The Nail Polish That Saved Me Hundreds (No Salon Required)
For years, I was a religious nail salon girl. Every two weeks, I’d shell out close to $100 for dip or gel manicures—because I love having my nails done, and I told myself it was “just part of my routine.” But somewhere along the way, I started to wonder if there was a better way to keep my nails looking polished without spending so much time and money at the salon.
That’s when I found essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish, and let me just say: game changer.
Why I Switched
I still treat myself to a salon manicure every now and then, but Essie’s Gel Couture line has become my go-to for everyday polish. It’s easy to use, long-lasting, and best of all—no UV light needed. You don’t even need any special tools.
How It Works
Here’s the full process (and yes, it’s really this simple):
Paint on your color. I love the shade Rock the Runway—it’s a classic red that works year-round.
Add the top coat. The Gel Couture Top Coat locks it all in and gives that glossy, salon-style finish.
Let it dry. No lights, no special gear—just air dry as usual.
Enjoy chip-free nails for up to 10 days.
When it’s time to take it off? Just use regular acetone. No soaking, no foil, no scraping. It comes off like regular polish but wears like gel.
My Favorite Starter Set
If you’re new to it, I recommend starting with this kit that includes Rock the Runway and the top coat. You can buy additional colors and top coat bottles as needed.
Other colors I’ve tried and liked are Like It Loud (black), Multi-Faceted (a shimmery dusty pink), All Checked Out (raisin brown), and Pinky (hot pink).
I’ve personally saved hundreds by making this swap, and it’s such an easy upgrade if you're looking to simplify your beauty routine without sacrificing the “put-together” feeling of fresh nails.
Other At-Home Manicure Essentials
If you’re new to at-home manicures, there’s a few other tools you can pick up to make the experience more salon-like. I would recommend:
Final Thoughts
Salon visits are still a treat, but with Essie Gel Couture, I can get long-lasting, professional-looking nails from my couch. Whether you're budgeting, simplifying, or just want a low-fuss polish routine, this is worth trying.