Nail Art with Essence Gel Polish*

Last spring when I was in Europe I had the chance to check out some drug stores in Germany.  While there I grabbed a few of Essence's gel polishes, a base coat and a top coat, worried that they would never reach Canadian stores.  Well they did-- and in the process they revamped their entire (already excellent) nail polish collection.  The Base Coat and Top Coat each retail for $4.49. with the nail polishes retailing for $2.99.  You can read my first review here. 

With all of those colours to choose from, I narrowed it down to a cool mint and grey motif.  After, you know, I relived my childhood through some gum!  So let's see what I did with my #essencegelnails challenge!

I started with one coat of The Gel Polish Base Coat ($4.59) and then followed up with two opaque coats of "Play With Mint" ($2.99).  

Next I used a thin nail art brush to create some geometric designs using "Rock My World" ($2.99).    My favourite was my pinky finger.

Pro-Tip: Keep it simple.  The more complicated I tried to make it the less pretty it was.

I then used a different thin brush to add pale mint/white accents using Soft Metal "Turn The Lights On" ($2.99).  My favourite design is my pinky and index fingers.  I found the other two got messy.

I finished off with a coat of "The Gel Nail Polish Top Coat" ($4.59).

This manicure lasted me a whole week with minimal chips and nicks.  I was happy that it maintained its high gloss finish for much of that time.  Looking back I would have done all my nails like my pinky nail, or my index finger.  I had a really good time deciding between all of the pretty polishes and creating my own simple nail look.  A great way to relax after a long day at work!

With all of the holiday parties I have coming up in the next few weeks, I am sure I will have some more simple nail art to share with you!  All I can say is glitter. 

Have you tried Essence's new gel polishes yet?  I think they would make a great stocking stuffer ;)

Products available at Shoppers Drug Mart.  Products provided for my review.