It seems people can’t get enough of the high-shine lasting finish of gel effect polishes, as more brands release new collections and colours. The latest newcomers include Sleek Makeup Loves Gel Nails, Avon Gel Finish and a Gel Effect Top Coat from Models Own HyperGel. All of these apply like regular nail polish and don’t require curing with a UV/LED lamp or soaking in acetone to remove.
Sleek Loves Gel Nails
Swatched above in Trance - grey toned navy, Purplesque - rich berry and Coffee, Tea or Me - dark nude with mauve undertones. Not particularly Summery I know, but there are pastel shades in the collection too. Coffee Tea or Me is my favourite from this trio, a sophisticated, pale-skin-flattering nude. Trance is the kind of dark shade I love, but was thinner and less gel-like in consistency than the other two, which are almost opaque in one coat. I was impressed with the finish and wear time of these.
Sleek Loves Gel Nails: £4.99 each at Sleek and in-store at selected Boots and Superdrug (heads up: 3 for 2 on all cosmetics in-store & online!).
Avon Gel Finish
Swatches: Royal Vendetta - royal blue and Perfectly Plum - blackened purple. Let’s just take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous Perfectly Plum looks in the bottle… the petrolesque effect doesn’t carry through to my nails, but it’s still a gorgeous vampy shade and was opaque in two coats. Royal Vendetta is thinner in consistency and I used four coats for this swatch. Perfectly Plum is much more gel-like in application and finish. Avon’s formula is described as base, colour and top coat in one, but I always prefer to use a base coat to avoid staining (ORLY Bonder is my current fave).
Avon Gel Finish: rrp £7, currently half price at Avon online.
Models Own HyperGel Gel Effect Top Coat
Already got plenty of colour you adore but want that glossy gel finish? Save your cash and opt for this clever new top coat from Models Own HyperGel. Other brands have done this, from Nails Inc to Dior, but this one is the best value for money I’ve come across. Applied over a completely dry base coat, it adds a mega glossy salon shine in one sweep with a lovely wide, curved end brush.
Models Own HyperGel Gel Effect Top Coat, £8 at modelsownit will be in Superdrug from July 30th.
George at ASDA Gel Pro
If you’d like to try gel effect polish at the lowest price I’ve found, pop a bottle of George at ASDA Gel Pro into your trolley. This range includes lots of seriously cute Summer brights, but I’m quite partial to the chic, pearlised finish of Nude Beige. Although slightly thinner in consistency than the other formulas, at £3 a pop, I’m not complaining.
George at ASDA Gel Pro £3 at ASDA
NB All of these collections include more Summery alternatives, so don’t be put off by the rather Autumnal tones I was sent for review. And if you’re after mega bright or pastel shades, check out my post on Barry M Summer Gellys and Models Own HyperGel polishes.
