Do you dream of a gorgeous manicure and yet your nails are put to the test by everyday tasks? Don't panic! We have the solution for you: semi-permanent polish. More effective than permanent nail polish, it offers a shiny finish and a much longer lasting hold for a glamorous manicure. Gel, powder, classic, etc. What to choose? Read this guide.
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Our selection
"This gel nail polish is a great value. In addition to offering a beautiful long-lasting effect, it provides intense pigmentation and a sublime, professional look…"
"Bluesky Florence Rose Pasetel will give you a gorgeous mirror effect. It lasts for several weeks, looking as fresh as the first day."
"Choose the Sensationail Starter Scarlet kit to avoid disappointment. The size of the bottle allows you to achieve up to 10 poses of a sublime…"
"Peggy Sage semi-permanent nail polishes have always had good press with their long lasting and lacquered finish. This one dries quickly."
This gel nail polish is a great value. In addition to offering a beautiful long-lasting effect, it provides intense pigmentation and a sublime, professional look for well-groomed, attractive nails in any season.
15,09 £ on AmazonThis semi-permanent nail polish in nude color offers impeccable hold for over two weeks and intense shine for beautiful nails. Many satisfied users have reported that the color does not fade and the polish remains intact for three weeks or more.
The great thing about this nail polish is that it is easy to apply and remove, unlike most semi-permanent nail polishes on the market. A single coat is enough to ensure good coverage. The brand also offers a multitude of colors with which you can customize your varnishes by transposing the colors. Finally, it should be noted that as this product contains BHT (Butyl Hydroxy Toluene), it is therefore not suitable for people with allergies and pregnant women.
Bluesky Florence Rose Pasetel will give you a gorgeous mirror effect. It lasts for several weeks, looking as fresh as the first day.
7,96 £ on AmazonHaving healthier nails with polish is now possible with the semi-permanent polish Bluesky Florence Rose Pasetel. Removing it won't be a problem either. Indeed, it is all in the application. Giving a perfect mirror effect, it is suitable for use in nail salons as well as at home.
After applying this semi-permanent nail polish, your nails will be much less brittle, flaky or weak. The Bluesky Anemona nail polish has a color halfway between orange and brown, shiny and light. The application, without smell, allows to enjoy it during 2 weeks.
Choose the Sensationail Starter Scarlet kit to avoid disappointment. The size of the bottle allows you to achieve up to 10 poses of a sublime red.
See priceThis complete nail polish application kit was developed by Sensationail. Called Sensationail Starter Scarlet Rouge, it includes all the necessary elements for a failure-free application. A detailed instruction manual is included with everything you need for the application. Respecting the natural nail, this semi-permanent nail polish allows you to have a perfect look for 3 weeks.
Tested and approved according to European standards, Sensationail Starter Scarlet Rouge has an absolutely irresistible color. To get a result worthy of the price you pay, let it dry for 2 to 3 minutes under a UV lamp or 1 minute under an LED lamp.
Peggy Sage semi-permanent nail polishes have always had good press with their long lasting and lacquered finish. This one dries quickly.
I-LAK Neon Pink semi-permanent nail polish by Peggy Sage shines with its beautiful pastel pink color. The application is easy, as is the removal. The product does not contain any ingredients that are aggressive to nails and fingers. The color lasts well on the nails, between 2 and 3 weeks on average, with still a lot of shine and intensity.
The drying time is also quite short. Indeed, it oscillates from 15 to 30 seconds only against several minutes for some semi-permanent polishes of this comparison! This set is suitable for application on natural nails and acrylic false nails.
Any specific needs?
Best semi-permanent nail polish in 2021
Best entry-level semi-permanent nail polish in 2021
Best high-end semi-permanent nail polish
Best fast-drying semi-permanent nail polish
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
CND Shellac gel varnish bare shirt
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Bluesky Anemona Florence Rose Pasetel
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Sensationail Starter Scarlet
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Peggy Sage I-LAK Neon Pink
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This gel nail polish is a great value. In addition to offering a beautiful long-lasting effect, it provides intense pigmentation and a sublime, professional look for well-groomed, attractive nails in any season.
|
Bluesky Florence Rose Pasetel will give you a gorgeous mirror effect. It lasts for several weeks, looking as fresh as the first day.
