Thursday, August 13, 2015

Essie Gel Setter Top Coat


I love all things Essie, full stop. Before getting into make-up, I was a real nail art junkie. My collection of polishes surpasses my make-up one because I am always on the lookout for new shades and all things pretty nails related. Essie has to be my favourite nail varnish brand of all time. Admittedly, when I see a new polish I like, I buy it without thinking twice and that is exactly what happened when I saw this Gel Setter Top Coat a few weeks ago. I've always liked the sound of shellac nails, but I do not have the time (or money) to make a trip to the salon every few weeks, nor do I have a UV/LED lamp to cure nails at home so this sounded like the perfect alternative.


After using it a few times, I quite like this product and it is one of the best top coats I have come across in the drugstore world. Shellac/gel nails are expensive and hard to remove, so I am glad I can give myself gel-like manis and pedis in the comfort of my own home. I'm impressed by how my nails look and how long they last. A manicure will last approximately 9-10 days before chipping, and my current pedi still looks fresh after application 2 weeks ago. You can also reapply this top coat a few days later to boost shine and prolong wear.

But -there always is a "but"- I find that this works best with Essie polishes. I did my mum’s nails and used a Catrice nail polish but sadly they did not last more than a few days which is disappointing as I would love if this worked well with other brands too, but it doesn't.


Pros:
♥ No UV/LED lamp needed.
♥ Shiny finish and gel like texture.
♥ Affordable price.
♥ Long lasting.
♥ Easy removal.
♥ Simple application.
♥ Quick drying.

Cons:
✗ Best used with Essie polishes.
✗ Possibility of air bubbles (read step 2).
 Still chips.
 Not as long lasting as shellac.


How To

Step 1: Start with the Essie “Prep” Base Coat. This will protect your nails from harmful chemicals found in nail polish, allow the polish to spread more evenly, diminish chances of early chipping, and prevent stains from constant use of polish.

Step 2: Apply your Essie nail polish as normal. I am using Essie 20 Love Dovie which is the perfect flamingo pink and one of my favourites for the summer. I apply two coats and allow polish to dry for approximately 5 minutes before applying top coat. If you apply it straight after, your nails could end up with tiny air bubbles.

Step 3: Finish it off with the Essie Gel Setter Top Coat as you would with a normal top coat, and let it fully dry for 5 minutes.
 

And there you have it. As with any product, this has its flaws and the formula could definitely be improved so that it does not chip at all (perfect world, eh?) and works with non-Essie polishes. Having said that, my nails feel strong and have not broken in 2 weeks which is major for me. It is not the most perfect alternative for gel/shellac out there, but for the price (£9.99) you pay I would recommend trying this out anyway. 

Have you tried this yet? Let me know below!
Thanks for reading beauties and until next time!

xoxo

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68 comments

  1. I have read great reviews about Essie Nail paints. I love the pastel pink one looks great on you.

    Style..A Pastiche! - Indian Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

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  2. Essie usually has some great nail polishes. I love the pretty pastel pink shade. I`m so bad at doing my nails though, so I stick only to the nail polishes I get in beauty boxes or magazines.

    http://www.beautynerd.co.uk

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  3. Wow I really have to get my hands on this gel top coat! Thanks for a great review your nails look amazing!

    Rae | Love from Berlin

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  4. A Essie tem cores muito giras.

    Isabel Sá
    http://brilhos-da-moda.blogspot.pt

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  5. I actually don't own ANY essie varnishes, I know, who am I? But, I'm just such a tight arse. This sounds great though & I hopefully with start my Essie collection soon.
    --
    prettymadthings.blogspot.co.uk // x o

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  6. Your nails look amazing. I actually have UV/LED light but I've only used it once. Maybe I should just get this lol.

    Mich x
    howshe-seesit.blogspot.co.uk

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  7. Show de unhas cor linda de esmalte arrasou
    Canal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgeQXJjUpSQ
    Blog: http://arrasandonobatomvermelho.blogspot.com.br/

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  8. You have gorgeous nails. Sounds like an amazing top coat.
    I wish I could buy the whole Essie range.

