This is a really nice review! It definitely fits my experience. Gel Couture is my favorite line because I can paint my nails Sunday night and go the whole workweek with them looking flawless. My index and middle fingers always chip first, and they last 6-7 days without me being careful with my hands. I have always ignored the "up to 14 days" claim. Occasionally a single nail might last that long, but not the whole manicure. The regular Essie line last less than 5 days for me before it starts chipping. LOVE that Gel Couture top coat. It usually gives me amazing shine.
I always apply another layer of the Gel Couture topcoat after 6 days and have found that the polish does last for 2 weeks without chipping (for me at least). It is so carefree, absolutely love it.
I’m trying out Essie Gel Couture for the first time right now with a home mani, so thanks for much for your comment!! It’s good to see what I can reasonably expect. I’m thinking the same, if it can last me doing them each week then that is great 🥳 I have previously used Dazzle Dry but want to try something a bit cheaper. Just got some Essie Gel Couture from the chemist with a buy one get one free sale 😁
I never tried the expressie type, but I really prefer the Gel Couture line over the regular one. I really like the thicker, gelly-like texture of the polish, it is easier to work with for me. Also, I really like the curved brush, the regular ones I have still have the old, skinny brushes, I find them difficult to work with, or at least not as easy as with the curved brushes. The Gel Couture Top Coat is hands down the best top coat I used since Seche Vite. I apply a thicker layer, never had problems with shrinking and it dries the whole manicure superfast. I will definitely buy more Essie polishes, hands down the best nail polish brand I used so far with a huge variety of colours. Thanks for your video, it is always so nice and informative! :)
This is super helpful - thank you! I usually use the original and was always curious w the differences. Although I *hate* the Gel Couture's bottle shape, I really really like the top coat on any nail polish - it is magic!
Really ? I thought it was way easier to get a grip of the nail polish bottle . I'm so clumsy usually spilling the nail polish & with the twist of gel has helped me a lot.
I rehomed my Gel Couture polishes because the dry time was obscene. I now have several of the Expressie polishes and love them, though I do use the Good to Go topcoat with them. Love this video and would love to see more comparisons of other polishes!
This was a GREAT video. I loved you both comparing polishes from the same brand, different lines. I can’t wait for the OPI one as I’m currently pretty torn between buying the original or infinite shine for most colors. I’ve had similar results to your Essie experiences. Expressie on hands (even with a topcoat) was like 5 days max before I could no longer stand the chipping. I’ve been able to wear GC for a full week and it looks great until I get bored and want a new color.
Hi Fran, regarding the OPI lines, here is my experience: there is not as much of a difference between Infinite Shine and the regular line, like there is with Essie's original vs. Gel Couture. Gel Couture is such good quality, while the Infinite Shine polishes I've tried have not seemed much better than the regular line. All are good, of course, but the price differences are also to be considered.
Hi guys! This video has a different format that was kind of difficult to film for me. I learned a lot from making this video, the next one hopefully will be better :)
I bought my first Essie Expressie. I thought the brush was wonky, and was ticked off about it, I thought it was a defective brush. Thanks for explaining it!
Very good presentation and analysis. I like Expressie for pedicures since it’s so easy to apply and remove. I just purchased from the Sk8 With Destiny collection, a “funky” greenish grey called Just For Kicks, a navy, Left of Shred, and a hot pink, Trick Clique. Looking forward to using them during sandal season. Traditional Essie reminds me of Zoya - good formula and mind blowing range of colors. Gel Couture wears wonderfully for me, so I’ve been acquiring more of it than traditional Essie lately.
Thank you for the review! I noticed that Gel Coture takes longer - but if each coat is allowed to dry for 5 minutes - by the end you are pretty much done. I will try Essie Expressie! Looks good! Always love regular Essie -
Excellent video! You have answered all the possible questions! I prefer the Gel Couture line because it lasts long enough and it has really good pigmentation.