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Choose the Sensationail Starter Scarlet kit to avoid disappointment. The size of the bottle allows you to achieve up to 10 poses of a sublime red.
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Peggy Sage semi-permanent nail polishes have always had good press with their long lasting and lacquered finish. This one dries quickly.
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Capacity
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7.3 ml
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10 mL
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14.6 mL
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11 mL
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Application and drying
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Holding
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2 to 3 weeks
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2 weeks
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2 to 3 weeks
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2 to 3 weeks
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Type
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Gel
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Gel
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Gel
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Gel
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Weight
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15 g
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20g
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150 g
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40 g
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Just like traditional nail polish, semi-permanent nail polish is available in many color options, from neutral to bold and everything in between (gloss, glitter, matte, etc.). Don't be fooled by the opaque bottles of this type of polish, made necessary to prevent the sun's rays from hardening it prematurely. Always remember to check the color carefully to make sure you're choosing the right one.
Semi-permanent nail polish is available in different sized bottles, including miniature and standard sizes. Consider buying some based on your needs such as the number of times you plan to use it.
Just like the regular nail polishes you've been used to using, the ease and quality of your semi-permanent polish application will depend a lot on the quality and shape of the brush. Don't overlook this detail when purchasing.
Most semi-permanent polishes have a fairly strong smell (as is the case with any nail polish), although some are milder than others. Also remember to check it to avoid getting a headache with every manicure session.
The formula that gives semi-permanent varnish its staying power simply does not dry and harden properly without catalysis, and this process requires special heat. That's where a curing lamp comes in. You can choose from lamps that produce UV or LED light.
UV lamps were the first to be used to cure semi-permanent varnish. However, the technology has evolved. LED lamps "set" the gel in about half the time compared to UV lamps, there is also less chance of damage, which can happen with UV lamps.
UV lights are less expensive so it's always an option if you watch your budget and don't mind spending a little extra time with your hands under the light source while your polish cures.
Newer models have automatic timers built in, so you only have to push a button to turn on at each stage of curing, which takes a minute or less.
The secret to a successful manicure is also having the right equipment. In addition to polish, you'll need a curing light, base and top coat, nail file or emery board, cuticle remover and scissors, acetone remover. A gel or liquid cuticle remover may also be necessary. Not to mention products to moisturize and care for your skin after the aggression of acetone. The easiest way is to buy a complete kit (varnish, lamp, cleaning brush, sander, etc.). You can easily find one from about 50 euros.
Semi-permanent nail polish is becoming more and more popular over the years. Also, many brands have taken care to develop different types of formulas to meet the expectations of customers. Here are the most popular types of varnish in 2020:
This first type of polish is extremely popular in 2020. The glitter gel allows a rhinestone effect ideal to sublimate the nails for the holidays. Silver or gold, intense red or old pink shine, the rhinestones bring a touch that gives allure and elegance to the nails. Glitter comes in many colors.
The glitter varnish is often used on a single finger when the others are decorated with solid colors. In this way, we bring a touch of fantasy to our manicure while remaining sober, discreet but still elegant.
The
plain or monochrome gels are also popular with a large majority of the population. This range of nail polish is suitable for a uniform layer or French manicure. The darker the color, the more it is recommended to apply several layers to bring out the desired effect.
In order for this type of nail polish to give the desired results, it is necessary to degrease after each coat. Don't forget to dry with an LED or UV lamp for a perfect drying.
It is available in many color options and finishes (even matte and glitter). Can be worn for up to 2-3 weeks and has a salon quality shine. It's stylish, not prone to chipping and allows you to have normal activities despite the manicure. It is easy to apply, but requires a curing light to dry. Nail polish also costs slightly more, but the real difficulty is in removing the polish. It can be difficult and time consuming to remove, as you can't just wipe it off with regular gel nail polish remover. You need acetone, files, in short more tools than removing traditional polish.
This type of nail polish is also available in many color options and finishes, even matte. It is easy to apply and air dries fairly quickly. Note that permanent or classic nail polish can be removed without much difficulty and is not expensive. Unfortunately, it does not last very long, no more than a few days, as it flakes and loses its shine quite easily.
