Gel Manicures are definitely the thing to beat at the moment, with everyone from Nails Inc to Models Own launching their 'gel inspired' polishes. Gel manicures applied in a salon can provide a durable and long-lasting nail result for up to four weeks, so it's not hard to understand the appeal. No chipping polish, messy nail varnish removal or trying to hide your hands in your pockets. However, gel manicures can become expensive if it's something you get addicted to; at around £30 a session, it's not a cheap hobby to keep up. I've tried a few at-home gel polish systems before in an attempt to replicate the benefit of a salon visit in my bedroom, but nothing has wowed me. When Gelicious offered to send me their system and put it to the test I couldn't say no. So will this Australian nail brand stand head and shoulders above the rest?
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Unlike a lot of other gel systems, which involve a complicated process of applying different products in different layers, the Gelicious version is incredibly simple. It only involves the colour you're applying, a topcoat and a UV lamp to set the polish - no faffing or the need for a cosmetics degree. You simply clean and prepare the nails, apply a single coat of polish and cure it for one minute, repeat that process once more and apply a topcoat, before curing the nail under the lamp for a further two minutes. You can remove any excess oil and moisture using a simple nail varnish remover, and you're left with Gelicious nails.
The result is a smooth, perfectly finished nail that claims to stick around for up to two weeks. I used the Little Prince George polish (launched in celebration of Kate and Will's offspring,) which is a baby blue base that contains delicate flecks of white throughout. Unlike a lot of glittery and textured polishes that have the particles on the surface, this polish (and the gel process) allows them to sit in various layers for a more subtle and unique result. I really love the shade, when I expected to hate such a girlie colour and result.
My nails did look fab for a couple of days, no chips or flakes present at all. However, as I spend a lot of time typing and washing up (it's an addiction,) my polish did start to peel off after three days - to the point where I could get my nail under a corner and pull away the entire thing. Although this doesn't damage the nail at all, it is a little annoying that the polish started to come away in chunks and didn't last longer. However, as someone that gets their polish chipped within a matter of hours, any progression on that is a bonus.
The Gelicious system is simple, quick and effective. You don't need eight different products and bits of equipment, making it easy to add to your collection and continue to use the polish without having to replace little pads or conditioning treatments. The whole starter pack (including the lamp, colour of your choice and topcoat) is currently on offer for £66.96, which provides a saving on salon gel manicures if you use it only three times. The lamp is also big enough to fit your toes in too, ensuring you can be fit for the summer with tootsies that look hot for as long as possible.
Although it's certainly an investment, if you love having great nails then it's one that could pay off in the long run. They have a huge selection of colours (starting from £15.66 each,) so you can make sure you're keeping with the trends every season. Are you a fan of gel manicures? Would you consider investing in your own at-home system?
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The Starter Kit is available online via the Gelicious website priced £66.96.![]()
Unlike a lot of other gel systems, which involve a complicated process of applying different products in different layers, the Gelicious version is incredibly simple. It only involves the colour you're applying, a topcoat and a UV lamp to set the polish - no faffing or the need for a cosmetics degree. You simply clean and prepare the nails, apply a single coat of polish and cure it for one minute, repeat that process once more and apply a topcoat, before curing the nail under the lamp for a further two minutes. You can remove any excess oil and moisture using a simple nail varnish remover, and you're left with Gelicious nails.
The result is a smooth, perfectly finished nail that claims to stick around for up to two weeks. I used the Little Prince George polish (launched in celebration of Kate and Will's offspring,) which is a baby blue base that contains delicate flecks of white throughout. Unlike a lot of glittery and textured polishes that have the particles on the surface, this polish (and the gel process) allows them to sit in various layers for a more subtle and unique result. I really love the shade, when I expected to hate such a girlie colour and result.
My nails did look fab for a couple of days, no chips or flakes present at all. However, as I spend a lot of time typing and washing up (it's an addiction,) my polish did start to peel off after three days - to the point where I could get my nail under a corner and pull away the entire thing. Although this doesn't damage the nail at all, it is a little annoying that the polish started to come away in chunks and didn't last longer. However, as someone that gets their polish chipped within a matter of hours, any progression on that is a bonus.
The Gelicious system is simple, quick and effective. You don't need eight different products and bits of equipment, making it easy to add to your collection and continue to use the polish without having to replace little pads or conditioning treatments. The whole starter pack (including the lamp, colour of your choice and topcoat) is currently on offer for £66.96, which provides a saving on salon gel manicures if you use it only three times. The lamp is also big enough to fit your toes in too, ensuring you can be fit for the summer with tootsies that look hot for as long as possible.
Although it's certainly an investment, if you love having great nails then it's one that could pay off in the long run. They have a huge selection of colours (starting from £15.66 each,) so you can make sure you're keeping with the trends every season. Are you a fan of gel manicures? Would you consider investing in your own at-home system?
The Starter Kit is available online via the Gelicious website priced £66.96.