I stopped using gel polish and gel nails a while ago. I have been getting my nails a bit stronger over time using strengthening treatment and just started to use polish again. I definitely agree that Essie Expressie has more out there and less conventional colours. I have two different ones and about 6/7 different Essie in total. They are lovely polishes. Just done my first one and seeing how it goes. Hoping they last well . Really like your review x
Thanks so much for this kind of video. I have pretty much come to the same conclusions on these lines just from my own experience, but it's so helpful to get your professional opinions and comments. And I can never get enough of watching swatching!!
I bought Topless And Barefoot about 10 yrs ago ,very nice color and application . I like the color Find Me An Oasis ,but not a good formula . Ballet Slippers is not that easy to apply ,but sometimes I do it in two days .Maybe one coat on one day and two coats the next day . I can do this if I’m not going anywhere special .I usually don’t wear a topcoat but just purchased Essie’s base and topcoat and it’s so shinny . I’m anxious to see if this topcoat allows my polish to last longer . Thanks for the video . I may try the Express polish 👍♥️
Appreciate the time and effort of this video as essie is my go brand. I want to try dazzle dry or even the cdn vinyllux but I like the wide range of colors with essie
Wow. What a great review. I have worn nail polish always since I was 16 so I have less oil I. My nails so polish lasts a long time on me. But I would like to see what top costs stay the skinniest on the polishes. I feel my shine fades fast! Love your videos!
Thank you! True neons are problematic to find because neon pigments apparently are not allowed for cosmetic use (that's why you don't see any of the big brands using them)
I'm so ambivalent with Essie polishes, tbh. I've got some Expressie colours and I love all of them, also the glittery colours of the normal Essies (Sweater Weather and Aruba Blue are the best nail polishes I ever had), but I can't apply the normal opaque Essie colours if my day depends on it. To me the "creamy" texture is super goopy and tough, it's like trying to paint my nails with quick-drying school glue. Super frustrating, because I love, love, love the colours. Thank you for the comparison and your professional opinion. 🌻
Love the video 😍 I love how the two of you have such fun being with each other. Can I ask you what your favorite pink polish is out of all the polishes you have.😘
I am used to have my nail polished at night after dinner. Everytime I used Essie Gel Couture, I need to ensure I have sufficient time to dry otherwise I will wake up with sheet mark....
Please tell me what is the colour of the Gel Couture that you are useing or is that the colour? Really like the colour. Hope I can get it in NZ Wonderful Videos Blessings Sandy😘
I have on topless & barefoot with clear quick top coat expressie. Yes I do my manicure every Friday. Taking hair nail skin vitamins to keep them growing and strong. For now my base is LA COLORS super strength nail builder which helps with strengthing nails & prevents nail chipping. I will purchase the smooth-e base. Thank you for the review
I don't have any experience with the expressie line, but I have tried both the regular and gel couture. My favourite is the regular Essie; I tend to use thin coats, and give it 5-10 minutes between each layer (depending on the polish). I try to polish at night, and then do as little as possible 2-4 hours before bed - that lasts the longest for me. I was not a fan of the gel couture; it was too thick, and I found it kind of sticky/rubbery in texture. Probably because it never really dried, I see that now. Opi was my favourite brand before I found Essie. I like Essie for the cremes, although I have a few 'shimmery' favourites at Opi still, as well as their matte top coat. I tried a nude 'Infinite shine', but kind of found the same problems as Essies gel couture, though not as extreme. It did look beautiful for the first days; but after a few days, I found the color started to yellow, kind of like smokers nails. Not my nails; the polish itself. Both are great brands (Essie for their cremes, and opi for their shimmer), but I think the 'original' lines are best so far.
thank you so much for your interesting feedback :) I think drying the polish for as long as possible (within reason of course) makes a big difference. Too bad it's not possible to do this in the salon where people expect to have a manicure done and be out the door in 20 min lol.
Well that didn't work out the way I planned! 😂 I thoroughly enjoy your videos and have learned many new things from them.! Please keep up the great work! All is appreciated❣️😁 Old Dogs/Cats can be taught new tricks❣️😁
This was great to see, as I often feel overwhelmed with all the choices of polish. Explained everything really well. Wondering why some don’t need a base coat?
