The colors I go for these days, dark wine reds! I love seeing red!
Sadly, these shades don't last more than about 4 days. Cooking, dishes and especially typing (I spend a lot of time on my lap top) are not gentle on nail polishes and the darker the color, the more obvious the wear.
Looking for a more durable option without spending a fortune? These could fit the bill. I have seen gelshine™ manicures and the effect is stunningly beautiful. If like me you're not into salons and prefer to do things yourself, these kits may be worth a second look.
Sephora by O.P.I. gelshine™ At-Home Gel Colour System
Browsing the Sephora website I stumbled on the At-Home Gel Color System. Could it be worth it for someone like me? At $189.00 CDN, it's something one has to think about. I'm not sure yet since I don't know how long I'll be going for color. Still, according to what I could find about this on the internet it seems that just one gelshine™ manicure can cost around $50.00. This system, if you ad the taxes, would be paid off in 4 visits to a salon. Super shiny color that lasts 2 weeks! Hmm interesting!
These are the information from Sephora:
What it is:
A customizable at-home gel manicure kit that offers expert performance and salon technology. Personalize this kit with the gelshine™ Gel Colour of your choice by bundling it with this set at no additional cost. In just 3 easy steps, you'll be on your way to customizing your new gelshine™ At-Home Gel Colour System!
STEP 1: Add this kit to your cart.
STEP 2: Add the gelshine™ Gel Colour of your choice to your cart.
STEP 3: A $17.50 discount will be applied automatically at checkout (one discount per order; discount not applicable for Canadian orders).
What it does:
Sephora by OPI gelshine™ At-Home Gel Colour System delivers optimal results with salon technology. This Sephora exclusive is fully loaded with all the necessary tools for the perfect at-home gel manicure, featuring the highest quality gel formula on the market, and one of fastest LED cures with the smartest removal system. With invincible wear for up to two weeks, zero chipping, zero dry time, and the highest shine available, the patented, unique, professional grade formula is sure to leave your nails ultra-glossy and perfectly pretty.
This set contains:
- 0.29 oz gelshine™ Base Coat
- 0.29 oz gelshine™ Top Coat
- 0.29 oz gelshine™ Gel Colour (must add to cart separately)
- gelshine™ LED Light
- 25 x Nail Pads
- 3 x Removal Nail Wraps
- 2 oz Nail Cleanser
- Buffing block
- 2 oz Nail & Gel Colour Remover
- 0.3 oz Brush-On Cuticle Oil
- Cuticle pusher
- 3 x gloves
- Instructions
There is also a explanatory video to help you figure out what to do if like me, you're kind of a klutz.
Replaceable items:
Both the Base Coat and Top Coat retail for $21.00 as do the colors when purchased individually. Gel Color Removal Kit goes for $22.00 and the Gel Nail Cleanser is $14.00.
The colors available, well, I can't say that they call out to me much.
Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Kits
This is more my alley price wise $64.99 USD. I got the information about this kit from their website since I haven't seen this anywhere. It probably isn't available in Canada yet. This brand makes very good nail products so this is more than an interesting option but at the moment there are only 8 colors available.
Starter Kit contains all you need:
- · 1 LED Lamp
- · 1 Gel Base Coat
- · 1 Gel Nail Color
- · 1 Gel Top Coat
- · 10 Nail Cleanser Pads
- · Acetone Remover
- · Cuticle Stick
- · File & Buffer
- · Instruction sheet
Gel Nail Colors are $11.99 USD on their own. My guess is both the Base Coat and Top Coat will be in the same price range. I haven't found any information about the other items.
Sally Hansen Insta Gel Salon Kits
This kit includes:
- · 1 Mini LED Lamp
- · 16 Gel Polish Strips
- · 1 Gel Top Coat
- · 2 Nail Cleanser Pads
- · Cuticle Stick, File & Buffer
- · Instruction sheet
This would probably perfect especially at $27.99 USD. If only there where more colors available. At the moment there are only 3 according to the Target website.
Shell We Dance - My Red Lips - Wine Not
Not really my cup of tea but if these become popular they will hopefully come out with more options.
Which one would/will I go for?
Considering these are similar products my guess is that you can use O.P.I.'s with the Sally Hansen kit and vice versa. Sephora's kit is probably better quality but if Sally Hansen's does the exact same thing for half the price it's more than interesting. I'll wait to see both and if I do decide to get one, will update.
If you've tried any of these or know someone who did, I would love to know about it.
