Recommended, 2024

Editor'S Choice

Test: How long does nail polish with over and under varnish last?

Dreamlike

How long does nail polish with topcoat and basecoat really last?
Photo: Getty Images
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  1. Essence - The Gel
  2. Catrice - Ultra Stay
  3. Essie - all-in-one basecoat and no-chips-ahead topcoat
  4. Conclusion

Nails and for days: I've been dreaming about this for a long time. For me, almost always the opposite is the case. After at least one day , the paint flakes off somewhere .

Maybe it's because my nails are not the best. They break off, splinter or are too dry. But also determined that I'm usually too lazy to apply under and over paint. Reason enough for me to test three systems with nail polish, undercoat and overcoat . The result is really amazing.

Essence - The Gel

The cheapest 3-step system in the test: The under- and top coat cost 2.49 euros and the nail polish 1.59 euros. The system is called The Gel, but can do without a lamp and special nail polish remover.

The application: The application is easy. The brush initially looks way too thick, but is great to use. Exact application is not a problem. The consistency of the nail polish is good: not too tough and not too liquid.

Shelf life: The nail polish, including top coat and top coat, lasted six days. Also, the removal was very easy. The second time the nail polish has rubbed off something. Therefore, better let some time between use so that the nail can recover.

Catrice - Ultra Stay

The medium-price nail polish: over and Unterlack costs in each case 3.49 euro. The colored nail polish is from the normal range of Catrice and costs 2.79 euros.

Application: The first layer dries relatively slowly. Even with Catrice the brush actually seems too thick, but the color can be applied super. The colored paint is dried quickly. The third layer has not smeared the nail polish, but is also dried quickly.

Shelf life: The nail polish has lasted about 7 days. Even a move has survived the nail polish. All in all, we are excited about the Ultra Stay System from Catrice.

Essie - all-in-one basecoat and no-chips-ahead topcoat

The high-priced nail polish: For over- and undercoat is not like the other manufacturers to a system, but still promises the no-chips-Ahead (about 9 €) to protect the nail polish for up to ten days from splinters. The basecoat (about 8 euros) is to maintain the nail polish in addition. As a color you can take any paint from the Essie range. I opted for a bright orange (tart deco, about 8 euros).

Application: All three paints are easy to apply. The layers dry quickly. The brush also makes it easy to paint the nail polish precisely to the edge.

Durability: Actually, I'm a big fan of the Essie nail polish, but this time the polish is chipped off after just two days. Maybe that is due to my brittle nails. It was a bit disappointing nevertheless. I could remove the paint quite easily.

Conclusion

Essence and Catrice's low cost systems perform better in the test. Essie disappoints something. The nail polish has not lasted as long as promised. The price-performance ratio was clearly the best at Essence. However, the slightly more expensive system of Catrice has not rubbed off even with repeated use. Therefore: Our test winner is called The Gel by Essence.

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