    Jenn | Jennifer Jayne

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  9. Your nails are amazing! I have been on the look out for something like this so I will pick this up! Essie are my favorite!

    Fix Me In Forty Five - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
    Blog Lovin' // Instagram
    xx

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  10. This looks great and love the nail paint shade.

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  11. Love this! I work at a salon and we're expected to have our nails looking perfect all the time, but I can't afford to have shellac constantly and my normal polish topcoats always fail me! I neeeed to try this! x

    whiteshirtchic.blogspot.com/

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  12. I adore Essie polishes. I'm the same, nail polishes probably surpass my make-up collection. I didn't realise there was a gel top coat so thanks for sharing this! :)
    Life inside the Locket

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  13. +9 days that is awesome!! I hate getting chips less than a day after application, this sounds like a winner!

    www.beaucience.co.uk

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  14. You have beautiful nails! Wish I didn't bite mine! I love Essie nail polishes though xx

    Laura | Lala London: Beauty & Lifestyle

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  15. You're like my mom with nail polish--she has two drawers dedicated solely to nail polish and it i a beautiful sight.

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  16. I love shallac but It really is rather expensive. If this can make nail polish last a little longer than usual, I might have to give it a try!!

    http://www.alifeofacharlotte.com/

    x

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  17. Your nails look very beautiful and I was looking for a good coat, but as you said, it is best worn with Essie nail polishes and still chips... I never had Shellac because I like to vary colors, and I know Shellac remains for some weeks. Then it starts growing and the first part of the nail is without it, as far as I have seen... so I much prefer a top coat! I like Essie polishes, maybe I can try this coat too!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  18. Beautiful colors! I love that it's quick drying. The pink looks so pretty on your nails. :) Have a wonderful rest of the week!

    xo, Bry

    ButterflySkies.Naughty&Nice

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  19. i love essie *-*
    I love all the colors, are really cute!
    With Love,

    Girly World NEW POST!

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  20. Sounds like a great varnish, this would be my first time hearing the brand :)

    Capturing Life Memoirs | http://aimeebustillo.blogspot.com

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  21. Wow your nails are gorgeous! I'm really excited to start using this top coat because I'm just coming down off 2 rounds of shellac nails (haha, it's a rush!).

    Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty

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  22. I need this! you had me sold with the title!! great review! I hate it when I get those air bubbles, I'm going to try and wait longer i'm so impatient! lol I pretty much only use Essie nail polishes so I feel like this is the perfect match for me :)
    http://amanda-speroni.blogspot.ca/

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  23. The shine looks amazing! Great that it's making you nails stronger too!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  24. Your nails are gorgeous! I am going to have to give this a try your nails look so fab and shiny! thanks for a great review! :)

    Ellie-Victoria

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  25. Essie has always the best nail colors, the pink on your nails is gorgeous
    kisses from Italy
    http://www.theitalianglam.com/

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  26. I never used Essie, I guess our ways just never crossed. But I also adore nail art. my only problem is having truly bad nail and at the edges polish always comes of to easily :/

    d'stars
    *d'stars*

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  27. I really like Essie polishes~! I've never heard of this gel top coat, it looks interesting <33

    alluringalyssbeauty.blogspot.com

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  28. Thanks for the review dear. So sad it chips!! :(
    Fashion Panache

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  29. I always wondered if this gel Thing is working :) this sounds really good (I mean the Essie ones :) ) and the ahades of essie are really very beautiful :) thanks for the great Review :)
    http://lovelyattitude.com
    https://www.youtube.com/c/MissLovelyAttitude

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  30. Cons aside - this still looks wonderful on!

    Annabel ♥
    Mascara & Maltesers

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  31. The finish looks lovely! I would love to give it a try :)

    Sarah | sarahanne14.blogspot.com

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  32. I would much rather use this than go to a salon and get those hard to remove manicures. Thanks for the tip and the review!

    Natalia | Lindifique

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  33. Very useful tips! Thanks for your sharing!
    How to Pick The Best Inflatable Bed Infographic at MyInflatablePoly.com

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  34. Beautiful manicure and a great tool! Thanks for the review, my dear!

