Caleb Foster
Rimmel London's Super Gel Nail Polish is a long-lasting, high-shine nail polish that delivers salon-quality results at home. The Super Gel formula includes a built-in base coat, which means there's no need to prep nails, and an ultra-accurate precision brush for a streak-free, one-stroke application. The polish is applied in two coats, followed by a Super Gel Top Coat to activate the self-curing process. The product is available in a range of colours, including Venus, Soul Session, New Romantic, Grape Sorbet, Flamenco Beach, Rock N Roll, and Cocktail Passion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | £5.83 per 10ml |
| Application | Apply 1-2 coats of Super Gel Nail Polish. Wait for nails to dry completely. Sweep Super Gel Top Coat over the top to activate curing. |
| Durability | Lasts over a week without chipping |
| Removal | Soak in solvents such as acetone |
| Colour options | White, Pink, Clear, Purple Splash, Soul Session, New Romantic, Grape Sorbet, Rock N Roll, Cocktail Passion, Venus, Flamenco Beach |
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What You'll Learn
Application and Removal Process
Super gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that delivers a high-shine, long-lasting gel nail polish effect without the need for a UV lamp. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply and remove super gel nail polish:
Application Process:
- Start by applying 1-2 coats of super gel nail polish, waiting for your nails to dry completely between coats.
- Once the nail polish is dry, sweep a super gel top coat over the top to activate curing.
Removal Process:
There are two main methods for removing gel nail polish: the traditional method and using a gel nail polish remover. The traditional method involves using acetone, which is the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. Here is a step-by-step guide for the traditional acetone method:
- Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, as acetone has a strong smell. Protect your work area with a cloth or plastic wrap to avoid stains and potential damage from acetone.
- Cut 10 squares of aluminum foil or plastic food wrap, big enough to wrap each fingertip. If using cotton balls or pads, tear off 10 pieces that fit just the nail bed of each nail.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle and the surrounding skin to protect them from the acetone.
- Soak cotton balls or pads in acetone and place them on your nails.
- Wrap your nails with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap to create a tight seal and prevent dripping. Leave it on for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the wraps, and most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with it.
- Gently rub your nails with a warm, wet washcloth to remove any remaining polish. Be careful to only rub the nail and avoid the surrounding skin.
- Wash your hands with gentle soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
- Apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles and the skin around your nails for the next seven days to reduce any irritation caused by the acetone.
Alternatively, you can simply let your nails grow out and clip them once a week to remove the gel nail polish. This is a slower process, as fingernails take about six months to grow out completely. However, it is a safe and effective method to remove gel nail polish without causing any damage to your nails.
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Price and Availability
Rimmel London's Super Gel Nail Polish is available on the company's website and at Superdrug, where it retails for £6.99, or £5.83 per 10ml. It is currently available in shades such as Venus, Soul Session, New Romantic, Grape Sorbet, Flamenco Beach, Rock N Roll, and Cocktail Passion.
Superdrug also offers a 3 for 2 deal on the product, bringing the price down to £4.64 per bottle when purchasing three.
For those based in the US, there is the option of Super Star Matching 3 in 1, which includes both nail polish and gel polish. This product is available in over 216 shades and can be purchased from superstarmatching3in1.com for $6.
Another option for those in the US is SuperNail Professional, which offers an Acrylic Dipping System that includes 72 finely milled, pigment-rich powders in shades ranging from classic colours like white and pink to prismatic glitters.
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Ingredients and Chemical Composition
Gel nail polishes are an alternative to conventional nail polishes, differing in their chemical composition and application process. They are based on acrylic polymers, with polymerization triggered by light, specifically ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The key ingredients in gel nail polishes are:
- Monomers: These are the building blocks of the polymer and are typically methacrylates, such as hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and di-HEMA trimethyl-hexyl dicarbamate. Methacrylate monomers are responsible for forming the long polymer chains that give gel nail polishes their durability.
- Photoinitiators: These are molecules that initiate a chemical reaction upon exposure to light, typically ultraviolet radiation. Common photoinitiators include benzoyl peroxide and diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide. They absorb UV light and split into free radicals, triggering the polymerization process and solidifying the polish.
- Pigments and stabilizers: These provide colour and help maintain the stability of the polish, similar to conventional nail polishes.
