Caleb Foster
Essence's gel nail polishes are a popular choice for those who love to do their own nails. The brand offers a wide range of colours, including unusual shades, at affordable prices. Essence's nail polishes are known to dry quickly and provide a rich coating. For a long-lasting manicure, it is recommended to apply a base coat and seal with a top coat. The gel nail polishes do not require a UV or LED lamp, unlike traditional gel nails. However, some users have noted that the top coat can shrink under the LED light, leaving uneven coverage. Essence's gel nail polishes are a great option for those seeking an affordable, high-quality manicure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Apply a thick and even coat of peel-off gel base to the nail, wiping off any excess that touches the skin. Cure under an LED lamp for 10 seconds, then apply the colour of your choice. Once dry, apply a thick coat of clear gel top coat, curing under the lamp again, and wiping off any excess. |
| Longevity | The manicure can last for up to 2 weeks, depending on usage. |
| Appearance | The nail polish provides a high-quality, gel-like shine, potentially resembling a professional manicure. |
| Colours | Absolute Pure (Clear), Space Queen (Light Pink with Glitter), Party Princess (Pink with Glitter), VaVa Voom (Soft Matte Bright Pink), Amazed By You (Medium Purple), Let’s Get Lost (Bright Blue), Rock My World (Grey), Don’t Be Shy (Lime-ish), Wild White Ways (White), Black Is Back (Black), Play With My Mint (Mint Green), Fame Fatal (Red), Indian Summer (Peachy-Pink), Lucky (Bright Pink), Sweet As Candy (Pale Pink), Serendipity (Lilac Purple), My Diary (Dusty Rose), On Air (Gold Sparkle), Engaged (Satin Pink). |
| Formula | Quick-drying, safe, and environmentally-friendly. |
| Price | $2.99 |
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What You'll Learn
Using a base coat
Prepare your nails: Before applying any polish, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Gently push back your cuticles and shape your nails to your desired length and shape. Buffing your nails can also create a smoother surface for the polish to adhere to.
Apply the base coat: Start by applying a thin layer of the Essence colour grip base coat to each nail. This base coat will help the colour grip to your nails and extend the wear of your manicure. Be sure to let the base coat dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Choose your colour: After the base coat has dried, it's time to select your desired colour from the Essence gel nail polish range. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of your chosen colour, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Remember to wrap your free edge to prevent premature chipping.
Add a top coat: Once your colour is completely dry, apply a thick and even coat of the Essence clear gel top coat. This will help to seal in the colour and add a glossy finish to your manicure. Again, remember to wrap your free edge for added protection.
Cure under a lamp (optional): Unlike traditional gel nail polishes, Essence gel nail polish does not require a UV or LED lamp to cure. However, if you wish to speed up the drying process, you can cure your nails under an LED lamp for a few seconds after applying the base coat and the top coat.
Clean up: Finally, use a small brush or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any excess polish on your skin or around your nails.
With these steps, you can achieve a salon-quality manicure with Essence gel nail polish that will last for up to two weeks with proper care. Remember to wrap your nail tips and reapply the top coat every few days to extend the life of your manicure. Enjoy your beautiful, long-lasting nails!
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Curing under an LED lamp
When applying the base coat, it is important to work on one nail at a time. Apply a thick and even coat of the peel-off gel base to your nail, being careful to wipe off any excess that comes into contact with your skin. Wrap your free edge, then cure each nail under the LED lamp for approximately 10 seconds. This initial curing process helps to create a smooth and even base for your chosen nail colour.
After curing the base coat, you can move on to applying your chosen Essence gel nail polish colour. It is recommended to let the nail polish dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
The final step in the curing process involves applying the top coat. Apply a thick and even coat of the clear gel top coat, again remembering to wrap your free edge. Cure each nail under the LED lamp once more, following the same timing as the base coat. This step seals in the colour and provides the signature gel-like shine.
It is important to note that while curing under an LED lamp is crucial, it is just one aspect of the overall application process. Following the manufacturer's instructions and allowing adequate drying time between steps are also key factors in achieving the desired results with Essence gel nail polish.
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Applying the colour
When applying the colour, it is recommended to use two coats of your chosen Essence Gel Nail Polish shade. This is to ensure that your manicure is long-lasting and that the colour is opaque. However, some colours may require three coats, depending on the specific formula and shade. For example, the shade 'Wild White Ways' requires two coats to be worn as a white polish but only one coat when used as a base.
The formula dries quickly, and the polishes are highly pigmented. The colours range from unusual shades to more classic nail polish colours, such as reds and pinks. The brand also has a range of glitter polishes and a deep red that many users enjoy. Essence Gel Nail Polish is available in eight colours, including 'Don't Be Shy' (a lime shade), 'Wild White Ways' (white), 'Black Is Back' (black), 'Play With My Mint' (mint green), 'Fame Fatal' (red), 'Indian Summer' (peachy-pink), 'Lucky' (bright pink), and 'Sweet As Candy' (pale pink).
