Review: Sensationail @ Home gel nail kit

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing well, and enjoying what's left of the summer. The weather is still extraordinarily humid and hot in Montreal. This summer's passing too fast {insert sad face}

If you've followed my blog for some time now, you'll know that I used to get Biogel nails instead of the typical acrylics because it was natural-looking, less damaging to the nails and just as pretty! However, spending money on professional nail grooming is just not my cup of tea. I'd rather spend that 30+$/month on something else.

For a while, I started looking for alternatives. Lucky for me, that's when Shellac, gelish and other gel polish brands started to emerge and offer at-home solutions. Despite my excitement, most of these products could not be found or shipped to Montreal. {insert double sad face}

First time application - picture taken right after 

So when I discovered Sensationail (by Nailene) at my local drug store, I was ecstatic {insert super happy face}. Albeit the price was a little overboard (not to mention I found out later that it's being sold at 30$ less in the USA) at almost 100$ for the starter kit, I figured it would cost me less in the long-term than to go the salon.

• User friendly (Sensationail even has a video application tutorial) 
• Led Lamp is compact
• Lasts up to two weeks (record so far for me has been 10 days)
• You can easily do a full manicure within 15 minutes with no extra dry time. Great for people who have a busy schedule. 
• Cost-efficient in long-term (each bottle lasts about 10 applications - this would normally cost you more than 300$ at a salon)
• Helps your nails grow
• Very little damage to your nails if removed properly
• Easily removed (although it takes a little practice - here's the video)

First chip after 10 days

• Pricey first time purchase (100$ in Canada, approx 60$ in USA - although I've seen it on sale)
• Little colour options for starter kit (only 3 colours for now, all in pink/red tones)
• Does not offer a wide range of colours (yet)
• Can damage nails if not removed properly (and with a little patience)
• Not easily accessible for Canadians (I've only found it at Pharmaprix/Drug Mart so far)

As you can see, for me, the pros outweigh the cons. In fact, most of the cons are things that are either temporary or just takes a little practice to get it right. 

What I've been doing also is just applying the clear gel base coat (3 coats) and applying my regular nail polish over it. This has helped to keep the regular polish stay on much longer and I still get to use all the lovely colours I already have in my collection. 

I hope this has helped some of you in making the decision of whether to go salon or do it yourself at home. =)

Purchase starter kit (Pink Chiffon) here at drugstore.com
Here's the essential kit refill (base/top coat, nail cleaner, etc)
and Here for the removal kit (although you can just buy bulk 100% acetone at Wal-Mart and use cotton buds)

Have a great Thursday!