Since developing a sensitivity to gel nails, I've been on the lookout for alternatives to in-salon gel nails and at-home gel nail kits. I've tried lots of press-on nails (OPI's press-on nails are a game changer), but I have yet to find a good nail polish brand that genuinely makes my regular nail polish last more than three days without chipping.
After a TikTok scroll, I stumbled across a video of a content creator saying how she had found her dream nail polish and topcoat that not only looked like gel polish but also rivaled its longevity. I've tried hundreds of top coats, which have only left me disappointed and out of pocket. I was doubtful, but I made my way out to find her recommendation: the Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish and Gel Couture Top Coat. Scroll ahead for my honest review.
Essie Gel Couture Top Coat Review
Pros: Easy to apply, no UV lamp required, leaves a glossy and hard-wearing finish, helps polish stay chip-free for almost two weeks, affordable, applies evenly, dries to a hard finish, plumping effect that looks like gel polish
Cons: Opaque bottle makes it harder to see how much product is left, can take a few minutes to dry
Customer Review: "I had to to take a break from gel for a while. This is the best alternative. I can get a week out of one application. 4 stars because it can take a while to dry but not over complaints!!"
How Long Does Essie Gel Couture Top Coat Last?
The Essie Gel Couture Top Coat lasts really well. I would say that I can get between a week and 10 days out of this topcoat before my nail polish starts to chip. Even then, it's only very minor chipping at the tips of the nails, so you could easily stretch it out to almost two weeks. It's recommended that you reapply a topcoat around seven days in to ensure it lasts longer.
I've tested this topcoat with both Essie's Gel Couture nail polishes (I used the shade Fairy Tailor below, which is a sheer pink) and with other nail polish brands. I do think this topcoat works better with Essie's nail polishes, but I still get great results when wearing this on top of other nail polishes too.
I like to prep my nails before application by filing and pushing back my cuticles to ensure a smoother application.
Before and After: First Application vs 10 Days
How Long Does Essie Gel Couture Top Coat Take to Dry?
The topcoat formula is thick yet applies evenly and smoothly, but I find it does take a tiny bit longer to dry than some thinner topcoats I've tried. After about five to 10 minutes, it's touch-dry, and after an hour, these feel really hard and have a plumped, smooth feeling that really does feel like the texture of cured gel polish on the nails. It's also incredibly shiny.
The Verdict
Having tried this topcoat for almost a year now, I can attest to its long-wearing claims. It's, by far, the best topcoat I've tried. Not only does it provide a hard-wearing, glossy finish to the nails with just one coat, but it also dramatically extends the lasting power of my nail polish. Does it last for the full two weeks? I'd say it doesn't stay fully chip-free for the full two weeks, but I can easily stretch out my manicure for around 10 to 12 days. Any initial chipping is very subtle, so if you're wearing a neutral color, this isn't very noticeable. A bottle has lasted me for months, even with painting my nails every 10 to 14 days, so I think this topcoat is an affordable option if you want a topcoat that rivals gel polish.
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This story originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
