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Welcome to Beautyistic! If you’re someone who loves a salon-quality manicure but craves the convenience of doing it at home, you’re in for a treat today. We’re talking about the essie Gel Couture Nail Polish in Like It Loud, a true black, long-lasting vegan nail polish that promises to deliver that coveted gel-like finish—without the need for a UV lamp. Let’s dive in and see if it lives up to the hype!
First, let’s set the stage. Essie has long been known for their high-quality nail polishes, and with the Gel Couture line, they’ve taken it up a notch. The idea is simple: a polish that looks like gel but removes like regular polish. That’s what we’re getting here with Like It Loud, which is part of their Gel Couture collection.
Now, let’s talk about the main selling points: this is a longwear polish, which means it’s supposed to resist chips and fading, keeping your nails looking pristine longer than your typical polish. Plus, no UV lamp is needed, which is great news for those of us who don’t have the time or space for a full-on gel manicure setup at home.
When it comes to ingredients, essie has kept it clean with a vegan formula that’s free from animal-derived ingredients and never tested on animals. This is a big plus for those who are looking for cruelty-free beauty options.
Let’s get into the real-world testing. I was curious to see if the polish could really give me that high-shine, long-lasting look with just two simple steps. I applied two coats of the color and topped it with the Gel Couture Top Coat, which is a must for that final glossy finish. The application was smooth, thanks to the patented swirl-stem and curve-hugging brush, which helped with precise coverage. I didn’t need a base coat, so it really cut down on my prep time.
The polish itself has a rich, deep black color that goes on evenly, and the gel-like shine really pops. No streaks or patches—just an intense, glossy finish. I wore it for a few days and found that it held up pretty well. There were some minor chips along the edges after day three, but considering I’m not always the gentlest with my nails, I was impressed with the overall durability.
One thing that stood out was the ease of removal. If you’ve ever struggled with soaking off gel polish, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to remove essie Gel Couture with regular acetone or non-acetone remover. No harsh soaking or scraping—just a few swipes, and it’s gone.
On to the pros and cons. Let’s start with the positives: the formula is incredibly easy to work with. The color payoff is great, and it delivers that gel-like look without the hassle. I also appreciate that it’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is a huge win for ethical beauty enthusiasts. The brush is fantastic for an even, streak-free application, and the removal process is a breeze compared to traditional gel polish.
As for the cons, the longevity of the polish could be a bit better. While it lasted a good few days, I did notice some minor chips around day three. This could be due to my day-to-day activities, but for those looking for something truly chip-resistant, you might need to touch up more frequently. Additionally, since it’s a bit more expensive than regular polishes, some may find it hard to justify the price for the durability.
Now, let’s talk value for money. At around $11 for 0.46 fl oz, this polish isn’t the cheapest on the market, but it does deliver on the promise of a gel-like finish without the UV lamp. You’re paying for the convenience, the shine, and the brand reputation. If you’re someone who loves at-home manicures and is looking for a polish that lasts longer than your typical bottle, it’s worth the investment. But if you’re on a budget, there are more affordable options out there that can give you similar results.
As for comparisons, one that comes to mind is Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel line, which also offers a gel-like finish without a UV lamp. It’s a bit more affordable, but some users report it can be a little harder to remove. When compared to that, essie Gel Couture feels like a more seamless experience—easier to apply and remove—but it may not be as budget-friendly.
On the build quality front, essie has once again delivered. The packaging is sleek, and the brush is well-designed for easy, precise application. As for longevity, this is something to consider for your specific needs. For a long-lasting manicure without the UV hassle, this definitely holds its own.
If you’re in need of alternatives, Sally Hansen and OPI both have similar gel-like formulas, and if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, those brands may be worth exploring. But again, if you prioritize ease of removal and a salon-quality finish, essie Gel Couture might just be the polish for you.
In conclusion, the essie Gel Couture Nail Polish in Like It Loud lives up to its promises of high-shine, long-lasting color with easy removal. It’s perfect for those who want a gel-like finish without the UV hassle. While it’s a bit on the pricier side, it offers solid performance, making it a great choice for anyone who values convenience and a polished look. Would I recommend it? Absolutely—if you’re looking for something that’s easy to apply, looks fabulous, and is vegan, this one’s a winner.
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