This is excellent. Yes please do the same with OPI. Would it be possible to add a column stating whether or not you can use quick dry drops with the different polishes. I was surprised to hear you say that you should not use them with OPI Infinite Shine. Maybe that's why it doesn't last for me. Thank you for the great work!
Hi Susanne! So sorry for replying so late! I think it's pretty rare for company to say no quick dry drops etc. Other then Dazzle Dry. That is another brand that says nothing on the nails until the polish is fully dry in 5 min.
I have expressie glitter polishes - they look amazing in bottle but aren’t as nice on nails... they do dry down right away and are beautiful color, but it’s a pitty the glitter aren’t all that visible...
Thank you for this review! But I always thought you have to use one layer of a clear basecoat under dark and bright colourpolish or else your nails get an yellowish colour? And that takes a long time to ‘grow out’ of your nails. When I put a dark colour on my nails without a base coat and I remove it good I can always see the ‘shine’ of the colour for several days? Dark green, dark blue or intense red?
Hello Merel! You are right, the dark colors can stain and I forgot to add that info! I would use a base coat with both (even though they don’t need it) or a very sheer light color to prevent staining especially when the nails are damaged. I just showed the polishes like they are advertised
Depends on the condition of the natural nails. On adverage 7-10 days but the long wear polishes usually can lead to more surface damage (what some people incorrectly call "dry nails")
I love the gel couture, I don’t own any original Essie, and I recently bought the Expressie. I don’t like the finish on the Expressie. I will add a top coat next time I use it.
Just because you may not NEED a base coat, is the best practice to still apply one anyway? Or is it just a waste of time then. That's the part where I am stuck
So Orly’s breathable line is probably a lot like the Expressie. No base coat or top coat needed, (supposed to be okay for halal, but that is debatable). ANYHOW, what I was going to say is that I noticed they are now advertising that you can extend wear and shine for the Breathable line by using their clear coat as a top coat for them. Maybe Orly has been watching your videos?
I absolutely LOATHE the expressie brush and will never buy one of those polishes again (despite liking the color/formula I got….I’ll go find another brand). Apprecite your comparison!
I have used original and gel couture, without base coat and top coat... The gel couture seems to dry faster, with smoother application. While the original never does... I waited an hour last night (original, foreign base coat and top coat) before going to bed and when I woke up my nail color got sheet marks 😭... I think I will try to get the top coat today. Do you think UV lamp will help dry it faster? Or blow dryer?
Hi Krysta! Check out our new video about Chanel rouge Noir and I have 2 Essie compared. Lately I'm noticing that the original Essie dries faster. I'm pleasantly surprised. UV doesn't help polishes to dry unless they (top coat only really contains them) have UV reactive ingredients, but even that I think only makes them last longer not dry faster. Using blow dryer is also not a good idea. Polish might dry uneven or develop bubbles. For best results dry polishes naturally.
Thank you for the review! I was wondering if you could use the Gel Topcoat on Expressie nail polish? Or should this one be used on the gel polish line only? If so, could you recommend a Top and Basecoat for the Expressie line (since I love this nail polish line the most).
I feel like essie top coats are hit or miss. I like a generous coat of top coat but I find that essie good to go kinda moves as it dries and peels off on the side walls after a day, while gelsetter (from their regular line) is very glossy, dries quper fast and becomes hard, almost like actual gel and is actually one of my favorites (I yet have to try the gel couture one)
Thank you for the suggestions! They all remove the same, they are all nail polishes. Price really depends on the location. I'm in Spain and the prices are going to be very different from USA prices :)
@@TheSalonLife oh really, I didn't realise that you were also in Europe! I have just come home from a drugstore here in Germany and have purchased the classical Essie + topcoat (your video was so inspiring hehe). I wasn't able to find any base coat though. How much would not using a base coat deter the end result do you think?
