Try Something New Tuesdays: Gelish Week 2

UPDATED: 4/29/2012--Before you opt in, check out March Good Housekeeping..."Four Risks of Gel Manicures."

Week 2

Well, that was short-lived. Gelish is no more on my nails. I can say that up until I had two nails break off violently, the gel nail polish looked as glossy and pristine as the day it was done. However, because the polish is so good at looking good, it's also almost indestructible, which means when your nail is met with an immovable force, the nail must move. OUCHIE!

Week 1

Gel nail polish. Sold to me as, "You wanna try this new gel nail polish? It dries instantly, prevents chipping and breaking, makes your nails stronger, and the polish stays glossy. I have one that will match your OPI color perfectly."

How much more than a normal manicure? $30 vs. $15 Sure! Why not! If it lasts twice as long, then it's paid for itself.

"What is this new wonder product you speak of, Aunt J-Me?" you ask.

The online descriptions are thus:

The consistent quality, unique colors and varying textures of Gelish nail polish is what makes these nail art products one-of-a-kind. Bringing the elements of harmony, performance and style together into one product, Gelish soak off gel polishes are a fabulous solution for nail artists looking for a stylish, easy-to-use polish to use at home or in the salon. bigdaddybeauty.com (1/10/12)

New from Hand & Nail Harmony comes Gelish Color Gels. The gels come in an array of colors, apply like polish, with twist cap and applicator, but are cured in a LED lamp in 30 seconds or in two minutes in traditional UV lamps, just like gels. Gelish stays on nails for three weeks with no chipping or peeling, and soak completely off in only 15 minutes. nailharmony.com (1/10/12) [PRODUCER OF GELISH]

REVIEW: After seven days of grueling wedding preparations, running around like a chicken out of hell (mixed euphemisms?) and such, my nails look like I just left the salon, save the 1/16" of growth at the cuticle. My favorite part was walking out of the salon quickly and not worrying one iota about hairprints, smudging and the like. I'll do an update for the next four weeks to see if the maker's claims are accurate. As to the claim from the nail technician that Gelish Rendezvous is a match for OPI Romeo and Joliet...DING! DING! DING!

How do you find a nail salon that uses Gelish? NO CLUE! I Forest Gumped my way into Nail Elite (500 W Southlake Blvd., Ste. 128, Southlake, Texas) while sitting in traffic on my way to Sosie's rehearsal last week.

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