In addition to these key ingredients, gel nail polishes may also contain:
- Plasticizers: These are compounds added to prevent the polish from cracking or chipping. An example is dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which has been banned in the EU due to potential interference with the human hormone system.
- Solvents: These are used to dissolve the polymer and other components, allowing for a smooth application. Common solvents include ethyl acetate and butyl acetate.
The application process for gel nail polish involves repeatedly applying thin layers of the substance to the nail and exposing each layer to UV light to initiate polymerization and hardening. This process is crucial for achieving the desired durability and long-lasting results associated with gel nail polishes.
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Comparison to Regular Nail Polish
Super gel nail polishes are an intermediate form of nail polish and gel nails. They combine the features of both. While super gel nail polishes are as thin and flexible as regular nail polishes, they offer a longer-lasting manicure.
Regular nail polish is easy to apply and remove, allowing users to change colours as frequently as they like. However, it has a major drawback: it is prone to chipping and damage. It can take a long time to dry, and even when it dries without issue, it does not tend to stay on the nails for very long. This can result in frequent touch-ups and reapplications, which can be frustrating.
On the other hand, super gel nail polishes are more robust and long-wearing than regular nail polishes. They are less sensitive to scratches and more resistant. Super gel nail polishes do not require a drying time, as they harden under a LED lamp. This means that once your nails are done, you can continue with your day without worrying about damaging your varnish.
However, super gel nail polishes are more difficult and time-consuming to remove than regular nail polishes. To remove gel polishes, you must first remove the shiny layer, then soak your nails in acetone, either with foils or using the double boiler method.
Ultimately, the choice between super gel nail polish and regular nail polish depends on personal preference. If you frequently change your nail colour, super gel nail polish may not be for you due to its more laborious removal process. However, if you are looking for a long-lasting manicure that can withstand daily activities without chipping, super gel nail polish may be a good option.
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Pros and Cons
Super gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that is designed to mimic the natural look and feel of nails while providing a long-lasting, high-shine finish. It is a popular alternative to traditional nail polish and acrylic nails, offering a strong and durable manicure with minimal chipping. Here are some pros and cons of super gel nail polish to consider:
Pros:
- Long-lasting and durable: Super gel nail polish is known for its longevity and resistance to chipping, allowing you to maintain your manicure for weeks without worrying about daily wear and tear.
- Natural look and feel: This type of nail polish is designed to closely resemble natural nails while providing the strength and shine of a professional manicure.
- High shine and fade resistance: Super gel nail polish delivers a high-gloss finish that does not dull or fade over time, ensuring your nails look freshly painted for an extended period.
- Quick drying and easy layering: The quick-drying nature of super gel nail polish enables you to create intricate nail art designs and layer multiple coats without lengthy wait times between applications.
- Nail extension and strengthening: Similar to acrylic nails, super gel nail polish can be used to extend the length of your nails or add strength and protection to your natural nails.
- Convenient and cost-effective: With super gel nail polish, you can achieve salon-quality results at home, saving time and money on professional manicures.
Cons:
- Nail damage and thinning: The frequent application and removal of super gel nail polish can damage and thin your nails over time. This is due to the buffing and preparation processes required, which can weaken the nail layers.
- Need for regular breaks: To maintain nail health, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures and apply nail strengthening treatments. Without proper care and maintenance, prolonged use of super gel nail polish can negatively affect nail health.
- Removal process: Removing super gel nail polish can be a concern as regular nail polish remover is not effective. Soaking nails in acetone and wrapping them in foil is a common removal method, but it can be time-consuming and may require multiple attempts, potentially damaging your nails if not done carefully.
- Limited colour options: While the market for super gel nail polish is growing, some users may find the range of colour options limited compared to traditional nail polish.
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Frequently asked questions
Super gel nail polish is a type of nail polish that offers a long-lasting, high-shine finish. It is a chip-resistant formula that is hardened under a special curing lamp or natural light.
Regular nail polish is mostly nitrocellulose-based and dries via solvent evaporation. Super gel nail polishes are acrylic polymer-based and are hardened through polymerization triggered by light.
Super gel nail polish is typically applied in 1-2 coats, followed by a top coat to activate curing under light.
