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 (I tried OPI's press-on nails, and they are a game changer) but I'm 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 top coat combination that not only looked like gel polish, but rivalled its longevity too. I was doubtful (I've tried hundreds of top coats, which have only left me disappointed and out of pocket) 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
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish-Gel Top Coat
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 bottles 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 top coat 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 re-apply a top coat around seven days in to ensure it lasts for longer.
I've tested this top coat with both Essie's Gel Couture nail polishes (I used the shade Fairy Taylor below, which is a sheer pink) and with other nail polish brands. I do think this top coat works better with Essie's nail polishes, however, 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
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
How Long Does Essie Top Coat Take To Dry
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
The top coat formula is thick (yet applies evenly and smoothly). However I find tit does take a tiny bit longer to dry than some thinner top coats I've tried. However, after about 5-10 minutes it's touch-dry, and after an hour these feel really hard, with 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
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Having tried this top coat for almost a year now, I can attest to it's long-wearing claims. It's by far the best top coat I've tried. Not only does it provide a hard-wearing, glossy finish to the nails with just one coat, but it 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, however, I can easily stretch out my manicure for around 10-12 days. Any initial chipping is very subtle, so if you're wearing a neutral colour this isn't very noticeable. A bottle has lasted me for months (even with painting my nails every 10-14 days) so I think this top coat is an affordable option if you want a top coat that rivals gel polish.
Shop Now:
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish-Gel Top Coat
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 bottles 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!!"
Shop Essie Gel Couture Colours
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Fairy Tailor
essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in All Checked Out
Essie
Gel-Like Nail Polish Gel Couture in Spiked With Style
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in First Fitting
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Matter of Fiction
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Bubbles Only
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Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Rock the Runway
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