    With love, Nastya Deutsch ♡
    http://nastyadeutsch.blogspot.ru/

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  35. The effect of this gel on your nails is simply great!
    Sorry that it doesn't work with different brands as well :)

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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  36. Essie is my favourite brand of nail polish! Lovely review

    www.susannahzabelle.com

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  37. This top coat sounds amazing :) I need to try it asap - I hate it when my nails break! x

    The Belle Narrative

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  38. Sounds interesting! Indeed it would be great if it worked with all brands but it still brings amazing results :) xx Maja
    ❤ http://majasmuffin.blogspot.com/

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  39. Looks great, I usually have gel nails but normally take a break for a while each month, I like the sound of this!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Rosanna x
    Rose's Rooftop

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  40. I really want to try that top coat - never tried one from Essie before but I do love their nail polishes!
    Aleeha xXx
    http://www.halesaaw.com/

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  41. oh, I love Essie♥ and this top coat looks great, you have very nice nails, Pam♥ and I also thank you for your comment on my blog, the dress is awesome, great choice. :)

    Simona | liveinfoxworld.blogspot.com

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  42. Such lovely summer colors ^^ X
    www.lemontierres.com

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  43. What a stunning color! Can you believe I've never used any of Essie's nail polishes?

    x- Naomi in Wonderland

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  44. Oh my gosh your nails look amazing! I hate it when brands make something specifically to only work with their products well but on the other hand I love essie and really want to pick this up now xx

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  45. That pink is so gorgeous. Looks amazing on your nails.
    xoxo
    Ramona

    http://www.ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie/

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  46. I've been wondering how this gel setter thing works. It piqued my interest because I love gel manis but doing them at home would be even better. It's a bummer that they only work well with Essie polishes. I might still try it because I have tons of Essie polishes!

    - Liz Lizo
    www.LizLizo.com

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  47. I have bought a similar nail lacquer from Kiko and I totally get what you mean. The effect is so cool! I had no idea Essie had released one though!!!

    Cristina, xo // My Cup of Tea

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  48. Your nails look great! Will have to pick this up! xx
    alicekatex

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  49. This seems really great! I have been keeping my eye on it for a while but you may just have persuaded me to go and buy :D I love your blog and photography! xx

    elizabeth | ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara | follow on bloglovin'!

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  50. I need to see if I can get this at my local drugstore. My collection s mainly Essie, so that shouldn't be an issue.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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  51. Essie nail polishes are on my wishlist for soooo long! The light pink one got me. :D

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  52. This doesn't sound too bad. It's always such a struggle to find a good top coat.

    DAISYPERSON | BEAUTY BLOG

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  53. looks great,I love Essie nail polish.

    xx Falasha
    Bite My Fashion ll Instagram ll Bloglovin'

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  54. Have never used any Essie nail polish, going to have to give them ago, great review <3 love the pictures!
    Chloe xx
    http://chloebee1.blogspot.co.uk

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  55. Just bought it, but haven't tried it yet. Looking forward to it!
    xo Kristina
    TheKontemporary

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  56. I loveee Essie nail polishes. However it's sad that they chip quite fast :(

    Lauren xx | laurlauu . beauty . fashion . life . blog

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  57. Despite of the few cons it sounds like a great alternative for those who can't go to the salon. By the way, your nails look a-mazing!! <3
    xx

    http://www.stylebydeb.com

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  58. It made your nails look amazing! Sounds like product to give a shot.

    http://arnellavanilla.com/category/home/

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  59. Urghhhh I love, love, love Essie polish!! <3 This stuff sounds great!

    I have a new outfit post up on the blog, would love to know your thoughts:

    * Electric Sunrise - Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *

    x

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  60. I have a uv lamp so always do shellac, I couldn't go back now. This sounds like a good alternative for those that don't though
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx | bloglovin

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  61. I absolutely love Essie nail polish, but it is a bit of a damper that it works best on Essie nail polish rather than on all. Thanks for sharing!
    p.s I love the pink that you used!
    The Glam Unicorn | Beauty Blog

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  62. I love Essie too, but definitely need more as I only have a couple of colours. Pity this doesn't work well with other brands of polish! x

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