@@TheSalonLife btw I also noticed there were different top coats on the Essie shelf and there was even one for both base and top coat (it was unfortunately also sold out same as the base coat). Have you tried them all and which one would you recommend?
I really struggle to apply essie "normal" nail polish. The way you keep brushing over and over for a bit, I can't do that. It's one stroke, and hope it's good, else it gets sticky and messed up. :( Edit: I can also add I let each coat (base, polish, polish, top) dry for 15 minutes. Which means it takes me an hour or more to apply lol... I have no idea what I'm doing, clearly.
DId anybody experience the gel couture top coat getting dull¿ Mine thickened and became slight opaque. I was thinking of trying to reviving it with a polish thinner.
I was just wondering about this, such a helpful video, thank you! I know that everyone loves a wide nail polish brush, but I can't maneuver close to the sides of my nail well with it 😅 Edit: Def interested in the OPI episode too!
… when he said her handwriting was nicer than she thinks 😍 such a sweet couple!
This is a really nice review! It definitely fits my experience. Gel Couture is my favorite line because I can paint my nails Sunday night and go the whole workweek with them looking flawless. My index and middle fingers always chip first, and they last 6-7 days without me being careful with my hands. I have always ignored the "up to 14 days" claim. Occasionally a single nail might last that long, but not the whole manicure. The regular Essie line last less than 5 days for me before it starts chipping. LOVE that Gel Couture top coat. It usually gives me amazing shine.
That is my experience, too. However, I’m finding the polish gets too thick after just a couple of uses.
I always apply another layer of the Gel Couture topcoat after 6 days and have found that the polish does last for 2 weeks without chipping (for me at least). It is so carefree, absolutely love it.
I’m trying out Essie Gel Couture for the first time right now with a home mani, so thanks for much for your comment!! It’s good to see what I can reasonably expect. I’m thinking the same, if it can last me doing them each week then that is great 🥳
I have previously used Dazzle Dry but want to try something a bit cheaper. Just got some Essie Gel Couture from the chemist with a buy one get one free sale 😁
I never tried the expressie type, but I really prefer the Gel Couture line over the regular one. I really like the thicker, gelly-like texture of the polish, it is easier to work with for me. Also, I really like the curved brush, the regular ones I have still have the old, skinny brushes, I find them difficult to work with, or at least not as easy as with the curved brushes. The Gel Couture Top Coat is hands down the best top coat I used since Seche Vite. I apply a thicker layer, never had problems with shrinking and it dries the whole manicure superfast. I will definitely buy more Essie polishes, hands down the best nail polish brand I used so far with a huge variety of colours.
Thanks for your video, it is always so nice and informative! :)
This is super helpful - thank you! I usually use the original and was always curious w the differences. Although I *hate* the Gel Couture's bottle shape, I really really like the top coat on any nail polish - it is magic!
Really ? I thought it was way easier to get a grip of the nail polish bottle . I'm so clumsy usually spilling the nail polish & with the twist of gel has helped me a lot.
I rehomed my Gel Couture polishes because the dry time was obscene. I now have several of the Expressie polishes and love them, though I do use the Good to Go topcoat with them. Love this video and would love to see more comparisons of other polishes!
I can’t wait for the OPI comparison. Please do that soon! I love the Infinite Shine.
Yes, please do the OPI comparisons video. Thanks for making these, they are great learning tools💗
Thank you Summer!
This was a GREAT video. I loved you both comparing polishes from the same brand, different lines. I can’t wait for the OPI one as I’m currently pretty torn between buying the original or infinite shine for most colors.
I’ve had similar results to your Essie experiences. Expressie on hands (even with a topcoat) was like 5 days max before I could no longer stand the chipping. I’ve been able to wear GC for a full week and it looks great until I get bored and want a new color.
Hi Fran, regarding the OPI lines, here is my experience: there is not as much of a difference between Infinite Shine and the regular line, like there is with Essie's original vs. Gel Couture. Gel Couture is such good quality, while the Infinite Shine polishes I've tried have not seemed much better than the regular line. All are good, of course, but the price differences are also to be considered.
