I just had a brilliant idea that I should do a “Mani Monday” feature, because I usually paint my nails on Sunday night. I thought I came up with this brilliant idea all on my own, until I did a quick Google search and found a ton of other posts with this label. Apparently other bloggers had the same brilliant idea before I did. Whatever.
I’m also slow to the party of trying Sally Hansen miracle gel, because last week was my first time. The color I chose is “Pretty Piggy.” This polish uses a special top coat that “activates” it like a gel. It professes all the benefits of a gel polish without the hassle of gel removal (or the light curing, which really doesn’t bother me about gels anyway).
So, here is the night I did my nails. I’m not sure if you’re supposed to use a base coat or not. The system doesn’t include one. I used my Nailtiques Formula 2 Plus. I did two coats of the color, and it probably really needed three, because it was streaky. But the instructions said two, so I did two. Then you use the special top coat.
It was easy to apply. I found that it did dry very quickly, like a gel would. And it had a nice, shiny finish, like a gel. But did it last like a gel?
No.
Still better luck than I have with regular polish though. Usually I would touch up my nails each night, and this week, I did not. For science.
On day four I could no longer handle the chips, and I removed it. It did come off super easily with regular nail polish remover, so that’s a point in it’s favor.
I’d use it again and try more colors for sure. But as good as a “real” gel manicure? No.
I give it four sparkles on my completely made up five-sparkle scale.
