About two months ago I finally tried out the OPI gel mani that practically everyone has been raving about.  What is it?  Basically, a colored gel that promises a chip free manicure that lasts longer than a regualar manicure.

The process to apply the gel is pretty simple.  First the nails are shaped and buffed before a clear base coat of gel is applied.  You then dry the base coat by setting your hands under a UV lamp for a minute or two…

Next, the actual color is applied over the base gel and it’s back under the UV lamp again to dry.  Once that coat is dry, you’re ready to go.  No smudges, no waiting to dig in your purse for your keys.

Here are the results…

I chose a dark color called Lincoln Park After Dark…

Here they are exactly seven days later…

And finally here we are 16 days later…

Overall, the manicure lasted a lot longer than a regular manicure would.  Within a day,  I would’ve had a few chips.  Considering I type every single day, this manicure held up pretty well, no chips at the tips.  (hey that rhymes).

The removal process is fairly simple.  You soak off the the gel and then your nails a buffed to completely remove the product.

The only downsides are that it is a bit more costly than a regualar manicure and all the buffing that is done may weaken the nails a bit.  Not a very good option if you have thin or brittle nails.

Visit OPI for more info and locations.