Hi guys! This video has a different format that was kind of difficult to film for me. I learned a lot from making this video, the next one hopefully will be better :)
It was really helpfull! thanks 💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼
I bought my first Essie Expressie. I thought the brush was wonky, and was ticked off about it, I thought it was a defective brush. Thanks for explaining it!
Very good presentation and analysis. I like Expressie for pedicures since it’s so easy to apply and remove. I just purchased from the Sk8 With Destiny collection, a “funky” greenish grey called Just For Kicks, a navy, Left of Shred, and a hot pink, Trick Clique. Looking forward to using them during sandal season. Traditional Essie reminds me of Zoya - good formula and mind blowing range of colors. Gel Couture wears wonderfully for me, so I’ve been acquiring more of it than traditional Essie lately.
I really love the Essie gel couture top coat. Looks so nice.
What a great idea for a review!! And yes Funky is definitely in my vocabulary for nail polish haha.
Thank you for the review! I noticed that Gel Coture takes longer - but if each coat is allowed to dry for 5 minutes - by the end you are pretty much done. I will try Essie Expressie! Looks good! Always love regular Essie -
Excellent video! You have answered all the possible questions! I prefer the Gel Couture line because it lasts long enough and it has really good pigmentation.
I stopped using gel polish and gel nails a while ago. I have been getting my nails a bit stronger over time using strengthening treatment and just started to use polish again. I definitely agree that Essie Expressie has more out there and less conventional colours. I have two different ones and about 6/7 different Essie in total. They are lovely polishes. Just done my first one and seeing how it goes. Hoping they last well . Really like your review x
Thanks so much for this kind of video. I have pretty much come to the same conclusions on these lines just from my own experience, but it's so helpful to get your professional opinions and comments. And I can never get enough of watching swatching!!
Thank you! So helpful! Use to apply: base coat, then three layers of original, then gel top coat.
Love the color of gel couture pinned up. Loved the comparison.
This is a wonderful and thorough examination of Essie. Thank you!
I bought Topless And Barefoot about 10 yrs ago ,very nice color and application . I like the color Find Me An Oasis ,but not a good formula . Ballet Slippers is not that easy to apply ,but sometimes I do it in two days .Maybe one coat on one day and two coats the next day . I can do this if I’m not going anywhere special .I usually don’t wear a topcoat but just purchased Essie’s base and topcoat and it’s so shinny . I’m anxious to see if this topcoat allows my polish to last longer . Thanks for the video . I may try the Express polish 👍♥️
Nice review! I still have to try Essie. I just wish I could cap my nails, you make it look effortless!
You two are so thorough…appreciated. No detail neglected.
Great video! Yes, please do one for OPI
I love watching these comparisons. He’s a very good model. It’s funny how you poked him with the stick a little bit @17:39 😂
Ha ha ha! Thanks Sam!
Awesome video !👌
I always wondered what the differences were.
Thanks a lot for demonstrating in real life !
I loved your interaction and his interventions especially
Thank you for comparisons. Would love to see the same for OPI
Love this review! I have wondered what the differences were between these lines as well
Thanks so much for doing this video! Loved it and appreciate your thoughts and conclusions. Hope to see you do one for Opi too.
I like the Expressie angled brush when I do my mani, but when I've tried to do my pedis with it I make a huge mess for some reason!
This is just what I needed! I have Essie gel set and the express. I like them both. Thank you!!!!
The chart is super helpful; thank you!
Appreciate the time and effort of this video as essie is my go brand. I want to try dazzle dry or even the cdn vinyllux but I like the wide range of colors with essie
This was such a fantastic video - I love the format!
Thank you Samantha! We will do same with OPI soon :)
Great video! I use Essie a lot so this information is very useful to me.
Wow. What a great review. I have worn nail polish always since I was 16 so I have less oil I. My nails so polish lasts a long time on me. But I would like to see what top costs stay the skinniest on the polishes. I feel my shine fades fast! Love your videos!
