Nail Gel

[#1]

Has anyone tried the new Nail Gel (as opposed to polish). It is only made by 2 or 3 companies at the moment and supposedly stays on well for 14 days.  It's set with a UV light.  Very interesting.

[#2]

I haven't tried it, but the salon where I get my hair fixed does the gel nails and I was checking out the system the last time I was there while my hair was processing.  It costs $40 per manicure, but the polish is supposed to last up to 2 weeks without chipping.  There were very limited colors to choose from, but I was told that more colors were going to be coming out soon.

Since then, however, I read an article that said Ulta is going to be getting the first at-home nail gel system and it's called Red Carpet Manicure.  It's not going to be available until September 2011, but that's not too far away.  (Since I'm trying to do the "No Buy" I'm plan to ask for it as a Christmas present.)  Anyway, the article said "it's an affordable gel nail polish option with the full system costing $57.94".  There are supposed to be 36 gel polish shades to choose from when it becomes available.

It's definitely on my Christmas wish list, unless I hear negative feedback or read negative reviews after people have had a chance to try it out, of course.

[#3]

I have used the CDC gel polish for a few months. I have found the following advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Lasts a long time (I have worn it for up to 3 weeks)

My nails felt harder and stronger (but I already have very hard nails)

Disadvantages:

Limited colors

To take it off you either have to wear pads with acetone or soak your nails in a bowl of acetone (this is the way I have had it removed).

I would be bored with the color before it would wear off.

Expensive (I paid $35.00 for a manicure and gel polish)

My nails were roughed up to keep the gel polish on. Now that I am not wearing the gel, my nails must grow out to remove the damage done to them.

Given all the disadvantages I would probably still wear it but only for a special occasion or maybe for a vacation. Given how much the gel polish manicure cost me I have decided I can buy a lot of different colors for $70.00 a month.

[#4]

I think it is a good idea, but waaaayyy to expensive to spend on nail polish!!! One week of a color is enough for me, I have actually had some sally hansen nail polish last for almost 2 weeks and it costs around $5, that beats $70 f0r gel nail polish. 

[#5]

I love the idea of a manicure that will last perfectly for that long, but the UV exposure makes me leery. All Laquered up blog has alot of articles about the diifferent gel nail polishes if you want more info. But ultimately, between soaking nails in acetone to remove, the UV exposure, and the cost of each polish, I'm going to stick to regular nail polish.