Recently, I read a review for Essie Gel Couture on Plastic Bows beauty blog and on another blog that I can’t remember. Both blogposts featured a shade that’s one of my all time favorites. Essie calls it Sew Me, shade 30, and describes it as “cream caramel rose”. I’d say it’s shell pink. It’s part of Essie’s Gel Couture Neutrals Collection.
In addition to being captivated by the color, I was interested in the fact that Essie Gel Couture is supposed to be a longer wearing formula. A couple of years ago, I bought Gel-Setter, another duo from Essie, that was supposed to be a longer wearing formula and, for me, it was meh. But the Sew Me shade got me over the hurdle to try this new version that comes in eye-catching twisted glass bottles.
You can buy Gel Couture in a set containing a polish and the gel topcoat, but the duo shades that were available at my CVS weren’t to my liking. However, there is a significant cost-saving in buying the set, $18.50 vs. $11.50 buying each separately. Regardless, I really wanted Sew Me, so I bought the polish and topcoat separately. Luckily, I had a 30% off coupon that made the purchase much more affordable.
Usually, I am not a fan of gel manicures. The few times I’ve gotten a gel mani at a salon, I was concerned about the curing under the lights, and the removal process damaged my nails. This set needs no LED lamp, and the polish removes easily with regular remover.
The nail polish seemed thicker than most polishes to me. I’ve been wondering if that’s how it is, or if my bottle of Sew Me is just thicker than normal? The brush is a bit wider than a traditional brush, and it makes application easier IMHO.
The polish dried surprisingly fast. I applied two coats of color (over a coat of Seche Vite Clear Basecoat), and it provided good coverage without streaking. Next, I applied one coat of Essie Gel Couture Topcoat, and it dried quickly too.
Essie claims that it provides a gel-like shine. I’d say not so much. It’s shiny, but more like regular polish shiny.
So how well has it lasted? With most regular polishes, I get tip wear on day 2. It’s just something about how my nails are shaped, I’ve always thought. With Essie Gel Couture, I haven’t had any tip wear at all and I’m on day 5. Plus at the end of summer, my nails are longer than usual, and that often makes them more subject to chipping. However, I did have a big chip off the tip of my left hand index finger, the finger I use the most. But it was easy to remove the polish on that one nail and reapply. I was amazed at how quick it was to do that.
Essie says that Gel Couture can last up to 14 days. I don’t expect anything near that. Frankly, if I get to day 7 without tip wear or more chips, I’d consider that a miracle. The results I’ve seen so far are the best I’ve gotten with any polish/topcoat combo that I’ve done myself at home. I’m satisfied. I think I’ll buy another shade from the 42 shades offered and see how that goes.
Have you tried Essie Gel Couture yet? How did it work for you?
I am in love with these Gel Couture polishes. I easily get 7 days wear out of them. I even use that top coat on other nail polishes and it does extend the wear as well.
Agata recently posted…Play! By Sephora September Box
I’m glad to hear that the topcoat works well on non-essie polishes. I’ll try that next. I’m on day 6 now, and there’s minor tip wear on two nails. I’m very impressed!
No, I haven’t but judging by this amazing review, I really need to pick up a couple to try! Great review, Allison!
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I’m on day 6, Shireen, and just a tiny bit of tip wear on 2 nails. I never get polish that lasts like this!
My nail tech asked me if I knew anything about these polishes but I didn’t have an answer for her. Now I can give her your opinion. If it lasts on you for 6 days I’m sure it’s great.
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At the end of day 6 – a day when I went to a farm to pick vegetables, still no chips or tip wear. So far, I am so impressed! I may buy another shade!
Such pretty color for a chic daytime look.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Get Precision to the Max with the NEW Max Factor Liner & Mascara
Thank you! I’m such of fan of these peachy shades. I’m so impressed with the longevity of this new duo from Essie
That is such a gorgeous shade, and it looks absolutely beautiful on you, Allison! I love these types of colors on you so much!
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Thank you, Helen! I’m addicted to those peachy shades. But I’m also quite impressed by Essie’s new long-wearing gel formula. I’m on day 6 of this mani, and that never happens!
I’ve heard such great things about this formula!
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Except for the chip on my index finger on my dominant hand, it lasted a week and that’s way long enough for me!
A very pretty shade for you! Those new bottles are trippy haha
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Great description, Destany!
Good to know that this formula wears well. I love the bottle shape!!
Stacie Hamilton recently posted…5 Tips For Finding The Best Makeup For Your Skin Type
I agree, that shape is so eye-catching. And I got a week out of the formula and that’s way long enough for me!
I’ve been skeptical about these since Essie polishes chip so easily and the Sally Hansen lightless gel set I tried was a bust too, but I’ve been hearing such good things and your review is no exception! Seven days is still better than usual and these seem affordable compared to an actual gel manicure. Great review Allison!
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Usually for me, essie is no better or worse than other brands in terms of chipping and tip wear, but this combo definitely was a vast improvement for me. I’m going to try the topcoat next over a different brand polish and see how that does, tho’ Essie claims it is meant to be used with the polish from this new line. Worth a try anyway, I think
Ok this polish sounds very promising! I love that shade too. I may have to pick up one or 2 to try…they are a but pricy though!!
I missed buying a second one at CVS with my 30% off over the weekend, boo hoo. I may try the topcoat with another brand’s polish and see how that works
I love the twist to the bottles 😀
Definitely an eye-catching shape!