Thank you so much for this! I'm trying to get into nail polish finally and this has helped me understand what makes a nail polish good.
Helpful video! Please do neon colors, especially neon pink. I've been searching but the closest I can guess is Orly pep in your step. Thanks!
Thank you!
True neons are problematic to find because neon pigments apparently are not allowed for cosmetic use (that's why you don't see any of the big brands using them)
I'm so ambivalent with Essie polishes, tbh. I've got some Expressie colours and I love all of them, also the glittery colours of the normal Essies (Sweater Weather and Aruba Blue are the best nail polishes I ever had), but I can't apply the normal opaque Essie colours if my day depends on it. To me the "creamy" texture is super goopy and tough, it's like trying to paint my nails with quick-drying school glue. Super frustrating, because I love, love, love the colours.
Thank you for the comparison and your professional opinion. 🌻
Very interesting video! I am not skilled at doing my nails, but am hoping to start improving this year. Thank you so very much for the comparisons💖💖💖
Love the video 😍 I love how the two of you have such fun being with each other. Can I ask you what your favorite pink polish is out of all the polishes you have.😘
Hi Theresa! Thank you for your kind words :)
What kind of pink? Light, sheer pink, or pastel pink or hot pink?
I have so many pinks I love.... ;)
I guess a sheer pink that would just be natural and make nails look healthy. Thank you ❤️
I am used to have my nail polished at night after dinner. Everytime I used Essie Gel Couture, I need to ensure I have sufficient time to dry otherwise I will wake up with sheet mark....
Some colors that can be applied super thin, like the reds or some other super pigmented might dry quicker because they would be applied super thin
Please tell me what is the colour of the Gel Couture that you are useing or is that the colour? Really like the colour. Hope I can get it in NZ
Wonderful Videos
Blessings
Sandy😘
Very helpful thank you and yes would love a review of the OPI polishes
I have on topless & barefoot with clear quick top coat expressie. Yes I do my manicure every Friday. Taking hair nail skin vitamins to keep them growing and strong. For now my base is LA COLORS super strength nail builder which helps with strengthing nails & prevents nail chipping. I will purchase the smooth-e base. Thank you for the review
Is Funky still a word!❣️🤣😂😻 Young at heart senior here, just about fell off my couch laughing!
We're glad you enjoy the content Donna! Happy Monday! - MSL
I don't have any experience with the expressie line, but I have tried both the regular and gel couture. My favourite is the regular Essie; I tend to use thin coats, and give it 5-10 minutes between each layer (depending on the polish). I try to polish at night, and then do as little as possible 2-4 hours before bed - that lasts the longest for me. I was not a fan of the gel couture; it was too thick, and I found it kind of sticky/rubbery in texture. Probably because it never really dried, I see that now.
Opi was my favourite brand before I found Essie. I like Essie for the cremes, although I have a few 'shimmery' favourites at Opi still, as well as their matte top coat. I tried a nude 'Infinite shine', but kind of found the same problems as Essies gel couture, though not as extreme. It did look beautiful for the first days; but after a few days, I found the color started to yellow, kind of like smokers nails. Not my nails; the polish itself.
Both are great brands (Essie for their cremes, and opi for their shimmer), but I think the 'original' lines are best so far.
thank you so much for your interesting feedback :)
I think drying the polish for as long as possible (within reason of course) makes a big difference. Too bad it's not possible to do this in the salon where people expect to have a manicure done and be out the door in 20 min lol.
I love a good funky nail polish color, so the expressies are great for me!
Well that didn't work out the way I planned! 😂 I thoroughly enjoy your videos and have learned many new things from them.! Please keep up the great work! All is appreciated❣️😁 Old Dogs/Cats can be taught new tricks❣️😁
Oh, mgoodness. Love to see an OPI chart like this. Great video. Thank you
Hi Vickie! Here it is:)
th-cam.com/video/GZSvHbdAcCU/w-d-xo.html
Yes. Please do this test comparing OPI lines!
Will do! Thank you for your vote!!
This is a wonderful video style! Thanks so much!