If you want more than anything else a good quality manicure (salon quality), shiny, elegant and attractive, you will easily overcome the disadvantages of semi-permanent nail polish. But if you have naturally fragile nails, prefer traditional nail polish. The process of removing semi-permanent nail polish can be too cumbersome without a treatment first. For example, by first using a nail polish that promotes nail growth and hardening, or by taking food supplements that have the same virtues, etc.
For great elegance
Semi-permanent gel nail polish is an ideal solution to give yourself well manicured and elegant nails in a very short time. With a multitude of possible colors and decorations, it is a source of creativity and also allows to give to the nails an original and unique look according to all the desires.
For less frequent maintenance
Unlike acrylic nail polishes that require regular touch-ups, semi-permanent nail polishes require much less maintenance. Indeed, the varnish does not flake and following the growth of the nail, only the base of the nail is visible after two to three weeks. Thus, the semi-permanent gel varnish only requires a small touch-up at this place. This is very practical for very active women who want to save time on the maintenance of their nails.
For easy application
The application of a semi-permanent gel is very simple and does not require much time to be fixed on the nails. However, if you are testing this type of product for the first time, it is still recommended to do it in a salon. This way, not only do you have the assurance of using quality products that do not risk damaging your nails, but also the expertise of an esthetician who knows how to handle the product and apply it correctly.
For good nail protection
When properly applied, semi-permanent gel is a good way to maintain nail health. This layer of varnish covers the entire nail and protects it from most external aggressions. Nails that are less fragile can regenerate better and become stronger little by little. However, it is advisable not to apply three successive applications of semi-permanent gel, at the risk of ending up with an opposite effect that makes the nails too soft.
In our opinion, the best brands of semi-permanent varnishes in 2022 are :
The CND brand is a reference in the nail cosmetics sector in the United States. With its semi-permanent nail polishes from the Shellac range, it has won over both amateur and professional manicurists. The wide range of colors in the range promises beauty addicts, nails that are both stylish and refined.
This French brand specializes in semi-permanent nail polishes. It was created to allow women who love nail polish to be proud of their manicure and to enjoy it as long as possible. We appreciate this brand for the long lasting nature of its products.
This American brand is the reference brand in nail polish. It has made lacquer its trademark and the quality and hold of its products. We particularly appreciate the 200 shades that the brand offers on all of its products.
This Hong Kong brand has made a name for itself in the nail polish market since its inception in 2012. We like this brand for the innovation of its products: the semi-permanent polishes that can change color with each change in temperature are a good example.
created in 2009, this American brand is one of the first to market semi-permanent gel polish in bottles equipped with a brush for easier application. The brand also offers nearly 100 shades of colors.
This American brand was founded in 2011, it offers more than 100 shades of colors. Their products will give you long-lasting shine nails that won't break. Your polish will not come off for up to 21 days.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Protect your semi-permanent varnish
Even if your semi-permanent nail polish is quite resistant, it is not forever. In fact, during the day, you perform many tasks that can damage your manicure. To remedy this problem, wear rubber gloves that will protect not only your nails but also your hands.
Nourish your nails
Be aware that dry skin around the cuticles can compromise the finish of your polish, and thus damage it quickly. That's why it's advisable to nourish your nails with cuticle oil at least twice a day. This way, you will be able to enjoy your semi-permanent nail polish for a long time.
Avoid scratching your semi-permanent varnish
If your nail polish starts to chip, the solution is not to scrape it off as this could damage the surface of your natural nail. Instead, take some nail glue and apply it under the peeling layer. Then, press down hard so that the polish adheres well, and you're done.
Remember to alternate with classic nail polish
You should know that multiple layers of semi-permanent polish, base coat and top coat can smother and damage your nails. In addition, erasing your semi-permanent polish frequently can assault them. By alternating your semi-permanent nail polish with regular nail polish, your nails will suffer less. You can also let your nails breathe for a day, the absence of varnish will be beneficial to them.
Store your semi-transparent varnish well
Exposed to heat, light and humidity, your semi-permanent varnish may break down quickly. So, to preserve its quality, it is recommended to store it vertically in a dry and dark place, ideally the refrigerator. Also, don't forget to close the bottle after each use.
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