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!).
    Light skin hand holding a bottle of bright pink gel couture nail polish with all five nails painted
  • 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.
    Closeup of three light skin fingernails with one being brushed with clear gel top coat
  • 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.
    Light skin hand holding a white bottle of gel couture matte top coat wearing pink gel nail polish

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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.
  • you only need to apply one coat of a gel finish top coat to achieve gel-like nails. that’s all you need and it prevents creating excess thickness.
  • wear time for gel finishes varies depending on your activities, but you can make your gel-like nails stronger and last longer: let the color and top coat dry completely between applications and be sure to seal in the edges with the top coat. cuticle oil can also help keep your manicure from chipping.
  • “curing” generally refers to letting gel nails dry under a UV or LED lamp, which is primarily done at a salon. the best part of creating gel-like nails at home is they don’t require any curing, just a good old-fashioned air-drying.
  • don’t let the name ‘top coat’ fool you! it can be used as an ‘only coat’ too, which means you can achieve shiny gel nails or matte gel nails on your natural nails just by brushing on a gel finish top coat.

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