This is a great experiment!!! Topless & barefoot is my very favorite nude
Very useful video! The original Essie line is the one for me 😊
Loved this video. Lots of good information. I hope you do more like this! 😊💅
This was great to see, as I often feel overwhelmed with all the choices of polish. Explained everything really well. Wondering why some don’t need a base coat?
Super helpful video , makes the buying easier! thanks guys!
Hi I have ridges in my nail and I use smoothie. But will I still need that on the new gel product as you put no 🥰
Thanks for amazing helpful in-depth review ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much for doing this! I love details!
Very detailed review. Super helpful.
This is excellent. Yes please do the same with OPI. Would it be possible to add a column stating whether or not you can use quick dry drops with the different polishes. I was surprised to hear you say that you should not use them with OPI Infinite Shine. Maybe that's why it doesn't last for me. Thank you for the great work!
Hi Susanne! So sorry for replying so late!
I think it's pretty rare for company to say no quick dry drops etc.
Other then Dazzle Dry. That is another brand that says nothing on the nails until the polish is fully dry in 5 min.
Waiting for the Opi comparisons !
I have expressie glitter polishes - they look amazing in bottle but aren’t as nice on nails... they do dry down right away and are beautiful color, but it’s a pitty the glitter aren’t all that visible...
Thank you for this review! But I always thought you have to use one layer of a clear basecoat under dark and bright colourpolish or else your nails get an yellowish colour? And that takes a long time to ‘grow out’ of your nails. When I put a dark colour on my nails without a base coat and I remove it good I can always see the ‘shine’ of the colour for several days? Dark green, dark blue or intense red?
Hello Merel! You are right, the dark colors can stain and I forgot to add that info! I would use a base coat with both (even though they don’t need it) or a very sheer light color to prevent staining especially when the nails are damaged.
I just showed the polishes like they are advertised
Thank you!! Very helpful!!! Your husband is very sweet!!
Would love an OPI formula comparison video.
What a great and detailed review! Amazing
Thank you Gloria! ❤️
Loved this video--very informative!
Thank you Luv! ❤️
I tried a fancy Couture one with color and top coat years ago and really wasn't impressed. Seche Vite top coat works with anything for me.
Thanks for the excellent video 😍 I love how you broke it all down. What is the name of the blue color?
Hi Kimberly! Thank you :) The greyish blue or bluish grey is called Air Dry
Here is a video about it: th-cam.com/video/o4GUy3vKTFo/w-d-xo.html
@@TheSalonLife thanks so much 😍
Thank you for this video, very good review 👍🤗
This is really interesting, thank you!
Update on the couture line? how long do they last? Thank you🥰
Depends on the condition of the natural nails. On adverage 7-10 days but the long wear polishes usually can lead to more surface damage (what some people incorrectly call "dry nails")
PS. It probably won't happen after 1 use but if you are wearing it non stop without a breaks, it can definitely happen.
@@TheSalonLife thank you💟
I love the gel couture, I don’t own any original Essie, and I recently bought the Expressie. I don’t like the finish on the Expressie. I will add a top coat next time I use it.
Very thorough! Thank you so much.
Anna, u r the best 💙
Just because you may not NEED a base coat, is the best practice to still apply one anyway? Or is it just a waste of time then. That's the part where I am stuck
This was fabulous and helpful! Thank you to you both!
So Orly’s breathable line is probably a lot like the Expressie. No base coat or top coat needed, (supposed to be okay for halal, but that is debatable). ANYHOW, what I was going to say is that I noticed they are now advertising that you can extend wear and shine for the Breathable line by using their clear coat as a top coat for them. Maybe Orly has been watching your videos?
Is perfect nail formula good for nails
This video is very interesting. I like it.
I absolutely LOATHE the expressie brush and will never buy one of those polishes again (despite liking the color/formula I got….I’ll go find another brand). Apprecite your comparison!
Wow, maybe you got a bad brush? Or is it the angle that bugs you?
@@TheSalonLife It’s the angle.
