Two weeks later, and this beautifully milky nail polish still hasn't shown any signs of chipping.
If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I appreciate a solid nail polish recommendation. After developing a sensitivity to gel polish a few years back, I’ve been searching for the best alternatives. I’ve tried nearly every nail polish available at my local drugstore. Whatever you can think of, I’ve applied it to my nails. Since finding Essie's Gel Couture Top Coat, I haven’t looked back. When layered over Gel Couture Nail Polishes, they deliver chip-free manicures that can easily last for 10 days (or sometimes even two weeks). They’ve become my preferred combination for enduring manicures, and even friends have mistaken them for gel nails. They appear and feel just as sleek and shiny on my nails, and you would never suspect they are regular nail polishes.
I've gathered quite a few Essie nail polish shades, but I must highlight my all-time favorite, which might just be the best sheer pink nail polish I've ever used. Keep scrolling to see the shade I wear on repeat: Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish in Fairy Tailor.
Fairy Tailor is, in my opinion, the ideal pink. It's a sheer, milky nail color with a subtle pink hint. Since it’s translucent, I prefer to apply two coats for more opacity and a milkier finish. It truly brightens the nail plate, acting like a skin tint while allowing your natural nails to shine through. It applies smoothly and dries relatively quickly as well. Most importantly, it provides a glossy lacquer finish that looks and feels a lot like gel polish. I also find it protects my weak and flexible nails.
I finish off with two coats of the Gel Couture Top Coat (£12). I highly recommend pairing it with this top coat, as it greatly enhances its longevity. If you apply an additional coat on day seven, you can easily maintain your manicure for nearly two weeks.
The polish features "flex.e gel technology," which bonds with the nail and moves with it to prevent chipping. However, it removes easily with regular nail polish remover, unlike gel polish. I wore the Fairy Tailor shade and top coat during a recent trip where I was hauling a suitcase around, and despite being quite rough with my nails that week, I only experienced one small chip. I’m genuinely impressed. If you’re looking for a nail polish that matches the durability of gel polish, this is one of the best alternatives out there. Plus, the Fairy Tailor shade is so versatile; it works well for any season or occasion.
Shop Now:
Essie Gel Couture in Fairy Tailor
Essie Gel Couture Top Coat
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Two weeks later, and this beautifully milky nail polish still hasn't shown any signs of chipping.
The perfect shade of pink.
