how to get a gel-like shine at home

some moments call for a quick color change or new mani look, so you swipe on some polish and head for the door. then there are times when you crave a lasting gel finish, but don’t want to schlep it to the salon, get gel nails applied and waste time drying them under a UV lamp. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

learn about essie's 2-step system for long-lasting solution for getting gel-like nails at home with enduring glossy color that dries lamp-free and comes off with regular nail polish remover.

Dark skin hands painting a thumbnail with red essie longwear gel nail polish

what is gel-like shine?


you can create a gel-like shine at home by adding an essie gel-finish top coat to your nail color layer. the high-shine results are incredibly durable and smooth. unlike traditional salon gel manicures, essie gel-like nail polish doesn’t need UV or LED light to cure – just air-dry like regular enamel.
Dark skin thumbs side by side, one being brushed with green gel polish, the other with shiny gel finish

can you get a gel-like finish with regular nail polish?


if you love the sleek look of gel-like nails, you can create a gel finish by applying a gel top coat over regular enamel nail polish. the keys to successfully achieving this much desired gel-like effect is to layer up thin coats of color and follow the application steps below for a long-lasting finish that mimics a beautiful gel finish.

how to get a gel-like shine at home

 

here’s a step-by-step mini guide on how to apply a gel-like top coat for nails that look spectacular. for the ultimate in salon-worthy results, be sure to seal up the edges to prevent chipping and extend wear.

pro tip: gel by essie is formulated as a system. it’s important to use the gel couture color and top coat together for maximum results and a couture essie manicure you can covet.

 

  • 1

    apply gel by essie

    after cleansing nails with nail polish remover, apply one layer of gel by essie that suits your mood (no base coat required!).
  • 2

    apply gel top coat

    your top option for a shiny gel nail effect is gel couture top coat. this quick-dry color protector amps up the gloss for a gel-like finish. pro tip: apply thin layers of enamel nail polish and let them fully dry between coats. this builds up ultimate color and a strong foundation for your gel-like top coat nail polish.
  • 3

    matte option

    also consider mattifying your gel-like nails with a gel couture matte top coat. this glossless effect makes your nails look velvety and your color last longer. trend-setting matte gel nails provide darker nail polish colors extra depth and enhance lighter shades while adding an amazing accent to nail art designs.

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gel-like shine faq

  • when applied as your final coat, a gel finish top coat magnifies shine, seals in color to protect nails, and makes your manicure last longer.

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