You might try switching out a brush from a finished bottle of the gel couture (clear) top coat line - I like these brushes better.
Great review! Gel Couture lasts on my nails for one week.
Would love to see OPI. Thank you.
Really enjoy your reviews. What is the name of the blue Expressie?
Hi Liz! Thank you! It was Air Dry, it's like a greyish blue or bluish grey :)
@@TheSalonLife thanks. I'm going to try and souse it.
Great review
I use Essie Gel Couture top coat over EVERYTHING, no matter what brand, even under matte top coat. It makes my mani last
Hi There. Thats fantastic you have had great results with their top coat.
Your videos are so helpful 👍Thank you ‼️
Thank you Summer 🙏
I have used original and gel couture, without base coat and top coat... The gel couture seems to dry faster, with smoother application. While the original never does... I waited an hour last night (original, foreign base coat and top coat) before going to bed and when I woke up my nail color got sheet marks 😭... I think I will try to get the top coat today.
Do you think UV lamp will help dry it faster? Or blow dryer?
Hi Krysta!
Check out our new video about Chanel rouge Noir and I have 2 Essie compared. Lately I'm noticing that the original Essie dries faster. I'm pleasantly surprised.
UV doesn't help polishes to dry unless they (top coat only really contains them) have UV reactive ingredients, but even that I think only makes them last longer not dry faster.
Using blow dryer is also not a good idea. Polish might dry uneven or develop bubbles. For best results dry polishes naturally.
Thank you so much! Best review ever
Thank you Emma! ❤️
Thank you for the review! I was wondering if you could use the Gel Topcoat on Expressie nail polish? Or should this one be used on the gel polish line only? If so, could you recommend a Top and Basecoat for the Expressie line (since I love this nail polish line the most).
I used Expressie Clear as top coat. Worked great. No shrinking :)
I feel like essie top coats are hit or miss. I like a generous coat of top coat but I find that essie good to go kinda moves as it dries and peels off on the side walls after a day, while gelsetter (from their regular line) is very glossy, dries quper fast and becomes hard, almost like actual gel and is actually one of my favorites (I yet have to try the gel couture one)
I agree, some of them shrink really bad.
two criteria that I would suggest to also rate on: how easy are they to remove and the price difference
Thank you for the suggestions! They all remove the same, they are all nail polishes. Price really depends on the location. I'm in Spain and the prices are going to be very different from USA prices :)
@@TheSalonLife oh really, I didn't realise that you were also in Europe! I have just come home from a drugstore here in Germany and have purchased the classical Essie + topcoat (your video was so inspiring hehe). I wasn't able to find any base coat though. How much would not using a base coat deter the end result do you think?
@@TheSalonLife btw I also noticed there were different top coats on the Essie shelf and there was even one for both base and top coat (it was unfortunately also sold out same as the base coat). Have you tried them all and which one would you recommend?
I really struggle to apply essie "normal" nail polish. The way you keep brushing over and over for a bit, I can't do that. It's one stroke, and hope it's good, else it gets sticky and messed up. :(
Edit: I can also add I let each coat (base, polish, polish, top) dry for 15 minutes. Which means it takes me an hour or more to apply lol... I have no idea what I'm doing, clearly.
DId anybody experience the gel couture top coat getting dull¿ Mine thickened and became slight opaque. I was thinking of trying to reviving it with a polish thinner.
No but mine developed weird little balls inside that I had to remix into it. I have never seen that.
Severally thickened polish I don't think can be revived. I would toss it instead of thinning or fighting with it. 😢
I was just wondering about this, such a helpful video, thank you! I know that everyone loves a wide nail polish brush, but I can't maneuver close to the sides of my nail well with it 😅
Edit: Def interested in the OPI episode too!
Useful video !!! 💪🏼😁💪🏼
Why not to use the gel couture top coat with the original nail polish?... I think that way, we can add more shine and extend the wear time...
Top coat is not the only step that extends the wear. The actual polish makes a difference too, how it bonds to the nail..
Why the original needs the base and others do not?