Since developing an allergy to gel nails (and most other types of manicures—woe is me) a couple of years ago, I’ve made it my side quest as a beauty editor to find the best gel nail alternatives. I dearly miss my gel manicures, and so I’m always trying and testing long-wearing nail polishes that don’t chip after two hours. You only have to breathe next to some, and they chip.
So, since discovering the Essie Gel Couture Top Coat last year, I’ve never looked back. This nail top coat keeps my nail polish chip-free for around 7-10 days, and now you won’t catch me without it on my hands. As I love it so much (I’m now on my third bottle), it was high time I also tried Essie’s Gel Couture Nail Polish (£11) shade range.
Like the top coat, these Essie nail polishes contain the same technology that delivers a long-lasting, chip-free manicure that looks and feels like gel on the nails—no lamp or required. And since testing them, I’ve even had friends mistake my nail polish for gels. Scroll ahead for my honest review and my favourite shades I’m wearing on rotation right now.
Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Fairy Tailor
Pros
- Looks and feels like gel polish on the nails
- Last 7-10 days on nails when paired with the top coat, but can last up to 2 weeks
- Glossy, hard-wearing finish
- Comes in a range of chic shades
- Affordable compared to gel
- No gel lamp required, removes with normal nail polish remover
Cons
- Takes a little longer to dry compared to other nail polishes
- It works better when paired with the top coat rather than worn alone
- You need to reapply a top coat every couple of days for the best results
How Long Does It Last?
When paired with the top coat, I find the Essie Gel Couture Nail Polishes to last anywhere between 7-10 days. I apply two coats of the polish, paired with two coats of the top coat, and it leaves nails with a glossy, plumped look that really does look like gel. It’s recommended that you apply another top coat every couple of days (or at the seven-day mark as a minimum), and when I do this, I only start seeing minor chipping around the day nine or 10 mark.
Before & After: First Application vs 10 Days Later
Here are my nails freshly painted, with two coats of Fairy Tailor and two layers of the top coat on top.
Here are my nails 10 days later. The colour and shine remain and there’s only some minor chipping that’s noticeable.
How Long Does It Take to Dry?
The nail polish colours are usually dry after two or three minutes, and I like to do two coats of my favourite shade, Fairy Tailor (a sheer polish), which makes my nails look really healthy and glossy. The top coat is thicker in consistency, so it takes a bit longer to dry. But the end results are worth the extra drying time, trust me.
My Verdict
I’ve been wearing Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish for over a year now, and I can honestly say it’s the most long-lasting nail polish outside of gel polish that I’ve tried. The colours apply evenly and smoothly, while the texture looks and feels like gel on your nails. I’d recommend getting the top coat to wear with any of the shades, as it really does enhance the longevity of your manicure while making them look extra plump and glossy. In short, there’s no other nail polish I want to wear on my hands from here on out.
Shop Essie Gel Couture Colours
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Fairy Tailor
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish-Gel Top Coat
I’d 100% recommend picking up the top coat, which makes the results even better and chip-free for longer.
Essie
Gel-Like Nail Polish Gel Couture in Spiked With Style
I’ve got my eyes on this deep, dark red nail polish that will be amazing for the autumn and winter months.
essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in All Checked Out
Brown nails are trending, and this is the perfect chocolate hue to bring the nail trend to your mani.
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Bubbles Only
I’ve been wearing this classic red on my toes—it’s the perfect year-round pedicure colour.
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Matter of Fiction
Matter of Fiction is a classic neutral pink to have in your rotation.
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Rock the Runway
I’m picking up this bright tomato red for my summer manis.
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in First Fitting
This ecru toned polish is really elegant if you find bright white too much.
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Of Corset
Essie
Gel Couture Gel-Like Nail Polish in Bodice Goddess
This brighter pink has a sheer finish, which gives your nails a healthy-looking glow.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
