couture – the only polish I will use from now on.

essie gel couture pretty please charlie

You’re probably thinking that’s quite a bold statement to make. It is. But it’s true. Here’s why…

It actually lasts on my nails!!!

I want to scream that from the roof tops. No other polish lasts on my finger nails like Essie’s new Gel Couture range.

I love wearing polish on my nails but I hardly ever do. Nothing lasts. If I decide to paint my nails for an event, I have to paint within hours of the event and still pop the polish in my bag in case it needs touch-ups. If I’m lucky, the polish will last till the next day. So why even bother?

When I read reviews on the new Essie Gel Couture range when it launched a couple months ago, I got a little excited. I have tried other polishes that claim gel-like wear and they haven’t delivered. Not sure why I hoped it would be different this time, but Essie, you made my year.

Essie Gel Couture lasts on my nails for 5 days. FIVE DAYS!!

And that is by not really taking care of the mani by adding another  layer of topcoat every 2 days as recommended. Plus I wash dishes without wearing gloves, I give a keyboard a good beating every day, I play Lego and I use my nails as tools more often than I should.

So I’ll say it again… 5 days!! And that is 5 days of wear before any cracks or chips.

There are other things on this range worth mentioning like the beautiful newly designed bottle, the patent pending swirl stem brush and the couture fashion inspired shade selection, but it’s the wear and longevity that’s got me hooked.

I find application pretty standard… 2 coats of colour and the top coat. Drying time may be a tad longer than ‘standard’, but that’s fine.

Removal takes a little more effort, cotton wool and polish remover, but that’s also not an issue for me.

I have finally found a system that lasts on my nails and the finish is super smooth and shiny. It truly is beautiful.

I was very happy when I saw the darker shades available in this range as I’m not really one for nudes, pastels and brights, so shades like gala-vanting, model clicks and hang up the heels are perfect for me. I also have twill seeker which I love!!

essie-gel-couture-pretty-please-charlie

top coat, twill seeker, gala-vanting, model clickshang up the heels

A friend of mine also tried it and she’s hooked. She also loves the range and now she has me lusting after beauty nap. The shade is more muted and little darker than it looks in the image below (top right hand corner) and on the site, which makes it perfect for me.

essie-gel-couture-pretty-please-charlie-review

You can head over to www.essie.co.za to check out the range available.

VERDICT:

Essie sent me the polishes to try, but would I buy it for myself? YES!

Would I recommend this range above any other? YES!

Do I think it’s worth paying R170 for the colour polish and R180 for the top coat? YES!

You will find Essie Gel Couture at selected Dis-Chem, Clicks and Foshini stores.

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Make a statement with essie neons 2015

‘if you want an encore, i suggest you make some noise! -Essie

essie neon collection 2015 Groove is in the Heart, Vibrant Vibes, Make Some Noise, All Access Pass

I think that tagline is quite fitting for the essie neons 2015 collection; bright, beautiful and in your face.

The four shades I got to play with is All Access Pass (a boho violet indigo), Make Some Noise (a raucous electric blue), Vibrant Vibes (a vivid neon lime) and Groove is in the Heart (a peachy pink neon).

essie neon collection 2015 Groove is in the Heart, Vibrant Vibes, Make Some Noise, All Access Pass
All Access Pass, Make Some Noise, Vibrant Vibes, Groove is in the Heart

My favourites are All Access Pass and Make Some Noise, mostly because I don’t do pink and green and Make Some Noise is about as bright as I’m willing to go. Which is already quite daring for someone who’s favourite essie shade is licorice.

These happy and playful shades are perfect for summer and sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

Keep an eye out for these at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Foschini and selected salons. essie retails for around R125 per bottle.

xoxo

Disclosure Ranking: 2