What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.
Nobody puts baby in the corner, and nobody puts bullsh*t top coats on my nails.
I’ve had the time of my life!
Like the ladies who unabashedly carry hot sauce 
in their purse, I’ve reached that point in life where I bring Essie Gel Couture Top Coat with me everywhere (no, seriously, I keep it in my touch-up makeup bag), including the nail salon.
On the rare occasion that I get my nails 💅 done, it’s the ONLY top coat that I know can withstand all of the obstacles the universe throws in my path — the never-ending deluge of dishes, the ferocious onslaught of words inside my head waiting to be unleashed upon this keyboard underneath my fingertips, and, ya know, toddlers. They always have those Lego blocks that need to be pried apart and My Little Ponies that need their manes braided LIKE YESTERDAY.
Gel Couture is a clear, glossy topcoat originally designed to be used with the Essie Couture Gel polishes, but I’ve recently figured out that it’s an excellent topper for ALL polishes, not just the Essie Gels.
For starters, it’s so shiny that it always looks wet (even when dry), which I love. 
The texture’s also thick for a top coat, and I think that’s why it functions like the ultimate armor against nicks and chips.
But don’t get it twisted. It’s far from goopy or difficult to paint with.
I’m not a fan of top coats that you’re constantly tempted to peel off whenever you get out of the shower. Gel Couture, thankfully, relieves me of that temptation!
One coat atop whatever I’m wearing (right now it’s the Smith & Cult base coat and two layers of Essie Angora Cardi, a.k.a. THE BEST FALL COLOR), and five minutes later I have a mani that looks just as fresh after five days as it did on day one.
Super great, and it’s relatively affordable at $11.50 a bottle! You can find it at Ulta and beauty supply stores… I’ve also seen it at Target.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Nancy says
September 12th, 2019 at 10:11 pmOh I’m sooo happy to learn that the Gel Couture top coat can be worn and works well with regular polish also! 😄
Rachel says
September 13th, 2019 at 5:02 amI lol’d at that video! I love cats and Dirty Dancing! I also love the Essie Gel Couture top coat, but I’ve only used it with those polishes. I’ll have to give it a go with the million other brands I have too.
Kim says
September 13th, 2019 at 5:33 amI’m an Essie fan myself, though I almost never wear polish (and am definitely way too lazy for base or top coats! HAHA!). PS Wearing rubber gloves to do the dishes will change your life – and help prevent damage to your hands/nails. My mother also wears a pair of thin, cotton gloves under the rubber. You can use REALLY hot water. 🙂
Angela says
September 13th, 2019 at 9:22 amHey Karen,
Do you need to do anything special with this top coat – and does it dry/cure your nails fast like Seche Vite?
Thanks!
Angela
Karen says
September 13th, 2019 at 9:47 amNope, you don’t have to do anything special. Just paint and wait for 5-10 minutes!
Angela says
September 13th, 2019 at 9:51 amEXCITING NEWS!! Thanks doll 😉
Karen says
September 13th, 2019 at 9:56 amYou’re welcome!
Chelsea says
September 13th, 2019 at 3:35 pmIt’s such a great topcoat and the brushes on that whole line are super easy to use!
Jan says
September 13th, 2019 at 3:52 pmThanks for sharing this. I’ve only used it with the Essie compatible polishes. Glad to know I can use it with other polishes, too. I don’t comment very often, but I read all your postings and learn a lot, so thanks for all the information you share with us.
Maricar says
September 14th, 2019 at 1:05 pmHi Karen,
I just went out and bought a bottle! Do you take it off just like regular polish/top coat?
Karen says
September 14th, 2019 at 5:37 pmHi Maricar,
Yes, I just use regular nail polish remover. 🙂
Alyssa says
September 15th, 2019 at 9:16 amI was just waiting for my nails to dry after painting them with Angora Cardi when I read your post! Too funny. I don’t usually comment either but I enjoy your blog. Thanks for helping me discover the greatness that is Lizzo as well as the perfect top coat!
Anne says
September 16th, 2019 at 5:23 amI am a huge fan of Essie nail polish, but I have never tried that one. I need to pick it up asap – my life is filled with the same obstacles yours is.
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