In addition to these shades, Essence also offers 'Absolute Pure' (clear), 'Space Queen' (light pink with glitter), 'Party Princess' (pink with glitter), 'VaVa Voom' (soft matte bright pink), 'Amazed By You' (medium purple), 'Let's Get Lost' (bright blue), and 'Rock My World' (grey). These shades are available in Canada and can be purchased exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.
It is important to note that the top coat may shrink under the LED light, pulling away from the edges of the nail and leaving uneven ridges. Therefore, it is recommended to wrap your free edge when applying the top coat to avoid this issue.
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Applying a top coat
To apply the top coat, start by selecting the appropriate brush. It is recommended that the base coat and top coat have the same brush as the coloured nail polish. This ensures a smooth and even application. Before applying the top coat, ensure that your chosen nail colour is completely dry.
Apply a thick and even coat of the clear gel top coat, being careful to wrap your free edge. This helps to seal in the colour and protect your manicure. If using a LED or UV lamp, cure your nails under the lamp according to the recommended time. For some Essence gel nail polishes, this may be around 10 seconds per nail.
After curing, carefully wipe off any excess polish or residue with a cleanser. This will help to remove any stickiness and ensure a smooth finish. Once the top coat is dry, your manicure is complete! With proper application, your manicure can last for up to two weeks, depending on your level of activity and hand usage.
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Removing the polish
Removing Essence gel nail polish can be done at home, but it is recommended to leave it to professionals to prevent damaging your nails. If you are removing it yourself, it is important to avoid damaging your nail plate or breaking your natural nails. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely remove gel nail polish at home:
Step 1: Prepare Your Nails
Use a coarse nail file to gently scratch off the shiny top layer of the gel nail polish. This will roughen the surface, breaking the gel seal, and making it easier for the acetone to penetrate and remove the cured gel. Be careful not to over-file your nails, as this can thin and weaken your nail bed, making your nails more prone to breaking.
Step 2: Protect Your Skin
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to your cuticles and the surrounding skin to create a protective barrier. This will help prevent the drying effects of acetone, which can be harsh on your skin. You can also use a thick layer of hand cream or cuticle oil to protect your skin.
Step 3: Soak in Acetone
Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them over your entire nail surface, making sure to cover the gel polish. Then, wrap each finger with small strips of foil to hold the cotton in place. You can also use plastic wrap instead of foil for a non-drip process. Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes. If any gel remains, re-soak your nails in 5-minute increments until all the gel is removed.
Step 4: Remove the Gel Polish
After soaking, gently push the gel polish off the nail plate using a cuticle pusher. Avoid forcing or scraping the polish off, as this can damage your nails. Remove what will come off easily, and repeat the soaking and pushing process as needed until all the gel is removed.
Step 5: Care for Your Natural Nails
After removing the gel nail polish, wash your hands and apply cuticle oil to hydrate and nourish your nails and cuticles. Gently file your nails into a round shape to avoid chipping and breaking. You can also apply a nail strengthener to help restore and protect your nails.
It is important to be patient and gentle during the removal process to avoid damaging your nails. With the right tools and techniques, you can safely remove Essence gel nail polish at home without compromising the health of your natural nails.
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Frequently asked questions
First, apply a thick and even coat of peel-off gel base to your nail, wiping off any excess that touches your skin. Cure your nail under an LED lamp for 10 seconds, repeating this process for each nail. Next, apply your chosen colour from the Essence range, allowing it to dry completely. Finish with a thick coat of clear gel top coat, curing under the lamp again.
Essence gel nail polish can last for up to 2 weeks, depending on your level of hand activity.
Yes, you will need a UV or LED lamp to cure your nails and achieve the desired long-lasting manicure.
Essence gel nail polish can be removed by soaking your nails in acetone, although this can be harsh on the skin. Alternatively, the polish can be peeled off, although this may occur unintentionally before you are ready to remove it.
Essence gel nail polish comes in a variety of colours, including:
- Wild White Ways (White)
- Black Is Back (Black)
- Play With My Mint (Mint Green)
- Fame Fatal (Red)
- Indian Summer (Peach/Peachy-Pink)
- Lucky (Bright Pink)
- Sweet As Candy (Pale Pink)
- Absolute Pure (Clear)
- Space Queen (Light Pink with Glitter)
- Party Princess (Pink with Glitter)
- VaVa Voom (Soft Matte Bright Pink)
- Amazed By You (Medium Purple)
- Let’s Get Lost (Bright Blue)
- Rock My World (Grey)
