This product has strengthened my fragile nails and provides a manicure that appears very high-end.
I am a beauty editor who has been on a journey to improve my nail health for the past year. My goal is to achieve long, healthy nails, so I have been testing the best nail strengtheners and cuticle oils available. However, I face two challenges with this approach. Firstly, these nail health products are most effective on bare nails, meaning I have to skip nail polish. Secondly, many of the strengtheners I've tried are clear, which can be a bit dull and adds an extra step if I want to apply polish afterward. Ideally, I’m looking for an all-in-one solution.
I already have a fondness for many of the Manucurist nail colors (including the Manucurist Green Flash LED Kit, which is a fantastic gel nail alternative, by the way). However, I hadn't yet tried the Active Glow nail polishes that I've been seeing all over my social media feeds. These polishes combine nourishing ingredients with a lovely tint of color that makes nails look vibrant and healthy while simultaneously enhancing their health. The Active Glow polishes are part of Manucurist's Active line, which also features Active Smooth, Active Bright, and Active Blur, and they are available in four sheer, brightening tints: Blueberry, Grape, Raspberry, and Cranberry, each name sounding as enticing as the next. I managed to get my hands on them and swatched each shade to evaluate their appearance and performance on my nails.
**Key Ingredients:** Blueberry, sweet almond oil, alpha-hydroxy acids, lactobacillus ferment.
**Pros:** Strengthens nails, adds a healthy tint, can be layered.
**Cons:** Not suitable for those seeking an opaque polish.
1. **Blueberry**
Manucurist Active Glow Blueberry
I was immediately drawn to Blueberry, a shade with a deep pink tint. This translucent hue instantly brightens the nails with one coat, while two or three coats create a more vibrant look reminiscent of tinted lip gloss if you prefer a bolder color. What stands out to me about these polishes is how glossy and plump they make my nails appear and feel. Even a single coat provides a protective layer, and I noticed my nails becoming stronger over just a few days.
2. **Grape**
Manucurist Active Glow Grape
Grape offers a more purple-toned, juicy tint, making it perfect for those who desire a bolder yet still sheer and translucent finish. I've tried many nail tints, but this particular purple shade is quite unique. Manucurist suggests experimenting with layering different shades, and this one serves as an excellent base to mix with others.
3. **Raspberry**
Manucurist Active Glow Raspberry
As the name suggests, Raspberry has a peachy-pink tone, and after testing all the shades, it is undeniably my favorite. A single coat brightens the nails (it’s probably the most subtle shade in the collection), but applying two or three coats enhances the tint to a jelly-like pink that I can see myself wearing all summer. It truly embodies the idea of “fruit water nails” in a bottle.
4. **Cranberry**
Manucurist Active Glow Cranberry
Lastly, there’s Cranberry, which is the juiciest of the colors with a lovely coral undertone. I found that this shade provided the most color payoff with the first coat, giving my nails a beautiful tint without needing several layers. I believe this would also be stunning as a pedicure color for the summer.
**Final Thoughts**
I am thoroughly impressed with these nail tints. They make my nails look plump and glossy, lasting between five to seven days, and due to their sheer nature, any chips are hardly noticeable. The shades are beautiful, but I must say that Raspberry tops my list, offering a sheer pink flush. Regardless of the color chosen, one coat brightens the tint, whereas two or three coats yield a juicier finish if you desire a more intense hue. These polishes are a great low-maintenance option for those looking to strengthen their nails while achieving a glossy glow. I’m excited to combine the different shades to discover a new favorite layering combo.
**Shop Now:**
- Manucurist Active Glow Blueberry
- Manucurist Active Glow Grape
- Manucurist Active Glow Raspberry
- Manucurist Active Glow Cranberry
**How We Tested:**
I tested each shade of Manucurist Active Glow over a month, monitoring both the appearance of the shades and their effectiveness in strengthening my nails. I layered each color to see how one coat compared to two or three.
**Why Trust Us:**
At Who What Wear UK, we understand that beauty is not one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, from skincare to makeup to nail products, working closely
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This product has strengthened my fragile nails and provides a manicure that appears very high-end.
I'm infatuated.
