Gel-Like Effect Long Wear Top Coat

I want to start a series where I try top coats to find the best ones! On my left hand, I have the CND - Gel-Like Effect Long Wear Top Coat and on my right had I have the essie - No Chips Ahead Top Coat the colour I’m wearing is the grey shade from .INC. - Naked in Neon Nail Polish Set *side note: I was in finals while this was posted so please don’t hate on my cuticles hahahaha* The pictures posted of just my nails are day 5 nails, and as you can see the results are not great... The CND top coat definitely held up more than the essie one with only minor peeling on my pointer finger. On my right hand (essie side) you can see how my thumb polish is also a big messed up. This top coat WOULD NOT dry, and when it did, you can see clearly that it left a strange texture on my pinky finger (almost looks like bubbles). Out of these, I would go for the CND - Gel-Like Effect Long Wear Top Coat , but I’m going to be testing more shortly!

First of all, I’m not the best at painting my own nails so please don’t be too harsh. 😄😓 I usually get my nails done and go for a gel mani. I lived a really fast-paced life style and was always on the go pre-covid. But now I am able to work from home and slow down a bit. Also nail salons are closed so I have to paint my own nails. I don’t like to do gel nail polishes that have to be cured under the light...not to do myself at least. I tried doing it myself and my nails end up being damaged plus it’s hard to remove so I gravitate towards gel polishes that can be applied like regular polish. I really enjoy Essie’s gel couture, but that doesn’t have as many color options so I go for CND. Sally Hansen’s gel system is great too, but I’d say Essie and CND are my go-tos. This is a 2 step system. You don’t need a base coat, but I honestly prefer a base coat. I use a strengthening base and then CND’s base coat. I find it lasts longer. However, it is optional. CND - Stickey Base Coat Nail Tek - Moisturizing Strengthener 2 This one is in the shade “Hypnotic Dreams”. It is a chameleon shade so it shifts from green to purple depending on the light. This one is perfect for fall in my opinion. This one applied sheer, but buildable. I am wearing 3 coats. It was easy to apply and the brush was on the smaller side so it isn’t too messy. I used the CND top coat as well and it dries in 8 minutes. The top coat dries shiny and has a satin finish. This can be purchased at Walgreens, Target and Walmart. CND - Gel-Like Effect Long Wear Top Coat CND - Vinylux Long Wear Polish What’s your favorite gel polishes? Francesca 💋